ACAPULCO VACATION
The vibrant Mexican Pacific port city of Acapulco is home to one
of the most spectacular bays in the world, making it a favorite
stop over the decades for celebrities of the likes of Elizabeth
Taylor, Placido Domingo and Julio Iglesias. But Aca, as the
locals call it, offers much more than just stretches of beach:
Mexicans and foreigners agree that it is the perfect place for
people of all tastes and budgets to swim, shop, dine, party or
just soak up the sun.
ACAPULCO ATTRACTIONS
A drive along the Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue offers a
spectacular view of the bay and its grandest attractions. These
include San Diego Fort, originally built to protect Acapulco from
pirates; Cici, a water theme park for children; Papagayo Park,
which offers a roller rink, Aviary, a racetrack for kids and model
of a Spanish Galleon; and the Cultural Center (Casa de la
Cultura), with an art gallery, handicraft exhibit and small
archaeological museum.
ACAPULCO BEACHES
Although Acapulco attracts throngs of tourists year-round,
many of its beaches remain relatively secluded. These include
Pie de la Cuesta and the Coyuca lagoon, whose hidden coves
and tiny islands teeming with wildlife can be toured by small
motorboat (lancha). Another beautiful, less-crowded beach is
the pristine Puerto Marques, sheltered within a small bay east
of Playa Icacos; it boasts the most tranquil waters in the area,
breathtaking sunsets and charming little restaurants.
After basking in the sun, a good place to visit is the bustling
central square (zocalo), whose crafts market (mercado de
artesanias) and town market (mercado municipal) open daily,
offering everything from fresh vegetables and fruits to love
potions.
ACAPULCO DIVERS
And no trip to Acapulco is complete without seeing the world-
famous divers at La Quebrada. Trained divers plunge 130 feet
into a narrow cove of just 11 feet of water, which is safe only
when a wave has come in. You can see the dives while
sipping a drink at the Plaza Las Glorias Hotel or enjoying a prix-
fix dinner at El Mirador Hotel. Dives are scheduled at 12:30 p.
m., and nightly at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. At night, the
last divers (at the 10:30 p.m. show) carry torches.
ACAPULCO RESTAURANTS
When dinnertime approaches, the rich and famous both within
and outside Mexico head to Madeiras Restaurant, an Acapulco
institution. Another popular restaurant is Tabachin, located in
the exclusive The Fairmont Pierre Marques Hotel, which offers
exquisite French-Asian cuisine in a contemporary setting.
ACAPULCO ENTERTAINMENT
When night falls, revelers head to Baby O, Palladium and
Enigma (electronic music and house); Yucca, Salon Q and
Ninas (salsa and tropical music); and Zucca (60s, 70s, 80s
and 90s music). And for those preferring a sunset cruise along
the bay to a disco, Bonanza’s offers afternoon and evening
cruises leaving from the downtown area near the zocalo; many
hotels and shops sell the tickets. The cruises leave at 4:00 p.
m., returning at 8:00 p.m.; and at 10:00 p.m., returning at 1:00 a.
m.
Although Acapulco is known for its nightlife, it is also
increasingly being recognized for its world-class golf and spa
offerings. The Tianguis Golf & Spa trade show took place
October 19 to 22 2003 at the prestigious Fairmont Acapulco
Princess Hotel to promote Mexico as the world's greatest golf
and spa destination. The Acapulco Convention Center, one of
Mexico’s most important venues for meetings and
conventions, is home to Mexico’s famous annual tourism trade
show, the Tourism Tianguis.
ACAPULCO HOTELS
Last but not least, Acapulco offers a tremendous array of
lodging options, from inns (posadas) to luxury hotels. The
exclusive Las Brisas resort offers 263 guest houses with
private or semi-private pools as well as breathtaking views of
Acapulco Bay and/or the Pacific Ocean. The historic Villa Vera,
meanwhile, is an oasis of exotically-designed white houses,
suites and villas decorated in contemporary Mexican-
Mediterranean style.
A two-hour drive northeast of Acapulco leads visitors to the
beautiful colonial mining town of Taxco, which offers the best
selection of silver at excellent prices.
ACAPULCO FACTS
Location: Guerrero State, Pacific coast, southwest Mexico
Distance from Mexico City: 200 miles south
Population: 640,000
Closest major airport: Juan Alvarez International Airport (ACA)
Time zone: Central Standard Time
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