What to do in Ixtapa Mexico

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Las Brisas Hotel in Ixtapa, Mexico

We traveled to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, Mexico in March for a beautiful Spring wedding. It was supposed to be a 5-day trip but we stayed an extra 2 days since we were having such a good time. If you’re looking for what to do in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, Mexico, the following blog post will help you plan your trip!

I loved it all from the local culture, wonderful accommodations and delicious food. This blog post contains our 7-day itinerary to help you plan your next vacation in Ixtapa.

WHAT TO DO IN IXTAPA MEXICO

I had never been to Mexico before this trip. I was excited to explore a new area with my boyfriend and his family. Of course I worried a bit about the safety level in this lesser known area. However, I went in with an unbiased opinion and to see what this place had to offer.

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are two different cities about 15 minutes apart. You can take a taxi for less than $15 per direction. We spent time in each city including hotel stays in both.

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Las Brisas Hotel in Ixtapa, Mexico

WHERE WE STAYED

Our trip started in Ixtapa at a Las Brisas Hotel. There are a lot of great places to stay in Ixtapa but this hotel was really impressive.

The property was spacious enough to allow all the wedding guests enough privacy while still occasionally seeing one another. We spent our days relaxing by the pool, boogie-boarding in the ocean and filling up on the guacamole & margarita’s.

The hotel has its own private beach so it was the perfect to relax without large crowds. The opening ceremony was Monday night and was directly on the beach. It was stunning setup so perfect for a tropical destination.

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
La Casa Que Canta Hotel in Zihuatanejo, Mexico (lower level pool)

On Tuesday we moved to Zihuatanejo to our second hotel La Casa Que Canta. This hotel is considered luxury and was a bit more expensive than Las Brisas.

La Casa Que Canta only has 24 rooms so it had a quieter, adult-friendly vibe. Although it didn’t have it’s own private beach like Las Brisas, it did have two pools on site. There is a lower level saltwater pool and and an upper level infinity pool. Both pools faced the ocean which was all I needed.

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
La Casa Que Canta Hotel in Zihuatanejo, Mexico (upper level pool)

WHERE WE ATE

We enjoyed breakfast in downtown Ixtapa multiple days at a cute café called Debra’s. You can expect fresh breakfast burritos and XL smoothies here. I highly recommend.

We ordered pool-side lunch every day which always came with guac and pico. We enjoyed dinner at several restaurants in downtown Zihuatanejo including Bandido’s (highly recommend the molcajete bowl), El Faro (our server was named Andre, he was great), and Coconut’s (beautiful outdoor seating in the back.)

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Downtown Ixtapa, Mexico
What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Dinner views in Ixtapa

WHAT WE DID

The ceremony and reception were both held at Tentaciones Hotel in Zihuatanejo. I could not picture a more beautiful wedding venue. I didn’t see any of the rooms but if they are anything like the exterior, they must be great.

The ceremony started as the sun was starting to set which made for some great photos. The night sky lit up with all the buildings and homes in the bay. We enjoyed a 5 course dinner and danced the night away.

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Tentaciones Hotel in Zihuatanejo, Mexico
What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Tentaciones Hotel in Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Outside of the organized wedding activities, the rest of the week was free time. On our first night in Ixtapa, the group went out to dinner and then dancing at Senor Frogs. This place is totally touristy but we had a blast with our large group.

If you’re looking for an activity off the beaten bath, check out Playa Las Gatas. This was one of our more memorable days. You can take a water taxi from the public beach in Zihuatanejo for a few dollars. It’s so worth it!

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Downtown Zihuatanejo also has a lot to do. There are several bars that play live music and serve late night bites. We stopped in a few gift shops and did the usual touristy things here.

What to do in Ixtapa Mexico
Downtown Zihuatanejo, Mexico

As you can see the week was full of non-stop eating, drinking and enjoying time with family. I can’t wait to return to this lovely area of Mexico in the future. I hope this post provided you with enough things to do in Ixtapa Mexico!

If you loved this beachy itinerary, check out my blog post from Manuel Antonio National Beach in Costa Rica HERE! You’ll love this one just as much!

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What to do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico
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What to do in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Mexico
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This blog post is your complete itinerary and guide to visiting Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Mexico,
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18 Comments

  1. Tiffany
    July 23, 2018 / 12:26 pm

    This an amazing guide to the area! I hope that if I ever get the chance then I can visit some of these beautiful places<3 also love your direction and your writing style, will be frquenting your blog for sure!

    tiffany_tocco

  2. kait
    July 23, 2018 / 12:27 pm

    Well done Jen. This is great. It’s exactly the kind of blog I like and is finally very similar to the type of thing I imagine posting if I had a blog, separating out where to stay and where to eat etc. Very informative and great photos. Kait @haspassportmusttravel

  3. July 23, 2018 / 7:06 pm

    Your photos are INCREDIBLE! I loved your post, you made me want to go to Mexico and lay by the beach. Keep it up Jen! 🙂

  4. Tommy
    July 23, 2018 / 8:10 pm

    Super cute patootie 😘

  5. Tom
    July 23, 2018 / 8:19 pm

    Awesome post!

  6. July 23, 2018 / 8:36 pm

    Hey!! So glad you are blogging again! We have the same theme company, pipdig—I love it! The pictures here are gorgeous. Round 2 is going to be a winner! Yay! Love, Christine | The Uncorked Librarian

  7. Ems
    July 23, 2018 / 8:45 pm

    Hey, Jen! This is a detailed and informative post on your trip there! I’ll deff use it as a guide if I were to ever go to this part of Mexico! Keep it up on the blog! I’ll be an avid reader for sure! 😊 @ermaems

  8. Hayley
    July 27, 2018 / 4:19 am

    Jen, these photos are beautiful! It looks like a great place and you’ve given so much detail. Definitely adding it to my list and looking forward to more posts. @hays4days

  9. April 7, 2019 / 6:14 pm

    Thanks, it is very informative

    • ontheroadwithjen
      Author
      June 4, 2019 / 12:56 pm

      Thank you, Paulina, for the feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed it and hope to have more travel content shared here soon!

  10. April 16, 2019 / 10:15 pm

    I enjoy the report

    • ontheroadwithjen
      Author
      June 4, 2019 / 12:56 pm

      Thank you so much, Claudia!

  11. April 16, 2019 / 11:10 pm

    It works really well for me

    • ontheroadwithjen
      Author
      June 4, 2019 / 12:56 pm

      I’m so glad to hear that!

  12. April 18, 2019 / 10:25 am

    Thanks for the wonderful manual

    • ontheroadwithjen
      Author
      June 4, 2019 / 12:57 pm

      Hi Brandi! Of course, I’m so happy to hear that you liked it!

    • ontheroadwithjen
      Author
      June 4, 2019 / 12:57 pm

      Thank you so much Isabell! I’m glad you liked it!

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