Acapulco

Acapulco, is a charming seaside destination unparalleled because of its incredible beauty, unique history and distinct enchantment that captivates all who visit. Acapulco offers the opportunity to experience a vibrant variation of non-stop nightlife, world-class shopping and dining along with countless stunning golden beaches making this coastal paradise pulsating 24 hours a day.

World-class shopping is at travelers fingertips in Acapulco. Acapulco offers a profusion of boutiques, galleries and handicraft stores along the Costera Boulevard. Visit Fort of San Diego Museum, which keeps centuries of history and culture in 12 exposition rooms. Admire the breathtaking views or take a leisurely ride in a horse-drawn carriage down the Costera Miguel Aleman, a wide bay front boulevard flanked by beaches, hotels and restaurants. Swim with dolphins at CICI Water Park or Condesa Beach.
Enjoy water sports, take in the sites and sounds of Acapulco Bay, where sports enthusiasts can scuba dive to reefs and shipwrecks; go deep-sea fishing for marlin or sail fish; water-ski or parasail. Golf lovers; be sure to tee off at one of four picturesque 18-hole championship courses, as well as the 9-hole Club de Golf Acapulco (on the Costera, next to the Acapulco Convention Center).

By day, play along the dazzling beaches and admire the beautiful backdrop of the luxury hotels that range from picturesque to palatial, or relax on one of the secluded, pristine beaches at Barra Vieja. By night, dine in one of Acapulco’s 160 restaurants, with menus to satisfy every palate. The dining experience in Acapulco provides something for every traveler from traditional Mexican to international specialty cuisines. For a more intimate dining experience, visit one of the restaurants nestled high in the hills with views of the brilliantly lit bay below.

ATTRACTIONS:
Cliff Divers of La Quebrada-A trip to Acapulco is not complete until you witness the fearless cliff divers! Experience the sophisticated atmosphere of the club La Perla restaurant next to the Hotel Mirador and enjoy a gourmet dinner and drinks overlooking the cliffs from where the daring cliff divers risk their lives every night. The divers climb to a height of over 90 feet (30 meters), pray at the altar of the Virgin of Guadeloupe, and dive off the cliff at the precise moment when the tide brings in the large waves!

Isla Roqueta- No visit to Acapulco would be complete without a day-trip to this island, which is accessible via ferry from docks beside the aquarium. Glass-bottom boat tours depart from Playa Tlacopanocha and visit the island after surveying coastal vistas. Be sure to bring sunscreen, water, and a few brews for wild, beer-drinking burros that are the island's only permanent inhabitants. A hilltop lighthouse can be reached via a short path and offers spectacular views. Enjoy a few hours of rest and relaxation on Isla Roqueta's beautiful sandy beach sipping margaritas and munching on the great snacks they serve!

Caleta and La Caletilla- These twin beaches have a glamorous reputation among the locals. Tourists rarely come here given the location – residential and shopping areas shield the beaches. City buses run regular routes here, and consequently, the beaches are busy, especially on the weekends. Stalls and restaurants offer light refreshments and full meals. Vendors along the water rent snorkeling gear and offer boat-pulled tube rides. Spending a few hours lounging on the unusual yellow sands is a great way to soak in the true flavor of Acapulco. Stop by Boca Chica and see what Carlos Slim has done to remodel the famous and historic hotel.

Playa Condesa- sits Right in the middle of everything, attracting crowds of well-heeled tourists strutting their stuff in the sand and having fun making waves with parasails, jetskis and snorkels. By night the beach plays host to the vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene along its edges. Some of the waterfront establishments will serve you down on the sand so grab a rental chair and send the waiter scurrying for one of those lovely umbrella drinks.

Angosta- means narrow in Spanish and this aptly named small stretch of beach between two big cliffs is the next inlet over from where the La Quebrada cliff divers perform. Visit here in the evenings for a totally unobstructed beach view of the sunset, the only such view in all of Acapulco. Small stands offer refreshments, and the Sinfonia del Sol amphitheater provides seating for visitors to watch the breathtaking colors spread across the sky.

