Ixtapa travel guide

Ixtapa Tourism | Ixtapa Guide

You're Going to Love Ixtapa

With a population of 5 207, Ixtapa is a must-see destination in Guerrero, Mexico. It is one of the most popular cities to visit in the country. We recommend you stay at least 11 days in order to fully appreciate everything Ixtapa has to offer.

When to visit Ixtapa

Ixtapa in September
Estimated package price
$463
2 travelers
Flight to Ixtapa
3 nights at hotel
Ixtapa in September
Estimated package price
$463
2 travelers
Flight to Ixtapa
3 nights at hotel

How to Get to Ixtapa

Plane

When flying to Ixtapa, you’ll arrive at Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Intl (ZIH), which is located 9 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Ixtapa include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways. The shortest flight to Ixtapa from the United States departs from Los Angeles and takes around 3h 29m.

Car

Another option to get to Ixtapa is to pick up a car rental from Morelia, which is about 143 miles from Ixtapa. You’ll find branches of Budget and Hertz, among others, in Morelia.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Ixtapa, including Futura, Parhikuni and PrimeraPlus. From León, the bus ride to Ixtapa takes 445 miles and will cost you around $168. From Mexico City, the ticket costs about $186 for a journey of 750 miles. Ixtapa’s bus station is located 1.1 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Ixtapa, you’ll arrive at Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Intl (ZIH), which is located 9 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Ixtapa include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Qatar Airways. The shortest flight to Ixtapa from the United States departs from Los Angeles and takes around 3h 29m.

Car

Another option to get to Ixtapa is to pick up a car rental from Morelia, which is about 143 miles from Ixtapa. You’ll find branches of Budget and Hertz, among others, in Morelia.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Ixtapa, including Futura, Parhikuni and PrimeraPlus. From León, the bus ride to Ixtapa takes 445 miles and will cost you around $168. From Mexico City, the ticket costs about $186 for a journey of 750 miles. Ixtapa’s bus station is located 1.1 miles from the city center.

Airports near Ixtapa

Airlines serving Ixtapa

KLM
Good (827 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,607 reviews)
Air France
Good (966 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,538 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,106 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,888 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,486 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,532 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,360 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (695 reviews)
Japan Airlines
Excellent (922 reviews)
Aeromexico
Good (829 reviews)
LATAM Airlines
Good (993 reviews)
American Airlines
Good (5,725 reviews)
Sun Country Air
Good (137 reviews)
WestJet
Good (1,859 reviews)
VivaAerobus
Good (431 reviews)
Volaris
Good (720 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Ixtapa

Average rates range from around $280 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $336 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Ixtapa

Most booked hotels in Ixtapa

Thompson Zihuatanejo
5 stars
Excellent (9.2, 135 reviews)
$256+
Azul Ixtapa Grand All Suites Spa & Convention Center
5 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1107 reviews)
$279+
Las Brisas Ixtapa
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1637 reviews)
$150+
Hotel Villa Mexicana
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 120 reviews)
$159+
Azul Ixtapa Beach Resort and Convention Center
5 stars
Excellent (8.4, 629 reviews)
$244+
Barcelo Ixtapa
4 stars
Excellent (8.4, 582 reviews)
$199+

Renting a car in Ixtapa

Renting a car in Ixtapa costs $24 per day, on average, or $259 if you want to rent if for 11 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 2% cheaper than airport locations in Ixtapa.

Expect to pay $5.45 per gallon in Ixtapa (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $65.41 and $87.22. The most frequently booked car type in Ixtapa is Standard (Class Standard SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Beat or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Ixtapa costs $24 per day, on average, or $259 if you want to rent if for 11 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 2% cheaper than airport locations in Ixtapa.

Expect to pay $5.45 per gallon in Ixtapa (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $65.41 and $87.22. The most frequently booked car type in Ixtapa is Standard (Class Standard SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Chevrolet Beat or similar) are, on average, 59% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.