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Costa Grande
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Explore Costa Grande in Guerrero for Pacific beaches, Zihuatanejo, surf villages, lagoons, seafood and archaeological heritage.

Costa Grande occupies the western Pacific coast of Guerrero, stretching from the coastal districts west of Acapulco towards the Michoacán border. It is a long, varied coastline rather than a single resort, combining sheltered bays, open beaches, lagoons, coconut plantations, fishing villages and foothills rising towards the Sierra Madre del Sur. The best-known centre is Zihuatanejo, paired with the purpose-built resort of Ixtapa, while smaller communities such as Troncones, La Saladita, Barra de Potosí, Papanoa and Playa Michigan offer a more low-key coastal experience.
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Zihuatanejo retains the character of an established Mexican seaside town. Its curving bay, local market, waterfront walkway and fishing activity give it a stronger everyday identity than a purely resort-oriented destination. Across the headland, Ixtapa has broad beaches, hotel zones, golf facilities and a planned layout. The contrast is useful for travellers: Zihuatanejo suits visitors interested in seafood, local life and compact waterfront streets, whereas Ixtapa offers wide beaches, organised accommodation and straightforward access to water sports. Both are within the municipality of Zihuatanejo de Azueta and form the region’s principal tourism base.
Further west and north-west, the coast becomes less urbanised. Troncones is known for surfing, long beaches and small-scale accommodation, while La Saladita attracts surfers because of its long left-breaking wave. Around Papanoa and the bays of the Costa Grande, beaches are backed by tropical vegetation and scattered restaurants rather than continuous development. The Barra de Potosí lagoon, south-east of Zihuatanejo, is an important wetland environment where boat trips can reveal mangroves, birdlife and seasonal whale activity offshore. Conditions vary considerably between beaches, and open Pacific surf can be powerful even when a bay appears calm.
The region also has a substantial historical and agricultural dimension. The archaeological site of Xihuacan, near La Soledad de Maciel, preserves evidence of a pre-Hispanic settlement and ceremonial centre, while Petatlán remains associated with regional pilgrimage and goldsmithing. Coconut, mango, lime and other tropical crops shape the countryside, and seafood is central to coastal cooking. Inland routes lead towards river valleys, forested foothills and market towns, but distances are greater than a map may suggest because roads follow the coast and mountain contours.
Costa Grande is best approached as a sequence of coastal bases rather than a destination to cover in a single day. A visitor can combine Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa with a lagoon excursion, an archaeological visit, surfing beaches or quieter stretches towards the Michoacán boundary. Acapulco, outside the region’s principal western travel area, is the major gateway at its eastern end, while Zihuatanejo’s airport is the most practical air arrival point for the central Costa Grande coast.

When is the best time to visit Costa Grande?

Best: January–March · 29–30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)2910
February (best)3010
March (best)3010
April3110
May3220
June3330
July3440
August3440
September3330
October3220
November3110
December3010

Getting to and around Costa Grande

How to get there

The principal air gateway is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, located near Ixtapa and serving Zihuatanejo and the central Costa Grande. It has domestic links and may have seasonal international services, so routes should be checked before booking. Buses and long-distance coaches connect Zihuatanejo with major Mexican cities via the coastal highway. Acapulco, outside the central Costa Grande travel area, is a larger gateway at the eastern end of Guerrero’s coast, but the overland journey west can be lengthy. Flying to Morelia or another inland city is generally less convenient for the coast and requires a substantial onward journey.

Transportation

Local buses, taxis and app-based or hotel-arranged transfers are useful around Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, while collectivo-style vehicles and regional buses serve some coastal towns. A hire car provides greater flexibility for reaching Troncones, La Saladita, Papanoa, Barra de Potosí and rural archaeological sites, although driving at night on unfamiliar roads is best avoided. Distances are extended by winding coastal and mountain roads. Taxis are practical for short journeys but fares should be agreed beforehand where a meter is not used. Boat operators provide access to some bays, islands and lagoon excursions.

Top city travel guides in Costa Grande

The cities of Costa Grande, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Costa Grande

Costa Grande’s attractions are shaped by the meeting of Pacific beaches, tropical lowlands and the Sierra Madre foothills. Zihuatanejo offers swimming and boating in a sheltered bay, a waterfront promenade, local markets and access to beaches such as La Ropa and Las Gatas. Ixtapa provides broad beaches, cycling routes, resort facilities and boat trips towards Isla Ixtapa, where visitors can explore beaches and snorkelling areas subject to sea conditions. Beyond the main resort zone, Troncones and La Saladita are associated with surfing, while Barra de Potosí combines a fishing village with a lagoon, mangroves and birdwatching. The archaeological site of Xihuacan at La Soledad de Maciel adds historical depth, with ceremonial remains linked to the region’s pre-Hispanic communities. Inland roads lead through agricultural country and foothill landscapes rather than a single consolidated national park. Activities vary from swimming, surfing and kayaking to fishing, wildlife observation and short walks, but facilities become less predictable away from Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, making local advice and advance transport arrangements valuable.

