Ixtapa City Guide (Mexico, 2026)

Backpacking in Ixtapa
🌟 Highlighttown ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Ixtapa is a purpose-built resort strip on Mexico’s Pacific coast, in Guerrero, and people come for its big sandy beaches and hotel pools. What gets overlooked is how close it sits to Zihuatanejo, the old fishing town just over the hill, where hostels, taco stands and a walkable waterfront live. Ixtapa itself is planned to the last roundabout: wide boulevards, a golf course, a marina and a lot of concrete between the sand and the street. Arriving, my first impression is of a place that looks suspiciously tidy, like a model of a beach town, until you spot iguanas crossing the bike path. It is easy to reach, quiet at night, and meeting other backpackers mostly happens in Zihuatanejo. Use Ixtapa for the beach and the mangroves, then retreat. The reward is a calm sunset on Playa Palmar with a cold coconut in hand.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Mexico Travel Guide.

Best time to go: November - April
Daily cost: US$72

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 town in MexicoReasons people choose to visit here

Ixtapa works for backpackers who want sand and swell without the crowds of bigger Mexican resorts, and it makes most sense as a daytime visit or a short stay. The main draws are the long beaches, especially Playa Linda with its boat rides to Isla Ixtapa, where snorkeling in clear coves is easy. A paved bike path runs along the strip, so you can roll between beaches, the marina and the mangrove lagoon without a taxi. Beds here are mostly resort hotels, so budget travelers tend to sleep in nearby Zihuatanejo and visit by local bus. That suits slow travelers, couples and solo beach people who like quiet evenings, reading and swimming more than bar-hopping. Expect a night scene that is modest and hotel-centered. Stay a day or two, maybe three if surf lessons or diving appeal, and then continue … read more 👉

Ixtapa works for backpackers who want sand and swell without the crowds of bigger Mexican resorts, and it makes most sense as a daytime visit or a short stay. The main draws are the long beaches, especially Playa Linda with its boat rides to Isla Ixtapa, where snorkeling in clear coves is easy. A paved bike path runs along the strip, so you can roll between beaches, the marina and the mangrove lagoon without a taxi. Beds here are mostly resort hotels, so budget travelers tend to sleep in nearby Zihuatanejo and visit by local bus. That suits slow travelers, couples and solo beach people who like quiet evenings, reading and swimming more than bar-hopping. Expect a night scene that is modest and hotel-centered. Stay a day or two, maybe three if surf lessons or diving appeal, and then continue along the coast. If you crave street life and a lively hostel common room, you will want to sleep elsewhere and treat Ixtapa as a beach annex.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Ixtapa

Playa Palmar: The main beach, a wide curve of golden sand with strong surf and a line of hotels behind it. Go in the late afternoon for the sunset and calmer heat. Free, 1 to 3 hours. Swim only where lifeguards are present, as the undertow is real.
Playa Linda and boats to Isla Ixtapa: Small boats leave from the pier for the island, with calm water, snorkeling and fish restaurants on the sand. Go in the morning for clearer water. Boat roughly US$8 to 12 round trip, snorkel gear extra, 3 to 5 hours.
Ixtapa Marina: A tidy harbor with restaurants, yachts and fishing charters, good for a stroll and a seafood dinner. Evenings are best. Free to walk, 1 to 2 hours. Sportfishing trips cost far more.
Ixtapa bike path (Ciclopista): A paved route linking beaches, the marina and Playa Linda through palms

… read more 👉

Playa Palmar: The main beach, a wide curve of golden sand with strong surf and a line of hotels behind it. Go in the late afternoon for the sunset and calmer heat. Free, 1 to 3 hours. Swim only where lifeguards are present, as the undertow is real.
Playa Linda and boats to Isla Ixtapa: Small boats leave from the pier for the island, with calm water, snorkeling and fish restaurants on the sand. Go in the morning for clearer water. Boat roughly US$8 to 12 round trip, snorkel gear extra, 3 to 5 hours.
Ixtapa Marina: A tidy harbor with restaurants, yachts and fishing charters, good for a stroll and a seafood dinner. Evenings are best. Free to walk, 1 to 2 hours. Sportfishing trips cost far more.
Ixtapa bike path (Ciclopista): A paved route linking beaches, the marina and Playa Linda through palms and scrub, where you may see iguanas. Ride early morning. Rentals about US$3 to 6 an hour, 1 to 3 hours.
Manzanillo Beach and Playa Quieta area: Quieter sand and shallow water with a few beachfront shacks serving grilled fish, best on weekdays. Free entry, 2 to 3 hours.

