Mexico : Safety by City
- Acapulco
- Aguascalientes
- Cabo San Lucas
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- Chichen Itza
- Chihuahua
- Cozumel
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- Puebla
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- Queretaro City
- Reynosa
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- San Miguel de Allende
- Sayulita
- Tijuana
- Tulum
- Valladolid
- Veracruz
- Zacatecas
- Zamora
- Zapopan
- Zihuatanejo
Zihuatanejo (pronounced zee·waa·tuh·nay·how) is known as a charming, laid-back Mexican fishing village with beautiful, calm bays, stunning beaches like Playa La Ropa and Las Gatas, excellent fresh seafood, vibrant artisan markets, and opportunities for water activities like snorkeling, diving, and whale watching, all while maintaining an authentic, relaxed vibe compared to its neighbor Ixtapa.
Its popularity grew after being featured in the film The Shawshank Redemption, symbolizing a peaceful paradise.
Visitors can find several beaches, including lively Playa La Ropa, secluded Las Gatas (accessible by boat), and quieter Playa Blanca, all within a protected bay.
It is a smaller, more traditional town with a central pier, waterfront promenade, local markets, and a generally slow pace.
This lovely location is great for snorkeling, diving, sport fishing, and seasonal whale watching (Dec-Mar).
It is also famous for fresh seafood, especially tuna, snapper, and octopus, with many restaurants serving local specialties like Tiritas de Pescado.
You can also enjoy artisan shops, galleries, and a municipal market for local crafts and goods.
How safe is this location?
Warnings & Dangers in Zihuatanejo
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Zihuatanejo, located in Mexico's Guerrero state, faces a U.S. State Department Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory due to high crime and cartel activity in the region, affecting areas including the tourist zones of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. While many travelers report feeling safe and experiencing normal tourism activities away from cartel conflicts, official advisories warn of violence, roadblocks, and organized crime; thus, extreme caution is advised, and travel is generally discouraged by governments.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
Taxis and public transit have been targeted by criminal groups with threats, extortion, vehicle burnings, and violence against drivers, causing service disruptions. Criminals sometimes pose as or work with taxi drivers to force victims to withdraw money from ATMs.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Zihuatanejo has a mild risk of pickpockets compared to many other places. The most likely places for this to occur is in crowded tourist areas around the markets. The people most often targeted are those who make notice of their wealth and ones who appear disoriented.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Zihuatanejo faces significant natural disaster risks, primarily from earthquakes and tsunamis due to the Guerrero seismic gap, with the potential for damaging inland inundation, as well as risks from tropical storms and hurricanes, especially from May to October, necessitating preparedness like evacuation plans and emergency kits. The Guerrero coast is known as a seismic gap, meaning there's high potential for a major earthquake (Magnitude 7.0+) that hasn't occurred in over a century, which could trigger destructive tsunamis. The rainy season (May-October) brings increased risk of tropical storms and hurricanes, with August, September, and October being peak months to avoid.
MUGGING RISK: LOW
In the city proper, there is very little chance of mugging as long as you avoid things like walking at night and stay in tourist areas. If you leave the city, however, the chances increase dramatically.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Zihuatanejo has been listed as one of Mexico's most violent municipalities with high homicide rates. While It appears to be safe in most cases, there is a large organized crime component that can see violence break out without notice.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
The most risk you have of being scammed in this area is by facing price gouging and the occasional taxi fraud. If something seems a bit too good to be true, leave it go.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Women travelers still face risks from broader cartel activity and general crime, requiring standard travel precautions like staying aware, avoiding isolated areas/night travel, using official transport, and choosing well-rated accommodations. Be cautious with alcohol consumption and share your location with friends or family. Women should do some research into safe Airbnbs and women-safe hotels. The best information will come from women who have traveled to this area in the recent past.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
The risk with Zihuatanejo (and most of Mexico's) tap water involves bacteria, parasites, and viruses, even in cities, leading to gastrointestinal issues like Traveler's Diarrhea, though some locals drink it carefully. While it might be okay for showering or brushing teeth for some, it's generally recommended for tourists to drink only purified bottled water, use it for rinsing, and be cautious with ice from unknown sources to avoid illness from unfamiliar microbes. A reliable water filter or purification tablets/pills can offer extra protection if you're out and about.
Safest Places to Visit in Zihuatanejo
There are plenty of beautiful, and safe, places to visit in Zihuatanejo.
