Reasons for visiting Acapulco

Acapulco has long been known for a legendary nightlife, spectacular beaches, and remarkable sunsets.

By day, people relax on the many beautiful beaches, and by night they party in the dizzying array of glamorous dance clubs.

In between, diving, snorkeling, fishing, golf, tennis, horseback riding, and fine restaurants with every type of food imaginable, guarantee there's always something to do. One not-to-be-missed event is the world-renowned La Quebrada cliff divers, who plunge 130 feet into the shallow water below.

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Gorgeous beaches, romantic sunsets, and glamorous nightlife that attracted Hollywood's hottest celebrities in the 1950s are still very much a part of Acapulco today. This "Queen of Mexican Beach Resorts" is set around a crescent-shaped bay and framed by verdant mountains that plunge into warm, sapphire waters. Add to that the non-stop excitement of countless night clubs, discos, and restaurants, and you have a vacation spot that's fantastic night and day.

It's no wonder so many of the jet set made this paradise their honeymoon destination. John and Jackie Kennedy, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and Liz Taylor and Michael Todd, to name just a few, all celebrated their nuptials in Acapulco. The widespread water sports, golf, tennis, shopping, and dancing and dining - not to mention the world-famous La Quebrada cliff divers- guarantee there's always something to do and see. And if doing nothing sounds more appealing, the miles and miles of white-sand beaches are just perfect for it!

Approximate Air Travel Time

• New York City 6.50 hrs
• Boston 7.50 hrs
• Miami 4.50 hrs
• Philadelphia 6.75 hrs
• Los Angeles 4.50 hrs
• Chicago 4.75 hrs
• Dallas-Forth Worth 3.25 hrs
• San Francisco 5.25 hrs

Please note that limited nonstop flights are available; all travel times are subject to change.

Areas Within the Destination

Costera Hotel Zone

Alive with excitement night and day, this developed area runs along the Costera Miguel Aleman, a wide boulevard that hugs Acapulco Bay from the Scenic Highway to Caleta Beach. Off the Costera, visitors will find many beaches, along with the area's best dining, nightlife, and shopping.

Diamante

Set in the downward slope of the mountains, and opening to a long, flat stretch of open-ocean beaches, the Diamante Area is surrounded by pounding surf and beautiful beaches, and is home to Acapulco's most posh hotels and residential developments.

Old Acapulco

Just south of Acapulco Bay, this is the traditional heart of the city, noted for its bustling seaside promenade. You will also find the delightful zocalo, a pretty, tree-shaded plaza teeming with activity, and El Fuerte de San Diego, an authentic fort-turned-museum built in 1615. Just up the hill is La Quebrada, where world-famous cliff divers perform their death-defying feats. And the center of the peninsula holds the Plaza de Toros, where bullfights are still frequently held.

Topography

Acapulco is set on Mexico's southwest Pacific coast, bordered by the Sierra Madres mountains on the east and Acapulco Bay on the west. Foliage varies, from dry and arid in the summer, to lush and tropical in the winter months. The many miles of beaches are surrounded by deep blue water and crashing waves.

Climate

Acapulco is warm and sunny all year long, with average highs topping 80° in the dry winter and 90° in the summer, with occasional brief, afternoon rain showers. The heart of hurricane season lasts from early September to late October, though strikes are rare and there is plenty of advance notice to prepare. When threatened by a hurricane strike, one should expect a 2-day displacement from evacuation to safe return.

Best Time to Visit

This area is an ideal vacation destination year-round, with consistent tropical temperatures and bright blue skies. Most people visit between December and March, though those who chose to go during the "shoulder season" - April through November - are treated to smaller crowds. July and August is also when many Mexican families take their own vacations here, but the beaches are still quieter than in high season.

What To Do & See Around Acapulco

Acapulco City Tour

Get to know the city with an expert local guide who gives you an overview of the main sights, including a cliff-diving exhibition!

Mexican Fiesta

Enjoy a 3-hour party with dinner, open bar, mariachis, folk dancing, and the Famous Flying Indians from Papantla entertainers.

La Quebrada Cliff Divers

This is the most popular attraction in Acapulco. From a towering cliff high above the city, divers plunge 130 feet into shallow waters several times a day. The show often varies; for example, the divers may carry torches, dive in pairs, or perform stunts on the way down.

Plaza de Toros

Tradition and spectacle collide every Sunday from Christmas through Easter when the bullfighters enter the ring. The festivities are often kicked off by Spanish dancers and live music.