From Ixtapa, day trips reach Zihuatanejo’s waterfront and Playa La Ropa, the surf town of Troncones, and the quiet beaches of Barra de Potosí with its lagoon. Boat rides to Isla Ixtapa are paid per trip and need no advance booking, but fishing charters and diving outings are best reserved a day ahead.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Ixtapa was planned from scratch in the 1970s, so its areas are less a tangle of old lanes and more a few distinct zones, each with its own logic. Pick by mood, not by map.

Hotel Zone (Boulevard Ixtapa): A long, wide strip of resorts, a few shopping plazas and restaurants, with sidewalks that feel optimistic. Distances look short on paper and turn out to be a sweaty 20 minutes on foot. You get Playa Palmar's broad surf and sunset margaritas without a single cobblestone.
Playa Linda and the Marina: The marina area has a golf course, yachts and a quiet promenade where iguanas outnumber joggers. Walk the bike path and you end up with calm water views and a seafood lunch at a no-fuss spot.
Isla Ixtapa: A short boat ride from Playa Linda, it has clear water for snorkeling and thatched beach restaurants

… read more 👉

Ixtapa was planned from scratch in the 1970s, so its areas are less a tangle of old lanes and more a few distinct zones, each with its own logic. Pick by mood, not by map.

Hotel Zone (Boulevard Ixtapa): A long, wide strip of resorts, a few shopping plazas and restaurants, with sidewalks that feel optimistic. Distances look short on paper and turn out to be a sweaty 20 minutes on foot. You get Playa Palmar's broad surf and sunset margaritas without a single cobblestone.
Playa Linda and the Marina: The marina area has a golf course, yachts and a quiet promenade where iguanas outnumber joggers. Walk the bike path and you end up with calm water views and a seafood lunch at a no-fuss spot.
Isla Ixtapa: A short boat ride from Playa Linda, it has clear water for snorkeling and thatched beach restaurants serving grilled whole fish. Walking is easy, and the reward is swimming where the waves finally behave.
Zihuatanejo (nearby): The real town, about 10 minutes south by road, has a fishing pier, a market and taco stands that make the resort buffet feel like a rumor. Streets are flat and walkable, and the payoff is a plate of fresh ceviche for a few dollars.

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

Plan the day around the heat, with slow bike rides in the cool morning, a long midday pause in shade or water, and a gentle evening walk, using taxis only for the longer hops.

8:00 AM, Ciclopista start: Rent a bike near your hotel and ride the paved path toward the mangroves. The air is cool, and iguanas and egrets are about. Stop for coffee en route.

10:00 AM, Playa Linda: Lock the bike or hop in a taxi to the pier and catch a boat to Isla Ixtapa. Snorkel the shallow coves and watch for colorful reef fish before the crowds arrive.

12:30 PM, Isla Ixtapa beach restaurants: Eat grilled fish or shrimp tacos on the sand. Then rest under a palapa through the hottest hours.

3:30 PM, Manzanillo Beach: Take the boat back and ride or taxi to this quieter strip, rarely on the main tourist track. … read more 👉

Plan the day around the heat, with slow bike rides in the cool morning, a long midday pause in shade or water, and a gentle evening walk, using taxis only for the longer hops.

8:00 AM, Ciclopista start: Rent a bike near your hotel and ride the paved path toward the mangroves. The air is cool, and iguanas and egrets are about. Stop for coffee en route.

10:00 AM, Playa Linda: Lock the bike or hop in a taxi to the pier and catch a boat to Isla Ixtapa. Snorkel the shallow coves and watch for colorful reef fish before the crowds arrive.