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Best landmarks in Costa Grande

The most recognisable landmark in central Costa Grande is the distinctive contrast between Zihuatanejo’s historic bayfront townscape and Ixtapa’s planned resort landscape. Zihuatanejo’s waterfront, fishing boats and Paseo del Pescador frame the bay, while the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a prominent local religious building near the town centre. Petatlán’s Sanctuary of Padre Jesús is an important pilgrimage destination and a visible expression of the town’s religious identity. At La Soledad de Maciel, the archaeological complex of Xihuacan preserves platforms, ceremonial spaces and other remains from a major pre-Hispanic settlement, making it one of the region’s most significant historical landmarks. Isla Ixtapa and the headlands around the bays are natural markers of the coast, with beaches enclosed by rocky slopes and tropical vegetation. Farther west, the open beaches and surf breaks of Troncones and La Saladita are geographical landmarks as much as recreational destinations, showing the transition from developed resort coast to smaller coastal communities.

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Best restaurants in Costa Grande

Dining in Costa Grande reflects Guerrero’s Pacific coast, with fish, prawns, octopus, ceviche, aguachile and grilled seafood appearing widely in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and smaller beach communities. Menus often combine coastal ingredients with Mexican staples such as tortillas, rice, beans, salsas and fresh lime; regional preparations vary between individual cooks and towns rather than following one fixed recipe. Zihuatanejo’s market and waterfront restaurants provide a broad choice, while palapa restaurants on quieter beaches tend to focus on the daily catch and simple grilled dishes. Guerrero specialities such as pozole are also found inland and in urban restaurants, alongside tamales, birria and other national dishes. Tropical fruit, coconut, mango and lime are important agricultural products, and aguas frescas are common in hot weather. In Ixtapa, dining ranges from hotel restaurants to contemporary venues, whereas smaller coastal settlements offer fewer but more locally rooted choices. Confirm prices and payment methods before ordering at informal establishments.

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Best bars in Costa Grande

Evening life is concentrated in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, with the two areas offering noticeably different atmospheres. Zihuatanejo has relaxed waterfront bars, mezcalerías, cafés and restaurants where evenings centre on conversation, seafood and views across the bay. Ixtapa has more resort-oriented lounges, hotel bars and venues aimed at holidaymakers, with activity varying by season and day of the week. In Troncones and La Saladita, nightlife is generally low-key, often centred on small restaurants, beach bars, live acoustic music and social gatherings rather than large clubs. Petatlán, Tecpan and other inland or market towns tend to close earlier, with evening activity focused on plazas, family restaurants and local cafés. Opening arrangements and venue status can change, particularly outside the high season, so accommodation staff are useful for current information. Visitors should arrange transport before drinking and avoid walking alone along isolated beaches at night.

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Best nightclubs in Costa Grande

Evening life is concentrated in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, with the two areas offering noticeably different atmospheres. Zihuatanejo has relaxed waterfront bars, mezcalerías, cafés and restaurants where evenings centre on conversation, seafood and views across the bay. Ixtapa has more resort-oriented lounges, hotel bars and venues aimed at holidaymakers, with activity varying by season and day of the week. In Troncones and La Saladita, nightlife is generally low-key, often centred on small restaurants, beach bars, live acoustic music and social gatherings rather than large clubs. Petatlán, Tecpan and other inland or market towns tend to close earlier, with evening activity focused on plazas, family restaurants and local cafés. Opening arrangements and venue status can change, particularly outside the high season, so accommodation staff are useful for current information. Visitors should arrange transport before drinking and avoid walking alone along isolated beaches at night.

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Best shops in Costa Grande

Shopping in Costa Grande is strongest in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and the market towns rather than in large enclosed retail centres. Zihuatanejo’s central market and surrounding streets are useful for fruit, spices, prepared food, woven goods, clothing and everyday supplies, while waterfront and town-centre shops sell Mexican crafts, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and beachwear. Ixtapa has a more resort-oriented selection of boutiques, galleries, convenience shops and souvenir retailers. Petatlán is associated with goldsmithing and jewellery, although buyers should compare workmanship, request clear pricing and understand the materials being purchased. Coconut products, coffee from the wider Guerrero region, mango preserves, woven items and locally made food products can make more meaningful gifts than generic beach souvenirs. Smaller communities such as Troncones and La Saladita have independent craft and surf-oriented shops, but their retail offerings are limited and seasonal. Carry pesos for markets and small producers, and avoid purchasing archaeological objects or products made from protected wildlife.

