Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mexico
Zihuatanejo Bay and the beaches in and around it are awesomely beautiful, but when you want a bit of a change, there are plenty of day trips to see different aspects of our tropical paradise.
Exploratory day trips out of Zihuatanejo
1
Explore the Xihuacan Museum and Soledad de Maciel archeological site:
A short 40 minute drive outside of town is the small but intensely interesting Xihuacan Museum and Soledad de Maciel Archaeological site. The site features a large ball court and pyramid that are under excavation and restoration. The museum holds a number of artifacts from the various cultures that inhabited in and traded with the area. The site was first inhabited c. 2500 BCE, and it reached the height of its influence between 650 and 950 AD.
2
Birdwatching day trips to Barra and Laguna de Potosi:
A great day trip out of Zihuatanejo is to the Barra de Potosi lagoon to the south, where you can take kayak or boat trips into the lagoon and mangrove wetlands to birdwatch and enjoy nature. Top off your day with a feed of fresh local seafood at one of the many beach front restaurants.
3
Beachcomb along Troncones Beach and tidepool at Manzanillo Bay:
If you love walking the strand, over three miles of wild open-ocean beach with stretches of pure sand punctuated by rock outcroppings await you at Troncones Beach and Manzanillo Bay, a beach front community about 30 minutes’ drive northward from Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Manzanillo Bay has a series of tide pools where you can watch tiny fish in the shallow pools and flocks of seabirds on the rocks as the waves roll by.
4
Snorkeling day trips to Isla Grande (Isla Ixtapa):
Take a bus or taxi out to Playa Linda, check out the crocodiles, iguanas, turtles, and wetland birds, and then jump on a boat to Isla Grande, where you’ll find four beaches with excellent snorkeling and fresh seafood for a day-long adventure. Tours can also be arranged through many of the hotels.
5
Day trips to surf at La Saladita:
Grab your board or rent one at the beach (try Lourdes’ Restaurant) and take a long ride at La Saladita’s rivermouth point break. It’s a great spot for learners, too, and you can sign up for lessons at surf shops in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. La Saladita is located about 40 minutes north of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The beach offers rental accommodation as well as several beach front restaurants serving local seafood and traditional Mexican fare.