12:30 PM, Isla Ixtapa beach restaurants: Eat grilled fish or shrimp tacos on the sand. Then rest under a palapa through the hottest hours.

3:30 PM, Manzanillo Beach: Take the boat back and ride or taxi to this quieter strip, rarely on the main tourist track. Swim in calmer water and chat with the shack owners.

5:30 PM, Playa Palmar: Walk the sand as the light softens. The waves are loud and the sunset is the main show, so stay until the sky changes.

7:30 PM, Ixtapa Marina: Stroll the boardwalk and eat seafood overlooking the boats. From here, a taxi back to your bed is short.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

Ixtapa is warm all year, with the sweet spot from November to April when rain mostly stops and the sea is calm.

Dry Season (Nov to Apr): Days run 29 to 33°C (84 to 91°F), nights 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F), with about 11 to 12 hours of daylight. Crowds and prices peak around Christmas, New Year and Easter week.
Shoulder (May and Nov): Heat and humidity climb in May, while November still has green hills and thinner crowds. Room rates dip noticeably.
Rainy Season (Jun to Oct): Expect 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), heavy afternoon downpours and sticky air. September and October are the wettest, with the lowest prices and empty beaches. Hurricane season overlaps, so keep plans flexible.
Whale Watching: Humpbacks pass the Pacific coast in winter, though sightings here are less reliable than elsewhere in Mexico.

… read more 👉

Ixtapa is warm all year, with the sweet spot from November to April when rain mostly stops and the sea is calm.

Dry Season (Nov to Apr): Days run 29 to 33°C (84 to 91°F), nights 21 to 24°C (70 to 75°F), with about 11 to 12 hours of daylight. Crowds and prices peak around Christmas, New Year and Easter week.
Shoulder (May and Nov): Heat and humidity climb in May, while November still has green hills and thinner crowds. Room rates dip noticeably.
Rainy Season (Jun to Oct): Expect 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), heavy afternoon downpours and sticky air. September and October are the wettest, with the lowest prices and empty beaches. Hurricane season overlaps, so keep plans flexible.
Whale Watching: Humpbacks pass the Pacific coast in winter, though sightings here are less reliable than elsewhere in Mexico.

Book mid-January to early March if you want dry weather without holiday pricing.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Zihuatanejo, about 10 minutes south, is where most backpackers sleep, because the dorm beds and cheaper guesthouses are there rather than in Ixtapa. Expect roughly US$12 to 25 for a dorm bed or basic private room outside peak weeks.

The old town center and the streets near Playa Madera are the best bets. Both are walkable, have restaurants and taco stands within a few blocks, and feel comfortable after dark. Playa Madera is a bit quieter and hilly, with beach access nearby. The center is more convenient for the market and the pier, though some streets get lively with bars on weekends.

Ixtapa’s hotel … read more 👉

Zihuatanejo, about 10 minutes south, is where most backpackers sleep, because the dorm beds and cheaper guesthouses are there rather than in Ixtapa. Expect roughly US$12 to 25 for a dorm bed or basic private room outside peak weeks.

The old town center and the streets near Playa Madera are the best bets. Both are walkable, have restaurants and taco stands within a few blocks, and feel comfortable after dark. Playa Madera is a bit quieter and hilly, with beach access nearby. The center is more convenient for the market and the pier, though some streets get lively with bars on weekends.

Ixtapa’s hotel zone is mostly resorts, with few budget options and higher prices year-round. If you want to stay there, look for off-season deals from May to October or all-inclusive packages that bundle meals.

Transport links are simple: colectivos run between the two places until about 9 pm, and taxis cover late returns. Book ahead for Christmas and Easter, when beds tighten.

Best hostels in Mexico

Best quality hotels in Mexico

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Ixtapa

Ixtapa’s hotel zone is a strip of resorts along Playa Palmar and Boulevard Ixtapa, and walking works there for exactly as long as the sun lets you: the beach, restaurants and the Paseo del Pescador are flat and close together, but the shopping plazas and the marina sit a few kilometers apart along a road built for cars. Buses and taxis fill the gaps, and the system is simple, cheap and mostly reliable. Expect heat, a little diesel and the occasional driver who treats the speed limit as a suggestion.