Among them are:
- Playa La Ropa: A beautiful, accessible beach known for calm waters, perfect for swimming, with nearby hotels and restaurants.
- Playa La Madera: A main swimming beach connected to Playa Principal by a scenic walkway, offering shade and photo opportunities.
- Playa Principal (Downtown Beach): The heart of the town, great for strolling, dining at waterfront restaurants, and watching the sunset.
- Downtown Zihuatanejo: A charming area with shopping, authentic Mexican restaurants (like Casanovas, Daniels), and a friendly atmosphere, says a Reddit user.
- Ixtapa Island (Isla Ixtapa): A short water taxi ride away, offering snorkeling, calm beaches, and family fun.
- Troncones: A laid-back surf town just north, ideal for long walks, surfing, kayaking, and hiking, with a welcoming vibe.
Places to Avoid in Zihuatanejo
As long as you do not travel out of the city, you can visit just about anywhere.
There are actually more situations to avoid than there are places to avoid.
These include:
- Water Pollution: Some reports indicate poor water quality in the Zihuatanejo marina area due to sewage, so be cautious about swimming there.
- Crocodiles: Crocodiles are native to the region, particularly in lagoons and certain beaches; always heed warning signs.
- Mosquitoes: High mosquito activity means taking precautions (repellent, long sleeves) to prevent bites, especially with dengue being a concern.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Zihuatanejo
- Use reputable transport. Use only taxis that are legitimate. These can best be found by having the hotel call them. or use ride-share services.
- Stay aware of advisories. This includes both travel/security advisories and weather reports. Take time to check these periodically throughout the day, be aware of local evacuation protocol, and don’t argue with officials who are obviously legitimate and giving instructions.
- Have a to-go bag ready. This is necessary in case there is anything weather-related that would require a quick evacuation from the area. Make sure you have all the necessities you might need for three days, as well as important papers.
- Fly in. Rather than attempt to traverse roads that may put you in danger, opt for flying into and out of Zihuatanejo. This will eliminate getting stopped by criminals along roads or wandering into unsafe areas you are unaware of.
- Don’t discuss plans in public. Determine your daily itinerary in the morning and stick with it. Make sure at least one member of your friends or family know your plans. Don’t discuss these in public where unsavory individuals may be hoping to find you in a vulnerable position.
- Keep valuables locked up. Hotels have a safe for a reason. Use the safe for anything that is of value, including the originals of travel documents. You will be able to access these quickly if needed.
- Use indoor ATMs. Outdoor ATMs can be a danger spot anywhere in the world. By going inside, you are less likely to have someone see your PIN, are able to keep a closer watch on who is around you, and are more able to secure your money and card before leaving.
- Choose hotels with good security. The greater the security, the less chance there will be of someone breaking into your room. In addition to a front staff person who is there 24/7, having a security person at the doors is also a good choice.
- Keep the money you carry to a minimum. Only carry the amount of money you think you will need for the day. In this way, you are not pulling out a lot of money whenever you make a purchase. Also, having the money spread over two or three locations will also help.
- Avoid exchanging large amounts of money in public. This is especially true of places like the airport. You don’t know who may be watching and those up to no-good are more likely to be frequenting places that tourists are likely to use.
So... How Safe Is Zihuatanejo Really?
While the area that surrounds Zihuatanejo is dangerous, and the city itself has seen a rise in violent murders, it is easy to consider travel there to be a high risk.
This risk can be minimized.
By flying directly into and out of the city, by keeping a watch on current national warnings and weather warnings, you can make your visit safer.
As with all places frequented by tourists, diligence is needed, as well as a watchful eye.
Learn a bit of the language and know your plans.
Stay in populated areas and don’t wander at night.
Chances are what appears to be a high risk area can be an enjoyable one with due diligence.
How Does Zihuatanejo Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Zihuatanejo |
72 |
| Isla Mujeres |
82 |
| Oaxaca |
78 |
| Zamora |
30 |
| Mexico City |
55 |
| Reynosa |
30 |
| Hermosillo |
75 |
 Palm Beach Gardens | 82 |
| Chandler | 64 |
| Hilo | 65 |
| Pullman | 79 |
| Hamden | 78 |
| North Port | 87 |
Useful Information
Visas
You don't need a visa for short stays (under 180 days) but must get a free FMM tourist card. Get this free form at the airport or border; it's stamped for up to 180 days (though sometimes less is granted).