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Costa Grande essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Mexican peso, written MXN or shown with the $ symbol. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted at established hotels, restaurants and shops in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo, but smaller beach restaurants, market stalls, taxis and rural businesses may accept cash only. Keep modest peso notes available and use ATMs in established towns rather than assuming that every beach community has banking facilities. Foreign currency exchange rates vary, and dynamic currency conversion at card terminals is usually best declined in favour of being charged in pesos.
Safety
Use normal urban precautions with phones, wallets and valuables, particularly in busy transport and nightlife areas, and use established taxis or pre-arranged transfers after dark. On the coast, the principal practical hazards are strong surf, rip currents, heat, dehydration, sun exposure and uneven access around rocks or loosely developed beaches. Follow local warnings and lifeguard instructions, and do not assume that a quiet-looking beach is suitable for swimming. If driving, allow for potholes, pedestrians, animals and limited lighting outside the main resort areas.
Emergency Situations
Mexico’s national emergency number is 911 for police, fire and ambulance services. Mobile coverage can be inconsistent on remote beaches, rural roads and parts of the mountain foothills, so keep accommodation details and offline maps available. For a coastal incident, alert local lifeguards, marina staff, hotel personnel or the nearest municipal authority; boat operators should provide their own safety instructions. Travellers with medical needs should carry essential medication and insurance information, as specialist services are concentrated in larger towns rather than scattered along the coast.
Do's and Don'ts
Do ask permission before photographing people, fishing activity or religious ceremonies, and dress respectfully when entering churches or visiting community spaces. Do follow beach, lagoon and archaeological-site rules, take rubbish away from less-developed shores and avoid buying protected wildlife or archaeological objects. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for useful service, but it is discretionary rather than a regional legal requirement. Avoid assuming that every coastal restaurant accepts cards, and do not swim beyond marked or locally recommended areas when surf or currents are strong.
Local Tips
The Costa Grande is easiest to understand when divided into bases: Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa for services, Troncones and La Saladita for a quieter surf coast, and Barra de Potosí for lagoon and village experiences. Early mornings are usually the most comfortable time for outdoor activities, markets and archaeological visits. Ask locally about sea conditions before booking a boat or entering the water. Markets and small restaurants often provide a more direct introduction to regional produce than resort buffets, while rural journeys should be planned with fuel, cash and drinking water.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[OH-lah]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-DYOS]
YesSí[SEE]
NoNo[NO]
Please/You're welcomePor favor[por fah-VOR]
Thank youGracias[GRAH-syahs]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón[pehr-DON]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[KOH-moh es-TAS]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[BYEN. ee TOO]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[AH-blas een-GLES]
I don't understandNo entiendo[NO en-TYEN-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[meh goos-tah-REE-ah BEHR el meh-NOO, por fah-VOR]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[NO KOH-moh KAR-neh]
Cheers!¡Salud![sah-LOOD]
I would like to pay, pleaseQuisiera pagar, por favor[kee-SYEH-rah pah-GAR, por fah-VOR]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-YOO-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![BEH-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía![YAH-mah ah lah poh-lee-SEE-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor![YAH-mah ah oon dok-TOR]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[es-TOY pehr-DEE-doh]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[es-TOY en-FER-mo]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Quisiera comprar...[kee-SYEH-rah kom-PRAR]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[SOH-lo es-TOY mee-RAN-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[KWAN-toh KWES-tah]
That's too expensiveEso es muy caro[EH-so es MOO-ee KAH-roh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?[PWEH-des bah-HAR el PREH-syo]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[KEH O-rah es]
It's one o'clockEs la una[es lah OO-nah]
Half past (10)Y media (10)[ee MEH-dee-ah (10)]
MorningMañana[mah-NYAH-nah]
AfternoonTarde[TAR-deh]
EveningNoche[NOH-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-YER]
TodayHoy[OY]
TomorrowMañana[mah-NYAH-nah]
1Uno[OO-no]
2Dos[DOS]
3Tres[TRES]
4Cuatro[KWAH-troh]
5Cinco[SEEN-koh]
6Seis[SAYS]
7Siete[SYEH-teh]
8Ocho[OH-choh]
9Nueve[NWEH-beh]
10Diez[DYEZ]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde hay un...?[DON-deh eye oon]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[KWAHL es lah dee-rek-SYON]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[PWEH-des mos-TRAR-meh (en el MAH-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?[KWAN-doh es el PROK-see-mo (ow-toh-BOOS)]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a....)[oon boh-LEH-toh (ah....)]

