Ixtapa, MexicoThe Insider's Guide to Ixtapa
Summary: Discover the charm of Ixtapa with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.
Welcome to Ixtapa! If you're planning to move to Ixtapa, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Ixtapa has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Ixtapa.
Ixtapa, is a paradise for tourists and locals alike, offering a plethora of sites of interest. One of the most popular attractions is Playa El Palmar, a beautiful beach with golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. For nature lovers, the Ixtapa Island (Isla Ixtapa) is a must-visit. It's a small island with four beaches, each offering different activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including iguanas and tropical birds.
Another popular attraction is the Delfiniti Ixtapa, where visitors can swim with dolphins and learn about these intelligent creatures. For golf enthusiasts, the Marina Ixtapa Golf Club and the Palma Real Golf Course offer challenging courses with stunning views. The Magic World Aquatic Park is a great place for families, featuring water slides, a lazy river, and a pirate-themed play area. The Ciclopista de Ixtapa is a scenic bike path that winds through the resort area, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape.
The restaurant and nightlife scene in Ixtapa is vibrant and diverse, offering something for everyone. One of the most popular restaurants is El Faro, known for its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and its delicious seafood dishes. Another favorite is Casa Morelos, which serves traditional Mexican cuisine in a charming, rustic setting. For a more upscale dining experience, visitors can head to Bogart's, a restaurant with a Casablanca theme that serves a fusion of Mexican and international cuisine.
When it comes to nightlife, Christine Club is a popular choice. This nightclub offers a variety of music, from salsa to disco, and features live performances. Another popular spot is the Lobby Bar at the Barceló Ixtapa Beach Resort, which offers a relaxed atmosphere and a wide selection of cocktails. For those who prefer a more laid-back vibe, the General's Sports Bar & Restaurant is a great place to watch sports games and enjoy a drink.
Recreational activities in Ixtapa are centered around its natural beauty and outdoor attractions. Water sports are particularly popular, with many visitors enjoying activities such as surfing, jet-skiing, and fishing. The Picante Catamaran offers sailing trips along the coast, while the Ixtapa Aquatic Park is a great place for families to enjoy water slides and swimming pools.
For those who prefer land-based activities, the Ixtapa Bike Path offers a scenic route for cycling or walking. The path winds through the resort area and along the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Golf is another popular activity, with the Marina Ixtapa Golf Club and the Palma Real Golf Course offering challenging courses in beautiful settings. For a more adventurous activity, the Parque Aventura Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo offers zip-lining through the jungle canopy.
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Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Insider Tips from Expats in Ixtapa: Making the Most of Life and Connections
"Expats in Ixtapa often join local clubs and activities to meet new people and immerse themselves in the local culture. One popular option is the Ixtapa Yacht Club, which offers sailing and boating activities. There are also golf clubs, such as the Marina Ixtapa Golf Club and the Palma Real Golf Course, where expats can enjoy a round of golf while socializing with other members.In addition to sports clubs, there are also cultural and social clubs that expats can join. These include art clubs, cooking classes, and language exchange groups where expats can learn Spanish and Mexicans can practice their English. Expats also meet people by volunteering in local community projects or charities. This not only provides an opportunity to give back to the community, but also to meet locals and other expats. Another way expats meet people in Ixtapa is by attending local events and festivals. These can range from music concerts to food festivals, and are a great way to experience the local culture and meet new people. Finally, many expats meet people simply by frequenting local restaurants, bars, and cafes. These are often social hubs where locals and expats alike gather to relax, socialize, and enjoy the local cuisine," said one expat living in Ixtapa.
Welcome Home MexicoConnect
Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Ixtapa is often described as relaxed and laid-back, with a slower pace of life that many find appealing. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, warm climate, and friendly locals, making it a popular destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Expats and digital nomads in Ixtapa enjoy a lower cost of living compared to many other countries, which allows them to live comfortably without breaking the bank. The town offers a variety of affordable housing options, from beachfront condos to more traditional Mexican homes. The local cuisine is another highlight for many expats and digital nomads living in Ixtapa. The town is known for its fresh seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and a variety of international cuisine. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants where expats can socialize and meet new people.Despite its small size, Ixtapa has a strong expat community. There are numerous groups and clubs that organize social events, making it easy for newcomers to make friends and feel at home. For digital nomads, Ixtapa offers reliable internet and plenty of spaces to work, including cafes and coworking spaces. The town is also relatively safe, with low crime rates compared to other parts of Mexico.However, it's worth noting that while many locals speak English, it can be beneficial to learn some Spanish to fully immerse in the local culture and lifestyle. Additionally, while healthcare in Ixtapa is generally good, it may not be up to the standards some expats are used to from their home countries.Overall, life for expats and digital nomads in Ixtapa is characterized by a relaxed lifestyle, beautiful surroundings, and a welcoming community," commented an expat living in Ixtapa.
Welcome Home MexicoConnect
Welcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Welcome Home MexicoWelcome Home Mexico occupies a niche in the market as a successful relocation and real estate firm helping expats moving to Mexico! As seen on CBS news, PBS, in the L.A. Times and more, we are one of the leading companies in this field. Welcome Home Mexico offers a wide range of services, multi-lingual knowledgeable brokers with experience, efficient and professional service.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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