What you need to know before you leave the airport.
Whether you’re flying in for a surf trip, a long stay, or just a break from city life, Zihuatanejo is your landing pad. It’s the last big stop before the beach: the place to grab groceries, pick up essentials, or spend a day off the sand. We’ve put together this guide to help you move through it smoothly. Feel free to pass this along to any guests you might have visiting.
Flying In: ZIH
You’ll be flying into the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH). It’s small, easy to navigate, and surrounded by palm trees. When you land, customs is quick, and your bags come out fast. Don’t stress. You’ll be on your way before you know it.
Direct flights from the U.S. currently come from:
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Houston (IAH)
- Phoenix (PHX)
- Chicago (ORD)
These vary by season, so check before booking. The airport is about a 45ish-minute drive to Saladita.
Getting to Saladita
Once you touch down, you’ve got options:
Taxi
Easiest option. Airport taxis are regulated and reliable. Just tell them you’re going to “Playa La Saladita, cerca de Los Llanos.” Most drivers will know. Expect to pay around $1800 pesos, cash only.
Car Rental
Available at the airport, usually in the parking lot just outside arrivals. If you want flexibility to explore Zihua, Troncones, or further up the coast, it’s worth considering. Book ahead if you’re coming during high season.
El Combi (Local Minibus)
There is technically a way to get to Saladita by local transport (combis), but it involves a few transfers and a lot of patience. You'll need to take one from the airport to Zihuatanejo Centro, transfer to one bound for La Union, get off at Los Llanos, then track down a taxi for the final ten minutes to Saladita. Only recommended if you’re traveling light and not in a rush. Make sure you have cash on hand to pay the fare.
Stocking Up on Supplies
Before heading to Saladita, most people stop in Zihuatanejo to load up on supplies. Here are your best bets:
Soriana (Mega)
Big supermarket with all the basics—produce, dry goods, household items, even some decent wine. Clean, organized, and usually the first stop.
Chedraui
Another supermarket just behind Soriana. Similar selection. A little more chaotic but often has what Soriana doesn’t.
Sam’s Club
If you need bulk items or imported snacks, this is the place. You’ll need a membership (or someone who has one), but it’s good for stocking up if you’re hosting or planning to stay for a while.
Mercado Municipal (El Centro)
Biggest market in Zihua. Fresh produce, meat, fish, tortillas, random household stuff. It’s hot, crowded, and parking’s a mess—go early if you can. Cash only.
There are smaller markets around too. Mercado del Embalse, near Soriana, is quieter and easier to navigate. It’s a good option if you just need produce or a few basics and don’t want to deal with downtown.
Tip: you won’t find everything in one place. The Zihua grocery run is a circuit. Breathe. Get a cold coconut. Then carry on.
Where to Go in Zihua
If you’ve got time to spare or want a break from surf town pace, Zihuatanejo has much more to offer than just grocery stores. Here are a few spots worth checking out:
El Centro
El Centro is Zihua’s equivalent of a "downtown", part local, part tourist. Good restaurants, solid shops, banks, pharmacies, and places to pick up basics. It’s busy but walkable (though parking can be a nightmare), and worth a stop if you need errands, to browse the shops, or a meal off the beach.
Playa La Ropa
Probably the most popular beach in Zihua. Long, swimmable, and lined with restaurants. Good for a beach day with easy access to food, drinks, and bathrooms. Paddleboards and kayaks are usually available for rent.
Playa Las Gatas
Take a short boat ride from the pier to this tucked-away beach with calm, reef-protected waters. Great for snorkeling the crystal clear water or posting up for ceviche. Some restaurants let you use their loungers all day if you order food. Can be crowed on the weekends.
Paseo del Pescador
A walkway along the waterfront in Zihua that connects the pier to Playa Madera. Local families, fishermen, vendors, and the occasional ice cream cart. It’s good for a slow stroll, a snack, or watching the sunset. On Sunday nights you’ll find a market full of traditional Mexican food.
El Partenon
Once an abandoned mansion built by a police chief, now open to the public as a cultural space. Feels surreal—Greek columns overlooking the bay, wild architecture, weird backstory. You can walk through most of the rooms and take in the view. It’s a quick trip if you’re already in town and want to see something different. Events are often hosted here.
Playa Blanca
A bit outside of town (about 25 minutes), but quiet and beautiful. Used to be completely empty, but now there is a smattering of private homes and beachfront restaurants. You can spend a day here if you want space and a long swim.
Notes:
ATMs: Best to take out cash in Zihua since the ATM in Saladita is prone to not having cash. Banorte and BBVA are reliable.
Pharmacy: Farmacia Guadalajara by Soriana is open late and usually has everything.
Laundry: Easy and cheap in Zihua. Most places are same-day.
Pace: Zihuatanejo is slow on purpose. Don’t rush through it. Talk to the taxi driver. Stop for coconut water. Let the heat force you to pause. You’re not in a rush anymore.
