The original name was Cihuatlán, which means "Land of Women" in Nahuatl, because it was structured under a matriarchal organization.

Cihuatlán was inhabited by the Tarascans and was used as a sanctuary for pre-Hispanic nobility.

According to legend, King Caltzontzin chose Zihuatanejo Bay as his resting place and ordered the construction of a breakwater to protect what was his exclusive beach. Even today, part of the rocky reef built by the Tarascans remains on the beach now known as Las Gatas.

Hernán Cortés sent some of his men to explore this coastal territory, and they considered these lands of little interest. Therefore, to the name Cihuatlán, they added the Spanish suffix "nejo," which means insignificant. Hence, the name Zihuatanejo originated.

During the colonial era, this bay was frequently visited by pirates.

In 1920, the small town gained importance as an exporter of woods, and even Playa la Madera took its name because that's where the boats were loaded.

A few years later, Acapulco gained worldwide renown as a tourist destination, while this region was visited only by a few adventurers who dared to explore the beautiful tropical paradises offered by the Guerrero coast.

In 1972, FONATUR began the urbanization of Ixtapa, thus developing a new tourist destination on the Mexican Pacific.