Are any twin beach towns harder to pronounce than Ixtapa (Eeks-TA-pa) and Zihuatanejo (Zee-hwa-ta-NAY-ho) in Mexico? If not for Tim Robbins’ character telling Morgan Freeman’s character about Zihuatanejo in the 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption, many travelers might still draw a blank when the names come up.
In the movie, Zihuatanejo is Andy Dufresne’s dream destination after prison — “a little paradise on the Pacific,” “a warm place with no memory.” Today the region delivers that relaxed vibe for many visitors.
For much of its history this stretch of coast was a low-key fishing area, occasionally visited by pirates and passing ships rather than being a major port. The beaches, coves and small fishing villages changed course when the Mexican government designated Ixtapa as a planned resort development. Since then, investment in hotels and infrastructure has brought good air connections, a variety of resorts for couples and families, and easy local transport by taxi or rental car. It’s a convenient getaway from Mexico City and a common way to extend a business trip with family or a partner.
About seven driving hours south of Mexico City and roughly four and a half from Acapulco, this coastline still keeps a laid-back character. Many visitors come for sun, sand and the sea rather than historical sites. Playa la Ropa, one of the best beaches in the area, allegedly got its name from trunks of Chinese clothing that washed ashore long ago — a hint at the region’s maritime past.
The view from Azul Ixtapa Grand © Tim Leffel
Choosing the right resort matters because the area’s appeal is largely beach- and relaxation-focused. Central Ixtapa has older all-inclusive properties that tend to attract budget-minded visitors. For a more modern, upscale stay consider the ocean-facing Azul Ixtapa Grand at the north end. Its large rooms and suites, multiple pools and whirlpools, several bars, a spa and family-friendly amenities make it a strong option for couples or families seeking comfort and convenience.
Club Med Ixtapa Pacific offers a very activity-driven experience with a trapeze setup, a large kids’ club and nightly entertainment that keeps families engaged. The beach is beautiful, meals are reliable, and the atmosphere encourages long stays. For travelers who prefer dramatic coastal views, Capella Ixtapa is perched on a rocky cliff and accessed in part by a funicular. Its rooms deliver panoramic ocean vistas and private plunge-pool balconies perfect for long beachside sunsets.
View of the Ixtapa shoreline from Capella Ixtapa © Tim Leffel
Zihuatanejo has more of a small-city feel compared with resort-focused Ixtapa, with a lively downtown full of restaurants, shops and local life. Two properties consistently praised by travel writers are La Casa Que Canta, a cliffside hotel with bungalows overlooking the sea, and Viceroy Zihuatanejo, which sits right on Playa la Ropa and offers villas with private plunge pools as well as family-friendly areas.
Strolling Zihuatanejo’s streets reveals a mix of tourist-oriented dining and authentic local spots. Street tacos, seafood stalls and a handicraft market near the main beach give visitors a chance to experience everyday life. Early in the day, local fishermen sell their catch on the shore and nearby chefs often come to choose the freshest pescado.
One of many resident iguanas © Jose Antonio Nicoli | Dreamstime.com
Families will find a couple of memorable animal encounters in the area. A crocodile sanctuary close to Playa Linda is free to visit and is within walking distance of Club Med and Azul Ixtapa Grand. The sanctuary lets visitors observe a range of crocs safely behind fencing, often sharing the grounds with large iguanas and sea birds. For a more interactive experience, the Delfiniti center offers supervised dolphin swims. These programs follow a predictable format but remain a highlight for kids and adults alike, including photo opportunities and ride-along moments with trained animals.
Golfers can choose between two public courses. Marina Ixtapa Golf Club, near the marina, is a challenging links-style layout by Robert von Hagge, with water hazards on many holes and a rugged coastal feel. Campo de Golf Ixtapa, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., is longer and slightly more forgiving, set in scenic surroundings where colorful parrots and coastal birds are commonly seen.
The Pacific waters here are popular for sportfishing; anglers can arrange charters through hotel concierges or local sportfishing offices. Beach vendors, coconut sellers and watersport operators are part of the beach scene, offering everything from Jet Ski and banana-boat rides to parasailing and sunset sails. Snorkeling is excellent around the Los Gatos islands, reached by ferry near the crocodile sanctuary; local restaurants there rent snorkeling gear and serve lunch.
At the end of the Shawshank scene that put Zihuatanejo on many travelers’ maps, Andy Dufresne sums up life as a choice: “Get busy living or get busy dying.” For many who work in Mexico City, a short flight to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is an easy way to trade deadlines and meetings for beaches, calm evenings and time to get busy living.
INFO TO GO
Aeromexico, Aeromar and Interjet all operate direct flights from Mexico City to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, with flight times slightly over an hour. Fares sometimes fall below $100 each way and can include checked luggage. Taxi fares from the airport to hotels typically range from $25 to $35 depending on distance; larger vans cost roughly twice that. Major car-rental companies such as Alamo and Hertz serve the airport and often offer competitive rates.