|
Beaches
Acapulco Bay has a score of
delightful beaches. Although
the strength of waves vary
greatly from one to the next
they are all extremely
beautiful:
Caleta
Perhaps the most popular
beach in the bay, its gentle
waves and moderate slope
make it ideal for water
sports enthusiasts. It also
boasts spectacular sunsets.
Caletilla
This is an extremely popular
beach because of its gentle,
friendly waves. It is also
the site of the New Magical
Sea World, a center of
marine displays.
Icacos
This extensive beach with
different types of waves is
excellent for swimming,
particularly in the morning.
Isla de la Roqueta
Its beaches are calm and
safe for swimming. You can
go snorkeling or visit the
zoo with exotic species.
Visiting the island is one
of the most traditional
activities in Acapulco.
La Condesa
An internationally renowned
beach it has medium slope
and medium to strong waves.
It is a favorite meeting
place for young water sports
enthusiasts.
Pie de la Cuesta
A beautiful beach that faces
the open sea, her powerful
waves are ideal for surfing.
You can ride along the beach
enjoying the magnificent
sunsets.
Puerto Marques
Small bay nestled in
mountains covered with
tropical vegetation. It is
ideal for all kinds of
aquatic activities such as
snorkeling, diving and
sailing. Pony treks are
offered.
Revolcadero
One of the most beautiful
and exotic beaches in the
area it is set on the open
sea and the rough waves are
ideal for surfers.
|
Climate
The climate is tropical,
with warm to hot
temperatures year-round.
Precipitations are heavily
concentrated in the summer
time. Temperatures hover
between 15 et 20 C.
|
Temperature in
Celcius
|
J |
F |
M |
A |
M |
J |
J |
A |
S |
O |
N |
D |
|
Maximum |
30 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
31 |
|
Minimum |
22 |
22 |
22 |
22 |
24 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
23 |
22 |
|
Rainfall
(mm) |
9 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
28 |
271 |
209 |
312 |
341
|
145 |
50 |
14 |
|
Flora & Fauna
|
There are several lagoons
located just outside
Acapulco that are full of
mangrove trees and wildlife.
The network of canals
through the dense forest can
be traversed by boats where
you can admire a wide
variety of birds and listen
to the pleasant sounds of
their song.
Laguna de Chautengo
This laggon lies between the
sea and a natural sandbank.
Explore by boat the mangrove
swamps inhabited by herons,
seagulls and other sea
birds.
Laguna de Coyuca
The landscape contrasts
sharply with that of
Acapulco. The lagoon is an
exotic estuary with lush
tropical vegetation, wild
fauna and small islands.
Tecomate
Here there are dozens of
mangrove swamps where
hundreds of sea birds come
to feed. The area is ideal
for swimming and sport
fishing.
Tres Palos
Is an ideal lagoon for
hiring a boat and enjoying
its exuberant vegetation and
the local fauna.
|
Geography
Set in a privileged area,
this is undoubtedly one of
the loveliest states in
Mexico. It borders on the
states of Mexico, Morelos,
Puebla, Oaxaca and Michoacan.
Acapulco is located on
Acapulco Bay, the south
western tip of the Mexican
Pacific Coast. The town
itself was built on a narrow
strip of low ground between
the shoreline and the
mountains that encircle the
bay.
|
History
|
Archaeological evidence
shows that Acapulco has been
inhabited since before 3000
BCE. The first vestiges of
human presence consist of
figures and pottery made of
clay, stone, and ceramic.
The pieces found in the
coastal region of Puerto
Marques are the earliest
known ceramics from Mexico.
It was later occupied by the
Chichimec groups that
settled north of the Balsas
River and is currently
inhabited by Nahua, Mixtec,
Tlapanec and Amuzgo, among
other groups. Its
inhabitants are skilled
craftspeople.
The first reference to
Acapulco in the history of
New Spain was made as early
as 1519. Around 1566 it soon
became a major port for
Spanish ships carrying silks
and spices gathered from the
Asia-Pacific area. This
trade attracted marauding
pirates that repeatedly
attacked the port. The Fort
of San Diego, whose
structure can still be seen,
was built to repel these
attacks.
Many pushes for developments
were made in the 1950s.
Acapulco has hosted yachting
as part of the 1968 Summer
Olympics. The city was
devastated by Hurricane
Pauline in 1997.
|
Specialties & Characteristics
The artistic imagination of
the inhabitants of Acapulco
is most evident in the
decorative objects made out
of
shells and sea snails.
Inland from Acapulco is the
place where
tamarind
sweets come from.
There is a canyon where the
Papagayo River flows
down the Southern Sierra
Madre mountain range and
joins the Omitlán River
before it reaches the
Pacific Ocean. The walls of
the rocky canyon reach up to
60 meters high.
