Zihuatanejo City Guide (Mexico, 2026)

Backpacking in Zihuatanejo
🏆 Top picktown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

Zihuatanejo is famous for the sweep of Playa La Ropa and a bay calm enough to nap in, but travelers overlook that it still runs on fishing, not resorts. Boats land the catch at the town pier before breakfast, which is why the seafood is fresh and the prices stay low. It sits on the Pacific coast of Guerrero state in Mexico, with polished Ixtapa a short ride up the road. That hotel strip was planned from scratch, so the old town never got swallowed; experienced travelers sleep here and visit Ixtapa only for a specific beach or dive. I stepped off the bus, watched a pelican eye a fisherman’s bucket, and decided the schedule could wait. Hostels are small and few, so you meet people at pier cafés and taco counters rather than in a party scene. Evenings stay slow, and the day ends where it began, with skiffs knocking together under the lamps of the Paseo del Pescador.

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

Best time to go: November - May
Population: 80,000 [inegi.org.mx]
Daily cost: US$42 to 74

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in MexicoWhat makes it a must-see town

Zihuatanejo works because the center, the beaches and the food all sit within a short walk or a cheap boat ride of each other, so you can drop the bag and stop planning. The Paseo del Pescador is the town’s living room, and the market two blocks inland feeds you for the price of a coffee back home. Most backpackers arrive meaning to stay two nights and end up staying four, because every extra day has an easy default: swim at Playa Las Gatas, snorkel, walk the bay, eat fish.

It is quiet rather than wild. Nights revolve around mezcal on a terrace, not clubs, so it suits slow travelers, solo travelers who like to chat with the people at the next table, and couples or small groups happy with beach days. Divers and snorkelers get calm water and a handful of reliable operators. If you need hostel … read more 👉

Zihuatanejo works because the center, the beaches and the food all sit within a short walk or a cheap boat ride of each other, so you can drop the bag and stop planning. The Paseo del Pescador is the town’s living room, and the market two blocks inland feeds you for the price of a coffee back home. Most backpackers arrive meaning to stay two nights and end up staying four, because every extra day has an easy default: swim at Playa Las Gatas, snorkel, walk the bay, eat fish.

It is quiet rather than wild. Nights revolve around mezcal on a terrace, not clubs, so it suits slow travelers, solo travelers who like to chat with the people at the next table, and couples or small groups happy with beach days. Divers and snorkelers get calm water and a handful of reliable operators. If you need hostel dorm parties or big hikes, it will feel gentle, so treat it as a place to recover between harder stretches of the coast.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Zihuatanejo

Playa La Ropa: The long, curved beach the town is best known for, with soft sand, a gentle slope into the water and palapa restaurants serving grilled fish. Go in the morning for calm water and fewer vendors. Entry is free, a fish lunch runs about US$8 to 14, and a half day is the right amount.
Playa Las Gatas: A sheltered beach across the bay, reached by a small boat from the municipal pier. Local legend says a Purépecha chief built the rock breakwater to make a safe swimming pool for his daughters. Snorkeling is easy in the clear water along the rocks. The boat costs roughly US$4 to 6 round trip, gear rental US$5 to 10, and you need 3 to 4 hours. Go before noon.
Paseo del Pescador and the municipal pier: The waterfront promenade where fishermen unload and boats line up for taxi rides. Early

… read more 👉

Playa La Ropa: The long, curved beach the town is best known for, with soft sand, a gentle slope into the water and palapa restaurants serving grilled fish. Go in the morning for calm water and fewer vendors. Entry is free, a fish lunch runs about US$8 to 14, and a half day is the right amount.
Playa Las Gatas: A sheltered beach across the bay, reached by a small boat from the municipal pier. Local legend says a Purépecha chief built the rock breakwater to make a safe swimming pool for his daughters. Snorkeling is easy in the clear water along the rocks. The boat costs roughly US$4 to 6 round trip, gear rental US$5 to 10, and you need 3 to 4 hours. Go before noon.
Paseo del Pescador and the municipal pier: The waterfront promenade where fishermen unload and boats line up for taxi rides. Early morning is best for the catch, and evening for the cafés and the sculpture of a fisherman’s wife and children. It is free and takes about an hour.
Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande: A small museum a few steps from the promenade with pottery, figurines and displays on the coastal cultures that lived here before the Spanish. It is the shaded, quiet option for a hot afternoon. Entry is about US$2 and you need 30 to 45 minutes.
Mercado Municipal: The working market where locals buy produce, fish and tortillas, with small fondas serving meals at the back. Arrive between 9 and 11 a.m. for the best selection. Browsing is free, a meal costs about US$3 to 6, and an hour is plenty.

