There's a wealth of outdoor activities to enjoy near this Ixtapa resort. Gorgeous, scenic paths slice through the mountains, leading to an apex that takes in the surrounding region. Right next to Capella Ixtapa is a vast natural preservation area, teeming with wildlife, flora and fauna. In addition, there are private excursions into the nearby rivers, mountains and forests available to our guests looking for Mexico adventure vacations.
Tours
Twice as Pleasing - Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Orientation Tour
Blending into the lush green backdrop of the Sierra Madre, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo lies along a hilly tropical coastline and is surrounded by dozens of white sandy beaches. We are fortunate to live in a paradise that blends two very unique destinations into one. Though the two areas are quite different in habitat and style, they still share that same wonderful sense of Mexican hospitality. Ixtapa, the modern, master planned resort with perfectly maintained landscaping, vanguard architectural design and services, a luxurious Marina with yachts from all parts of the world, exclusive residential areas, boutiques and two 18-hole, designer golf courses. Zihuatanejo, the traditional fishing village, hiding place for pirates and adventurers throughout history, with the folklore and charm of an old Mexican coastal town, it's harbor, market, town square, beaches and main street.
This orientation tour offers a general overview of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and the immediate surroundings. Your guide will point out to you some great restaurants, stores and places of interest. If you plan to participate in other organized tours or want to do some exploring on your own, the impressions and insights will help you to make up your mind.
Duration: 2 hours
Horse Back Riding - Riverside, Playa Linda or Playa Larga
If horseback riding is one of your skills and you are comfortable with a horse trained for seasoned riders, we invite you to partake in a great experience just north of Ixtapa. See our small exhibition of Mexican Charro items, saddle up, make friends with your horse, enjoy small town life as we ride along the native settlings and on to the San Jose river with its beautiful fauna and flora and submit yourself to an hour of pleasure for all your senses.
If you prefer, we will take you for a ride along the Playa Linda beach instead of exploring the river shore. If you rather take pleasure in the morning breeze or the warm sunlight of a clear afternoon on the back of a well tamed horse with professional guidance, join us at the beach south of Zihuatanejo. Discover the ranch, coconut plantation and the beautiful unspoiled beach of Playa Larga.
Duration: 2 to 3 hours, incl. return to the hotel
Arts, Crafts and Shopping Orientation
Mexico's artists are famous for their ingenuity and unique sense of form and color. In many cases, the appreciation of the countries natural beauty and the sometimes very intricate sense of humor is playfully integrated into works of art. A great variety of regional crafts is to be found in selected stores in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo.
Your guide will make sure you are introduced to some of the most interesting shops and give you expert advise on where, how and at what price to purchase. We wish to prepare the guide and make sure you will see the stores and galleries which interest you most. Therefore, and if you consider it to be useful, you may fill us in a day before the tour regarding your preferences.
Duration: 2 hours
Pacific Heritage - Famous Architects & Beautiful Landscaping
During the last 25 years, a few gifted architects in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo have laid the foundation to a building tradition, which culminated in world famous hotels, like "Capella", "La Casa que Canta" and a number of luxurious private residences. The recipe: Take a spectacular view, artfully apply natural materials from the region and ingeniously integrate modern techniques and you have a heritage of enchanted villas and charming landscaping. As you enjoy the views and ambience of the town's finest homes and residential areas, you might find inspiration for your own garden, interior design or your next vacation getaway.
Duration: 2 hours
Traditional Mexico
The purpose of this outing is twofold: to get a little bit of insight into the old Mexican ways, the countryside, customs and traditions and enjoy a relaxing few hours at a great beach and lagoon. We start the excursion with a 20 minute drive to our neighbor city, Petatlán, along the scenic road, leaving Zihuatanejo southbound towards Acapulco. On the way, your tour guide will explain the history, cultural and anthropological background of the region and stop at a local bakery, where you may observe the old fashioned way of preparing fresh coconut bread.
The tour of Petatlán includes the market with the different Mexican spices and chiles, cactus and herbal medicines and the opportunity to buy gold at very reasonable prices. Because the people of the state of Guerrero link many miracles to the "Cristo de Petatlan", the visit to this church is also part of the tour. On the way back to Ixtapa we spend a couple of hours at the original fishing village of "Barra de Potosi", where you may swim, explore and take magnificent pictures of the lagoon, the wildlife and bird sanctuary. Enjoy fresh lobster or other seafood at exceptional prices and participate in a boat trip through the lagoon.
Duration: 5 to 6 hours
Bird Watching
The area around Ixtapa (Nahuatl: land of white sand) is composed mainly of swamps and minor lakes, as well as a river outlet into the Pacific ocean, and is heavily populated by over 320 species of birds, 2 kinds of iguanas as well as crocodiles and other reptiles. About half of the bird species we can observe are year round residents, while the other half migrates to the area during the winter months or early spring. We will be looking for colorful species, such as the "White Throated Magpie-Jay" (Calocitta Formosa), the "Yellow-Winged Cacique" (Cacicus melanicterus) and the "Citreoline Trogon" (Trogon citreolus), among others. The flora is just as varied and the guide in charge will gladly explain it in detail to the interested listener.
We will take your first to the crocodile pit, where you can observe (besides the crocodiles) turtles, iguanas and mangrove birds. From there it's a 2½ mile walk or bicycle ride through the Ecological park "Aztlán", observing many of the most representative birds and plants of the region, including ecosystems such as the tropical dry forest, the tropical semi-deciduous forest and the mangrove.
Duration: 3 hours
Mountain Biking & Snorkeling
Three hours of light to medium workout, beautiful scenery and unspoiled nature. After choosing and adjusting your mountain bike, you leave the store in Zihuatanejo at 8.30 A.M., accompanied by the expert guide and snorkel instructor. The first half of your cycling excursion lasts approximately one hour as you cross the hills behind La Ropa beach on a level 1 mountain path with 30% of the time in a moderate climb, 20% level terrain and another 30% downhill towards the ocean, ending at unspoiled Manzanillo beach.
You may spend an hour or more snorkeling and enjoying the underwater fauna and flora in the warm Pacific waters, with the guidance of your instructor, before you start your return trip to the hotel. If you prefer a stronger workout, you may choose the alternate route which requires previous experience in mountain biking. You will take a level 2 dirt trail, 50% ascending and 50% descending, which also ends up at Manzanillo beach.
Duration: Approximately 4 to 4.5 Hours
The Secret
Many years ago, the international jet set chose Acapulco, just 150 Miles away, as a "secret" getaway. The lovely bay, the famous cliff divers and the intense night live invite for a visit. It's a full day affair, departing Capella at 09.30 hours and returning in time for dinner. We have chartered a comfortable airplane for you, in order to show you the scenery from the air along the spectacular Pacific coastline south of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, a 30 to 40 minute flight to Acapulco. Your guide is waiting at the airport in ACA with a private air conditioned car and he will show you around town and stop for lunch at the side of the legendary Acapulco cliff divers.
The visit features the fortress of San Diego, overlooking one of the world's most beautiful bays, Diego Rivera's mural paintings at Caleta beach and residential areas with homes of past generation Hollywood celebrities such as Johnny Weissmueller, Gary Grant and Roy Rodgers. The more recent Diamond development with the Princess Hotel and the main strip, Boulevard Miguel Alemán, are further highlights of this full day excursion. Return by plane to Zihuatanejo with the sun setting over the ocean for arrival time at the hotel around 7:00 PM.
Contact your personal assistant to make tour arrangements.