Overview
Zihuatanejo is a laid-back fishing town turned resort on Mexico's Pacific coast in the state of Guerrero, sitting alongside its purpose-built neighbour Ixtapa. Cobbled streets, a working harbour and golden-sand beaches give it a more authentic feel than many Mexican resort destinations, making it a popular choice for UK travellers seeking sunshine without the crowds.
Best time to fly to Zihuatanejo
The dry season, from November to April, brings the most reliable sunshine, warm seas and little rain - the best time to fly to Zihuatanejo for guaranteed beach weather. This is also peak season, so fares and hotel rates climb around Christmas, New Year and Easter. The wetter months of June to October bring short afternoon downpours and a higher chance of tropical storms, but airfares are typically lower and the scenery turns lush - worth it if you're chasing a bargain.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Zihuatanejo from the UK, so every journey involves at least one connection. British Airways flies non-stop from London Heathrow to Mexico City in around 11-12 hours, then a short domestic hop with Aeromexico or Viva Aerobus gets you to Zihuatanejo in under 90 minutes. Routing via a US hub such as Houston or Dallas with United or American also works well, especially in winter when seasonal non-stop US-Zihuatanejo services run. Total journey time is typically 15 to 19 hours including connections.
Things to do in Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo rewards travellers who like their beach holidays with a dose of local character. Highlights include:
- Playa La Ropa: the town's best swimming beach, lined with relaxed palapa restaurants.
- Playa Las Gatas: a sheltered cove reached by water taxi, ideal for snorkelling.
- El Centro and the harbourfront: browse the pier, seafood stalls and the weekly craft market.
- Isla Ixtapa: a short boat ride from Ixtapa, with clear water and beach clubs.
- Barra de Potosi: a quiet lagoon village south of town, great for birdwatching and fresh fish.
At Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH)
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) sits around 15km south of Zihuatanejo and roughly 25km from Ixtapa. Licensed taxis and pre-paid airport shuttles (colectivos) run to both areas, with a taxi to Zihuatanejo centre taking about 20 minutes and costing noticeably less than the transfer to Ixtapa's hotel zone. Several hotels also offer pre-arranged private transfers, worth booking ahead in peak season.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Zihuatanejo
- Book ahead for winter: fares rise quickly as December-April dates approach - use the When to book chart above to spot the best window.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekend flights.
- Stay flexible on dates: shifting your trip by a few days either side can unlock better connections and lower fares.
- Compare routings: check the price charts on this page for both the Mexico City and US-hub options, as the cheapest route can change month to month.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a visa for tourist stays of up to 180 days in Mexico, but you will need a completed tourist card (FMM), usually issued on arrival or included with your flight. The local currency is the Mexican peso; cards are widely accepted in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, though pesos help for markets and taxis. No mandatory vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is sensible for this tropical coastal climate.
