Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cancun
- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
- Cuernavaca
- Culiacan
- Durango
- Ensenada
- Guadalajara
- Guanajuato
- Hermosillo
- Huatulco
- Isla Holbox
- Isla Mujeres
- Ixtapa
- Juarez
- Leon
- Los Cabos
- Manzanillo
- Matamoros
- Merida
- Mexicali
- Mexico City
- Monterrey
- Morelia
- Nogales
- Nuevo Laredo
- Oaxaca
- Piedras Negras
- Playa del Carmen
- Puebla
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Vallarta
- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
- Saltillo
- San Luis Potosi
- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Ixtapa is a purpose built beach resort on Mexico’s Pacific coast in the state of Guerrero, just north of Zihuatanejo.
Unlike many Mexican cities that evolved over centuries, Ixtapa was carefully developed in the 1970s as a tourism hub, which means wide boulevards, organized hotel zones, and long stretches of sandy beaches designed with visitors in mind.
Playa El Palmar is the star attraction, a golden arc backed by high rise resorts and palm trees.
I have visited several Mexican beach destinations, and what makes Ixtapa interesting is its balance.
You get the all inclusive comfort of a resort town, but you are minutes away from authentic fishing villages and jungle covered hills.
The big question travelers ask me is not whether it is beautiful.
It is whether it is safe.
Let’s break it down honestly.
Warnings & Dangers in Ixtapa
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Ixtapa itself is generally considered safer than many other parts of Guerrero state, which has struggled with crime issues. The tourist zone is heavily patrolled and designed for visitors. However, the broader region has higher crime statistics than the Mexican national average. Most tourists experience no problems, but awareness and caution are important.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
Transportation within Ixtapa is relatively straightforward. Official taxis and hotel arranged transport are reliable. The main risk comes from using unregistered taxis or traveling long distances by road at night, especially outside the tourist corridor. Stick to authorized taxis or ride services arranged through your hotel.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
Pickpocketing is not a major issue in Ixtapa compared to larger cities like Mexico City. Still, petty theft can occur on crowded beaches or in busy hotel areas. Basic precautions such as using a crossbody bag and not leaving valuables unattended on the sand go a long way.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Ixtapa sits on the Pacific coast and is vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially from June to November. Earthquakes are also possible in this part of Mexico. Resorts are generally built to modern standards, but travelers should monitor weather forecasts during hurricane season.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Violent crime against tourists in the main hotel zone is uncommon. However, Guerrero state has a history of organized crime activity. Incidents usually occur away from resort areas. Avoid poorly lit streets at night and do not wander into unfamiliar neighborhoods outside tourist zones.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There is no significant history of terrorism targeting tourists in Ixtapa. The main security concerns relate to organized crime in the broader state rather than ideologically motivated attacks.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Common scams include timeshare presentations, inflated taxi fares for tourists, and beach vendors overcharging for tours. Most are nonviolent but can be frustrating. Always confirm prices in advance and book tours through reputable operators.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Many women travel to Ixtapa without incident, especially when staying in resorts. Harassment can occur, particularly after dark or in nightlife settings. Solo women should use registered transport, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and stay in well reviewed accommodations.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Like most destinations in Mexico, tap water in Ixtapa is not considered safe for drinking. Stick to bottled or purified water, even when brushing your teeth, unless your hotel clearly states their water system is filtered and safe.
Safest Places to Visit in Ixtapa
The hotel zone along Playa El Palmar is the safest and most secure part of Ixtapa.
This area is lined with major resorts, restaurants, and well lit pedestrian paths.
Security presence is visible, especially during peak travel seasons.
I always feel comfortable walking here during the day and early evening.
The Ixtapa Marina is another secure spot.
It is home to yachts, waterfront restaurants, and tour operators.
The environment is calm, organized, and family friendly.
It is a great place for sunset walks without straying far from security and lighting.
Isla Ixtapa, accessible by a short boat ride, is generally safe during the day.
Tourists visit for snorkeling and swimming.
Choose authorized boat services from official departure points rather than informal operators.
Nearby Zihuatanejo’s central waterfront area is also relatively safe, especially around the main plaza and Playa La Ropa.