Airport
:
Acapulco
International
Airport
Airport
Tax
:
The
departure
tax
of
around
US$40
per
person
is
usually
included
on
your
plane
ticket,
please
verify.
Distance
from
Airport
:
22.5
km
Tourist
Office
:
7-484-2423
Tourist
Season
:
November
through
May
Local Festivities
 The parties and festivals in Acapulco are ceremonies that bring together the goodwill and customs of a fun-loving coastal town: in February, the Acapulco carnival is celebrated; on March 19, San Jose day is commemorated; during November, you can visit the state fair.
The biggest party of the year falls on December 12 and it celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe. On that eventful day, you’ll see long processions and many flowers full of color and tradition.
|
Transportation
Acapulco boasts an excellent international airport, the Alvarez International Airport. From here you can take a taxi, a limousine or for a more reasonable rate use the transfer vans. Many buses go from major cities to Acapulco. Most buses are safe, fast and comfortable and usually not very expensive.
Car rentals are also available and are a great way to travel for day trips. In town taxis are everywhere and have fixed rates depending on your destination. Hotel taxis are more expensive then the street ones. There is also a bus service running along the Costera.
|
Activities & Sports
 The main attraction is of course Acapulco’s 20 plus beaches, each one with its own environment, on which every imaginable water sport can be practised. Water skiing, surfing, swimming, banana boats and seadoos will be at your disposal on the beaches of Puerto Marques, Caleta and Caletilla. Those who enjoy fishing will find the sites quite adequate.
Diving is very popular, as well as snorkeling, particularly around Icacos beach where the transparency of the sea reveals amazing fish and corals sightings. Other sites overflowing with marine animal-life are the islands of Roqueta, Caleta and Caletilla.
Several wonderful golf courses are offered such as the 18-hole golf course at the Acapulco Princess Hotel or the Acapulco Golf Club at the Conventions Center. There are also many ecological areas accommodating picnics tables and walk paths.
Here you can fulfill your dreams of horse riding along the bars of sand such as the ones separating the Pacific from the lagoon of Palos. Other places offer broad enchanting beaches. The black and white beach of Cuesta is another interesting place to ride while admiring the sunsets on the sea.
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you will then it on the Condesa beach where you can bungee jump all 50m down. On the Papagayo river you can enjoy boat rides turbo powered Shotover Jet.
|
Archaeology
|
Cave paintings from 1200 BC and petroglyphs have been discovered on Pie de la Cuesta, located about 6 km north of Acapulco Bay.
|
Attractions & Museums
|
So numerous are the various attractions that they cannot all be listed but here is a sampling of some of the most popular ones:
Bustling downtown includes a main square, called zocalo, and on it border one find the Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Church of a more russian architecture. Nearby is the newly reconstructed municipal market. Take a look at the 60ft long streetside mural of tiles seashells and stones located on the Casa Dolores Olmedo.
San Diego Fort
This fortification in a pentagonal shape includes bastions in its corners. A fortification which was rebuilt in the 18th century awaits the curious tourist, who can walk on its old walls which were used for defence against the attacks of the pirates who coveted the richness that the galleons of Manila transported.
History Museum
Located in the San Diego Fort, you can admire the old maps of the port, religious objects and cloths that came over on the Nao de China (the ship from China) that are on display. This museum shows the importance of the port of Acapulco for international trade.
Magico Mundo Marino
This new aquarium, accessible by a rope bridge, exhibits indoor and outdoor aquariums.
La Quebrada Cliff Divers
No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into the shallow stream of water of dangerous tides that forms in the bottom part of La Quebrada.
Puerto Marquez
Located at a smaller bay just east of Acapulco, Puerto Marquez sees much less tourists than Acapulco. One side of the bay is completely covered by adjacent beach-side restaurants offering very reasonably priced food and beer.
|
Day-tripper
|
Several theme parks are nearby such as the Papagayo Park or the smaller CiCi aimed at children.
Taxco
Time permitting, this colonial gem is located 2-1/2 hours north of Acapulco. It has remained loyal to its silver mining past and managed to satisfy the most demanding tastes while preserving its village atmosphere. Visitors can admire the Parish Church of Santa Prisca, one of the most important in Mexican baroque, designed by the leading artists and architects of the times, tour De la Borda’s mansion, now converted into the House of Culture, or Humboldt’s residence, which now houses the Museum of Viceregal Art or explore the workshops and shops of the silver craftsmen. Make sure to identify the .925 stamp to verify the jewellery's authenticity.
|
Entertainment
 Many hotel bars have Happy Hours with live music such as the Costa Club or the Bar La Bamba. Even dining in restaurants can become an event with parties breaking out.
