The Templo Guide
Guest Handbook + Local Saladita Guide. Everything you need for your stay.
This guide covers everything in town — getting here, surfing, restaurants, getting around, things to do, services, and the natural world around you. Details specific to your unit (amenities, house rules, check-in) arrive in your Airbnb messages.
Getting Here from ZIH
Zihuatanejo International Airport (ZIH) is approximately 45 minutes away — with direct flights from LAX, SFO, Houston, and Vancouver and other major cities seasonally. We are located off the Main Beach Rd, behind Marea Restaurant.
Google Maps to Templo Saladita →
| Taxi |
We recommend the following local taxi services for airport pickup: Brandon +52 755 108 3772 Sergio +52 755 109 5538 Javier +52 755 142 1645 You can request a stop at the grocery store with most taxi services. Please note there are also registered and licensed taxis at the airport in the event you forget to schedule transport. Approximate cost: 1500–1700 pesos. |
| Rental Cars |
You can rent directly at the airport with companies such as Hertz and Budget. You can also rent with a La Saladita Local Rental Car Service. Please contact Brandon for more information: +52 755 108 3772. |
| Public Transportation |
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Surfing at La Saladita
You are 100 meters from one of the world’s great left-hand point breaks. La Saladita is Mexico’s finest longboard wave — mellow, long, and consistent, with rides that regularly last over a minute from the point to shore.
Surf Lessons & Coaching
- Saladita Surf School — Daily classes, camps, personalized coaching for all levels. Contact them on Instagram @saladita_surf_school. Maps →
- Mexcalli Surf School — Hands-on, all skill levels; right before the boat ramp. Contact them through Instagram @mexcallisurfschool. Maps →
Board Rentals
- Brandon Surfboard Rentals — Right in front of the point, excellent board selection, walk-up friendly.
- Mexcalli Surf School — Next to the boat ramp, all levels.
- Chucho’s — Next to Benny’s restaurant.
- Saladita Surf School — Next to Paco’s restaurant.
- Sergio’s at Oly’s Restaurant — Next to the boat ramp (boards + kayaks).
- Surf & Kayak Shack — Between Paco’s and Jaqueline’s.
- Lourdes — Behind Lourdes Restaurant.
Surf Shop & Repair
- Sal Adicta Surf Shop — Near the entrance to town at Surf City Cafe — gear, wax, accessories, apparel.
- Saladita Surf School Shop — Located at Saladita Surf School next to Pacos Restaurant.
- Raul’s Surfboard Repair — Next to Queen Bar, colorful murals, easy to spot.
Surf Etiquette
La Saladita has a respectful, tight-knit lineup. Read the Surf Etiquette Guide at www.exploresaladita.com before paddling out — understanding the zones makes the experience better for everyone.
Restaurants & Local Eats
Every restaurant is essentially beachfront, family-owned, and serving what came out of the water that morning.
Beachfront Favorites
| Pacos | Stuffed seafood pineapple, fish tiritas, chilaquiles, signature margarita — the classics. |
| Ilianet’s | Handmade tortillas, chile relleno Sundays, enchiladas, and our favorite coconut shrimp. |
| Jaqueline | Fresh lobster, blue corn sopes — local and beloved. |
| Lourdes Restaurant | Two-deck point views + pizza & live music every Thursday. |
| Marea | Passion fruit margaritas, creative cocktails, surf-watching deck and yummy steaks. |
| Benny’s | Freshest catch daily from local fisherman Benito — ceviche is not to miss. |
| Enramada Yanet | North Beach, kids’ pool, huachinango fish, ice-cold micheladas. |
| Las Brisas Restaurant | North Beach, next to Enramada Yanet. We love the burritos! |
| Oly’s Restaurant | Casual, next to the boat ramp — burritos, tortas, quesadillas. The french fries are a great snack. |
| Samas La Sal | Fine-casual beachfront inside boutique hotel Samas. |
More Local Spots
| Marejada | Fish burger, poke, events and live music just a 3 minute walk from the beach. |
| El Charco de Camilla | Woodfire kitchen, daily-changing menu (Calle Moreno). |
| Hacienda Café & Té | Coffee, breakfast, Wi-Fi, live music, small grocery store — entrance to town. |
| Acadia Coffee & Lounge | Coffee by day, cocktails & bites by night. |
| Chuko Roll | Sushi dine-in or to-go, open daily 12–7pm. |
| Manito.com | Roadside stand — carnitas, barbacoa, sopes, pozole. Open for breakfast and lunch. |
| Kevin’s Tortas | Hidden gem, cheap and generous tortas (behind Calle Camila). |
| Queen’s Bar | Drinks, music, dancing — the nightlife spot. |
| Cabeza de Vaca Tequila Bar | Curated tequilas, mezcals, Mexican dishes. |
| Krispy Fish | Dive bar feel, small menu, yummy fish tacos, live music, surf videos. Next to Queen’s Bar on the main road. |
Getting Around
| Walking | Almost everything is within a short walking distance. |
| Moto Taxi | La Saladita ↔ Los Llanos, 6am–10pm. Tel: 753–102–1760 (bilingual). |
| Bike Rentals | La Esquina Market (town entrance) or near Casa Nathalia: +52 755 557 9690. |
| Moped Rentals | Great for exploring the area; near Casa Nathalia: +52 755 557 9690. |
| ATVs | Not permitted on beach — inland dirt roads only. |
Things to Do
- Surfing — the point break is 100 meters from Templo.