From Zihuatanejo, day trips reach the surf town of Troncones, the lagoon and long beach at Barra de Potosí with its bird life, and Isla Ixtapa with its snorkeling at Playa Coral. The museum sells tickets at the door, and the only thing worth booking a day ahead is a dive or snorkel outing with a Playa Las Gatas operator.

Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Zihuatanejo is small enough that you can see every area in a day, which is the one thing about it that never gets complicated. The smarter move is to pick a beach by mood and walk or hop a cheap boat between them.

Centro: The grid of streets behind the pier holds the market, taco stands, and the waterfront Paseo del Pescador. It is flat and fully walkable. Eat at the market fondas at midday, when the cooks have finished arguing about the menu and the food is freshest. Evenings are mellow, with a few bars and live music, not a party scene.
Playa La Ropa: A long, calm beach about 2 km (1.2 miles) southeast of Centro. It looks walkable on the map and is, if you enjoy a sweaty 30 minutes. Most people take a colectivo instead. Beachfront palapa restaurants serve grilled fish, and you will be offered

… read more 👉

Zihuatanejo is small enough that you can see every area in a day, which is the one thing about it that never gets complicated. The smarter move is to pick a beach by mood and walk or hop a cheap boat between them.

Centro: The grid of streets behind the pier holds the market, taco stands, and the waterfront Paseo del Pescador. It is flat and fully walkable. Eat at the market fondas at midday, when the cooks have finished arguing about the menu and the food is freshest. Evenings are mellow, with a few bars and live music, not a party scene.
Playa La Ropa: A long, calm beach about 2 km (1.2 miles) southeast of Centro. It looks walkable on the map and is, if you enjoy a sweaty 30 minutes. Most people take a colectivo instead. Beachfront palapa restaurants serve grilled fish, and you will be offered a lounge chair about every nine seconds. Sit, order lunch, and the chair becomes free.
Playa Madera: A steep ten-minute walk up from Centro, with a tiny beach, a hillside of small guesthouses, and sunset views. Cheaper than La Ropa and quieter. The stairs are the price of admission.
Playa Las Gatas: Reached by a short boat from the Centro pier. Snorkeling in sheltered water, beach restaurants, and almost no nightlife. Go in the morning before the day-trippers arrive.
Ixtapa: The resort strip to the northwest, with big hotels and clubs. Visit for a night out or a beach day, but it is a bus ride away and not a place to wander on foot.

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Zihuatanejo

7:30 AM, Municipal Pier and Paseo del Pescador: Start where the day starts for the town, watching fishermen unload and boats get ready. Grab a coffee at a waterfront café and walk the promenade slowly; the light is soft and the vendors are not out yet.

9:30 AM, Mercado Municipal: Walk a few blocks inland to the market. Eat a plate of eggs, tamales or a seafood breakfast at one of the back fondas, then wander the fish and fruit stalls. On Thursdays, ask for pozole verde at lunch instead.

11:00 AM, Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande: It is only a short walk back toward the water. Spend 30 to 45 minutes with the regional pottery and figures, a quiet contrast to the market.

12:00 PM, Boat to Playa Las Gatas: Board a small boat from the pier for the short crossing. Rent a mask, swim along … read more 👉

7:30 AM, Municipal Pier and Paseo del Pescador: Start where the day starts for the town, watching fishermen unload and boats get ready. Grab a coffee at a waterfront café and walk the promenade slowly; the light is soft and the vendors are not out yet.

9:30 AM, Mercado Municipal: Walk a few blocks inland to the market. Eat a plate of eggs, tamales or a seafood breakfast at one of the back fondas, then wander the fish and fruit stalls. On Thursdays, ask for pozole verde at lunch instead.

11:00 AM, Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande: It is only a short walk back toward the water. Spend 30 to 45 minutes with the regional pottery and figures, a quiet contrast to the market.

