Ixtapa Apple Vacations
Visitors to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo can enjoy all the luxury and amenities of a world-class resort vacation or the calm and quiet of a charming little fishing village. With 16 miles of beautiful beaches between them an Apple Vacation to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo offers something for everyone. North of Acapulco near Mexico’s Highway 200, both Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa offer travelers beautiful sunsets and white sandy beaches. Book your Apple Vacation to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo today.
Ixtapa – A Brief History
Archaeologists estimate that native people first settled in the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo region as far back as 3,000 BC. Some of these first inhabitants included the Olmec, Toltec and Tarascan Indians. As with most of the Mexican and South American cities, the Spanish arrived in Ixtapa in the early 1500s and were not impressed. They gave the original name of the region “Cihuatlan” the diminutive suffix “nejo” giving rise to the present day Zihuatanejo.
In 1527, a Spanish expedition (reportedly the second of its kind) left from Zihuatanejo headed for the Philippines. The sailors discovered the Moluccas Islands along the way. The main port to Asia was later moved to Acapulco.
For about the next 100 years, Zihuatanejo Bay served as a refuge for travelers caught in a storm, sailors travelling back and forth to China, and pirates, trying to steal the bounty of ships returning from the orient. By the early 20th century, Zihuatanejo had been transformed into a busy port town, slowly shifting to a quaint vacation getaway.
The 1960s and 1970s brought construction of the Federal Highway from Acapulco in the south and the resort town that Ixtapa is today. As part of the Mexican government’s FONATUR plan to boost tourism, Ixtapa has become a world-class resort community, while Zihuatanejo retains its old world charm.
Ixtapa Points of Interest
The primary activities taking place in the Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo region happen in and around the beautiful Pacific Ocean. As a beach resort town, sunbathing, snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, sport fishing, and just wading through the waves take up most visitors’ time. However, because of the area’s rich past, there are a few archaeological and historical sites that peaked our interest.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo Beaches
Because of its broad, open beaches, the coastal area around Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo is known as “La Costa Grande”. Since Zihuatanejo is still somewhat of a quiet fishing village, and Ixtapa is a bustling resort town, the beaches in each respective area reflect their corresponding mood. The most beautiful beach near Zihuatanejo is the curving Playa la Ropa. Relaxed palm trees and beautiful sunsets are characteristics of this quiet beach. In Ixtapa, the prominent beach that lines the hotel zone is called Playa del Palmar. This beach features fine restaurants, beautiful rock formations and lots of action.
Isla Ixtapa
A short ferry ride off the shore, Isla Ixtapa (Ixtapa Island) has become a popular beach attraction with may tourists. While the character of the island is reminiscent of a time before heavy development, there are still plenty of activities on the island. The clear waters around the island’s four beaches are home to a number of tropical fish, making Isla Ixtapa fabulous for snorkeling. In addition to snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports, Isla Ixtapa feature many fine restaurants and beautiful nature trails.
The Archaeological Museum of La Costa Grande (Museo Archeológical de la Costa Grande)
Down the promenade from Casa Marina, the small museum features over 1,000 artifacts dating from pre-historic Stone Age figures to the Spanish explorers. Many artifacts from the ancient Teotihuacano, Olmec, Aztec, Maya people are on display. English translations exhibits are available and the cost of admission is only $1.
Paseo del Pescador (Fisherman's Walk)
In Zihuatanejo, the Fisherman’s Walk is a tree-lined trek along the coast. Both locals and tourists can be seen taking a leisurely stroll, stopping in the occasional bar or restaurant for a rest and some people watching. Near the pier, fisherman set up tables to sell their fresh catches to both local restaurants and the public.
Dining & Nightlife
The Ixtapa Hotel Zone features excellent food, but higher prices in any one of a number of four star restaurants. For a more local flair, and greater variety, dining in Zihuatanejo can be a little more relaxed and a little less expensive. Much of the after-dinner nightlife takes place at the clubs and bars in Ixtapa. Christine in the Hotel Krystal is probably the most extravagant nightclub in the area.
Apple Vacations Resorts & Hotels in Ixtapa
Apple Vacations to Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo feature both all-inclusive, totally luxurious packages, to more modest, less expensive alternatives. For an all-inclusive vacation to Ixtapa, your choices are may, like the hotel Melia Azul Ixtapa. If you’d prefer to stay in Ixtapa, but don’t need all the frills, packages to the Hotel Posada Real Ixtapa fit a more modest budget.
In Zihuatanejo, the resort Club Intrawest offers more amenities and a more luxurious travel experience. Book your Apple Vacation to the quainter Hotel Irma, for a more relaxed, budget-conscious vacation. Contact your All-Travel Apple Vacation representative for a complete listing of vacation packages to Ixtapa or Zihuatanejo.
Weather & Time Zone Info for Ixtapa
For most of the year, the climate in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo stays between 73 and 93 degrees. The rainy season of June through early October bring afternoon and evening showers. Lightweight, casual and comfortable clothing is preferred, although we recommend a light jacket or sweater for evening breezes.
