Daytrips and Sidetrips
What can you expect to see on short day trips or longer one or two-day side trips from the Ixtapa Zihuatanejo area? On the short trips, you can visit a couple of the nearby towns such as Petatlan or La Union, with their typically Mexican markets, airy coastal architecture and small-town simplicity, or the beach communities of Troncones Beach and Barra de Potosi for a change from the town beach bustle of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa proper.
The more adventurous side-trip traveler might venture into the mangrove wetlands and lagoons that provide excellent spots for kayaking and birdwatching trips, or check out the archaeological ruins and museum at La Chole (Soledad de Maciel). There are beaches and palm groves galore to explore in this region of the Pacific coast.
Farther afield, if you have the time and rent a car or want to experience the communality of bus travel in Mexico, you can take trips up into the hills of Guerrero and Michoacan, either to the south toward Acapulco and thence into the interior to visit the colonial silver-mining center of Taxco (this trip will take you at least 6 hours by car, longer by bus), or northward, following the new Morelia highway, to take in the wealth of arts and crafts available in the region of Uruapan, Patzcuaro and Morelia, Michocan. This excursion will take you from about 3 hours to 4 hours, depending on your final destination.
Acapulco view
Acapulco Area
Acapulco can be a day trip but because it is over 200 kilometers to the south of Zihuatanejo, it is a long and exhausting one. It’s always much better to budget at least one overnight stay should you wish to visit this old-favorite of the original Mexican resort town.
Read more about Acapulco…
Barra & Laguna de Potosi
Located at the southern end of Playa Larga lies Barra de Potosi, offering numerous enramadas serving fresh seafood, and boat tours of the Potosi Lagoon – an excellent excursion for the appreciation of nature and the wonders of the wetlands. Kayak rentals are available for birdwatching expeditions. The ocean beach here is generally fairly protected from the high surf prevalent along the rest of Playa Blanca and Playa Larga to the north, and so is much more apt for swimming and water sports. The lagoon itself is largely shallow and good for wading and gentle frolic.
Read more about Barra and Laguna de Potosi…
La Soledad de Maciel (La Chole)
La Soledad de Maciel town and archaeological site, also known in the region as “La Chole”, is located about 20 kilometers to the southeast of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo near Petatan, accessible via Highway 200.
Visit La Chole…
La Union
La Union is a small, sleepy and very typically Mexican town located inland and to the north of Troncones Beach. Driving northward from Ixtapa along Federal Highway 200, continue past the Troncones Beach turnoff and several small towns, and keep a look out for the La Union Junction to the right. There is a small settlement with a Pemex station at the junction.
Read more about La Union…
Patzcuaro
Plaza Don Vasco
Patzcuaro lies in the mountains of the neighboring state of Michoacan. The opening of the Morelia-Lazaro Cardenas highway has allowed an interchange of tourism between the interior and coastal areas that prior to 2000 necessitated a long and nerve-wracking drive of some 8 to 9 hours; now Patzcuaro is a mere 3 to 3-1/2 hours away. Buses run regularly between Patzcuaro and Zihuatanejo, and the new highway is an easy and pretty drive for anyone with their own or a rented vehicle. Budget at least two days for a Patzcuaro trip, and three or more days is recommended to really take in the sights and crafts you’ll find in the area. Patzcuaro’s climate is totally distinct from that of Zihuatanejo: be prepared for cool to cold evenings and nights. Due to the high altitude, the sun is strong in the daytime when you’re out in it full-force, but being out in the shade or after sun sets will bring on the chill and cold. Go prepared with sweaters or jackets, long pants and warm footwear. If you’re driving from Zihuatanejo, head north on Coastal highway 200 in the direction of Lazaro Cardenas. At approximately km 70 is the well-marked turnoff onto the Cuota (toll) highway to Uruapan, Morelia and Patzcuaro.
Playa Troncones & Manzanillo Bay
The Troncones Beach community is located about 1/2 hours’ drive to the north of Ixtapa Zihuatanejo, accessible by coastal highway 200. Miles of white beach, tranquility and solitude and a great number of quaint-to-luxurious accommodations to choose from for your stay should you choose to spend the night or your whole vacation there.
Find out more about Troncones Beach…
Petatlan, Guerrero
Petatlan is a short 30-minute drive from Zihuatanejo toward the south, on the highway to Acapulco. The town boasts a well-known but modern church, rather than an older colonial-style structure, which has attracted attention because of the miracles claimed to have taken place there. In front of the church is a fascinating gold market and colorful, typical street market where pretty well everything can be found. Excursions can be made by local bus, rental car or taxi.
Taxco, Mexico
Taxco, Guerrero
In 1990 Taxco de Alarcon, with its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and the magnificent Temple of Santa Prisca, was decreed a National Historical monument. It is located in the hills of the State of Guerrero and grew up as one of Mexico’s most important silver mining centers of the colonial era. Taxco is at an altitude of 1,645 meters above sea level. A trip to Taxco requires at least 2 to 3 days in order to really appreciate its beauty and charm.
