|
Among the port city’s many
enticing qualities are: its beautiful bay, one of the best in the
world; the calm waters of its beaches; the amenities offered by its
well established hotel industry, which in recent years has undergone
a major revamping, especially in the Punta Diamante neighborhood;
and finally, the city’s unbeatable nightlife, which offers one of
the hottest playgrounds among Mexican vacation destinations.
For those who have never visited Acapulco, we recommend that you
visit la Isla de la
Roqueta (Roqueta Island), an
ideal island setting where you can either relax or enjoy some scuba
diving. You’ll also want to check out the
infamous La Quebrada, where fearless
cliff divers plunge into the ocean below. If
you’re looking for a little excitement of your own, Acapulco
offers bungee jumping and parasailing, where from high above you can
admire the stunning panoramic views of the bay, the hotel zone and
the surrounding mountains, in their utmost splendor.
Nearby Acapulco, you can visit the beach of Pie de la
Cuesta, known for its spectacular
sunsets, or Puerto Marques, with it beautiful bay and calm waters.
Finally, don’t miss out on
Barra Vieja,
where you are sure to enjoy delicious seafood dishes prepared in
traditional Mexican restaurants.
|
Among the port city’s many
enticing qualities are: its beautiful bay, one of the best in the
world; the calm waters of its beaches; the amenities offered by its
well established hotel industry, which in recent years has undergone
a major revamping, especially in the Punta Diamante neighborhood;
and finally, the city’s unbeatable nightlife, which offers one of
the hottest playgrounds among Mexican vacation destinations.
For those who have never visited Acapulco, we recommend that you
visit la Isla de la
Roqueta (Roqueta Island), an
ideal island setting where you can either relax or enjoy some scuba
diving. You’ll also want to check out the
infamous La Quebrada, where fearless
cliff divers plunge into the ocean below. If
you’re looking for a little excitement of your own, Acapulco
offers bungee jumping and parasailing, where from high above you can
admire the stunning panoramic views of the bay, the hotel zone and
the surrounding mountains, in their utmost splendor.
Nearby Acapulco, you can visit the beach of Pie de la
Cuesta, known for its spectacular
sunsets, or Puerto Marques, with it beautiful bay and calm waters.
Finally, don’t miss out on
Barra Vieja,
where you are sure to enjoy delicious seafood dishes prepared in
traditional Mexican restaurants.
 |
|
Click on the map to enlarge it |
Acapulco is the largest and most spectacular
tourist resort in the Mexican Pacific. As a result of
its stunning beaches, exuberant natural surroundings and
wonderful climate, this port has been dubbed the Pearl
of the Pacific. It is the most popular holiday resort in
Mexico and Latin America, since its functional, modern
infrastructure has had very little impact on its
original beauty or attractions.
Acapulco offers an enormous range of attractions and
activities and has something to suit every taste and
budget. The main attraction is its more than twenty
beaches, each with a distinct atmosphere, where you can
choose your favourite water sport. Enthusiasts will find
ample opportunities for sports fishing, diving, water
skiing and snorkelling. There are also several
ecological areas that are ideal for picnics and horse
riding, as well as golf courses and tennis courts.
Acapulco is a wonderful place for shopping in stores
that combine luxury with comfort. It also boasts a
variety of restaurants offering everything from regional
to international cuisine. The port’s nightlife is
intense and extremely diverse, offering something for
every taste. Finally, its state-of-the-art facilities
also make Acapulco an ideal business venue.
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
