Bike Rental and Trail in Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo

Rent bikes at Bi-Zihuanas (Antonio de Nava 15A Zihuatenejo 755-544-6495) or in Ixtapa across from the Park Royal Hotel (755 113 3228). 400 pesos each if you return the same day or 450 for overnight. The bikes are in top shape; the staff is very helpful. In Zihuatenejo, you need to reserve at least the day before as they bring the bikes in from Ixtapa.

The cyclopista runs between Zihua's Playa Principal to Ixtapa, where you can either cruise the hotels or turn off toward Playa Linda through well-shaded Parque Aztlan, a wildlife refuge full of birds, turtles, crocodiles. Very nice.

The trail is in terrific shape, paved, smooth and well maintained. It's painted red, is well-signed and bikes-only the whole way, though you do encounter pedestrians in the built-up areas of Zihua and Ixtapa. There's a hill in the middle, steeper on the Ixtapa side of the high point. We had no problem going up in the morning, but on the return (post-lunch, 31C and blazing sun), we walked our bikes for part of the uphill on the way back. But after the peak, you can coast downhill the entire way to Zihua.

Go early in the morning and spend the day at Playa Linda or Ixtapa and then head back when the sun has passed its peak. If you're going the other way, there are tourist shops and restaurants on the Zihua downtown beach and in town, or you can lock the bikes and head to Playa Ropa. Or go one way, drop the bikes and taxi back for 200 pesos. It's a 45 - 60 minute trip one way, depending on your fitness.