Acapulco’s non-stop nightlife has something for everyone and its illuminated glass porches and neon signs are now legendary. The discotheques, dance halls and bars are designed for all sorts of people wishing to have a good time. Many of these establishments have a panoramic view of the bay, fireworks and laser shows. Some popular places are:
Baby 'O
Built to resemble a huge cavern, Acapulco's quintessential disco has been around for nearly a quarter of a century and is still one of the most popular in town. The dance music and a laser light show make this spot popular with all age groups. Other features include a sunken dance floor, tiered seating, and a breakfast room.
Enigma/Siboney
Two venues enclosed in a posh, glass-walled setting, each with a view of the bay. Enigma, which is larger, offers disco music and some Latin rhythms. Siboney features a great band that plays salsa, cumbia, mambo, and other tropical tunes, and a romantic trio that serenades during the band's breaks
Salón Q
Lovers of Latin rhythm flock to this huge dance hall, which bills itself as "the cathedral of salsa," to salsa, mambo and rumba the night away.
|
Accommodations
|
There are over 300 hotels, condos and villas located in this resort Mecca. The three main hotels areas are: Revolcadero Beach, the Costera stretch and the downtown area.
Once arrived in Acapulco, Punta Diamante and of Puerto Marqués are where you want to head up if you are looking for spas offering massages and relaxation therapies. Wonderful nearby hotels are the "Hotel Camino Real" and the "Acapulco Diamante". You will be able to find similar services at Icacos beach in the hotel zone along Avenida Costera.
Camping is available on the beautiful coast of Acapulco at the Playa Suave Trailer Park.
|
Purchases
|
Acapulco is a wonderful place for shopping in stores that combine luxury with comfort. Acapulco has state-of-the-art malls with all kinds of shops and boutiques. The port offers superb summer clothing. The numerous shops all along the Costera carry craft jewelery, silverwork, leather accessories, perfume and unusual souvenirs made from and with marine shells.
|
Restaurants
|
It also boasts a variety of restaurants and their settings are often extraordinary from sumptous bay views to quaint bistro. Many can be found in hotels and on the Costera.
Acapulco is, of course, known for its seafood specialties or fish and shellfish combination dishes. Local dishes include shrimp medallions in tamarind sauce, molcajetes de filete and pescado a la talla. However, being an important international tourist resort, there are also Mexican and international restaurants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accommodations
|
There are over 300 hotels, condos and villas located in this resort Mecca. The three main hotels areas are: Revolcadero Beach, the Costera stretch and the downtown area.
Once arrived in Acapulco, Punta Diamante and of Puerto Marqués are where you want to head up if you are looking for spas offering massages and relaxation therapies. Wonderful nearby hotels are the "Hotel Camino Real" and the "Acapulco Diamante". You will be able to find similar services at Icacos beach in the hotel zone along Avenida Costera.
Camping is available on the beautiful coast of Acapulco at the Playa Suave Trailer Park.
|
Purchases
|
Acapulco is a wonderful place for shopping in stores that combine luxury with comfort. Acapulco has state-of-the-art malls with all kinds of shops and boutiques. The port offers superb summer clothing. The numerous shops all along the Costera carry craft jewelery, silverwork, leather accessories, perfume and unusual souvenirs made from and with marine shells.
|
Restaurants
|
It also boasts a variety of restaurants and their settings are often extraordinary from sumptous bay views to quaint bistro. Many can be found in hotels and on the Costera.
Acapulco is, of course, known for its seafood specialties or fish and shellfish combination dishes. Local dishes include shrimp medallions in tamarind sauce, molcajetes de filete and pescado a la talla. However, being an important international tourist resort, there are also Mexican and international restaurants.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Activities & Sports
The main attraction is of course Acapulco’s 20 plus beaches, each one with its own environment, on which every imaginable water sport can be practised. Water skiing, surfing, swimming, banana boats and seadoos will be at your disposal on the beaches of Puerto Marques, Caleta and Caletilla. Those who enjoy fishing will find the sites quite adequate.
Diving is very popular, as well as snorkeling, particularly around Icacos beach where the transparency of the sea reveals amazing fish and corals sightings. Other sites overflowing with marine animal-life are the islands of Roqueta, Caleta and Caletilla.
Several wonderful golf courses are offered such as the 18-hole golf course at the Acapulco Princess Hotel or the Acapulco Golf Club at the Conventions Center. There are also many ecological areas accommodating picnics tables and walk paths.
Here you can fulfill your dreams of horse riding along the bars of sand such as the ones separating the Pacific from the lagoon of Palos. Other places offer broad enchanting beaches. The black and white beach of Cuesta is another interesting place to ride while admiring the sunsets on the sea.
