Ixtapa, Mexico

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Ixtapa Attractions

Eden on the Mexican Costa Dorada

The seaside resort of Ixtapa bathes its undulating coast in the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean and stands against the backdrop of luxurious green hills, the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur. Here, divers gather to enjoy the best that the Pacific Coast has to offer, such as magnificent underwater sites, coralline bays and rocky islets.

Bathed by warm waters and renowned for its climate, the heavenly Costa Dorada -- "the golden " -- takes its Spanish name from the golden sand that outlines it over several kilometres. The Nahuatl term Ixtapa, for its part, means "white place," a reference to its white-sand beaches. As is often the case in sunny, tropical destinations, it was after inhabitants planted rows and rows of coconut trees along the coast that Ixtapa welcomed its first travellers. From a small fishing village, Ixtapa became a resort in 1971, when the first hotel was built on the 5-km-long seafront avenue that leads to Playa del Palmar. Since then, the avenue has been taken by storm by several other luxury hotels, department stores and nightclubs.

The Ixtapa golf course, located in a wildlife reserve, is one of the most beautiful in Mexico, and Marina Ixtapa also features a lovely golf course. Although it is one of the cities that were designed and structured for tourism purposes by FONATUR, which also developed Cancún and Huatulco, the Ixtapa resort still retains some of its authentic Mexican charm. Each and every visitor who takes the time to explore it will be enchanted, even though there are few sites of interest per se, save for shopping malls and restaurants with a lively atmosphere.

Travellers often stroll from one hotel to another along the beaches, enjoying exotic settings that differ from one establishment to another, with various bars, terraces and shops. Don't miss the boat! It will take you to Isla Ixtapa, where you can admire fabulous marine fauna. If you are looking for a bit of romance or the simple quietude of nature, Playa Quietas will seduce you with its beauty, and if you're in the mood for a gorgeous Pacific sunset, head to Playa Troncones or climb aboard a trimaran.