Ixtapa Vacations

Important Travel Information for Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo

• ATMAvailable
• Bars and Night LifeGood - mostly limited to hotels
• Car RentalsRight hand drive- available
• CasinosNone
• Credit CardsWidely Accepted
• DivingAvailable
• Golf2 - 18 hole courses
• RestaurantsGood - mostly limited to hotels
• Sight SeeingLimited
• Time ZoneCentral
• VegetationPalm fringed beaches set against lush hillside
• WaterBottled water recommended for drinking and brushing teeth
• Water SportsGood, especially sport fishing

Ixtapa Vacations: Package Holidays for Serenity Seekers

General Information About Ixtapa Vacations

Ixtapa, located southwest of Mexico City and just outside of Zihuantanejo, along part of the Mexican Riviera known as "The Golden Pacific," is the perfect destination for those in search of a relaxing escape from it all. Ixtapa vacations are best known and appreciated for providing good value, a relatively quiet environment, and good golfing options. Generally, Ixtapa vacation packages appeal to couples and families who can appreciate the slower pace of a holiday destination where nightlife is not a featured selling point.

Whether golfing, shopping, or deep sea fishing on your Ixtapa package holiday, you will appreciate the limited time required for travel, primarily by taxi, to various points of interest. The relatively short drive from the airport is only 20 minutes, so you'll start enjoying your Ixtapa vacation soon after your flight touches down. This resort area is relatively small, centred around a plaza that runs the length of the Pacific sand beach. The more intimate setting serves to enhance the serenity of an Ixtapa vacation package experience – a true escape from the hustle and bustle. Banking via ATM machines is available at various locations, and credit cards are widely accepted at Ixtapa vacation resorts, restaurants, and shops. As with many sun destinations, we recommend bottled water only for you Ixtapa package holiday.

The Dia de la Marina holiday occurs on May 02nd.

Sand and Sun on Your Ixtapa Vacation

In general, the relatively wide, continuous beaches that you will encounter on your all-inclusive Ixtapa vacation are good, featuring Pacific (tan-coloured) sand. Although beaches are swimmable, caution should be exercised due to the steep drop-off and resulting rollers and undertow.

When considering available dates for booking your all-inclusive Ixtapa vacation package, you will be pleased to know that the weather is generally good all year round – better than Manzanillo, and not as humid as Acapulco, for comparison. The average temperature throughout the year is 28?C (82?F), but it can be slightly hot and humid from June to September, when you can expect increased rainfall, particularly in the afternoon. Although any time of year is good to book an all-inclusive Ixtapa package holiday, the ideal weather is between November to April, featuring dry cooler mornings, and warm afternoons.

Hurricane season, with its unpredictability of storm events, typically lasts from July through December, peaking from mid-August to mid-December. Although Ixtapa vacations are generally less impacted by hurricanes when compared with Caribbean destinations, the possibility remains. However, when booking Ixtapa vacation packages, you can rest assured that tour operators will not fly you into a hurricane, will act fast to get you out in the event of any development, and will offer an alternative destination or travel credit by way of compensation if your holiday plans are affected. You can find great Ixtapa vacation package deals during hurricane season, and the economic advantage is well worth considering. We recommend that you speak with one of our tripcentral agents to fully understand the great value benefit vs. limited risk associated with travel to this region during hurricane season.
 

Things to See and Do on Your Ixtapa Package Vacation

As discussed, Ixtapa packages are not for those in search of nightlife – Ixtapa vacations generally appeal to couples and families. However, there's plenty for you to do on your all-inclusive Ixtapa vacation, aside from enjoying the wonderful sun and sand, such as enjoying the variety shops and restaurants that are available. Many fine shopping plazas and low rise individual stores are located across from the major line of hotels. There are souvenir shops, markets and lots of art galleries for browsing. As well, there are a good variety of restaurants in the plaza, including Carlos & Charlies. Although restaurants may not be considered "high-end," there is a full range of restaurants, including steakhouses, Italian, and conventional Mexican dining. To experience the "best" dining while on your Ixtapa vacation, stick to the hotel restaurants.

If you wish to further enhance your all-inclusive Ixtapa vacation package with sporting activities, try deep sea fishing, a very popular attraction in this area. Although Ixtapa vacations may not have much to offer in the way of snorkelling, there are more than 30 locations for scuba diving – more than enough to explore the wonders of the Pacific. Also, you may wish to enjoy one of the many hiking and/or horseback riding day trips during your Ixtapa vacation. For the golfing aficionado, all-inclusive Ixtapa packages may be enhanced to include golf at one of two golf courses – one in the heart of the hotel zone, reasonably priced, and of good quality. Your tripcentral agent can provide you with all of the information that you need to ensure that your Ixtapa vacation package includes all of the activities that you desire. One final note, for those considering a holiday around the beginning of May, don't miss the Dia de la Marina holiday celebrations on May 2nd – a nice addition to your all-inclusive Ixtapa vacation package.

All-Inclusive Ixtapa Vacation Package Availability, Accommodations, and Value

All-inclusive Ixtapa vacation package availability is comparatively limited, with flights offered year round from Toronto, and Eastern and Western Canada during the winter season. Ixtapa vacation hotels, typically small high-rise structures, are located along a hotel strip, set in a bay that is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range. As mentioned, all-inclusive Ixtapa packages offer a quiet pace, suitable for those in search of a relaxing vacation. All-inclusive Ixtapa packages are a good value for those suited to this destination – pricier than Puerto Vallarta, but cheaper than Cancun.

Because of the relatively intimate environment and serenity that can be expected from Ixtapa vacations, this destination makes an ideal location for a wedding, and they are certainly popular here. If you are interested in planning your dream wedding under the sun, speak with one of our tripcentral agents to ensure that you book early enough to ensure availability.

Ixtapa Vacations Pictures

Beach view - Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Mexico