There is a large variety of options for shopping and browsing in both Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo. One thing you should know is that here most store owners do a "lunch break" followed by a "siesta time". Usually their business hours are from 9:00 a.m. 'till 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. 'till 8:00 p.m. from Mondays through Saturdays. During high season many shops extend their business hours and open on Sundays too.

The State of Guerrero is home to several craft traditions of our country, including ceramics plates and whole dinner sets, carved hard-wood fish sculptures, colorful wooden or clay ceremonial masks, paintings on tree-bark, handcrafted decorated boxes (in many sizes) and the world famous hamacas (hammocks) in single and double size, and you will find them at many local shops.

Downtown Zihuatanejo offers you a variety of little and medium size clothing shops, boutiques, jewelry stores and souvenirs shops for you to enjoy and browse while walking around, and don't forget to take advantage of theirs special offers merchandise that are advertised with signs Oferta (on sale), Rebaja (price reduced) and Liquidación (close-out).

Ixtapa has a boulevard with Shopping Centers and stores alongside. There, you will find from famous name-brand national and international clothing, leather goods, silver, etc. to the typical Mexican merchandise such as hammocks, traditional clothing, crafts and much more.

Both parts of our destination have large and colorful artisans markets (called Mercado Turístico de Artesanías) with more than 200 stands for the one in Zihuatanejo and more than 80 stands for the one in Ixtapa. These markets have a large variety of articles and it is very worthwhile to visit them for souvenir and gift shopping. The one in Zihuatanejo is in Ave. Cinco de Mayo (near the main pier) and the one in Ixtapa it's located in the Boulevard.

The artisans markets were created in 1990 by the City Government because a State Law was approved that prohibited all kind of "walking salespersons" in the streets and beaches of any Guerrero's tourist destination, but a few of this salespersons are still around even today despite the strict enforcement of the law by our authorities.

Note: If you want to help us in controlling and eradicating this bothersome way of selling, please do not encourage them by buying their products or services.

In both artisans markets you will be able to find great souvenirs and decoration articles at a very reasonable prices. Bargaining is the fun part of every transaction, so don't be afraid to do it, but take into consideration that what they might say it's sterling silver it could be "alpaca" (which is silver with a high content of nickel, not real silver). This type of pieces look very nice and they are very reasonable priced making them a good souvenir choice to take for your friends back home.

The articles offered in these markets are mostly hand-made by local artisans or from around our area. Prices are some how lower in the Zihuatanejo market than in Ixtapa.  Don't miss the chance to visit one of them, it is a lot of fun and very colorful. Enjoy the real Mexican flavor and have a good time while shopping or browsing.

Check the hard-wood fish sculptures they have for sale in some shops; very, very nice work, many different figures and sizes (not cheap, but a beautiful souvenir).

Another old craftsmanship tradition of our State are the huaraches (handmade leather sandals) and if you like to wear them, check the shoe stores; there you'll find the one just right for your taste.

Most boutiques, stores and jewelry shops (in both towns) have fixed prices where bargaining is not welcome unless you are buying a large quantity of products or a very expensive one, in which case you can ask for a discount. Some shops that honor credit cards might offer you a discount if you pay for your purchase in cash; ask the salesperson.

Many boutiques have large selections of T-Shirts with decorations referring to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and local attractions. They are great as presents to take back home to your relatives and friends, and they are from very cheap to semi-expensive priced (specially for those hand-painted on a fine cloth).

In our towns, you will find  jewelry stores and Platerias (where they sell silver jewelry only). They have for sale many beautiful hand-made pieces at very fair prices. Most of the sterling silver (.925 & .950) they work with, comes from the mines in Taxco, a colonial city within our State.

A bit of advice... not all that shine is gold and silver, the selling price should tell you so, nobody can sell something for less than its real value, so if you decide to buy a nice gold or silver piece, it's recommended that you do it from a reputable shop. Don't take risks... your are on a vacation to enjoy!.

Petatlan, a nearby town (just 25 min. away by car) has a gold-market located in front of their famous church. Here, artisans sell nice gold pieces made of 12K, 14K and 18K (24K on request) at prices slightly below the market. Usually you'll save 10% to 15% on the cost of workmanship because you are dealing directly with the manufacturer.

It is a good idea to go in a tour offered by the tour operator agencies and ask the advice of the official guide for the shops having the best reputation and service.

If you will like to buy Gold Coins minted by the Mexican Government check at the local banks. "Centenario $50" gold coin approx. US$800.00; "Azteca $20" gold approx. US$325.00; "Hidalgo $10" gold approx. US$160.00 and others like $5, $2.5 and $2. Silver Troy Ounce approx. US$13.00

Not shown in actual size. Prices vary up and down according to the value of the metals (gold and silver); check at the bank for the day selling price. 

All prices listed in shops, etc. should have the 15% I.V.A. (Value Added Tax) included as stated in our laws. If you so desire, you may ask for an "Invoice" of the purchase, not just a sales ticket. To be an invoice it has to have the word "FACTURA" and the federal revenue i.d. printed on it (shown here).

  HAVE A GOOD TIME SHOPPING AND BROWSING !!!