It offers a more traditional Mexican atmosphere while still catering to tourists.
Places to Avoid in Ixtapa
Ixtapa itself is compact and mostly tourism focused, but the risk increases as you move away from resort areas into less developed neighborhoods.
Avoid isolated stretches of beach at night, especially those far from hotels or lighting.
Travelers should be cautious about venturing deep into unfamiliar residential areas of Zihuatanejo after dark without local guidance.
While the town has charming sections, some outer neighborhoods experience higher crime rates than tourist areas.
Road travel late at night on highways in Guerrero carries additional risk due to occasional criminal activity.
If you plan day trips inland, travel during daylight hours and use established tour providers.
Avoid displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry anywhere outside controlled resort environments.
While violent crime targeting tourists is not common in Ixtapa itself, opportunistic crime can occur.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Ixtapa
- Stay inside the Playa El Palmar hotel corridor at night. Ixtapa is designed around its main beachfront strip, Playa El Palmar. This is where the majority of major resorts, restaurants, and security patrols are located. During the day, you can comfortably explore more freely, but after dark I recommend staying within the lit hotel zone or taking a registered taxi directly to and from your destination. Avoid walking long distances along dim sections of beach at night.
- Use official airport transportation from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International Airport. When you land at Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International Airport, book your transfer through your hotel or use the authorized taxi desk inside the terminal. Do not accept unsolicited ride offers from individuals outside the airport. The airport is only about 20 minutes from the hotel zone, so there is no need to negotiate aggressively or accept “special deals.”
- Avoid driving long distances in Guerrero after dark. While Ixtapa itself is tourism focused, Guerrero state has areas with higher crime rates. If you plan to explore beyond Zihuatanejo, schedule your driving during daylight hours. Avoid isolated highways at night and always keep your fuel tank at least half full. Organized tours are often a safer choice for inland excursions.
- Be selective with Isla Ixtapa boat operators. To visit Isla Ixtapa, use established departure points such as Playa Linda and choose clearly licensed boat services. Confirm the round trip price before boarding and verify the return time. The island is generally safe during the day, but informal operators sometimes overcharge or fail to clearly explain what is included.
- Respect ocean conditions on Playa El Palmar. The Pacific Ocean in Ixtapa can have strong currents and occasional rough surf. Pay attention to posted flags and lifeguard instructions. Even confident swimmers should avoid going too far out, especially during high tide or stormy weather. Rip currents are a more realistic danger here than crime for many travelers.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash. Resorts, larger restaurants, and many shops accept credit cards. Withdraw moderate amounts of pesos from ATMs located inside banks or reputable hotels. Avoid standalone machines on the street. Carry only what you need for the day and store passports and extra cash in your hotel safe.
- Be cautious with timeshare presentations. Ixtapa is known for timeshare promotions. You may be approached in hotel lobbies, beaches, or shopping areas with offers of free tours or meals. If you are not interested, politely decline. These presentations can be high pressure and consume several hours of your vacation.
- Drink only purified water and check ice sources. Tap water in Ixtapa is not safe for drinking. Stick to sealed bottled water and confirm that your hotel provides purified water for brushing teeth. In established resorts and reputable restaurants, ice is usually made from purified water, but in smaller establishments it is reasonable to ask.
- Limit alcohol intake in nightlife areas. Bars in and around the hotel zone are generally safe, but excessive drinking increases vulnerability. Watch your drink being prepared, avoid leaving it unattended, and travel back to your hotel with friends or via registered taxi. Incidents involving tourists often involve alcohol impairment rather than targeted violence.
- Monitor official travel advisories before and during your trip. Because Ixtapa is located in Guerrero, which has had ongoing security challenges, stay updated on travel advisories issued by your home country. Conditions can shift, and being informed allows you to adjust plans if necessary. Most visitors enjoy trouble free stays, but informed travelers are safer travelers.
So... How Safe Is Ixtapa Really?
Ixtapa presents a layered safety picture.
Within the tourist zone, crime rates affecting visitors are relatively low compared to many global beach destinations.
Resorts invest heavily in private security and coordination with local authorities.
