Acapulco, Mexico

Introduction

Acapulco is a charming seaside destination unparalleled because of its incredible beauty, unique history and distinct enchantment that combine to captivate and entice every traveller. Acapulco provides visitors the opportunity to experience a vibrant, nonstop “good time” or relaxing rejuvenation. The variation of non-stop nightlife, worldclass shopping and dining and stunning golden beaches keep this coastal paradise pulsating 24 hours a day.

World-class shopping is at the travellers’ fingertips in Acapulco. Mornings are the coolest and most relaxing time to search for Mexican treasures. Acapulco offers a profusion of boutiques, galleries and handicraft stores along the Costera Boulevard. Some are in sleek, airconditioned shopping malls like Plaza Bahia or La Gran Plaza, but if you are looking for more unique handicrafts, gold, silver or obscure pieces of art, El Parazal, Flea Market in the downtown area is the best option.

During your exploration, 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. Experience extreme thrills with water sports, take in the magnificent setting 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 the four picturesque 18-hole championship courses, as well as the 9-hole Club de Golf Acapulco. 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 traveller 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.

A magical combination of incredible beauty and hypnotic charm, Acapulco is Mexico’s largest and most dazzling seaside resort. As the sun goes down, Acapulco’s nights come alive. Acapulco’s nightlife is legendary. With an endless array of clubs, bars and discotheques for all music preferences and for all ages you will never have time to visit them all.

Most venues are open until sunrise and dancing at one of the hillside clubs with a full view of the bay through floor-to-ceiling windowpanes is an experience unique to Acapulco.

Things To Do

• Laguna de Tres Palos – a freshwater lagoon great for viewing wildlife and doing watersports.
• Play 18 holes at Tres Vidas.
• See the cliff divers at La Quebrada.
• Take a photo of the 130-foot cross at the Capilla de la Paz (Chapel of Peace).
• Dance the night away at Disco Beach.
• Enjoy the views from the ancient ruins at Palma Sola.
• Take a glass-bottomed boat to the zoo at Isla La Roqueta.
• Check out the paintings, clothing and jewellery at the Mercado de Artesanias.
• Go rafting

Attractions

Acapulco offers to its guests, an incredible number of diverse activities. Everywhere you go there are interesting things to do. The combination of activities for both young and old make this a vacation paradise. Many of the water sports can be arranged for directly on most of the beaches in Acapulco. Your vacation will need to be an extended one to enjoy all there is to see and do in Acapulco. Start with horseback riding along the beach and don’t forget to see a bullfight most of which are held during Acapulco’s winter season at a ring up the hill from Caletilla Beach.

Cliff divers at night
A trip to Acapulco is not complete until you witness the fearless cliff divers of La Quebrada! Experience the sophisticated atmosphere of the club La Perla restaurant, overlooking the cliffs of La Quebrada where the cliff divers show their bravery by diving into the ocean in the dark!

Coyuca Lagoon
This beautiful fresh water lagoon is considered to be one of the most important natural attractions of Acapulco. This picturesque lagoon is thick with palms, water hyacinths and native flora.

Goa is also home to a number of casinos and also to Caravela – the only offshore casino located on a ship in India. On board you’ll find a lavish restaurant with multi-cultural cuisine, a bar, sundeck and a swimming pool. The tables offer American roulette, blackjack, Indian rummy complete with slot machines. The vessel even has a private gaming room for high-fliers.

Shotover Jet
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Need a bit of a thrill? Imagine skimming over shallow waters, doing 360 degree twists and turns, and only just missing rocks in your path. But fear not – your safety is always first and foremost in mind. Can you think of a more exhilarating way to see the Black Lagoon? Alternatiely, you can descend 5 miles in inflatable rafts through the Papagayo River canyon as you pass through class 1, 2 and 2 plus rapids.

Fishing charters
The fishing in Acapulco, particularly sailfish, is legendary, in fact, it’s news when someone doesn’t catch a fish. Expertly manned yachts can take you on beautifully scenic trips along the coast. Or charter a private yacht charter and plot your own course. .

Shopping

From small, trendy boutiques to big convenience malls, Acapulco offers the visitor a wide range of experiences. Plaza Bahia offers 4 levels of air-conditioned shopping heaven – there are also restaurants, movie theatres and a bowling alley. Edith Matison’s Art Gallery has wonderful artworks as well as an extensive selection of top quality Mexican handicrafts. Hone your bargaining skills at El Parazal, an outdoor collection of stalls offering crafts, souvenirs, jewellery and clothes. The Artesa nías Finas de Acapulco is a huge department store where you’ll find anything from an onyx chessboard to carved wooden masks. It’s also great for pottery, papier-maché sculptures.

History

If you’d like to learn more about the colourful history of this area there are several museums to visit. The old San Diego Fort is now an interesting museum showcasing navigational and cartography instruments, along with reproductions of the vessels sailing during various historic times. The Museum of Archaeology offers permanent exhibitions of pre-Hispanic vestiges found in the area.

When it comes to artwork you’ll be spoiled for choice. The Centro Cultural de Acapulco exhibits both paintings and various sculptures of various styles many of which have been created by artists from around the state of Guerrero. The Dolores Olmedo Gallery houses the fantastic mural of renowned artist Diego Rivera. You’ll find the works of more modern artists in the Galeria Rudic (you may even pick up a quality piece), and the Sergio Bustamante Gallery showcases this famous Mexican artist and his work made from materials as diverse as papier maché, paintings, wooden furniture, bronze sculptures and handbags made with gold and silver.