Walking: Free, flat and pleasant along the beachfront sidewalk and the palm-lined promenade, where a 20 to 30 minute stroll covers most resorts and gets you a sea breeze and a cold drink at the end. Skip it midday from May to September, when the humidity turns a short walk into a swim.
Local buses

… read more 👉

Ixtapa’s hotel zone is a strip of resorts along Playa Palmar and Boulevard Ixtapa, and walking works there for exactly as long as the sun lets you: the beach, restaurants and the Paseo del Pescador are flat and close together, but the shopping plazas and the marina sit a few kilometers apart along a road built for cars. Buses and taxis fill the gaps, and the system is simple, cheap and mostly reliable. Expect heat, a little diesel and the occasional driver who treats the speed limit as a suggestion.

Walking: Free, flat and pleasant along the beachfront sidewalk and the palm-lined promenade, where a 20 to 30 minute stroll covers most resorts and gets you a sea breeze and a cold drink at the end. Skip it midday from May to September, when the humidity turns a short walk into a swim.
Local buses (colectivos and city buses): The workhorse between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, about 7 kilometers (4 miles) away. Fares run around US$0.50 to 0.80, rides take 15 to 25 minutes, and buses run roughly from 6 am until about 10 pm. Look for the signs reading Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa in the windshield. You get a front-row view of daily life, plus air from open windows instead of air conditioning.
Taxis: Plentiful outside hotels and plazas, with no meters, so settle the fare before you climb in. Ixtapa to Zihuatanejo typically costs US$6 to 10, and short hops within the hotel zone about US$3 to 5. Rates climb after dark and in high season. Splitting one with two or three people makes it nearly as cheap as the bus, and you arrive at the door.
Boat taxis: Small boats leave from the marina and Playa Linda for Isla Ixtapa, about 10 minutes away, at roughly US$5 to 8 round trip, running during daylight hours. You land on a quiet beach with clear water and fish grilled to order, which beats any bus window.
Bike rentals: A paved bike path runs for kilometers between the hotel zone and Playa Linda, and rentals cost about US$8 to 15 for several hours. It is flat, shaded in stretches and rewards you with mangrove views and a swim at the far end. Start early, because the afternoon sun is relentless.

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Ixtapa costs a backpacker about US$65 to 80 a day, and the table totals US$72 using a high-season bed. Most budget travelers sleep in nearby Zihuatanejo to save money.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation	US$15 to 25 (high season)	Dorms are scarce, so private rooms in Zihuatanejo may cost US$30 to 45; the table uses US$22.
Meals	US$18 to 28	Tacos and market lunches run US$2 to 5, beachfront seafood US$10 to 18; the table uses US$22.
Local transport	US$2 to 8	Colectivos cost under US$1 each way, taxis US$3 to 10; the table uses US$5.
Basic activities/entry fees	US$8 to 20	Boat to Isla Ixtapa is US$6 to 9 round trip, and snorkel gear adds a few dollars; the table uses US$15.
Miscellaneous expenses	US$5 to 12	Water, sunscreen, a beer or two; the table uses US$8.
Total Daily Budget	US$72	Based on

… read more 👉

Ixtapa costs a backpacker about US$65 to 80 a day, and the table totals US$72 using a high-season bed. Most budget travelers sleep in nearby Zihuatanejo to save money.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation	US$15 to 25 (high season)	Dorms are scarce, so private rooms in Zihuatanejo may cost US$30 to 45; the table uses US$22.
Meals	US$18 to 28	Tacos and market lunches run US$2 to 5, beachfront seafood US$10 to 18; the table uses US$22.
Local transport	US$2 to 8	Colectivos cost under US$1 each way, taxis US$3 to 10; the table uses US$5.
Basic activities/entry fees	US$8 to 20	Boat to Isla Ixtapa is US$6 to 9 round trip, and snorkel gear adds a few dollars; the table uses US$15.
Miscellaneous expenses	US$5 to 12	Water, sunscreen, a beer or two; the table uses US$8.
Total Daily Budget	US$72	Based on one high-season bed plus typical spending.

