About Zihuatanejo in the state of Guerrero, Mexico

Zihuatanejo is the fourth-largest city in the state of Guerrero Mexico.  It is in a section of the Mexican Pacific Coast known as Costa Grande.  The town has been developed as a tourist attraction while still keeping it’s traditional feel.  It is located on a well protected bay which is very popular with private boat owners in the winter months.  Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll on the waterfront walkway or explore the traditional downtown area Zihuatanejo has something to delight every person.  

Zihuatanejo past, present and future

The name Zihuatanejo is from the Nahuatl "Cihuatlán", meaning "place of women" because it was a matriarchal society. The town spent most of it’s history until recently as a small sleepy fishing village.  

The federal governments decision to develop the nearby resort in the 1970’s had major implications for both the city and the municipality of Zihuatanejo. The area is now the third most visited area in Mexico. The population jumped from 6,887 to 37,328 in the 1990’s. Recently a new highway was built to connect Zihuatanejo to Morelia cutting the travel time  from Mexico city to about six hours. 
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Zihuatanejo tourism

Zihuatanejo can be reached by sky, bus and highway and has its own airport, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International. Flights are also available from Mexico City and various places in the United States and Canada. Zihuatanejo is a small town that still keeps it’s friendly atmosphere of a small fishing village. The downtown area is very vivid from tile roofs to it’s terracotta structures. The streets and the sidewalks of downtown have been completely remodeled and stamped with colored cement imitating the terracotta stone tiles that were in it’s place for so many years. There are many cozy restaurants, boutiques, jewelry stores, bars and hotels in the downtown area. The hotels range from one star to speciality hotels. You can also find tourist markets and much more during your stay. You wont see any tall buildings when you are in Zihuatanejo. The city has a five story maximum law to help preserve the historic feel. Each year the picturesque bay is visited by more then 50 cruise ships, sailboat and yachts from all over the world. 

Zihuatanejo is famous for it’s great fishing, diving and snorkeling. It’s also a place where you can practice any water sport that you would like. All of the beaches located within the bay are very safe for people of any age. Zihuatanejo is the kind of town to visit if you are looking for a place to really feel the history of the town while still enjoying a beach getaway. You can spend one day walking through the town and enjoying the traditional culture and the next day fishing, swimming or scuba diving or just soaking in the sun on the beach. There is something for everyone here.

Travel information

Airport: Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport
Address: Carretera Nacional a Acapulco desviacion al Aeropuerto S/N, Aeropuerto, 40880 Zihuatanejo, Gro., Mexico
Local phone number: +52 755 554 2070

Is a passport or travel visa required? This depends on your nationality and your country of origin. We recommend that you check with your travel agent or Mexican Consulate in your area to know what documents you need to travel to Zihuatanejo.
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