12:00 PM, Boat to Playa Las Gatas: Board a small boat from the pier for the short crossing. Rent a mask, swim along the breakwater and have fish tacos at a beach shack. Stay for a few hours.

3:30 PM, Playa Madera and the back streets: Take the boat back, then walk east along the shoreline to Playa Madera. The hillside lanes above it are rarely on the standard circuit, and the quiet stairways and small neighborhood shops show everyday Zihuatanejo without a tourist menu in sight.

5:30 PM, Playa La Ropa: Take a short taxi or colectivo ride over the hill. Walk the sand, have a drink at a palapa and watch the bay fill with evening color.

8:00 PM, Paseo del Pescador: Return to the promenade for dinner. Choose a grilled catch of the day, then finish with a slow stroll past the pier lamps.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Zihuatanejo

November to April is the easiest window, with dry days around 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F) and cooler nights near 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F).

Peak Season (December to Easter): Dry, sunny, and busy with Mexican and Canadian visitors. Beds cost the most, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Semana Santa. Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours.
Shoulder (November, late April to May): Fewer crowds and lower prices. May gets hot and sticky, with highs near 33°C (91°F).
Rainy Season (June to October): Warm, humid, and green, with afternoon downpours and highs around 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F). September and October are the wettest and carry some hurricane risk. Prices drop sharply and many beach restaurants run reduced hours.
Events: The International Guitar Festival in late January or early February fills

… read more 👉

November to April is the easiest window, with dry days around 30 to 32°C (86 to 90°F) and cooler nights near 21 to 23°C (70 to 73°F).

Peak Season (December to Easter): Dry, sunny, and busy with Mexican and Canadian visitors. Beds cost the most, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Semana Santa. Daylight runs roughly 11 to 12 hours.
Shoulder (November, late April to May): Fewer crowds and lower prices. May gets hot and sticky, with highs near 33°C (91°F).
Rainy Season (June to October): Warm, humid, and green, with afternoon downpours and highs around 31 to 33°C (88 to 91°F). September and October are the wettest and carry some hurricane risk. Prices drop sharply and many beach restaurants run reduced hours.
Events: The International Guitar Festival in late January or early February fills rooms and adds good live music. Humpback whales pass offshore from roughly December to March.

Book ahead for Christmas week and visit in November for the best mix of green hills and calm prices.

source: climatestotravel.comJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Centro is the best base for a budget bed, with Playa Madera as the runner-up. Both put you within walking distance of food, the pier, and the colectivo stops.
Centro has the widest choice of hostels and cheap guesthouses, with dorm beds from about US$12 to 20 and private rooms from US$30 to 50. The market and taco stands are steps away, so you can eat for very little. It is quiet at night compared with other Mexican beach towns, but a few bars create some evening noise on weekends, so request a room away from the street. Streets are lit and lively into the evening, and walking back after dinner … read more 👉

Centro is the best base for a budget bed, with Playa Madera as the runner-up. Both put you within walking distance of food, the pier, and the colectivo stops.
Centro has the widest choice of hostels and cheap guesthouses, with dorm beds from about US$12 to 20 and private rooms from US$30 to 50. The market and taco stands are steps away, so you can eat for very little. It is quiet at night compared with other Mexican beach towns, but a few bars create some evening noise on weekends, so request a room away from the street. Streets are lit and lively into the evening, and walking back after dinner is routine. Colectivos and taxis pass through Centro, and the water taxi leaves from its pier.
Playa Madera sits on a hillside above the sea, with small guesthouses and apartments, many with kitchens. Rooms run about US$35 to 60 and are good value if two people share. The hill is steep and stairs are tiring with a big pack, so check the route before booking. It is calmer than Centro and a short walk down to the center in daylight, though at night most people take a short taxi back up.
Book ahead from mid-December through Easter. Prices drop noticeably in the rainy months, and dorm beds are limited in all seasons, so private rooms are often the realistic option.

Best hostels in Mexico

Best quality hotels in Mexico

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

A colectivo or local bus around Zihuatanejo costs about US$0.40 to 0.60, paid in pesos cash to the driver, and exact change makes everyone happier. The town center is flat and compact, so most of your movement happens on foot, with vehicles only for the beaches and Ixtapa.