Revolcadero Beach- A broad stretch of white sand, sparsely dotted with beach-goers (thanks to being located 30 minutes outside the city), and lined with palm groves and the Fairmont Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marqués resorts. Swimmers will enjoy the open-ocean surf without crashing breaks or the dangerous undertow found at some of the other beaches.

Pie de la Cuesta- meaning “foot of the hill” is only about 6 miles/10 km from Acapulco. It will take about 15 to 30 minutes from the main Acapulco strip, of course depending on the traffic. There is a long sandy beach about 10 miles/15 km. long facing the Ocean and on the other side of the road a freshwater lagoon (Laguna Coyuca ) on which you can take a 2 - 3 hour boat trip. The water is so smooth you can water ski barefooted and there are boats you can hire to teach you.

Taking a tour by tour guide or by taxi is at times the best way to go especially if it is you first visit to Pie de La Cuesta.

Swimming in the Ocean is not recommended due to the strong undertow. On the other hand if you are into horseback riding, this is definitely the place to be on an almost deserted stretch of scenic beach.

Nightlife- Acapulco plays host to an incredible array of nightlife. The nightlife scene is varied, from loud and lively discos to intimate piano bars with some incredible tropical shows thrown in to keep everyone interested. Everyone should be able to find something to do at night in Acapulco. The discos open late and may stay open until sunrise. Many of the bars keep the same closing hours. Remember...this is the city that never sleeps. From Baby O’s to the Palladium the evenings will never be boring, enjoy!

HOW TO GET THERE:

By Air:
The Juan N. Alvarez International Airport (ACA) is 14 miles southeast of downtown. Recent major renovations to its terminal, including more restaurants, have made it more visitor-happy. Its runways are frequented by major airlines such as:

Aeromexico (+1 800 237 6639/ http://www.aeromexico.com)
American Airlines (+1 800 433 7300/ http://www.aa.com)
Continental (+1 800 525 0280/ http://www.continental.com)
Mexicana (+1 800 531 7921/ http://www.mexicana.com)
US Airways ( +1 800 428 4322/ http://www.usairways.com)

Rental car companies include:

Alamo (+1 327 9633 / http://www.alamo.com )
Avis (+1 800 831 2847/ http://www.avis.com )
Budget (+1 800 527 0700/ http://www.budget.com )
Hertz (+1 800 654 3131/ http://www.hertz.com )

Getting Around Town:

Acapulco has an extremely efficient bus system. Riders can choose from either its new line of pastel colored buses (USD.40) or its noticeably old school buses (USD.35). Covered bus stops, complete with posted route maps, line the Costera (Acapulco's main hotel/restaurant strip) making buses accessible from almost every street corner. Buses operate from 5A-11P daily.

Taxis are abundant and easy to find. The VW bug cabs are cheaper than the more contemporary taxis averaging between USD2-USD10 as compared to USD4-USD12. If you hail a hotel taxi they generally charge three times higher. Some of the more prominent upscale cab companies include:

Sitio Escudero: (+52 744 484 0250)
Sitio Emancipacion (+52 744 484 7300)
Sitio 54 Acapulco Plaza (+52 744 486 2461)

Because of Acapulco's sprawl having a car is handy, but not necessary due to its bus system. If you do drive be aware that parking is tight and is completely banned from the Costera. Street names and numbers are difficult to spot so have a good idea of where your going prior to driving. Because it is spread out, Acapulco is not conducive to walking unless you plan on remaining in the hotel district.

ATTIRE:
Casual attire is appropriate almost everywhere during the day. In some upscale restaurants it may be more appropriate to wear fashionable resort attire. At night, there is no such thing as too-dressed-up, although many places remain very casual after dark. The fancier restaurants and dance clubs don't allow shorts or sneakers, and trendy dress is the standard.

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