Travel Guide
Move Over Cabo! This Stunning Beach Town Is Mexico’s Trendiest All-Inclusive Getaway
Apr
Don’t tell Sammy Haggar, but it’s time for Cabo to step aside. I’m not saying that just to stoke the fire of many Americans’ favorite beach escape; the numbers back it up in more ways than one.
It’s not exactly a well-kept secret that Cabo’s resorts can be outrageously expensive. That’s one metric.
The next is a new report showing how one lesser-known beach getaway laden with all-inclusive resorts is running out of room(s).
With an impressive 84.6 occupancy rate, along with a 40% increase in travel packages, the paradisal shores of the Ixtapa side of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has become Mexico’s trendiest vacation spot.
You see, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo may be a mouthful, and yes that’s foreshadowing the endless sensational food you can indulge in, but it’s solely Ixtapa that’s become a hotspot compared to neighboring Zihuatenajo (“Zihua”), seeing far less visitors.
I had the pleasure of visiting Ixtapa last winter. No lie – it’s now my favorite beach destination in Mexico (and I’ve seen a lot of Mexico)!
If you’re tired of the same-o-same-o and looking for something new, Ixtapa is the place for you.
Hidden islands? Secret ruins? Cabo and Cancun can’t say that…
Ixtapa > Zihua: Has The Script Flipped?
Anyone digging into travel news over the past couple of years has surely seen “Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo” on multiple Mexico’s must-visit lists, including our own.
With new flights and more hype, it’s actually been Zihua that’s been specifically highlighted as a delightful, authentic coastal village without the glitz of typical beach resorts.
But Ixtapa is saying “hold my cerveza” and having a moment all on its own and I’m a little upset about it since my girlfriend and I have had multiple conversations about buying a condo here after our recent visit.
So, if you could do us a favor and hold off visiting until after we purchase, that would be greatly appreciated because the housing prices are too good to be true!
Kidding, of course. Do as you please and know that it’s not only $57,000 condos that are super affordable here; it’s the beachfront resorts too.
Whether the Ixtapa side is truly better than the Zihua side is up for debate, but Ixtapa’s edge is more resorts, and I loved every second of my vacation.
According to TripAdvisor, these are travelers’ 5 favorite all-inclusive resorts in Ixtapa:
- Qualton Club Ixtapa
- Emporio Ixtapa
- Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa
- Club Med Ixtapa Pacific
- Hotel Fontan Ixtapa
I stayed at Barcelo Ixtapa Beach Resort, which is going for $153 per night in June. Read all about my stay here.
Blue-Flag Beaches & A Secret Island Only $5 To Reach
Between both towns, there are numerous Blue Flag-certified beaches to visit, some of which are backdropped by luxurious resorts.
My favorite was Playa El Palmar — truly one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve visited and you don’t have to worry about sargassum invasions ruining your beach days here.
But the beach I recommend even more is Isla Ixtapa, a place numerous Barcelo guests I mingled with had no idea existed.
Offshore from Playa Linda, another gorgeous beach, you’ll hop aboard a quick ride on the very official (wink, wink) water taxi for just a few bucks plus a tip.
While Isla Ixtapa is a bit rocky, it truly does feel like a private oasis since most tourists don’t leave the grounds of their chosen resort.
Snorkel the crystal-clear waters teeming with an array of aquatic life and kick back in the shade with a cheap Mexican beer in hand and whatever the freshly made “catch of the day” entails.
Ask for Carlos at El Indio. He speaks English and will set you up with snorkel equipment, sunblock, and anything else you need.
Tulum Who? Ixtapa’s Ruins Are Mexico’s Best Kept Secret
If Ixtapa has one blemish, it’s the state it’s located in, Guerrero. The U.S. State Department classifies Guerrero as a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination, but Ixtapa and Zihua are exceptions to the rule.
There’s no mention of either town in the travel advisory. That being said, Ixtapa’s Xihuacan (a.k.a. “La Chole”) is roughly 40 minutes outside the city limits, likely deterring many tourists from visiting given the Level 4 status.
The site dates back 3,000 years and is free to enter. Once you arrive, you’ll discover a museum of artifacts used by various cultures, including clay pyramids and a Mesoamerican ball court.
For a safe and TripAdvisor-approved tour, go with Xihuacan Culture and Archaeology Tour.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