Walking: Centro, the pier, and Playa Madera are all within 5 to 15 minutes of each other. Playa La Ropa is a 30-minute walk along a road with patchy sidewalk, so do it in the morning, not at 2 pm when the sun has opinions.
Colectivos and local buses: White vans and small buses run the main roads to La Ropa, the bus terminal, and the airport road, roughly 6 am to 9 pm. They stop where you wave, which is why the driver will not stop where you stand politely. Tell him the beach name when you board.
Intercity buses to Ixtapa: Frequent

… read more 👉

A colectivo or local bus around Zihuatanejo costs about US$0.40 to 0.60, paid in pesos cash to the driver, and exact change makes everyone happier. The town center is flat and compact, so most of your movement happens on foot, with vehicles only for the beaches and Ixtapa.

Walking: Centro, the pier, and Playa Madera are all within 5 to 15 minutes of each other. Playa La Ropa is a 30-minute walk along a road with patchy sidewalk, so do it in the morning, not at 2 pm when the sun has opinions.
Colectivos and local buses: White vans and small buses run the main roads to La Ropa, the bus terminal, and the airport road, roughly 6 am to 9 pm. They stop where you wave, which is why the driver will not stop where you stand politely. Tell him the beach name when you board.
Intercity buses to Ixtapa: Frequent buses from Centro to Ixtapa run about every 10 to 15 minutes for US$0.70 to 1, taking 15 to 20 minutes. They are the sensible choice because a taxi costs several times as much for the same road.
Taxis: Rates are fixed by zone and not metered, so agree the price before you get in. Expect US$2 to 4 within town, US$3 to 5 to La Ropa, and US$6 to 10 to Ixtapa. Asking a hotel desk for the usual fare gives you a useful anchor.
Water taxis: Small boats from the Centro pier go to Playa Las Gatas for about US$3 to 5 round trip, running through the day until late afternoon. Confirm the last return boat when you buy the ticket, or enjoy an unplanned seafood dinner.

Zihuatanejo airport sits about 15 to 20 minutes from Centro. Taxis from the airport cost US$12 to 20, while walking out to the road and catching a colectivo is far cheaper. Long-distance buses to Acapulco (about 3 to 4 hours) and Mexico City (about 9 to 10 hours) leave from the main terminal, a short taxi or colectivo ride from Centro.

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

Backpacking in Zihuatanejo costs about US$62 a day in high season, which covers a dorm bed, local meals, and short beach trips.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation	US$15 to 22 (high season); US$10 to 15 (low season)	Dorm beds are few, so many travelers pay for a basic private room near US$30 to 50 and split it. Prices rise at Christmas and Easter.
Meals	US$15 to 25	Market fondas and taco stands serve set lunches for US$3 to 5. Beach fish dinners cost US$10 to 18.
Local transport	US$2 to 5	Colectivos cost US$0.40 to 0.60 per ride, the Ixtapa bus about US$1, and the Las Gatas boat US$3 to 5 round trip.
Basic activities/entry fees	US$5 to 12	Most beaches are free. Snorkel gear rental runs US$5 to 10, and boat trips cost a little more.
Miscellaneous expenses	US$5 to 10	Water, sunscreen, a couple

… read more 👉

Backpacking in Zihuatanejo costs about US$62 a day in high season, which covers a dorm bed, local meals, and short beach trips.

Category	Budget Range	Local Reality
Dorm accommodation	US$15 to 22 (high season); US$10 to 15 (low season)	Dorm beds are few, so many travelers pay for a basic private room near US$30 to 50 and split it. Prices rise at Christmas and Easter.
Meals	US$15 to 25	Market fondas and taco stands serve set lunches for US$3 to 5. Beach fish dinners cost US$10 to 18.
Local transport	US$2 to 5	Colectivos cost US$0.40 to 0.60 per ride, the Ixtapa bus about US$1, and the Las Gatas boat US$3 to 5 round trip.
Basic activities/entry fees	US$5 to 12	Most beaches are free. Snorkel gear rental runs US$5 to 10, and boat trips cost a little more.
Miscellaneous expenses	US$5 to 10	Water, sunscreen, a couple of beers at US$1.50 to 3, and occasional laundry.
Total Daily Budget	US$42 to 74	About US$62 at the midpoint, using high-season dorm rates.