Eat your big meal at a market or taco stand in Zihuatanejo rather than in the hotel zone, where the same plate costs about double. Pay in pesos for the best rates.

⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Ixtapa

Ixtapa works well as a base for day trips, since the best ones are short boat or bus rides and need no overnight.

Isla Ixtapa:

A 10-minute boat ride from Playa Linda brings you to clear, calm water and good snorkeling. Budget about US$15 to 25 including the boat, gear rental and a fish lunch. Go in the morning on a weekday, since weekends fill with local families. First-timers often skip sunscreen and regret it by noon.

Zihuatanejo:

A 15 to 20 minute bus ride gets you a proper Mexican town, with a fishing pier, a daily market and the calm beach at Playa La Ropa. Plan US$10 to 20 with a taco lunch. Dry season is best, and mornings are cooler for wandering.

👉 Explore Zihuatanejo

Playa Las Gatas:

A short water taxi from Zihuatanejo’s pier, about US$3 to 5 each way, takes you to a sheltered beach … read more 👉

Ixtapa works well as a base for day trips, since the best ones are short boat or bus rides and need no overnight.

Isla Ixtapa:

A 10-minute boat ride from Playa Linda brings you to clear, calm water and good snorkeling. Budget about US$15 to 25 including the boat, gear rental and a fish lunch. Go in the morning on a weekday, since weekends fill with local families. First-timers often skip sunscreen and regret it by noon.

Zihuatanejo:

A 15 to 20 minute bus ride gets you a proper Mexican town, with a fishing pier, a daily market and the calm beach at Playa La Ropa. Plan US$10 to 20 with a taco lunch. Dry season is best, and mornings are cooler for wandering.

👉 Explore Zihuatanejo

Playa Las Gatas:

A short water taxi from Zihuatanejo’s pier, about US$3 to 5 each way, takes you to a sheltered beach with a rocky breakwater and easy snorkeling. Total cost is usually US$12 to 20. Go before noon, when the beach is quieter, and bring cash.

Barra de Potosí:

About 40 minutes by bus or taxi south of Zihuatanejo, this long beach and lagoon offer boat rides through mangroves and birdlife. Budget US$15 to 25 with transport and lunch. Best from November to March, and many people forget to confirm the last bus back.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Ixtapa is a planned resort area with security and lighting along the hotel strip, and most visitors have uneventful trips. Petty issues are the main concern: keep phones and cash tucked away on crowded beaches, and do not leave bags unattended while swimming. Walking the long boulevard late at night is less appealing than safe, so take a taxi after dark rather than hiking between plazas. Solo travelers, including women, generally do fine in the hotel zone and Zihuatanejo’s center, though the usual common sense applies on quiet beaches at night. Everyday annoyances include beach vendors who are persistent but easy to wave off with a polite “no, gracias,” and timeshare pitches offering free tours or discounts, which can eat half a day. Agree on taxi fares before you get in, and use only licensed … read more 👉

Ixtapa is a planned resort area with security and lighting along the hotel strip, and most visitors have uneventful trips. Petty issues are the main concern: keep phones and cash tucked away on crowded beaches, and do not leave bags unattended while swimming. Walking the long boulevard late at night is less appealing than safe, so take a taxi after dark rather than hiking between plazas. Solo travelers, including women, generally do fine in the hotel zone and Zihuatanejo’s center, though the usual common sense applies on quiet beaches at night. Everyday annoyances include beach vendors who are persistent but easy to wave off with a polite “no, gracias,” and timeshare pitches offering free tours or discounts, which can eat half a day. Agree on taxi fares before you get in, and use only licensed taxis. Rip currents can be strong on Playa Palmar, so swim near lifeguard flags and respect the posted warnings.

Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Ixtapa is worth visiting for its beaches and easy access to Isla Ixtapa, but it is more resort than backpacker town. Playa Palmar has big surf, Isla Ixtapa a short boat ride of about US$6 to 9 return offers calm snorkeling, and Zihuatanejo, 15 to 20 minutes away, supplies the budget food and character. Pair them and it is a solid beach stop rather than a mere stopover.