Currency
The country's official currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN). ATMs are easily found in Mexico. U.S. Dollars are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants, shops, taxis, etc. Head to your bank or credit union before you leave to avoid paying ATM transaction costs. You may even receive a better exchange rate. Credit unions and banks will exchange your dollars into a foreign currency before and after your trip when you have a checking or savings account with them. Using your bank's ATM, or an ATM in its network The worst places to exchange your money for another currency are oftentimes the most convenient, such as airport kiosks, hotels and tourist centers. In those places, the conversion rates are usually not in your favor. Be aware of current exchange rates, especially if you cannot locate a local ATM.
Weather
July is the hottest month in Zihuatanejo with an average temperature of 84°F and the coldest is January at 79°F. There is no need for anything warm when you visit. Wear cooler fabrics, such as cotton, and light, airy styles. Open-toed shows, and don't forget swimming clothes as the beaches here are excellent and have very little roughness. The rainy period of the year lasts for nine months, from May 8 to February 8, with a sliding 31-day rainfall of at least 0.5 inches. The month with the most rain in Zihuatanejo is September, with an average rainfall of 8.1 inches. The rainiest period of the year lasts for three months, from February 8 to May 8.
Airports
The one airport that serves this city is Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport. It is located 13 km from the center of Zihuatanejo and is easily accessible by taxi.
Travel Insurance
While not legally required, travel insurance is highly recommended for Zihuatanejo to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and evacuations, as U.S. public health insurance doesn't apply, and you'll need to pay upfront for care and seek reimbursement, with some areas having specific advisories. The key is to ensure your plan covers medical evacuation, as costs can be high, and to check coverage levels for areas with travel advisories like Guerrero.
Zihuatanejo Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
29 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 29 |
| Low °C |
19 | 19 | 19 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 21 | 20 |
| High °F |
84 | 84 | 84 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 84 |
| Low °F |
66 | 66 | 66 | 70 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 70 | 68 |
airport taxi scam
Beware of timeshare scams at the airport (Ixtapa-Azul in the case of my friends). The representative will offer you all sorts of “gifts” including free breakfasts and free tours. Don’t fall for it unless you want to spend a few hours of your precious holidays hearing a sales spiel and being pressured to buy a timeshare (my friends got out of it at the very last minute so don’t feel pressured to stay even after they drive you to the resort). If you need a taxi from the airport then go straight to the desk near one of the exits and purchase it. There’s a shuttle option for 160 pesos per person. The clerk at your hotel can arrange airport transportation (always settle on the price you’ll pay before you hop in).
At Zihua-international they get and want up to 32 dollars for a shuttle to your motel in Zihua!!! Walk off the airport grounds and catch a cab leaving to go back to Zihua for as little as 10 dollars of a buss for as little as 1.50. You must be able to walk the one block and be really cheap like me!. You usually get approached by a cab with a cheap fair before you get off airport lot! He will even stop and you can grab a cold beer for a cheap price( rather than 5-6 bucks at the airport) at one of the many stores just outside airport property. Can not beat that for a vacation start!!!?
Huh?
“catch a cab leaving to go back to Zihua for as little as 10 dollars of a buss for as little as 1.50.”
That doesn’t make sense. Is it 10 dollars or 1.50?
Do you seriously not know the difference between a cab and a bus? Don’t post drunk.
Just don’t go!! Stay in a red state in the USA
Andy Dufresne
Andy Dufresne went here, he seemed happy.
So is Red!
Did you get a chance to check out Playa La Ropa, or did you end up spending more time at Playa las Gatas?
I spent an afternoon at Playa La Ropa and the water was just stunning, perfect for a relaxing swim. The vibe is so laid-back compared to the busier spots nearby, and I loved grabbing a cold drink at one of the beach bars afterward.
Is it just me, or does the idea of chilling at Las Gatas with fresh seafood sound like the perfect escape from reality?
So, is the relaxing vibe just a cover for how wild it actually gets when the sun goes down, or is that just the tourist fairy tale everyone’s fallen for?
Can’t believe how calm the bay is at Playa La Ropa, snorkeled over tiny colorful fish and felt totally relaxed.
After wandering the artisan stalls and stumbling back to the pier with the smell of grilled snapper on my shirt, did you ever feel uneasy at night or is it really as laid back and safe as it sounds?