A Digital Nomad Guide to Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo Visa

Obtaining a visa for coming into the country is a super simple process. Mexico offers visa exemption for some countries which is valid for a stay of 180 days if it is for tourism. If you want to stay longer than this, the easiest thing to do is a border hop. Just exit the country in any manner you wish and come back in to receive another visa for 180 days. If you do this too many times you may run into trouble, so it’s worth looking into obtaining a type of residency if you want to stay for several years. This visa exemption applies to 70 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and the Schengen Area. 

If you do require a visa, the application is uncomplicated. It takes two days to process and costs 44 USD. There are 131 countries that need to complete this visa process. Give yourself a few months in advance to apply for it just to be safe. It’s always good to check online for your country’s specific requirements. Some do require an FMM Card upon entering as well. This document is obtained electronically before traveling into the country. The form is simple, requiring only basic information and a payment of an additional fee. Always make sure your passport is valid for at least six more months from your date of entry.

Culture and Food in Zihuatanejo

Take a cooking class to get the best of both cuisine and culture. Patio Mexica is a great way to learn about and enjoy the traditional food of the area. Monica is an amazing teacher who will guide you through the culinary process step by step, including going to the market and finding the freshest ingredients. Then, in an informative yet informal open-air setting, show you how to make authentic popular plates of the area from scratch. 

For street food, you will find a few vendors with stands along the sides of the street, usually they will offer tamales, fresh fruit, ice cream, or drinks. Most places for quick eats costing a few pesos are restaurants or stalls. You will find many at the Mercado in Centro. Plenty offer cheap and fast tacos, carnitas, or sopes. Escobar’s is by far the best if you ask me. If you need to cool off, stop at any Paleteria for a handmade popsicle at 15 pesos or less. 

Comida Casera is one of the best things you can get in Guerrero. This means you’re getting an authentic and traditional home-cooked meal. It comes with rice, beans, tortillas, and whatever meat they have made that day. Sometimes it’s pollo con mole, other times it’s bistec a la mexicana. Whatever they are serving up, you’re in for a delicious dish. The savory pork soup called Pozole is a popular pick here as well. They have entire restaurants dedicated to just this so be sure to give it a try.  

Seafood is plentiful around any part of Zihua. All kinds of mariscos will be available at restaurants and tiendas, and everything is always fresh. It’s common to come across shrimp, octopus, tuna, marlin, and more. You can order any way you wish, in ceviche, fried with coconut, or grilled with spices. One of the most popular seafood dishes of this specific region is called Tiratas. It’s made with fresh raw fish (whatever the catch of the day is, usually tuna or sailfish) that is marinated in lime juice. It’s mixed with fresh onion and spices and served with tortillas or saltines. It’s the perfect meal for a warm day in the golden sun of the coast. 

Tacos de Carbon Vina are, and I do not say this lightly, the best tacos I’ve ever had. A well-kept secret, you’ll be hard pressed to find another tourist who knows about this hidden gem. It’s on the far end of the city and only opens after 6 PM. It’s a sit-down space that serves only six types of meat, all cooked to perfection, and each offered until they inevitably run out. The portions are hefty for cheap, and you can add whatever fixings you want on top yourself. 

If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, it can be a hard place to eat out as most of the food is centered on carne and queso. However, there are a few spots around town catering to these crowds – try La Raíz de la Tierra or La Ola. Your best bet will be to buy fresh ingredients from the local market and cook most of your meals at home. If all else fails, there is always guacamole! 

In general, the food scene is very accessible, and you can really find something delicious around every corner. It’s important to note that there are regional styles of serving certain dishes here. You may order a quesadilla expecting to get a soft tortilla folded in half and end up with a fried pastry. You may order tacos expecting a small tortilla topped with meat, onion, and cilantro only to receive an order that looks much like a flauta topped with crema and cotija. There are no chains in Zihuatanejo (only Ixtapa) so don’t expect to see a McDonalds or a Dominoes like you normally do in a city. They do have a diverse scene, so if you’re craving cuisines other than Mexican, don’t worry – it’s easy to find Chinese, Italian, and American eateries.

