January 20, 2025
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11:57am
Ixtapa is a great place for a fantastic vacation full of everything you can imagine: stunning beaches with turquoise water, a lively cultural life, wonderful cuisine and a full array of fun activities.
But that’s not the end! We are about to take you to some out-of-the-way places in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo that you shouldn’t miss, like the handicrafts market, cycle path, crocodile reserve, Costa Grande Archeological Museum and La Escollera Bio Park.
Get ready to explore the beauty and the best of Ixtapa!
The colorful handicrafts market is the most frequently visited place in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. A few minutes from Ixtapa, this lively spot is Heaven-on-Earth for handicraft and souvenir lovers.
Among its more than 100 stands, you’ll find all kinds of products handmade by talented local artists. From colorful textiles to stunning silver jewelry, handbags and spectacular pottery, it really has something for every taste and, of course, for every budget.
Most fun of all is interacting with the vendors and learning about traditional techniques used to make these impressive pieces.
Location: Av. 5 de Mayo, downtown Zihuatanejo.
Hours: Daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
If you love cycling or just enjoy being outdoors and getting exercise, the Ixtapa cycle path will be your favorite place. Imagine leisurely pedaling, taking in the impressive views of the ocean and lush nature you go by. Take it from us, nothing compares with this experience!
The cycle path stretches about 15.5 miles (25 kilometers) along the coast, starting in the hotel zone, continuing through Aztlán Park and ending up in the center of Zihuatanejo. The whole route provides a singularly fun and relaxing experience for bicyclers at every level.
Besides cycling, the path is good for walking and jogging, bird watching, as well as choosing the perfect picnic spot and enjoying the beaches along the way. It is truly a great place in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo to have loads of fun and spend very little money while you’re at it.
Location: Paseo de las Garzas, Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
Hours: The cycle path is open daily, from dawn to dusk.
Cost: Cycle path use is free, so there’s no cost for enjoying these activities and attractions in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. Nevertheless, there may be additional services along the route, such as bike rental and rest areas that might have associated costs.
If you’re traveling with children and wondering what to do with them in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, a visit to the Zihuatanejo Crocodile Reserve is an intriguing, captivating and, of course, very educational experience.
Following recent renovation, the local government named it the Tamakun Crocodile Reserve in honor of the “crocodile king,” Roberto Piza Ríos, who has spent his whole life capturing and preserving species that escaped from their habitat.
Because of his life’s work and promotion of this incredible destination, you can now learn all about the life of these fascinating reptiles and their importance within the local ecosystem.
Most exciting of all, you’ll get to observe the impressive crocodiles in their natural habitat, along with other animal species that live there, among them iguanas, turtles, migratory birds and others.
Location: Ixtapa Zihuatanejo.
Hours: Daily 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.
If you love history or archeology and are interested in doing something special in the center of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, the Costa Grande Archeology Museum is the place for you. It has an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts that date back thousands of years.
The interactive exhibits immerse you in the region’s rich cultural heritage and explain the complexity of the ancient civilizations that once inhabited this lovely place.
You will also get to see numerous ceramic objects, stone tools, sculptures and other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the daily life, religious beliefs and artistic development of these fascinating ancient cultures.
Besides the exhibition of archeological pieces, the museum organizes complementary activities such as workshops, conferences and guided tours, which enrich the museum experience.
Location: Paseo del Pescador, no number, downtown Zihuatanejo.
Hours: Tues. – Sun., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 pesos; children under 12 free.
Wind up your visit to Ixtapa by sinking into the natural beauty at La Escollera Bio Park. The Ixtapa Zihuatanejo zoo has winding paths, lush gardens and all kinds of flora and fauna.
It is known as a space devoted to marine life conservation and promoting environmental education.
Here, you can have fun observing marine and land animals, which include mammals, insects and reptiles. The latter star in the iguana sanctuary, while flowers and plants of all sorts are displayed in the botanical garden.
At La Escollera Bio Park, you’re free to wander along the shady walkways, watching the birds and butterflies flitting around. You will definitely fall under the spell of the tranquility and harmony of this idyllic environment.
Location: Paseo de la Bahía, Playa Las Gatas, Zihuatanejo.
Hours: Tues. – Sun., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Cost: Entrance is about $45 pesos for adults and $30 pesos for children under 12.
As you’ve seen here, as a travel destination, Ixtapa not only promises a perfect vacation, but you’re going to love its charm and diversity. From a shopping adventure at the Zihuatanejo handicrafts market to the serenity of the Bio Park, each one of the enigmatic places described here will grab you in its own special way.
Sail around the local culture, drink in the natural beauty and bask in the friendliness of the people. Make your next getaway to Ixtapa and discover why it is considered one of Mexico’s hidden treasures.
One last thing: if you’re trying to figure out exactly how to spend three days in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, click on the link and check out everything we suggest to make the most of the time you have.
