Things To Do
in Petatlán
Petatlán is a small, traditional town in Guerrero’s Costa Grande region known for its strong religious identity and the venerated Cristo Negro shrine that draws pilgrims year-round. The town serves as a gateway between inland mountain communities and the Pacific coast, combining rural markets, tropical lowland scenery, and easy access to quieter beaches. Life in Petatlán moves at a slow, local pace—colorful markets, seasonal festivals, and friendly neighbors shape much of the visitor experience.
Expect basic infrastructure but abundant authentic culture, local food, and opportunities for day trips into nearby countryside and coastline.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Petatlán, surrounded by stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the local atmosphere. After checking into your accommodation, enjoy a refreshing breakfast at a nearby café that offers traditional Mexican dishes.
Explore the historic center of Petatlán, visiting the famous San Francisco de Asís Church, known for its stunning architecture. Stop by local artisan shops to appreciate the beautiful handcrafted goods made by the local community. Enjoy a traditional Mexican lunch at a local restaurant, sampling local specialties like pozole or tinga.
As dusk falls, experience a peaceful walk through the town square, where you can enjoy live music or local performances. Dine at a local eatery, savoring fresh seafood caught from the nearby Pacific coast. Wind down the evening with a nightcap at a vibrant bar, mingling with locals and fellow travelers.
Head to Playa Blanca, a stunning beach known for its soft sands and clear waters. Enjoy a morning of relaxation under the sun or take a swim in the ocean's refreshing embrace. Have a light breakfast at a beachfront café, enjoying fresh fruit and coffee.
Spend the afternoon engaging in water sports such as snorkeling or kayaking, discovering the marine life that inhabits the warm waters. Alternatively, you can relax under a palapa with a good book, soaking up the vibrant beach atmosphere. For lunch, enjoy grilled fresh fish served with local salsas at one of the beachside seafood shacks.
As the sun sets, indulge in a spectacular view of the horizon from the beach. Enjoy dinner at a beachfront restaurant, where you can taste local specialties like ceviche while listening to the gentle waves. End the evening with a beach bonfire, mingling with other visitors and sharing stories under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-10 |
| ☕Coffee or pan dulce | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-5 |
| 🚌Local bus/colectivo fare | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Basic hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-45 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, small-town Mexican culture and hospitality
- Access to quieter beaches and natural scenery
- Vibrant religious festivals and local markets
- Good value for food and lodging
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife outside festivals
- Sparse ATM and card-acceptance options—cash preferred
- Regional safety concerns in parts of Guerrero—requires vigilance
- Fewer organized tours and English-speaking services compared with major resort towns
- "Buenos días" - Good morning / Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Perdón / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Petatlán
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic religious site and town square—great for capturing devotion, architecture and lively market scenes, especially during festivals and pilgrimages.
Colorful market stalls, produce, spices and portraits of local vendors—excellent for candid street photography and food close-ups.
Nearby river areas and small bridges offer rustic landscapes, reflections and local daily-life scenes.
Short hikes to surrounding hills reward you with panoramic views of the town, farmland and distant coastal silhouette at sunrise or sunset.
Coastal edges near the municipality provide sunset seascapes, fishing boats and shore life—ideal for golden-hour photography.
Food in Petatlán
Petatlán Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh local fish or shrimp marinated in citrus with onion, cilantro and chiles—widely available in coastal eateries and market stalls.
Must-Try!
Whole grilled fish seasoned with regional chiles and spices; common in nearby beach towns and occasional local celebrations.
Corn masa tamales with savory or sweet fillings and warm atole drinks—often sold in the morning at the market.
Hearty stews (meat, hominy or chicken soups) served at fondas and during communal gatherings—comfort food after a hot day.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market where you can find fresh produce, seafood brought from the coast, street snacks, tamales, salsas and small family-run food stalls—great for trying inexpensive local dishes.
In the plaza and adjacent streets vendors sell tacos, elotes, fresh fruit and sweets in the evenings—ideal for casual sampling.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show deference at the Cristo Negro shrine and during processions—dress modestly in churches and avoid loud behavior during ceremonies.
Greet shopkeepers and neighbors with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'; a handshake is customary for introductions.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially during religious events or in private settings.
Haggling is acceptable in markets for crafts but do so politely; accept a gentle 'no' and don’t push too hard.
Safety
Tipping in Petatlán
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants tip around 10–15% if service is good; leave small change for street vendors, bag carriers and porters. Drivers and guides appreciate small cash tips for good service.
Cash in Mexican pesos is king—many small businesses, markets, taxis and fondas do not accept cards. ATMs exist but can be sparse; bring enough cash and a backup card. Major hotels and some restaurants accept cards but expect a fee or minimum.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Pleasant days and cooler nights, fewer mosquitoes and optimal conditions for exploring, hiking and visiting markets; high season means more visitors around holidays.
Hotter and humid with frequent afternoon storms, lush green landscapes and possible road washouts; plan for rain when scheduling outdoor activities and expect mosquito presence.
Elevated risk of tropical storms and coastal disruption—monitor weather forecasts, have flexible travel plans, and avoid remote coastal roads during severe weather.
Religious festivals and pilgrimages bring large crowds, processions and special markets—vibrant cultural experience but expect limited lodging and busier streets.
Petatlán at Night
Hiking in Petatlán
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, unmarked trails leading to hilltop viewpoints above the town—good for sunrise/sunset views and gentle hikes through farmland and groves.
Local paths along the river valleys that lead to seasonal cascades and natural swimming holes—best after the dry season ends and with local guidance during the rainy season.
Trails along coastal edges near neighboring beaches offering scenic vistas, birdwatching and opportunities to observe fishing communities—take care on uneven terrain.
Airports
How to reach Petatlán by plane.
The closest major airport serving the Costa Grande; from the airport you can reach Petatlán by regional bus, rental car or taxi—travel time varies depending on route and conditions.
Larger airport with more domestic connections; longer ground travel to Petatlán but an option for flights not served at Zihuatanejo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents identify as Mestizo, with mixed Indigenous and Spanish ancestry, reflecting typical regional demographics.
The surrounding region includes indigenous groups (regional languages and traditions still persist in nearby villages), contributing to local cultural diversity.
A significant portion of the population depends on agriculture, fruit groves and coastal fishing for livelihoods.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally—informal matches in fields and community leagues draw local interest and are a common pastime.
Both a livelihood and recreational activity—coastal fishing and sport-fishing excursions are popular among residents and visitors.
Common community sports with local amateur competitions, especially at schools and during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Petatlán.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—look for veggie tamales, rice-and-bean plates, salads and egg-based dishes. Communicate clearly (in Spanish) about no meat when ordering.
Vegan choices are fewer; markets sell fruits, vegetables and tortillas that make simple meals. Bring snacks or plan to eat at larger coastal restaurants that can adapt dishes.
Many traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free (corn tortillas, ceviche, grilled fish), but check for wheat in sauces or fried foods. If you have severe celiac disease, carry snacks and explain restrictions in Spanish.