Ixtapa travel and tourism guide with Ixtapa hotel, airport, airline and vacation information.

Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) is located about 6 miles (10 kilometers) east of Zihuatnejo and 10 miles (17 kilometers) southeast of Ixtapa. Airlines serving Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo include Mexicana, Aeromexico, Continental, Delta and others. Visit the Mexico Airport or the Mexico Air Travel sections for more information about airports and airlines serving Mexico. People who take the time to Learn Spanish are able to better enjoy the culture, the people and feel more comfortable traveling.

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo are twin resort towns which are located about 4 miles apart in the state of Guerrero. Acapulco is about 160 miles (256 kilometers) southeast and Manzanillo is 350 miles (560 kilometers) to the northwest.

Taxi service from most Mexico airports to the city is a rip off due to airport monopoly (Maybe $10 - $20 bucks extra per normal return fare from town) - always helpful to have hotel pick you up if possible. Look for Colectivos (shuttle vans) that will usually have a much more reasonable rate into town. Some will carry their luggage outside the airport grounds and wait for a non-airport taxi or bus to come by for the savings.

A minimum of two hours should be allowed for all connections at Mexico City airport - a daunting experience for the first time visitor. Heads Up: Departing gate numbers are not posted on airport monitors until 'maybe' 30 or 45 minutes before the flight is scheduled to leave. Outbound international flights from Mexico City are oftentimes loaded and gone 20 +/- minutes prior to posted departure time.

Bus transportation offers a inexpensive way to travel in Mexico. They generally run day and night. If you are able to sleep in fairly cramped surroundings, this is the way to go. Most cities in Mexico have a Primero Clase (First Class) bus station. They are comfortable and safe. Find first class Mexico bus information at Premara Plus or Christobal Colon.

Warning: It is highly recommended that you AVOID all car rentals in Mexico. You can retain a very friendly, bilingual taxi driver for less money per day than a car (10 bucks an hour is high end earnings for most taxi drivers - try 5 buck an hour offer). Ask your hotel for a taxi driver reference and you'll see more, learn more and maybe make a friend.

If you feel you must rent a car, be prepared for the 15 bucks extra that the rental agencies charge for 'theft' insurance or maybe some other explanation. Check and confirm with your credit card company on the coverage which is needed and usually included with your credit card use. Pay particular attention to the pre inspection routine for existing car damage - scratches, dents, etc.. A favorite scam is to charge an extra 50 to 100 bucks for minor scratches and dings when you turn the car back in. Also find safe evening parking as rental cars are a target for free gas - always check your gas tank before taking off in the morning.

Driving in Mexico can be an adventure in itself. It is generally advised to take the toll roads whenever possible. Make sure you have current insurance and be aware that some listed paved roads are not there at all. Avoid driving between towns in the evening, stick to main highways, take short cuts at your own peril, and enjoy the adventure. It is usually a very complicated test to find out where a main highway leaves town as road signs are very limited or non existent once you enter.