I'm headed to Ixtapa/Zihautanejo soon for a week. Although I love the beach, I also like to soak up the culture of the area. From everything I am reading there doesn't seem to be much in the way of arts/culture in this area. Is there anything else to do besides snorkel and swim? We will have a car.

I was hoping somebody else would answer, because I'm under the impression there's not a lot of culture or history in the area. More of a beach vacation place.

Well Ixtapa is the tourist resort and Zihautanejo is the quaint town where many of those that workin Ixtapa live.

There is lots to see in Zihautanejo by just walking around.

With the vehicle you can drive to Troncones and to Petetlan(see the nice white church and take in the local market ) also.

Percy

I also am watching for more replies here, as I have been considering Zihuat as an alternate destination to my usual, Puerto Vallarta.

Frankie,Percy and suze - thanks for responding to my post...my friend and I are going to go - Nov 11 for a week. We are trying to decide now about the hotel...will report back on all!

OK OK I'll give some stuff.
1. Small museum of Playa Municapal
2. Excellent deep sea fishing ( my better half went for her first time catch two Black Marlin & Sail)
3. Barra de Potosi a native village somewhat like Yelpa but a lot more (91/2 miles) of beach & less touristy but with a half a dozen small Inns to stay in, a large freshwater lagoon loaded with wildlife & kayaks for rent.
3. Petatlan a lovely town with one of Mexico's few gold markets where you can buy from vendors or have something designed. It also has a unique white church with a Jesus Negra said to preform miracles. About 45 minutes & 14 pesos via bus. There is also a near buy Archaeological site.
4. Troncones with Miles & Miles of empty beach again with an occasional hotel & resturant. Highly recommend Mi Casa Su Casa to stay overnight or just a day trip where for the price of a delicious bur moderate priced lunch you may use all facilities including beach & pool.
5. The whole state of Michoacan with marvelous towns, city's & sites including Patzcuaro (home of the Dia de Muertos) & is surrounded by small villages each special different craft. Near by is Morelia a clean modern very sophisticated city with a 400 year old aqueduct, the best Zoo in Mexico & incredible architecture. also at Uruapan is a wonderful national park filled with water falls & sculptures. Near it is San Jose a city buried in Lava except for a Church steeple sticking out. This all is with in 4 hours of Zihua.
In addition the normal beach, scuba, sailing Ect along with restaurants in all price ranges from Pozole alley at less than $3 US to $100 a plate places & all prices in between. Ill be happy to answer any questions via e-mail.

Forgot to include Sunday nights at the BB Court. Huge gathering of locals. Great food off the carts, 5 peso popcorn, 14 peso Tamales, entertainment a very festive atmosphere.

we enjoyed the BBall court festivities, StewBear! Great suggestion. Suze, Zihua and PV are so different. I liked them both, but Zihua was more like a small town than PV. Much better beach on LaRopa than PV, PV has a more interesting downtown for walking around, IMO. Zihua has a wonderful peaceful vibe.

We have decided to try a place called the Sotovento Beach Hotel.

We have decided to try a place called the Sotavento Beach Hotel.

Has many repeat customers but it's really NOT on the beach. It is high above with many many steps down just as it's former Sister hotel the Catalina next door. I'd choose the Mexicana on La Ropa for location or over all my first choice on the beach would be Brisas del Mar on Playa Madera.

Hi Suze I have been to Ixrapa/Zihautanejo actually flew fr P.V. to there staying a week at a time, although I loved both of them they are quite different from P.V. nothing even similar, haven't been back too hard to get there from the East Coast and my husband really didn't like it much, the town is very small, but as I always say try it you might like it.

Thanks butsey, I'm hoping to tag along with friends for a 1st trip to Zihuat at some point. I'm thinking it is not the best desination for solo travel? I am spoiled by how much there is to see and do around Vallarta.

Thanks Stewbear, I'm noting the hotel ideas.

Hi fellow travelers - I had a wonderful time in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo. Due to a deal too good to pass up on we stayed at the all inclusive Intercontinental Presidente in Ixtapa instead of the Sotavento beach Resort in Zihuatanejo. On many levels the hotel was unacceptable, primarily the rooms place need to be refurbished. The beaches and weather were exactly what we wanted..85 degrees every day, sunny and beautiful beaches from Ixtapa, Isla Ixtapa, Playa De Ropa. Really enjoyed the local people, marketplaces and neighborhoods in and around Zihuatanejo. Took a side trip to Patzcauro- an absolutely beautiful drive from Ixtapa, albeit hair raising a few times with their driving customs. No street lights on the highway so we were apprehensive about driving back in the dark. $60 in tolls roundtrip to bepaid in pesos. We had to give them US$$ for the last toll and received an unfavorable comment and exchange rate at the toll booth. I am glad we looked over the car in detail prior to accepting it at the airport. Always take the the insurance in Mexico!
Definately a destination I will return to and the dollar goes a heck of a lot further in Mexico than other places.

Cornishblue, thanks for following up, and giving a little trip report! Glad you had a good trip. If I go to this area again, it will be in the time frame you went...August in Zihua was just a little too hot for me.