Eat the main meal at midday in the market, where set menus cost far less than beachfront restaurants at dinner.

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

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

Zihuatanejo works well as a base for easy day trips, since most good options are under an hour away and run on cheap buses or boats.Playa Las Gatas: A 10 to 15 minute boat ride from the Centro pier, this calm cove has clear water for snorkeling and simple beach restaurants. Round-trip boats cost about US$3 to 5, and snorkel gear rents for about US$5 to 10. Go in the morning, November to April, when the water is clearest. First-timers often wait until midday, when the cove is crowded.
Ixtapa and Isla Ixtapa: Take the bus from Centro (US$0.70 to 1, about 20 minutes) to the resort zone, then a boat to Isla Ixtapa, which has swimming, snorkeling, and fish restaurants. Boats run about US$5 to 8 round trip. The beach at Playa Quieta is the departure point. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Barra … read more 👉

Zihuatanejo works well as a base for easy day trips, since most good options are under an hour away and run on cheap buses or boats.Playa Las Gatas: A 10 to 15 minute boat ride from the Centro pier, this calm cove has clear water for snorkeling and simple beach restaurants. Round-trip boats cost about US$3 to 5, and snorkel gear rents for about US$5 to 10. Go in the morning, November to April, when the water is clearest. First-timers often wait until midday, when the cove is crowded.
Ixtapa and Isla Ixtapa: Take the bus from Centro (US$0.70 to 1, about 20 minutes) to the resort zone, then a boat to Isla Ixtapa, which has swimming, snorkeling, and fish restaurants. Boats run about US$5 to 8 round trip. The beach at Playa Quieta is the departure point. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
Barra de Potosí: A long wild beach and lagoon about 30 to 40 minutes south by colectivo or bus, with boat rides through the mangroves to see birds. Expect total costs of around US$10 to 20 including transport, a boat tour, and a seafood lunch. Come in the dry season, because rain can affect lagoon tours. Carry cash, since there is no bank here.
Troncones: A relaxed surf village about 30 to 40 minutes northwest by local transport, with a beach for beginners and good fish tacos. Budget about US$10 to 20 for the day. Waves are strongest in summer, while winter suits swimming. A common mistake is to arrive late and miss the last ride back, so confirm the final departure before settling in.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Zihuatanejo is one of the more relaxed beach towns on this coast, and most trouble comes from petty theft and sunburn, not violence. Centro and the main beaches are fine to walk around in the evening, though use normal city sense and stick to lit streets after midnight. Solo travelers, including women, generally have an easy time, but taking a taxi instead of walking the dark road to La Ropa after dinner is sensible. Keep phones and cash out of sight on crowded buses and at the market. Beach touts and vendors are persistent but polite, and a calm “no, gracias” ends it. Taxi drivers may quote tourist prices, so settle the fare first. Ocean currents can be strong on open beaches, so swim at La Ropa or Las Gatas and heed flag warnings. Check current government travel advisories for the wider state of Guerrero before onward travel by road.

Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

Zihuatanejo is a destination in its own right, with a walkable old center, a fishing pier where the catch comes in each morning, and calm beaches that suit a slow pace. Playa La Ropa sits about 3 km (2 miles) from downtown and is reached by a colectivo for roughly US$0.60 to 1, while Playa Las Gatas is a 5-minute boat ride from the town pier for about US$3 to 5 round trip. Backpackers who want nightlife and big waves will find it quiet, but anyone after good seafood, snorkeling and an unhurried week should treat it as a destination.

Three to four days is enough for Zihuatanejo itself: one for the downtown pier, market and Playa Principal, one for Playa La Ropa, one for Playa Las Gatas and snorkeling, and one spare for rain or a lazy morning. Add a fifth day if you want to visit Barra de Potosí lagoon or Troncones. Beach-hoppers and surfers often stretch to a week, since daily costs stay modest at roughly US$40 to 70 for budget travelers.