If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you will then it on the Condesa beach where you can bungee jump all 50m down. On the Papagayo river you can enjoy boat rides turbo powered Shotover Jet.
|
Archaeology
|
Cave paintings from 1200 BC and petroglyphs have been discovered on Pie de la Cuesta, located about 6 km north of Acapulco Bay.
|
Attractions & Museums
|
So numerous are the various attractions that they cannot all be listed but here is a sampling of some of the most popular ones:
Bustling downtown includes a main square, called zocalo, and on it border one find the Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Church of a more russian architecture. Nearby is the newly reconstructed municipal market. Take a look at the 60ft long streetside mural of tiles seashells and stones located on the Casa Dolores Olmedo.
San Diego Fort
This fortification in a pentagonal shape includes bastions in its corners. A fortification which was rebuilt in the 18th century awaits the curious tourist, who can walk on its old walls which were used for defence against the attacks of the pirates who coveted the richness that the galleons of Manila transported.
History Museum
Located in the San Diego Fort, you can admire the old maps of the port, religious objects and cloths that came over on the Nao de China (the ship from China) that are on display. This museum shows the importance of the port of Acapulco for international trade.
Magico Mundo Marino
This new aquarium, accessible by a rope bridge, exhibits indoor and outdoor aquariums.
La Quebrada Cliff Divers
No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into the shallow stream of water of dangerous tides that forms in the bottom part of La Quebrada.
Puerto Marquez
Located at a smaller bay just east of Acapulco, Puerto Marquez sees much less tourists than Acapulco. One side of the bay is completely covered by adjacent beach-side restaurants offering very reasonably priced food and beer.
|
Day-tripper
|
Several theme parks are nearby such as the Papagayo Park or the smaller CiCi aimed at children.
Taxco
Time permitting, this colonial gem is located 2-1/2 hours north of Acapulco. It has remained loyal to its silver mining past and managed to satisfy the most demanding tastes while preserving its village atmosphere. Visitors can admire the Parish Church of Santa Prisca, one of the most important in Mexican baroque, designed by the leading artists and architects of the times, tour De la Borda’s mansion, now converted into the House of Culture, or Humboldt’s residence, which now houses the Museum of Viceregal Art or explore the workshops and shops of the silver craftsmen. Make sure to identify the .925 stamp to verify the jewellery's authenticity.
|
Entertainment
Many hotel bars have Happy Hours with live music such as the Costa Club or the Bar La Bamba. Even dining in restaurants can become an event with parties breaking out.
Acapulco’s non-stop nightlife has something for everyone and its illuminated glass porches and neon signs are now legendary. The discotheques, dance halls and bars are designed for all sorts of people wishing to have a good time. Many of these establishments have a panoramic view of the bay, fireworks and laser shows. Some popular places are:
Baby 'O
Built to resemble a huge cavern, Acapulco's quintessential disco has been around for nearly a quarter of a century and is still one of the most popular in town. The dance music and a laser light show make this spot popular with all age groups. Other features include a sunken dance floor, tiered seating, and a breakfast room.
Enigma/Siboney
Two venues enclosed in a posh, glass-walled setting, each with a view of the bay. Enigma, which is larger, offers disco music and some Latin rhythms. Siboney features a great band that plays salsa, cumbia, mambo, and other tropical tunes, and a romantic trio that serenades during the band's breaks
Salón Q
Lovers of Latin rhythm flock to this huge dance hall, which bills itself as "the cathedral of salsa," to salsa, mambo and rumba the night away.
|
|
|
|
Accommodations
|
There are over 300 hotels, condos and villas located in this resort Mecca. The three main hotels areas are: Revolcadero Beach, the Costera stretch and the downtown area.
Once arrived in Acapulco, Punta Diamante and of Puerto Marqués are where you want to head up if you are looking for spas offering massages and relaxation therapies. Wonderful nearby hotels are the "Hotel Camino Real" and the "Acapulco Diamante". You will be able to find similar services at Icacos beach in the hotel zone along Avenida Costera.
Camping is available on the beautiful coast of Acapulco at the Playa Suave Trailer Park.
|
Purchases
|
Acapulco is a wonderful place for shopping in stores that combine luxury with comfort. Acapulco has state-of-the-art malls with all kinds of shops and boutiques. The port offers superb summer clothing. The numerous shops all along the Costera carry craft jewelery, silverwork, leather accessories, perfume and unusual souvenirs made from and with marine shells.
|
Restaurants
|
It also boasts a variety of restaurants and their settings are often extraordinary from sumptous bay views to quaint bistro. Many can be found in hotels and on the Costera.
Acapulco is, of course, known for its seafood specialties or fish and shellfish combination dishes. Local dishes include shrimp medallions in tamarind sauce, molcajetes de filete and pescado a la talla. However, being an important international tourist resort, there are also Mexican and international restaurants.
|
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