Two to three days covers Ixtapa and its surroundings comfortably. Spend one day on the beach and bike path, one on Isla Ixtapa and a second beach, and one in Zihuatanejo with Playa Las Gatas. Add a fourth day if you want to visit Barra de Potosí, about 40 minutes south, or simply rest.

Ixtapa can be a day trip from Zihuatanejo, only 10 to 15 minutes by colectivo or taxi (about US$1 or US$6 to 10). From Acapulco, roughly 3.5 to 4 hours by road each way, it is too far for a comfortable day trip. If you are short on time, Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa together make an easy single-day outing, with the boat to Isla Ixtapa as the highlight.

⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Mexican towns near Ixtapa

Explore more nearby:

Zihuatanejo—Fishermen's pier, Playa La Ropa, Las Gatas cove, fish market| 5 km away
Pátzcuaro—Purépecha lake, Once Patios, cemetery customs, Calvario viewpoint| 206 km away
Valle de Bravo—Reservoir lake, La Peña paragliding, Velo de Novia, cobbled center| 230 km away

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Ixtapa is best in the early morning, when the beaches are empty, the bike path is cool and the surf looks tame. I would sleep in Zihuatanejo, ride out before breakfast, and head back by the time the resort crowd wakes.

✈️ When did I visit Mexico?
As part of my 1.5 year travel around the world trip, I visited Mexico in February and March 2016. Had to hurry a bit as I didn’t want to miss the free performance of the Rolling Stones in Cuba.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Mexico, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.

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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpack

Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story

Mexico🇲🇽 | townsIxtapaPalmar beach, marina docks, Isla Ixtapa, seaside bike path | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Ixtapa
🌟 Highlighttown ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 town in MexicoReasons people choose to visit here

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Ixtapa

Things to do around Ixtapa

Private Transportation from the Zihuatanejo Airport to your hotel in Ixtapa

Mexican Cooking Class in Zihuatanejo de Azueta

Country Side tour

Photographic Session in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Private Transfer from Ixtapa Airport (ZIH)

Kayaking in San Jose Ixtapa Lagoon with Luis de la Maza

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Photo shoot

Private Transfer to Ixtapa Airport (ZIH)

Climbing and rappelling in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Luxery SUVs Airport Transportation in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Ixtapa

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Ixtapa

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Other Mexican towns near Ixtapa

We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Mexico🇲🇽 | townsIxtapaPalmar beach, marina docks, Isla Ixtapa, seaside bike path | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Ixtapa🌟 Highlighttown ranked #4By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade5fae')

✨ Why go?Ranked #4 town in MexicoaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade6e10')Reasons people choose to visit hereaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade6e16')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade7b04')Top highlights of IxtapaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade7b0a')

Things to do around Ixtapa

Private Transportation from the Zihuatanejo Airport to your hotel in Ixtapa

Mexican Cooking Class in Zihuatanejo de Azueta

Country Side tour

Photographic Session in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Private Transfer from Ixtapa Airport (ZIH)

Kayaking in San Jose Ixtapa Lagoon with Luis de la Maza

Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Photo shoot

Private Transfer to Ixtapa Airport (ZIH)

Climbing and rappelling in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

Luxery SUVs Airport Transportation in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade827e')Where things are and how it's laid outaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade8284')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade8bdd')How to make the most of one dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade8be2')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade93b9')Choosing the right time of yearaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ade93bf')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843adea206')Choosing the right baseaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843adea20a')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843adeac20')How to get around IxtapaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843adeac24')

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843adeb541')What things cost and how to budgetaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843adeb545')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0c934')Best day trips from IxtapaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0c93c')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0cfb5')Scams, Hazards, and AnnoyancesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0cfb9')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0d058')Common questions from travelersaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0d05d')

Other Mexican towns near IxtapaaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0f60e')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0f7b0')Summing up the experienceaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0f7b4')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0f806')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad843ae0f809')

Backpacking in Ixtapa
🌟 Highlighttown ranked #4
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #4 town in MexicoReasons people choose to visit here

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Ixtapa

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Ixtapa

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Ixtapa

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Other Mexican towns near Ixtapa

We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?