Acapulco
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
