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Acapulco is world renowned for its glitz, glamour and luxury. With a reputation as a haven for the rich and famous, Acapulco has everything a traveler could hope for. No matter how much time you have, you won't have enough for Acapulco.
White sandy beaches are the crowning jewel of Acapulco and each has a character of its own. Some cater to the sun and fun seeker and some to those looking for solitude. While in Acapulco remember to make time for the beaches; each will offer a different taste of what this town has to offer.
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Things To See:
- 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. They have been doing it since 1934. You can see the dives from a small platform by the cliff for a small entrance fee, or eat at the La Perla restaurant which offers a good view of the divers. Showtime at 1 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.
- Zócalo - Zócalo, Acapulco's town square, lies on the western side of La Costera. It tends to expose more local culture than other, more tourist-centric, areas. Zócalo contains Acapulco's cathedral, as well as many restaurants ranging in size from sidewalk bistros and tiny street-corner kitchens. Many of the smaller restaurants will provide full dinners for as little as 35 pesos.
- Pie de la Cuesta - Pie de la Cuesta is a quiet strip of land roughly 6 miles northwest of Acapulco, bordered on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by a freshwater lake (Laguna de Cuyoca) on the other. The lagoon is extremely tranquil, but tourists are advised not to enter the Pacific Ocean at Pie de la Cuesta, because the surf is very dangerous. One can reach Pie de la Cuesta via bus. If you are on the Bay Side along the Costera, between Escudero and Diego Mendoza, look for the bus that says Pie de la Cuesta PLAYA LUCES. These go up that narrow strip of land. You can also take one that says San Isidro and that will let you off in the Zocalo in Pie de la Cuesta, but you have to walk a couple blocks to the strip and about a half kilometer up to the lagoon.
- Puerto Marquez - Located at a smaller bay just east of Acapulco, Puerto Marquez sees much less tourist traffic than Acapulco. One side of the bay is completely covered by adjacent beach-side restaurants offering very reasonably priced food and beer. The restaurant owners (as well as most other locals) are very friendly to tourists and some will offer discounts or a free round of beer to groups. Tourists and locals alike munch on shrimp enchiladas, sip negra modelos, wade in the waters, and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. Fewer locals speak English in Puerto Marquez than in Acapulco, so it is recommended that vistors speak some rudimentary Spanish. One can reach Puerto Marquez via bus.
Beaches To Visit
Most beaches are in the bay area fronting the main boulevard "La Costera". This bay area is what made Acapulco famous and its beauty and majesty have not faded over the years. Some of the most representative beaches in La Costera are Icacos, Condesa, Hornos and Caleta, of which Condesa is the cleanest and most scenic. Beaches on La Costera have mostly calm waters suitable for practicing sports and even riding "la banana", the fruit shaped inflatable. Most hotels in Acapulco are found along La Costera.
Perhaps the best beach in Acapulco can be found close to the hotel 'Princess de Acapulco'. Playa Revolcadero is about three miles from the airport and as opposed to beaches in La Costera that are protected by the bay, this is an open water beach with strong tides that warrant extra caution. Transportation from La Costera takes about 35 minutes through a winding and scenic road.
Don't miss Barra Vieja, approx. 20 past the Airport coming from the costera ($500-$800 Pesos for a cab all day)
Things To Do
- CICI - a water park right by the main beach. Especially nice for kids. Entrance is 100 pesos and it features many different pools and slides, a Skycoaster (a mix between a swing and a bungee jump) and a dolphinarium. Dolphin shows are on offer, and so is one hour swims with the dolphins - a lifetime memory for USD120.
There are several more attractions, including golf courses, night clubs and post-hispanic fortifications. Nightlife in Acapulco is pretty much fun, and many places are suited for tourism including "El Alebrije", "Disco Beach" and "Palladium", this last having a awe-inspiring sight of the whole bay of Acapulco..
