Major city · Mexico
ZihuatanejoZihuatanejo de Azueta
Stay 3 nights in Zona Centro or Playa La Ropa: walkable town, calm bay swimming, and Ixtapa 20 min by bus for resorts.
Zihuatanejo is a fishing town on a sheltered bay in Guerrero, grown into a resort without losing its centre: a market, a pier, a beach road and Playa La Ropa around the corner. Three nights covers the town, the bay beaches and one day in Ixtapa or Troncones. Most visitors fly into ZIH, 12.5 km southeast.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- MXN
- Best months
- Nov–Apr (check)
- avoid Sep–Oct (check)
- Airport
- ZIH
- Nights
- 3
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Zihuatanejo911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Zihuatanejo, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Mexican peso (MXN, $).Mexico-wide
- SIM or eSIMTelcel has the widest coverage; AT&T and Movistar are cheaper in cities.Mexico-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; garrafón (20-litre jugs) and filtered water in hotels.Mexico-wide
- TippingcheckRestaurants: 10–15%; check the bill for an included 'servicio'.Mexico-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 127 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Mexico-wide
- SafetyZihuatanejo itself is a calm, walkable resort town; the real risks are the sea, the heat and Guerrero's inland roads.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin, not the toilet, in most places; public toilets charge MXN 5–10 (≈ under US$1).Mexico-wide
- Emergency numbers911 All emergencies · 078 Tourist assistance
- Sundays & holidaysMost museums and many archaeological sites close on Mondays; banks close on public holidays.Mexico-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportZIH Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International (12.5 km (7.8 mi) southeast of town on Hwy 200; shared shuttle or taxi into town, no ride-share pickups at the terminal).ZIH Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International (7.8 mi (12.5 km) southeast of town on Hwy 200; shared shuttle or taxi into town, no ride-share pickups at the terminal).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeM$40–70
- Street or quick mealStreet tacos, eachM$15–30
- Beerbottle at a beach palapa / can at an oxxoM$40–70M$20–30
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi Centro–Playa La RopaM$80–120 (check)
- Metro or bus rideLocal bus Zihuatanejo–IxtapaM$8–10 (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekM$200–400
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personMX$350 (≈ US$19)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$1,800 (≈ US$100)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomMX$3,500 (≈ US$190)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget MX$900 (≈ US$50) · Mid MX$2,000 (≈ US$110) · High MX$4,500 (≈ US$250)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ZIH Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International (12.5 km (7.8 mi) southeast of town on Hwy 200; shared shuttle or taxi into town, no ride-share pickups at the terminal)ZIH Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International (7.8 mi (12.5 km) southeast of town on Hwy 200; shared shuttle or taxi into town, no ride-share pickups at the terminal)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Apr
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Nov
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Dec
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Best: Nov–Apr. Avoid: Sep–Oct. Month by month →
Warmest May (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C) low), wettest Sep (15 rain days), driest Feb (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Zihuatanejo: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
1 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
0 rd
Mar
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
0 rd
Apr
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
0 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
2 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
15 rd
Oct
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
8 rd
Nov
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
2 rd
Dec
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
1 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The centre is walkable. Taxis cover the bay and the airport; local buses (about M$8, check) run between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. Lanchas from the muelle cross to Playa Las Gatas. Hwy 200 bypasses town on the north and east.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Ixtapa
goDoor to door: 20–30 min
Local bus or taxi north on Hwy 200
Resort zone, Playa El Palmar and Isla Ixtapa boats; go for a beach day, not for town life.
Troncones
goDoor to door: About 25 min (check)
Taxi or colectivo north on Hwy 200
Long open beach and small guesthouses; a day works, a night is better.
Vicente Guerrero National Park
goDoor to door: Under 30 min (check)
Walk or short ride to the Blvd Playa Linda side
Created in 2023, 724 ha of dry forest and mangrove between Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa; entrance areas and any fee: check.
Acapulco
overnightDoor to door: 4.5–5 h
Bus from the Central de Autobuses on Hwy 200
253 km (157 mi); too long for a return day.157 mi (253 km); too long for a return day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Zona Centro
Market, pier, restaurants and the beach walk; best for a short stay without a car.
Playa La Madera
Small bay 10–15 min walk from Centro; quieter, mid-range hotels.
Playa La Ropa
The main swimming beach, 5–10 min by taxi from Centro; resort and boutique hotels.
Ixtapa
Planned resort zone 20 min north by bus or 10 min by taxi; high-rise hotels and bars, less town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- M$700–1,200 excl. bed (2026 estimate, check)
- Mid
- M$1,500–2,800 excl. bed (2026 estimate, check)
- High
- M$3,500+ excl. bed (2026 estimate, check)
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 3 nights × MX$1,800 | MX$5,400 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × MX$2,000 | MX$12,000 |
| Airport shuttle, both ways2 × MX$320 · check | MX$640 |
| Lanchas to Playa Las Gatas, return2 × MX$120 · check | MX$240 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × MX$250 · check | MX$500 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | MX$1,878 |
| Trip total≈ MX$3,443 per person per day, bed included | MX$20,658≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | M$40–70 |
| Pozole, bowl | M$80–150 |
| Street tacos, each | M$15–30 |
| Beer: bottle at a beach palapa / can at an oxxo | M$40–70 / M$20–30 |
| Local bus Zihuatanejo–Ixtapa | M$8–10 (check) |
| Taxi Centro–Playa La Ropa | M$80–120 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | M$200–400 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Sep–Oct is the rain and storm season; some beach businesses close.
- Rip currents on open Pacific beaches: swim where locals swim, not on unpatrolled sand.
- Hwy 134 and inland Guerrero roads: travel by day and ask locally before driving.
- Palapa loungers on Las Gatas are free only if you order food and drinks.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies
- 911
- Tourist assistance
- 078
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
ZihuatanejoZihuatanejo de Azueta
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies911
- Tourist assistance078
Embassy
No embassy in town; the US, UK and Canada have embassies in Mexico City, and most countries keep consular contacts there (check before you travel).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- ZIH airport → Zona Centro, shared shuttle: about M$160, 20–30 min (check)
- ZIH airport → Zona Centro, private taxi: about M$550, 20–30 min (check)
- Zihuatanejo → Ixtapa, local bus: about M$8–10, 20 min (check)
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
- ¿Dónde está el muelle? — Where is the pier? (DON-de es-TA el MWE-yeh)
- ¿Es seguro nadar aquí? — Is it safe to swim here? (es se-GU-ro na-DAR a-KI)
- ¿Tiene pozole? — Do you have pozole? (TYE-ne po-SO-le)
- ¿Puedo pagar con tarjeta? — Can I pay by card? (PWE-do pa-GAR kon tar-HE-ta)
Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; MXN 20–50 for porters and boat or palapa helpers.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Zihuatanejo. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Apr (check) · avoid Sep–Oct (check) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for ZIH: ETASA shuttle and taxi bands, last arrival times, Centro and La Ropa drop-offs.
- Four walking clusters with anchors: Centro and the market, the muelle and Playa Municipal, Playa La Madera, Playa La Ropa.
- Place pages with verified hours (Las Gatas boats, park entrances, market) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rain-season and storm fixtures so gates A–D can go green.