Ixtapa is a planned beach resort in Mexico which was created in the 1970s through the efforts of the government with funding from the World Bank. Its master plan was designed and developed by Enrique and Agustín Landa Verdugo; implementation of the design involved several architects.

The layout of Ixtapa includes irregularly shaped super blocks, high-speed streets, and cul-de-sacs. The city was also created in such a way that it can accommodate various modes of transportation - with bus lines, charter lines, airlines, buses, and ships or ferries. In fact, this area is considered as a major cruise stop - with various international and local cruise liners.

Popular points of interest in Ixtapa include its beaches, cruises, and the Ixtapa Bay. With a lot of water surrounding the city, activities such as sport fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and sightseeing/cruising are very popular. In fact, visitors can try going on sunset cruises and other excursions.