El Fuerte de San Diego

Originally built in 1616 to guard against pirates, this fort was destroyed by an earthquake and rebuilt in the 18th century. It is now home to the History Museum of Acapulco, with exhibits that illustrate the city from prehistoric times through Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821.

Casa de la Cultura

For a quiet experience of the local culture, head to this complex featuring the Ixcateopan art gallery, with changing exhibits, an archaeological museum, and an exhibit of local and international crafts.

Zocalo

A more contemporary setting of Acapulco's culture is seen at this town square in the heart of Old Acapulco. Several vendors sell all sorts of goods during the day, while nighttime often brings live music in the bandstand. Nearby is the town church, Nuestra Senora de la Soledad, with its blue bulb-shape and bright yellow spires.

Mercado Municipal

Devout shoppers will be delighted with this market. Locals and tourists alike come to this sprawling marketplace to find whatever they may want, from fresh produce to love potions. Craft vendors sell everything from handmade pottery and baskets, to mythical charms and talismans.

Papagayo Park

Off the Costera, this 52-acre park includes a life-size model of a Spanish galleon, an aviary, a roller-skating rink, a racetrack with miniature cars, and bumper boats on a small lagoon.

Magico Mundo Marino

Some of the best toys to enjoy the beach are for rent here, including jet-skis, inner tubes, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment. There is also an aquarium, a sea-lion show, and swimming pools.

CiCi

If you're traveling with children, don't miss this water theme park with water slides, an aquarium, seal and dolphin shows, and a wave pool.

Taxco

Known as the silver capital of the world, and located about 4 hours by car from Acapulco (slightly more by bus), Taxco is a quaint town that seems never to age.

Isla la Roqueta (Roqueta Island)

Only a 10-minute boat ride from Caleta Beach, the island is located right in front of Acapulco Bay, and is known as one of the best places to hike and snorkel in Acapulco. There is also a zoo on the island.

Golf

Golf enthusiasts find championship courses at many of the larger hotels. There is also a public course on the Costera called the Club de Golf.

Beaches

The beaches in Acapulco are unsurpassed and plentiful - you could spend your whole vacation just trying to enjoy them all! Fortunately, they're all open to the public - even those near luxury hotels. Some favorites:

• Barra Vieja: A long, uncrowded stretch of beach about 20 miles east of Acapulco, where the Tres Palos Lagoon meets the Pacific Ocean. Coconut, palm, and banana trees, and exotic birds create a tropical setting.
• Playa Caleta: A family-oriented beach with typically calm waters. At this spot on the peninsula in Old Acapulco, you can rent small sailboats, paddleboats, and kayaks, or take a 10-minute motorboat ride to the Isla de la Roqueta - an oasis with soft sand, crystal-clear water, and gentle surf.
• Playa La Condesa: This is the most popular beach in town and faces the middle of the bay. The rough surf makes swimming difficult, but the open-air bars and al fresco restaurants make it the ultimate hangout.
• Pie de la Cuesta: About 8 miles from downtown Acapulco, this is the "official" sunset beach. Locals and visitors alike arrive in the late afternoon to await the sensational view.
• Puerto Marques: The sheltered waters of this beach, tucked under the airport highway, are perfect for water sports.
• Playa El Revolcadero: Starting behind the Princess Hotel, this beach offers horseback riding and bodysurfing. Dolphins are often seen swimming offshore.

Dining in Acapulco

Dining out is one of Acapulco's most popular activities - and the quality and variety of the restaurants prove it. Diners can fulfill any craving they may have, including Italian, Belgian, Japanese, American, and, of course, the best Mexican food around. The food is consummately fresh, since the chefs buy their fish, poultry, and produce in the Mercado Municipal the same day they serve it. And these days, the water is safe, with most restaurants purifying their drinking and cooking water. Most establishments open daily for lunch, close briefly, and re-open at about 6:30 for dinner. For dinner, the dress code spans the range from shorts and T-shirts to ties and jackets, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Nightlife in Acapulco

Sunset in Acapulco means one thing - party time! Glittering lights and happenin' music from the Costera's innumerable bars and dance clubs fill the air with excitement. People of all ages don their party clothes to dance the night away in clubs with million-dollar interiors and state-of-the-art sound and light systems. The club scene starts as late as 11:00pm, and often lasts until dawn. If you're something of an early bird, you can opt for several sunset cruises and concerts. But wherever you go, frosty margaritas and dark Mexican beer abound.

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