Most reported incidents involving tourists are minor theft or scams rather than violent crime.
However, Guerrero state consistently reports higher crime statistics than many other Mexican states.
Government travel advisories often highlight the broader region due to organized crime activity.
The key distinction is geography.
Incidents rarely occur within resort compounds or main beachfront areas, but risks increase outside these zones.
From a data perspective, tourism remains strong, and millions of visitors pass through the region annually without serious issues.
In my view, Ixtapa is reasonably safe for travelers who stay within established tourist areas, use common sense, and remain aware of regional dynamics.
How Does Ixtapa Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Ixtapa |
70 |
| Tulum |
75 |
| Guadalajara |
60 |
| San Luis Potosi |
65 |
| Oaxaca |
78 |
| Matamoros |
35 |
| Chihuahua |
40 |
 Valencia | 72 |
 Cork | 68 |
 Lanai City | 89 |
| Belleville | 74 |
| Palatine | 89 |
| Nebraska | 82 |
Useful Information
Visas
Many travelers, including U.S., Canadian, UK, and EU citizens, do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 180 days in Mexico. You will receive a visitor permit upon arrival. Always ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and keep your entry document safe.
Currency
The local currency is the Mexican peso. U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas, but exchange rates are often unfavorable. Use ATMs inside banks or hotels for better rates and notify your bank before traveling.
Weather
Ixtapa has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year round, often between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season runs roughly from June to October. Pack light clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket if visiting in summer.
Airports
The main airport is Ixtapa Zihuatanejo International Airport, located about 20 minutes from the hotel zone. Taxis and pre arranged hotel shuttles are the safest ways to reach your accommodation.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and weather disruptions. Healthcare standards in tourist areas are decent, but evacuation coverage offers added security.
Ixtapa Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 33 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 31 |
| Low °C |
19 | 19 | 19 | 20 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 20 | 19 |
| High °F |
86 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 90 | 91 | 90 | 88 |
| Low °F |
66 | 66 | 66 | 68 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 72 | 68 | 66 |
how about Cartel Risk?
crime in ixtapa
Ixtapa is very safe from serious crime like that IMO. I go there often to visit my uncle who lives in this area. What you have to look out for is scams and taxis overcharging tourists and things like that is the biggest worry.
How many pesos is an average taxi ride should cost
I remember visiting Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo with my Dad in the late 1970s. Wow what an experience. I look forward to returning and having more experiences
Hired a tour guide to take family of five to the island.
We go this morning at 10 am. 15 min cab ride then 15 minute ride by boat. I was checking the reality of the island, and its relative safety. Thank you for the references and data. I would rate Louisville KY as a 35 but it’s my home town. I’ve seen it fall apart over the last 30 years. Ill share how it goes after i come back.
Is it safe t travel to ixtapa now Feb 2023.
I’ve read repeatedly that crime is getting worse and US travel says warning level is at 4 Do Not Travel??
The beach in Ixtapa is just incredible; there’s something about the sound of the waves and the warm sun that makes it feel like time stands still, especially when you take a break to explore the nearby Mayan ruins.
Ixtapa really surprised me with how much there is to do beyond just lounging on the beach; visiting the Mayan ruins added such a cool historical twist to the trip. I never thought I’d find myself both relaxing and exploring ancient culture in the same day!
I was really surprised by how beautiful the beach is in Ixtapa; it’s such a perfect spot to just unwind and soak up the sun. Did you try any of the local food while there?
Around here, an early morning walk on Playa El Palmar with the sun warming the sand feels really peaceful, and it’s just a short taxi ride to a fishing village when you want something less touristy.
I was there for a few days and walking Playa El Palmar at sunset, with the high rises glowing behind the palms, actually made me feel more relaxed about visiting even with the safety questions in the back of my head.
When you wandered along Playa El Palmar at sunset with the high rise resorts and palm trees behind you, did it ever feel a bit sketchy or actually pretty relaxed?
Walked Playa El Palmar at sunrise, got sand in my shoes, and felt oddly reassured by the perfectly trimmed boulevards while the smell of fish from a nearby boat market reminded me this place isn’t just a resort postcard.