A flat shoreline walk along Troncones' long, undeveloped beach, popular with the village's small surf-camp community, offering open Pacific views and a quieter alternative to the more built-up beaches near Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa.
The walk starts at Playa Troncones village, reached by private vehicle from Zihuatanejo in about 30 to 35 minutes along the coastal highway, with informal parking available near the beach access points and no permit required. The route covers about 4 kilometres round trip along the beach, staying flat with negligible elevation change, on a mix of firm packed sand near the water and softer sand higher up. There is no shade along the open beach, so the walk is fully exposed to sun and coastal wind for its 1.5-hour duration. Landmarks include the string of small surf camps and beachfront guesthouses lining the village side of the beach, thinning out toward Manzanillo Bay to the north, which serves as a natural turn-around point before the undeveloped shoreline continues further. No dedicated water sources or shelters exist along the beach itself, though the village end has small restaurants and surf shops where walkers can buy water. Troncones remains a small, low-key surf-camp community, offering a quieter and less developed alternative to the busier beaches near Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, with the open Pacific swell visible along the entire route.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Troncones beach village north along the Pacific shoreline, La Union Municipality
- Best season
- November to April, dry season with calmer surf and firmer sand
What to bring
- Walking shoes or sandals
- Sun protection
- 1.5 litres of water
Location
Playa Troncones, Carretera Zihuatanejo-Playa Azul Km 30, 40906 La Union de Isidoro Montes de Oca, Guerrero, Mexico
17.7803, -101.7225 View on map
Highlights
- Long, undeveloped beach with open Pacific views
- Passes Troncones' small surf-camp and guesthouse community
- Quiet alternative to the busier Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa beaches
- Views toward Manzanillo Bay to the north
Tips for visiting
- Walk during lower tide for firmer, easier sand near the waterline
- Bring sun protection, since there is no shade along the beach
- Time the walk for sunrise or sunset to catch the surf breaks in good light
- Carry 1.5 litres of water, as only the village end has shops selling drinks
When to visit
Sunrise and late afternoon offer the coolest walking conditions, and the November-to-April dry season brings calmer surf and firmer sand.
Accessibility
The beach's soft, loose sand away from the waterline makes the route impractical for standard wheelchairs or strollers without a beach-specific wheelchair.
Frequently asked questions
Is Troncones beach good for swimming as well as walking?
The beach is known primarily for surfing, and swimmers should check local conditions since the shorebreak can be strong in places.
How developed is the Troncones shoreline?
It remains largely undeveloped compared to Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa, with a small cluster of surf camps and guesthouses near the village.
Is the walk suitable for beginners?
Yes, the flat, short distance suits most fitness levels, though sun exposure is a factor on longer stretches.