History of Costa Grande

Pre-Hispanic Coastal Communities

Before Spanish arrival, the Costa Grande was occupied by several Indigenous communities, including Cuitlatec-speaking groups in parts of the coastal and mountain zone. Settlements benefited from fishing, farming, river valleys and access to Pacific trade routes. The archaeological complex of Xihuacan, near La Soledad de Maciel, demonstrates that the region supported a substantial ceremonial and political centre long before the modern tourist towns developed. Its architecture and objects also point to connections with wider Mesoamerican cultural networks. Much of the surviving evidence is concentrated in archaeological sites and museum collections, while local place names preserve fragments of the region’s Indigenous past.

Mexica and Tarascan Influence

During the late pre-Hispanic period, parts of the Guerrero coast were drawn into competing spheres of influence. The Mexica demanded tribute from some coastal communities, while Tarascan power from the west reached towards areas near the present-day boundary with Michoacán. Control was not necessarily uniform across the mountains and coast, but these relationships connected Costa Grande to wider political systems involving trade, tribute and military pressure. The region’s position between central Mexico and the western Pacific made it strategically important even before European colonisation.

Spanish Conquest and Colonial Reorganisation

Spanish forces and settlers entered Guerrero in the sixteenth century, transforming existing systems of landholding, labour and religion. Coastal and inland communities were incorporated into colonial administrative structures, while missionaries established churches and religious institutions. Spanish demands for agricultural production and mineral wealth affected both the coast and the Sierra Madre foothills. Petatlán and other long-established settlements developed within this changing colonial landscape. Indigenous communities survived, but their political autonomy and access to land were altered by tribute, land grants and the spread of Catholic institutions.

Mining, Agriculture and Pacific Trade

For centuries the economy of Costa Grande combined subsistence farming, fishing, livestock and commercial agriculture with mineral extraction in the surrounding mountains. Gold and other minerals contributed to the importance of settlements such as Petatlán and nearby districts, while coconut, salt, fruit and timber supported coastal commerce. The Pacific coast also functioned as part of broader maritime networks linked to ports elsewhere in New Spain, although the region’s rugged terrain limited direct overland movement. These economic patterns left a landscape of small agricultural towns, powerful estancias and dispersed coastal communities.

Independence and the Mexican Republic

The struggles for Mexican independence affected the wider Guerrero region through military movement, local alliances and the disruption of colonial authority. After independence, the area became part of the evolving state of Guerrero, created in 1849. Government remained difficult across the coastal plain and mountain hinterland because communities were separated by rivers, rough roads and the Sierra Madre. Land, local autonomy and access to resources continued to shape politics. The modern regional identity of Costa Grande emerged gradually from these coastal municipalities rather than from a single historic capital.

Coconut Agriculture and Regional Towns

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, coconut cultivation became one of the defining activities of the Costa Grande lowlands, alongside mangoes, bananas, citrus, fishing and small-scale livestock production. Coconut groves gave the coast much of its recognisable appearance and supplied food, oil and other products. Towns such as Tecpan de Galeana, Petatlán and Zihuatanejo grew as market and administrative centres connecting rural producers with the coast. Agriculture remains important, although tourism, construction, transport and service work now employ many people in the principal coastal settlements.

The Planned Resort Era

From the 1970s, the Mexican government developed Ixtapa as a planned tourism centre near the older town of Zihuatanejo. Hotels, roads, a marina, beach infrastructure and landscaped spaces were introduced to attract domestic and international visitors. The development changed the local economy and created a distinctive contrast between Ixtapa’s resort planning and Zihuatanejo’s older urban fabric. Tourism subsequently expanded along other parts of the coast, but many beaches of Costa Grande retained smaller-scale accommodation and locally owned restaurants rather than becoming continuous resort corridors.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Costa Grande, Mexico

Explore Costa Grande like never before with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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Discover the wonders of Costa Grande, Mexico with Evendo – your comprehensive, free travel guide app. Plan your trip, book hotels and experiences, and explore like a local.

  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Costa Grande
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  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city
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Experience the vibrant culture and stunning beauty of Costa Grande, Mexico with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app. Whether you're planning to visit the historic Zihuatanejo, marvel at the natural beauty of Barra de Potosí, or enjoy a meal at the famous El Faro restaurant, Evendo has you covered. Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities are at your fingertips. Each location comes with rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details to make planning your trip effortless.

Easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, eliminating the need for multiple searches and complicated planning. With features like historical insights, travel essentials, curated local tips, and the 'Near Me' function, navigating Costa Grande has never been simpler. Whether you're exploring the bustling markets or relaxing on the pristine beaches, Evendo ensures you experience Costa Grande like a local.

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