Main beachPlaya El Palmar
Stroll the 2 km golden crescent fronting the resort strip — big Pacific swells, boogie boarders, and fiery sunsets.
Ixtapa, Mexico
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At a glance
Everything you need to know about Ixtapa
Ixtapa is Mexico's purpose-built Pacific resort town, a tidy strip of beachfront all-inclusives lining the golden sweep of Playa El Palmar. Just 7 km down the coast sits its soul mate, the old fishing village of Zihuatanejo, with a horseshoe bay, palapa seafood shacks, and the beloved Playa La Ropa. Together they offer warm Pacific swells, offshore reefs at Isla Ixtapa, world-class sailfish grounds, and a long, reliable dry season from late autumn through spring.
Ixtapa, Mexican PacificClimate
Climate
28–33°C · dry-season sun
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Hot, sunny and dry from November to May; June–October is the greener, wetter Pacific storm season.
Currency
Mexican Peso
1 CAD ≈ 13 MXN · USD accepted in resorts
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport only
Top Experiences in Ixtapa
Main beach
Boat tripIsla Ixtapa Snorkel
Hop the short panga ride to this protected island for calm Playa Varadero, coral, and beachfront palapa seafood.
Next doorZihuatanejo & Playa La Ropa
Wander the old fishing town's malecón and market, then unwind on the calm, swimmable sands of Playa La Ropa.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need to enter Mexico for tourism stays of up to 180 days — no visa required.
Tourist entry (FMM): You'll receive a tourist entry permit on arrival; keep the stamped portion safe, as you may need it when you depart.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Mexico. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Ixtapa uses 127V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — the same as Canada, so your devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Ixtapa runs on Central Time (no daylight saving) — one to two hours behind Toronto depending on the season.
Best time to visit Ixtapa
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry, sunny and warm — the busiest and priciest stretch for Canadian snowbirds.
May – JunShoulder season
Hot with rising humidity and great value before the rains build.
Jul – AugShoulder season
Green and lush with warm afternoon showers; lively for Mexican summer holidays.
Sep – OctWettest months
Peak Pacific storm season — heaviest rain and the highest hurricane risk.
Where to stay
Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo zones
The twin towns of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo offer everything from purpose-built resort strips to a laid-back fishing village. Here's how to choose your base.
Playa El Palmar
Ixtapa Zona Hotelera
The main resort strip — a straight run of beachfront all-inclusives on a wide golden beach, with shops and restaurants steps away.
Best for
- First-timers
- Families
- All-inclusive
Marina Ixtapa
North Ixtapa
A yacht-lined marina district with waterfront dining, an 18-hole golf course, and calmer boutique stays.
Best for
- Couples
- Golf
- Dining
Zihuatanejo Centro
7 km south
The old fishing town around a horseshoe bay — cobbled lanes, a lively fish market, the malecón, and family-run seafood palapas.
Best for
- Culture
- Foodies
- Value
Playa La Ropa
Zihuatanejo bay
Zihuatanejo's finest beach — a calm, swimmable cove backed by boutique hotels, beach clubs, and sunset views.
Best for
- Couples
- Swimming
- Beach clubs
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Ixtapa
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a great launch point for the Pacific coast's beaches, reefs, and fishing villages. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your resort desk.
Island EscapeIsla Ixtapa Snorkel & Beach Day
Full day · 6 hrsOffshore · 10 min by panga
Boat to this protected island for calm-water snorkelling at Playa Varadero and fresh seafood under the palms.
Insider tips
- Rent gear on the island
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen
Culture & FoodZihuatanejo Town & Market Tour
Half day · 4 hrs7 km south · 15 min by car
Explore the old fishing village's malecón, artisan shops, and bustling mercado with a local guide.
Insider tips
- Bring pesos for the market
- Try the grilled fish tacos
On the WaterPacific Sailfish Fishing Charter
Full day · 7 hrsOffshore · From the marina
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is one of the world's top sailfish grounds — head out with a crew for big-game action.
Insider tips
- Catch-and-release is standard
- Take motion-sickness meds early
Sunset SailSunset Catamaran Cruise
Half day · 3 hrsCoastal · From the marina
Sail the coast at golden hour with open bar and music, watching the sun drop into the Pacific.
Insider tips
- Bring a light layer for the breeze
- Book the earlier departure for sunset
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Good to know
Ixtapa travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Ixtapa?
No. Canadian citizens don't need a visa to visit Mexico for tourism — a valid passport covers stays of up to 180 days.
How long is the flight from Canada to Ixtapa?
Seasonal non-stop flights are about 5h 35m from Toronto to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (ZIH), with service from Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver too.
When is the best time to visit Ixtapa?
The dry season from December to April is the peak — hot, sunny days and calm evenings. September and October are the wettest, so most Canadians travel in winter and spring.
What's the difference between Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo?
Ixtapa is the modern, purpose-built resort strip with beachfront all-inclusives; Zihuatanejo, 7 km away, is the original fishing village with an authentic town, market, and quiet beaches like Playa La Ropa.
Is Ixtapa safe for tourists?
The Ixtapa resort zone and Zihuatanejo's tourist areas are well-patrolled and welcoming. Use normal precautions and stick to marked beaches, as the open Pacific can have strong currents.
What currency should I bring?
The Mexican Peso (MXN) is the local currency. US dollars are widely accepted in resorts, but paying in pesos usually gives better value.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Healthcare in Mexico is private and can be costly without coverage, and provincial health plans don't apply.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add trips like the Isla Ixtapa Snorkel Day and the Pacific Sailfish Fishing Charter to your booking at checkout.