Zihuatanejo Nightlife

There are plenty of places to party in Zihuatanejo depending on your preferred vibe. Keep in mind if you travel to the smaller, sleepier towns nearby like Playa Blanca or Barra, it’s likely everything will be closed after sunset. However, up until then, you can get giant margaritas or pina coladas for only 80 pesos as you soak up the ocean scenery. 

In Zihua, there are many busy bars near the marina. If you wander the streets along the harbor, you’re sure to find the happening place for the evening, just look for the lights and music. Mezcal is a popular drink of the area, just think of it as Tequila’s smokier cousin. If you like the flavor, this is the place to get the good stuff. The typical drink you will find at most places are Margaritas, Pina Coladas, Coronas, or Victorias. If you’re feeling very adventurous, try the local Coco Loco, served in a fresh coconut and a heavier heaping of hooch than most can handle. 

Canto de las Sirenas is a bit outside of where you may find most other bustling bars. It’s a bit of a hidden gem and doesn’t usually get started until after 22:00, while other watering holes can be winding down. You may have to pay a cover, but it’s always lively with locals having the time of their lives with some of the best bands around. Get ready to dance, sing, and share smiles with strangers over drinks until the early hours. 

Kokomo Bar offers the typical traveler atmosphere. It’s a small hole in the wall with shelves stocked full of every type of booze imaginable. Grab a seat at the bar or one of the few tables, and you’re in for a night of lively fun with locals and visitors alike. Banidido’s is also a popular choice with loud music and plenty of TVs for watching sports. They have certain themed nights with live music and dancing such as Salsa. There is plenty of space to accommodate everyone, as it can fill up quickly. 

El Manglar is a special destination for a serene evening. It’s set in a stunning mangrove, hidden away behind the bay. Though perfectly safe, it may not be for the faint of heart as there is a large population of crocodiles on site. They stay behind a small fence, mostly to allow the iguanas to roam free and thrive as well. From Playa La Ropa you can find it just over a small footbridge. Let loose in the secluded jungle landscape with a few expertly mixed cocktails as you watch in wonder at these prehistoric looking creatures.

Things to do in Zihuatanejo

The Parthenon is something of an alluring urban legend in Zihua. Set high up in the hills, see if you can spot it from the shores of La Ropa. The tale goes that it was once the home of infamous corrupt police chief El Negro. He worked in Mexico City in the late 1970s creating around him a culture of fear and immorality. He used his illegally obtained fortune to build this Greek-style palace. Once lavishly decorated with faux classical statues, gardens, porticos, and pools, it’s now a dilapidated ruin of its former glory. Tread carefully, but there is often a single guard who will let you explore the expansive grounds for a small fee. 

• Playa La Ropa

  Parasailing is available easily from the shores of Playa La Ropa. They will send someone up every 20 minutes or so. It should only cost about 400 pesos and it is as thrilling as it is stunning.  They will strap you in right from the sandy beach, pull you by boat so you soar around the entire bay, and land you safely right back where you began.

• Bioluminescence of Zihua

  If you swim at the right place at the right time, you can experience the bioluminescence of Zihua. It’s best and brightest between the months of December and May. The plankton in the sea produces and emits a light that causes a natural and magical phenomenon where the ocean waters appear to sparkle. It’s best on the shores of Playa Blanca, with no light pollution or people to interfere. Try it out during the new moon when the sky is as dark as possible.

• Surfing

  Surfing is a popular pastime in this laidback city. Barra de Potosi offers some of the best waves around, as its swell is superb. It’s fun for everyone from beginners to those more experienced. The break is soft so its always safe, and it’s best to go in the morning or the evening. It’s easy to rent a board for a couple hundred pesos from Chimi, the local surf guru. His board storage space is right by the beach with a surfer painted on the side so you can’t miss it. It’s never too crowded, so it’s easy to paddle out and catch as many waves as you want. Troncones is also a popular haven to hang ten. It’s similarly uncrowded and undeveloped, with local shops and hotels without the touristy touch. The waves can be a bit bigger here, so it often draws in the more serious surfers. You can easily rent a board from Tsunami Surf in Troncones Point. Both are about a 30-minute trip from Centro on a collectivo.

• Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli

  Campamento Tortuguero Ayotlcalli is a fabulous sea turtle rescue and conservation center. The beach of Playa Blanca is a popular nesting site for several species, and this center works hard to protect them. For a small donation, you can hear an informative talk on the subject to learn all about the project and at the end you will get to release a newly hatched baby sea turtle out into the ocean as the sunsets. It’s really a win-win.

• Whale Watching

  Whale Watching is one of the best things to do in Zihuatanejo. You can take a tour from any of the beaches and an expert will guide you exactly where to go to get the best sightings of these majestic and massive sea creatures. From December to April is the best season to see humpbacks as this is when they swim effortlessly through the warm waters of the Pacific. If it’s not the season, you can still take a beautiful boat tour out to sea and odds are you will encounter other marine life, such as dolphins. Dive Zihua and Picante Cruises are popular picks, but there’s also plenty of individual outfits that will take you out on their vessels and show you all there is to see in the sea. They are easy to find down by the marina or by simply asking around at any hotel or restaurant.

• Spearfish

  As a former fishing village, this town has still got a diverse and vibrant scene for the anglers out there. You can charter a boat to take you out on open waters in search of the catch of your dreams. There are other tours you can do as well, such as learning to spearfish. Many times, if you take a guided excursion, they will cut and cook whatever you have caught right on the boat. Inshore, you’re likely to reel in snapper, grouper, mackerel, and yellowtail. Offshore get ready to hook sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado and wahoo. You can also rent a reel or bring your own to fish right off of the pier in Playa Principal. Barra de Potosi is a town still heavily reliant on fishing, so head down to join the small group throwing nets or casting lines straight from the shore.

• Scuba Diving

  There are several spots you can go scuba diving off the coast of Zihua at different depths, ranging from five to 30 meters. There are some coral reefs to see, along with brightly colored fish, manta rays, and sea turtles. The water is fairly clear, though not what most would deem ideal conditions. It’s a fun experience and definitely worth a look at the local underwater ecosystem. However, if you’ve been diving and snorkeling in some hotspots around the world, this plunge might not live up to the same standards. The current is never too strong, so it’s a great place for beginners. Some better snorkeling spots are Los Morros, the large rocks you can see sticking out of the ocean directly across from Playa Blanca, and Las Gatas around the far end of the coastal curve past Playa Ropa.

• Plaza del Artista

  There is a farmers’ market every Saturday in the city at Plaza del Artista in Playa Principal. There are vendors of an array of all natural, local, and handmade products. Called Eco-Tianguis, it’s a veritable haven for gourmet and artisan goodies with plenty of organic vegetarian and vegan treats as well. There’s fresh produce and recycled crafts to peruse or purchase. There are often events as well, from lectures of local environmental groups to live music to enjoy as you browse the booths. It’s a great way to meet people in the community and support local businesses.

Best Time to Visit Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo exists in a tropical climate all year-round. The dry season is also the cooler season, which is from October to April. The coldest month is January, with average temperatures around 26 degrees Celsius. This simply means you may need a light layer in the evening, and you probably won’t have to sleep with the fan on. It never gets so cold that the beach isn’t enjoyable, and the sea stays warm in every season. During this time, it’s consistently sunny with blue skies nearly every day. The afternoons always stay hot, and the sun stays strong. The most popular time for tourists is from November to February, as to escape the Winter in their home countries. 

The hot season is also the rainy season which is from May to September. The hottest month of the year is July, with temperatures reaching up to 36 degrees Celsius. While the rain does conveniently help to cool down these high heats during this time, it can be quite humid, and it often means the mosquitoes are out in full force. However, many enjoy the relaxing and cozy climate at this time of year. Everything slows down, and the rain can be very beautiful and a welcome change of pace, especially if you enjoy a good thunderstorm. This is the least busy season, so you won’t find nearly as much tourist activity.

Zihuatanejo for Families

Zihua is an extremely safe city, and there’s plenty to do that’s kid and family friendly. Some resorts cater to children and will provide childcare services, events, and activities for all the little ones. Look into Hotel Villa Mexicana and Marea Villas for this type of set up. 

Jardin de Ninos is an amazing daycare in the area. Instituto Montisori is a private education institution based on the teaching system of the same name. Colegio Bertha Von Glumer is a place for private preschool, primary, and secondary education. There are plenty of public primary and secondary schools to choose from as well, named Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo, Cuitlahuac, Leona Vicario, Antonio Abarca Memije, Benito Juarez, and Adolfo Lopez Mateo. Colegio Integral Rotterdam provides preschool, primary, secondary, and high school levels of learning and is one of the best spots to enroll in the area. 

