Mexico’s state of Guerrero may be home to the country’s original party town – Acapulco – but its allure runs far deeper than sun-soaked resorts and late-night revelry. The spiny Sierra Madre mountains define the state’s dramatic backbone, with lofty peaks and plunging valleys steeped in history and dotted with culturally rich towns. Along the rugged Pacific coast, Guerrero boasts a mix of hidden coves, tranquil bays, and long, wave-battered beaches beloved by surfers.
To say Guerrero has it all would be an understatement.
Still, what most people know Guerrero for is the booming tourist hotspot of Acapulco, which continues to be one of the top tourist destinations for Mexican travellers. While Acapulco is impressive with its Grande Dame resorts, beachfront restaurants, and renowned Zona Dorada, it is the other destinations in Guerrero that give this state so much soul. Discover the mountain mining towns like Taxco, with its gorgeous cathedral and web of cobblestone streets that zip up and down the mountainsides. Or venture outside of glitzy Ixtapa to dig your toes in the sand down by the sea in the fishing village of Zihuatanejo. The beauty of Guerrero is that it is a state that doesn’t ask you to choose an adventure. It has everything you could possibly want from a visit to Mexico.
Guerrero doesn’t ask you to choose your adventure – it offers it all.
Historical Centre with view of Santa Prisca Cathedral, Taxco, Mexico. Photo by Armands Brants
Higher Ground in Taxco
Surrounded by jungle-draped peaks, the hillside town of Taxco is a visual delight. Whitewashed buildings topped with red terra-cotta roofs climb the mountainside, creating a striking contrast against the lush backdrop. At the heart of it all is the magnificent Santa Prisca Cathedral, its twin rust-colored towers and ornate dome dominating the skyline.
Taxco’s legacy is silver. While its mines, dating back to the 16th century, are no longer in use, the town’s reputation as a silver capital endures. Visitors come from across the globe to browse artisan shops, discover local galleries, and stroll the winding cobbled streets. Just 100 miles from Mexico City, it’s an easy day trip – or a perfect weekend escape.
Sun and Sand in Zihuatanejo
Thompson Zihuatanejo pool
Zihuatanejo is the laid-back, soulful alternative to its glitzier neighbor, Ixtapa. Once a quiet fishing village, it still retains its relaxed charm, with secluded coves, crystal-clear Pacific waters, and some of the best surf breaks just down the coast. Beachfront restaurants invite guests to dine with toes in the sand as fishing boats glide across the bay.
Just over the hill, Ixtapa delivers luxury with polished resorts, upscale dining, and boutique shopping – but Zihuatanejo offers a chance to slow down and tune in.
Stay at Thompson Zihuatanejo for chic, minimalist rooms steps from a palm-lined beach, or venture to Playa Blanca just outside town for a more secluded experience at Marea Beachfront Villas.
