playablancamexicoadmin junio 21, 2024

Getting Here

Flights

The Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa International Airport (ZIH) is an international airport and lies at the north end of Playa Blanca, just minutes from Barra de Potosi.
As you approach the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport, you may circle the Playa Blanca Bay which is just south of Zihuatanejo. Look for Los Moros (white islets just outside the bay), Cerro Guamilule (the forested point at the south end of the bay) and the Laguna Potosi (lagoon extending inland from Guamilule). The village of Barra de Potosi sits at the mouth of the lagoon. The airport is at the north end of the bay about 8 miles up the beach from the village.

 

Leaving the Airport

It is about a 15 drive from the airport to Barra de Potosi. A shorter drive if you are staying along Playa Blanca.

Taxis. The taxi fares are controlled by the taxi union and are not negotiable. You can arrange a taxi right inside the airport or walk just outside of the airport and get a lower fare.

Rental Cars. There are several car rental agencies inside and around the airport. Book ahead to guarantee availability.

Public Transportation. There are combi vans that run from just outside the airport to Barra de Potosi about every 20-30 minutes from 6am to dark. The vans will drop you off or pick you up anywhere along the road. This is the most economical way to travel if you don’t have a ton of baggage or require AC!

 

Pesos

Get your pesos before arriving at your accommodation. There are no banks or ATMs in Barra de Potosi or along the beach and most of the local restaurants and businesses do not take credit cards. They may accept US dollars but at a poor exchange rate. There are money exchange booths in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo airport, but you will get a better rate at one of the ATMs inside the airport.

 

What to bring?

Your favorite sunscreen and bug spray.
A hat, swimsuit and sandals. It is very casual and tropical here for the most part, but you may also want a pair of long slacks and a long sleeved shirt for sun and bug protection. It can also be cool at night in the winter months.
Binoculars (if you enjoy bird watching or looking for whales out on the water).
You can get basic foodstuffs here, but the selection can be limited. If there is a packaged food item you cannot live without, you might want to bring it. Or be adventurous and try more of the wonderful local foods that are available.
Converters are not needed as the electricity is 120volt and uses the same plugs as the US and Canada.

 

Dangers

The ocean in our bay is quite open, so the waves and currents can be dangerous. Always use precaution, even good swimmers can have problems here. Generally, it is safer close to Barra de Potosi and grows more dangerous as you travel north.
As in any tropical climate, care should be taken to avoid scorpions. Don’t leave damp towels or clothing on the floor/ground, look before you touch things inside a suitcase, closet, or drawer. Don’t walk barefoot at night.