Many of the nonprofits hold summer camps for kids in the more rural areas such as Amigos de Animales and Campamento Tortuguero Ayoticalli. La Ropa is a great beach for children to frolic on. There’s plenty of space, the sand is soft, and the waves are gentle for swimming. Bring some beach toys to spend a day under the palms building sandcastles or searching for the perfect shell for their collection. 

Go horseback riding on the beach! This can be arranged on any of the beaches in Zihua, and it’s a fun activity for the whole family. The horses are well trained, and it’s such a memorable experience especially at sunset. 

Visit Casa de La Cultura. This is a community space that offers all kinds of classes to adults and children alike. They have a wide range of skills and hobbies to explore from dance to arts to crafts to instruments to acrobatics.

Living in Zihuatanejo

Zihuatanejo Transportation

You can arrive in Zihuatanejo by plane or by bus. The bus station is in the center of the city, and there’s only one where every company converges. There is an international airport as well called Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, and it’s set halfway between Zihua and Barra de Potosi. Flights often come from Mexico City, US, or Canada, along with a few other popular provinces in the country.  

One of the best things about Zihuatanejo is how accessible the city is. The entire city is a manageable size, and all of the neighborhoods really are walkable. It’s also incredibly easy to get from Zihua to its surrounding towns using the small white shuttle buses that you will see everywhere you go. They are called collectivos or combis, and you can get anywhere for only a few pesos. Each has the name of its destination plastered across the front, and you can flag them down from any point, though there are specific bus stops where you can sit and wait for the one you need to show up. Keep in mind they stop running by about 19:00 or so. 

Taxis are also easy to find if you’re looking for a faster and more comfortable ride. Anywhere within the city should be about 50 pesos. If you take one farther out to the Airport or even to Barra, it will be a few hundred pesos. Sometimes they will add an extra fee on top if it is late at night or if you request the air conditioning to be turned on. Tipping is customary for some things in Mexico. As a foreigner the taxi driver will usually expect this from you, so it’s nice to give some extra pesos once you arrive. If you like your driver and think you will be taking taxis often, it’s a good idea to get their information so you can just call whenever you need them, most will offer this service. 

If you need to rent a car, it’s best to do this at the airport, though it is really very expensive. Depending on how long you are staying, it can be cheaper to buy an old car – vintage beetles are surprisingly cheap in the area. You can also often find motorbikes for sale on Facebook for 5,000 pesos. Be sure to check what paperwork is required – sometimes a special license is needed, especially for a motorbike moving between towns. If you want to get a regular driver’s license, here it’s very easy. You will just need to pay as there is no test required. 

If you are driving, be prepared to go through some military checkpoints. These are very normal and there is no need for alarm. They very rarely stop you or ask you anything at all. There are special police that deal only with traffic in Zihua, so make sure you are following all of the speed limits and driving rules. Like anywhere, you can hear stories of scams, such as the cops asking for bribes if they pull you over or people stealing your license plate while parked and then asking for money to get it back. I personally have never experienced anything of the sort and don’t believe it to be a cause for concern, however it’s often best if those situations arise to just pay and chalk it up to part of the lifestyle.

Fitness and Health

There are many great options for staying fit.

Zihuatanejo People

The culture of Zihuatanejo has a way of sticking with you. It worms its way into your heart and there it stays, forever holding the joy and freedom that comes with a life of simple pleasures in a natural oasis. A large part of this alluring atmosphere is the warm and welcoming people of the area. Like anywhere you travel, it’s important to be safe, smart, respectful, and considerate of the culture. Learn a few words of Spanish and most will be happy to help you figure out the rest. The town is very safe, and the community is kind. 

Zihuatanejo was originally known as Chequetan. Its full moniker today is technically Zihuatanejo de Azueta. This is after Jose Azueta, who fought in the US insurrection at Veracruz in 1914. Among the first inhabitants were the Coixcas in the 15th Century, part of the pre-Hispanic dominion called Cuitlatepan. The main settlement was then called Xihuacan, whose ruins you can still visit today, it’s the only trace remaining of this era and its people. In 1520 the Spaniards arrived, sent by Cortes in search of gold.

