Things To Do in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Attractions
The Museo de Arqueología de la Costa Grande (tel. 755/554-7552) traces the history of the area from Acapulco to Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (the Costa Grande) from pre-Hispanic times, when it was known as Cihuatlán ("the Land of Women" in the Náhuatl language), through the Colonial Era. Most of its pottery and stone artifacts give evidence of extensive trade with far-off cultures and regions, including the Toltec and Teotihuacán near Mexico City, the Olmec on the Pacific and Gulf coasts, and areas known today as the states of Nayarit, Michoacán, and San Luis Potosí. Local indigenous groups gave the Aztec tribute items, including cotton tilmas (capes) and cacao (chocolate), representations of which can be seen here. This museum, in Zihuatanejo near Vicente Guerrero at the east end of Paseo del Pescador, easily merits the half-hour or less it takes to stroll through; signs are in Spanish and English, and an accompanying brochure is available in English. Admission is 10 pesos (children 11 and under are free), and it's open Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 6pm.
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Shopping
Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo has its quota of T-shirt and souvenir shops, but it has also become a better place to buy crafts, folk art, and jewelry. Shops are generally open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm and 4 to 8pm. Many better shops close Sunday, but some smaller souvenir stands stay open, and hours vary.
The artisans' market on Calle Cinco de Mayo is a good place to start shopping before moving on to specialty shops. It's open daily from 8am to 9pm. The municipal market on Avenida Benito Juárez sprawls over several blocks (about 5 blocks inland from the waterfront), but most vendors hawk the same things -- huaraches, hammocks, and baskets. On the sand next to the pier is a daily fish market, and just behind it on Paseo del Pescador there's a small seashell market. Spreading inland from the waterfront some 3 or 4 blocks are numerous small shops well worth exploring.
Besides the places listed below, check out Alberto's, Cuauhtémoc 12 and 15 (no phone), for jewelry. Also on Cuauhtémoc, 2 blocks down from the Nueva Zelanda Coffee Shop, is a small shop that looks like a market stand and sells beautiful tablecloths, napkins, and other linens; all are handmade in Aguascalientes.
Ixtapa
Shopping in Ixtapa is not especially memorable, with T-shirts and Mexican crafts the usual wares. Several shops on Bulevar Ixtapa, across from the beachside hotels, sell designer sportswear and most are open daily from 9am to 2pm and 4 to 9pm.
Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo Nightlife
With an exception or two, Zihuatanejo nightlife dies down around 11pm or midnight. For a selection of clubs, dance spots, hotel fiestas, special events, and fun watering holes with live music and dancing, head for Ixtapa. Just keep in mind that the shuttle bus stops at 11pm, and a taxi to Zihuatanejo after midnight costs 50% more than the regular price. During the off season (after Easter and before Christmas), hours vary: Some places open only on weekends, while others close completely. In Zihuatanejo, a lively bar showing satellite TV sports is Bandido's, at the corner of Cinco de Mayo and Pedro Ascencio in Zihuatanejo Centro, across from the Artisans' Market (tel. 755/553-8072). It features live salsa music nightly and is open until 2am. There's no cover, and people often come to dance salsa.
The Club & Music Scene
Many dance clubs stay open until the last customers leave, so closing hours depend upon revelers. Most dance clubs have a ladies' night at least once a week -- admission and drinks are free for women.
Hotel Fiestas & Theme Nights
A number of hotels hold Mexican fiestas and other special events that include dinner, drinks, live music, and entertainment for a fixed price (generally $44 from 7-10pm). The Barceló Ixtapa (tel. 755/555-2000) stages a popular Wednesday night fiesta; the Dorado Pacífico (tel. 755/553-2025), in Ixtapa, hosts a Tuesday night fiesta. Only the Barceló Ixtapa offers them in the off season. Call for reservations, and be sure you understand what the price covers, as drinks, tax, and tip are not always included.