- Sauna & Ice Bath — right here at Templo, ideal for post-surf recovery.
- Yoga — the shala is yours to use anytime during your stay. Ana teaches public classes three times a week — schedule on @templosaladita. All class proceeds go directly to the instructor.
- Pickleball — rental equipment at La Esquina Market; courts are located inside Las Huertas Community.
- Horseback Riding on the beach and through the coconut and mango groves of Saladita — contact Favio: +52 1 468 101 4262 (WhatsApp).
- Fishing — book trips at Benny’s restaurant.
- Kayaking — rentals at Sergio’s (Oly’s) and the surf shack.
- Biking — through coconut groves toward Barra de Saladita.
- Skate Ramp — new smooth ramp near Hacienda, fun for all ages.
- Whale Watching — humpback whales, December–April.
- Day Trip to Troncones — 20-min drive; surf, market, great restaurants.
- Surf Day at The Ranch — about a 40 min drive or boat ride. You can rent a car or inquire at Benny’s to rent a boat. You can’t miss the breakfast at The Ranch!
Fitness & Wellness
- Sauna & Ice Bath — available to Templo guests. (The barrel sauna is private to Treehouse guests.)
- Yoga Studio — On-site hexagon shala, open to guests anytime for self-practice. Public classes with Ana three times a week — follow @templosaladita for the schedule.
- Mana Gym — Hacienda Plaza, Mon–Fri 6am–8pm, Sat 8am–4pm. Surf fitness and personal training.
- Vianda Organic Shop — Hacienda Plaza. Kombucha, kimchi, chia pudding, plant-based milks.
- Massage — Hilda & Johana: +52 755 127 5144; Jenny: +52 755 550 4763 (on site or at their beach cabin).
Medical & Essential Services
| Hospital | The nearest hospital for minor emergencies is in the town of La Union, easily found on Google Maps. Please let us know if you need help during an emergency. |
| Dentist | Nadian Fambona — Camino a Saladita, green building. Appointments only. |
| Los Llanos Clinic | Before the Laundry place. Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri: 8am–3pm & 4–9pm. |
| Pharmacy | Over the counter meds at La Esquina Market. Pharmacy in Los Llanos. |
| Grocery | La Esquina (town entrance) + La Marea (Cabeza de Vaca Road, North Beach). |
| Laundry | Self-service laundromat at Lourdes Restaurant or full service laundromat in Los Llanos, next to the pharmacy. |
| ATMs | La Esquina Market, Lalo’s Market in Los Llanos, Super Patti in Los Llanos. |
| Gas Station | There is a PEMEX Station in Troncones and one in La Union. |
Wildlife & Birding
The treehouse canopy at dawn is one of the best birding spots on the property — you’re up in the palms while the light comes in. For a full field guide to the birds and wildlife of La Saladita, visit lasaladita.com — our site dedicated to the natural world here.
La Saladita sits on the edge of a coastal lagoon bordered by federal land — an unusually preserved strip of Pacific-coast habitat. The grounds at Templo are planted with coconut palms, papaya, moringa, citrus, banana, bamboo, aloe, and medicinal plants, which draw birds throughout the day.
The lagoon side of the property is active at dawn and dusk. Frigatebirds ride the thermals over the point. Pelicans work the surf zone. The interior of the grounds, especially around the flowering plants, turns over species quickly in the early morning.
Whale watching (humpback whales) is excellent from December through April — boats go out from the beach or you can watch from the point on a good morning.
lasaladita.com — field guide to La Saladita’s birds and wildlife, built from observations on and around this property.
Community Notes
- Drive slowly on all roads — look out for pets, wildlife, and children.
- Respect the lineup — read the Surf Etiquette Guide at exploresaladita.com first.
- Spend local — every restaurant, rental, and shop is family-run.
- Bring cash — although most places now accept credit card, it’s still good to have pesos in hand. There are ATMs at the airport, at Soriana Grocery Store in Zihuatanejo (we recommend Santander), and also in Los Llanos and La Saladita. Pesos are preferred everywhere.
- Pack a reusable bottle — plastic reduction is an active community effort here.
Templo Contacts
The fastest way to reach us during your stay is Airbnb messaging — we're on it daily.
Not staying with us yet? Say hola on Instagram: @templosaladita.