In the 19th Century it was a favorite town for Spanish explorers to stop on their shipping routes. They often used this port, and the coconut palm tree was brought over from Asia on these such occurrences, changing the landscape of Zihua forever. To this day, you will find a surplus of fresh coconuts everywhere you go while here. 

Still a sleepy little fishing village in the 1960s, there was a sudden rush of celebrities hiding out on the untouched shores of Zihua. Mick Jagger came to party, Timothy Leary set up a studio, and Betsy Johnson built a hacienda. Many from Hollywood were spending their days in Acapulco at the time, while Zihua was attracting the free and forward thinkers of a generation. 

In the decade following, the formation of Ixtapa right next door as a luxury resort destination changed the landscape of the city as well. With an influx of travelers to this region in Guerrero, Zihua altered its scene to meet some overflow traveler needs while still managing to maintain its original small town charm and authenticity. This unique personality is what makes Zihua such a special place, a special and strong identity all its own. 

Today the community holds a few festivals every year. One is Sail Fest, which raises funds for disadvantaged children in the area. It takes place over the course of five days in February, and over 100 sailboats come from all over to participate. The International Guitar Festival is held here for a week in March. It’s beloved by locals and tourists who travel from around the globe to attend. 

Although tourism has taken over much of the economy here, fishing is still very much a way of life for the people of Zihua. Today, the port is used mostly for the daily fishing activities of pangas and only occasionally for ferries, charters, or cruises. Most of the fish caught here stay local, to feed families and support restaurants. Some are shipped throughout the state of Guerrrero. In addition, it has recently become a popular destination for Sportfishing offshore.

Zihuatanejo Insurance and Medical Care

The cost of procuring private insurance always depends of course on your country of origin, your age, and how comprehensive a plan you choose to purchase. Normally for Mexico it will cost anywhere from 400 USD to 2,000 USD per year. 

The quality of medical care in the area is quite good. Emergency medical services can be expensive but routine procedures are always reasonably priced. There are private hospitals you can visit as well as the public IMSS. You will not be covered for costs here unless you first obtain residency. 

There are small clinics throughout the city that provide any number of services you may need. In addition, the pharmacies are well stocked and can often suggest a treatment based on your symptoms if it’s not too serious. You won’t need prescriptions for many of the same things you might elsewhere, and medication is often affordable, so it’s always worth an ask. 

You will find an array of dentists, dermatologists, specialists, pediatricians, gynecologists, optometrists, and more. It doesn’t hurt to email and ask ahead at a doctor you plan to visit to see if there will be someone available at your appointment who speaks English if your Spanish skills aren’t up to snuff. 

Most hotels have a doctor on call that they will be able to use on-site quickly in case of an emergency. You can also dial 065 without a SIM card. It’s always good to have the name and number of a doctor who comes recommended, Dr. Grayeb is a popular pick for a general practitioner of expats.

Make sure you are fully covered by reading our full Digital Nomad Travel Insurance guide.

Jobs in Zihuatanejo

Finding a job as a non-national in Zihuatanejo can be difficult as industries are limited. It definitely helps to be bilingual, in which case you may be able to get a gig at one of the resort hotels or at a school to teach English. You can always ask around at the bars in town, but it is likely they will be fully staffed or not interested in hiring someone who isn’t a local. 

There are volunteer opportunities as well as housesits here, so be sure to explore all your options. Check Workaway and Trusted House Sitters for some alternative avenues. These setups will often allow you to exchange work for other things, like a weekly meal stipend or a place to stay rent free – sometimes both. It’s ideal to have these placements sorted out online and confirmed before you arrive. 

Think about what special skills you have to offer before coming. Can you teach those skills to others, for example instructing how to play an instrument or surf? If so, you can look into seeing if anyone is interested in a private tutor. English lessons are often good for this as well. If you have social media, marketing, or photography skills, ask around or post on group forums for the area to see if anyone is in need of your services. The community here is extremely kind, and you’ll always find someone who is happy to help.

Check out our Digital Nomads Jobs Postings to find the best jobs available for Digital Nomads.