There are plenty of exciting water sports and activities to enjoy while on holiday in Ixtapa. Go surfing at one of the nearby beaches such as Playa Escolleras, enjoy a round of golf at the Marina Ixtapa Golf Course or a tennis match at the Palma Real Golf and Tennis Club, enjoy some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling in the Pacific Ocean or take a fishing charter and enjoy some fly fishing and even game fishing where you may even land a Blue Marlin.

Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Some English is spoken in tourist regions.

Mexican currency is the New Peso (MXN) divided into 100 centavos. Credit cards are widely accepted, particularly Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Travellers cheques are generally accepted, but cannot be cashed on Sundays. ATMs are available in most cities and towns and are the most convenient way to get money, but for safety reasons they should only be used during business hours. Although most businesses will accept foreign currency it is best to use pesos. Foreign currency can be exchanged at one of many casas de cambio(exchange houses), which have longer hours and offer a quicker service than the banks.

There are a lot of peddlers and hawkers along the beach in Ixtapa which can become a nuisance for many travellers.

The nightlife in Ixtapa is second to none with a good selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and discos to keep you partying into the early hours. Sip a cocktail under the tropical overhang at La Playa Bar in the heart of in the heart of Zihuatanejo, sing along to some live music or hit the dance floor and get you body moving until the early hours. Head for the world renowned restaurant-cum-disco on Ixtapa's beach, Carlos 'n' Charlie's, to enjoy some of the finest BBQ ribs and dancing, while Bandido's features live music from Wednesday through Saturday. Rick's Bar is a popular hangout for locals and expats, while Senor Frog's and Christine's on Ixtapa Boulevard see the DJs spin a mix of pop and disco to keep the party going.

With some of the most picturesque and romantic beach-side settings, those looking for a night of wining and dining will find there is no shortage of quality restaurants and eateries in Ixtapa. For some of the best seafood around, try 4 Hermanos, while Beccofino offers an eclectic mix of Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. For local flavour visit Villa de la Selva. Fancy a bit of spice? Look no further than Deborah's Chili Beans on Ixtapa Boulevard, while for a more familiar dinner, head to Porto di Mare for a bit of Italian fare.

There is a good selection of shops available throughout Ixtapa, from boutiques and famous brand and designer names and jewellery stores to specialist shops and craft markets selling local wares. Ixtapa Boulevard is the place to go for shopping centres and stores, as well as the artisan market where popular buys include huaraches(handmade leather sandals), wooden sculptures, art, jewellery, furnishings, beachwear, sarongs and traditional masks. Those looking for the quintessential Mexican souvenir need look no further than Tequila Por Favor, Zihuatanejo's first liquor store, which offers an amazing variety of tequila, fine spirits, and Cuban and Mexican cigars.