Yes, but only from Ixtapa, which is 10 to 15 minutes away by colectivo or taxi for US$1 to 2 by bus or US$6 to 10 by cab. Zihuatanejo is not practical as a day trip from Acapulco, which is about 3.5 to 4 hours away by bus for US$15 to 25 each way, nor from Mexico City, which is a 9 to 10 hour bus ride or a 1-hour flight into Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport. Staying at least one night lets you catch the evening on the pier and the morning fish market, so plan at least two days if you are coming from farther away.

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

Other Mexican towns near Zihuatanejo

Explore more nearby:

Ixtapa—Palmar beach, marina docks, Isla Ixtapa, seaside bike path| 5 km away
Pátzcuaro—Purépecha lake, Once Patios, cemetery customs, Calvario viewpoint| 208 km away
Valle de Bravo—Reservoir lake, La Peña paragliding, Velo de Novia, cobbled center| 229 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Zihuatanejo rewards three or four nights, and that is where I would stop. One night is too rushed for the boat, the market and a slow beach day, while a week asks for more nightlife and hikes than the town offers. Bring a snorkel mask and plan a day trip to Barra de Potosí if you stay longer.

✈️ 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.

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Mexico🇲🇽 | townsZihuatanejoFishermen's pier, Playa La Ropa, Las Gatas cove, fish market | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Zihuatanejo
🏆 Top picktown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in MexicoWhat makes it a must-see town

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Zihuatanejo

Things to do around Zihuatanejo

Private Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo City Tour

Baby Sea Turtle Releasing Sightseeing Tour with Luis de la Maza

Las Gatas Beach Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour

Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour

Zihuatanejo Food -Tasting and Walking Tour (Not for vegetarian)

Mexican Cooking Class in Zihuatanejo de Azueta

City and Country Side Tour with Luis

Turtle Release Playa Blanca

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Snorkeling Tour in Ixtapa Island

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Zihuatanejo

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Zihuatanejo

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

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

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other Mexican towns near Zihuatanejo

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Mexico🇲🇽 | townsZihuatanejoFishermen's pier, Playa La Ropa, Las Gatas cove, fish market | things to do and best time to go

Backpacking in Zihuatanejo🏆 Top picktown ranked #3By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7af48a')

✨ Why go?Ranked #3 town in MexicoaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b0410')What makes it a must-see townaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b0417')

💡 HighlightsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b141d')Essential experiences to have while visiting ZihuatanejoaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b1424')

Things to do around Zihuatanejo

Private Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo City Tour

Baby Sea Turtle Releasing Sightseeing Tour with Luis de la Maza

Las Gatas Beach Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour

Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour

Zihuatanejo Food -Tasting and Walking Tour (Not for vegetarian)

Mexican Cooking Class in Zihuatanejo de Azueta

City and Country Side Tour with Luis

Turtle Release Playa Blanca

Horseback Riding on the Beach

Snorkeling Tour in Ixtapa Island

🏘️ NeighborhoodsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b1c6e')Where things are and how it's laid outaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b1c73')

⌛️ 1 dayaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b2aed')1-day itinerary for ZihuatanejoaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b2af7')

🌤️ When to go?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b3917')Best time to visit ZihuatanejoaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b3920')

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutMexico Travel Guide

🛏️ Where to stay?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b4868')Choosing the right baseaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b486d')

🚌 Getting aroundaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b5183')How to get from A to BaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b5187')

👛 Costs (as of 20 October 2026)addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b5a76')What things cost and how to budgetaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7b5a7a')

🚌 Day tripsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cb274')Exploring the surroundingsaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cb27c')

🛡️ SafetyaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cb40f')Scams, Hazards, and AnnoyancesaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cb413')

FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cb4b9')Traveler FAQaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cb4bd')

Other Mexican towns near ZihuatanejoaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cdb53')

We 💚 feedbackaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cdd13')What to keep in mindaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cdd17')

👋 Meet the founderaddMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cdd66')Who’s Behind Take Your Backpack?addMaskedRevealAnimation('6ad7a7a7cdd69')

Backpacking in Zihuatanejo
🏆 Top picktown ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 20, 2026

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 town in MexicoWhat makes it a must-see town

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Zihuatanejo

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Zihuatanejo

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Zihuatanejo

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get from A to B

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

🚌 Day tripsExploring the surroundings

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

FAQTraveler FAQ

Other Mexican towns near Zihuatanejo

We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?