Guide To Acapulco

About Acapulco

This celebrity resort is known as the Pearl of the Pacific, and is the most visited holiday spot in Mexico. It is famous worldwide, and although the jet set of the 1970s and 80s have moved further down the coast to the new Diamante area of town, Acapulco still retains its original character, charm and atmosphere that has made it a world-famous resort for decades.

Acapulco fell out of favor with tourists in the late 80s and early 90s, but is now experiencing a renaissance. After the 1997 hurricane that struck Acapulco, the government invested over a billion dollars to rebuild infrastructure, clean up the bay, and improve local services. This new investment has made Acapulco a more accessible and more pleasant coastal resort to enjoy.

The view from the bay is spectacular. In the evening, the sunsets from Pie de la Cuesta (see Key Attractions, below) is one of the best you'll see on Mexico's Pacific coast. At night, when the lights come on, Acapulco becomes a party-goer's paradise.

Acapulco is a big resort - you won't see it all in just one visit - and you won't see much of it without transport! There are various options available for getting around Acapulco effectively, and you'll find these listed below in the Getting There and Around section.

For all its contrasts and change in fashions and fortunes over the years, Acapulco still has two things going for it that few other coast resorts can lay claim to: first, everyone has heard of Acapulco - its fame is almost universal and, secondly, it still has one of the most stunning bay views offered by any coastal resort.

Acapulco is a resort full of energy, vibrancy and color that never stops, day or night. If it's the beach party of your life that you're looking to experience, then Acapulco has the capability to deliver the goods to you in style.

Conversely, people arriving to enjoy Acapulco’s attractive climate, its great beaches, famed attractions and surrounds and who want a place to get away from the nightlife (either afterwards or permanently) would do better to accommodate themselves in the newer, more cultured Acapulco Diamante area situated to the southeast of the city.

If you’re looking for a wild week or weekend, then you’ll be closer to the night action closer to the city center. If you're looking for more culture, style and relaxation then go instead to the Acapulco Diamante area and its first-class resorts.

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Key Attractions

Main Activities

Besides sunbathing, swimming, resting and partying, Acapulco can be host to a wealth of activities, including:

• Diving and Snorkeling
• Jet Skiing
• Power-boating
• Fishing
• River Rafting on Rio Papagayo
• Golf

More Information: See our guide to Nature and Adventure in Mexico for full details and local contacts.

Cliff Divers

Without doubt, Acapulco's most famous attraction. A trip to Acapulco would seem a half-cooked effort if you missed the world-famous cliff dives at La Quebrada ("The Break").

Divers plunge off cliffs 130 feet high into the a cove that is only safe to dive in when the wave comes in. Wrong timing would result in a fatal fall.

Dives are scheduled at 1 pm, and in hours of darkness at 7 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm, 10:30 pm. At night the divers carry torches to light their descent - quite a spectacle!

Dives can be viewed from balconies near the cove, for a small entrance fee. Alternatively, there is a hotel nearby, called El Mirador, which has a Restaurant-Bar called La Perla. You can watch the divers while eating your meal, or if you buy a drink at the bar.

For more information about the dives off La Quebrada along with pictures, read the In Mexico Diary for Acapulco.

Pie de la Cuesta

Pie de la Cuesta is about 6 miles northwest of Acapulco's centre and consists of a strip of land with the Pacific ocean on one side and a freshwater lake (Laguna de Coyuca) on the other.

This location is quiet and serene in comparison to Acapulco. If you want to swim, swim in the lake - the sea here is dangerous, and people have been killed in the surf. Other activities on the lagoon include a boat trip, and water skiing is very popular here - you can hire the equipment locally.

Pie de la Cuesta has a lot of seafood restaurants on the beachside, and there's a good reason for that:  The sunset here is spectacular!

If you want to stay in this area (close to Acapulco proper, but far enough away to get some peace and tranquility) there are several places to stay nearby.

Parque Papagayo

This is a large amusement and activities park, which also leads to two beaches: Playa Hornos and Playa Hornitos. Its features include a lake with paddleboats for rent, a roller-skating rink, a fair with mechanical rides, an animal enclosure and aviary, and a pathway (circular circuit) which is over 1 km in length is good if you like a morning run. There is no admission charge to go into the park and it's open from 6 am to 8 pm daily. The mechanical rides open later between 4 pm and 11 pm. Great for kids and adults alike.

Local Cruises

If want to see Acapulco Bay from the sea, day or night, you can take a cruise on one of the many boats offering tours of the bay from the Malecón which is near the center of town.

Swimming with Dolphins

If you'd like to experience the sensation of swimming with a dolphin, you can in Acapulco. There are two places to do this; the CICI (International Center) Water Park or Condesa Beach.

Sports Fishing Experiences

Acapulco is one of Mexico's top destinations for Sports Fishing. Read our Guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico.

Golf in Acapulco

Acapulco is becoming more and more popular with golfers, as they arrive here for good weather, and great golf courses. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for the latest details of golfing experiences in Acapulco.

Mexican Tennis Open

Acapulco also plays host every year to the Mexican Tennis Open, which attracts a number of world class players. The tournament is usually held in February.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - From Mexico, you can fly to Acapulco from Mexico City or Guadalajara. You can also connect to Acapulco from various cities in the USA.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

By Bus - Buses run all day from Mexico City's Central de Autobuses del Sur to Acapulco's main bus station. The journey distance is about 180 miles and will take about 5 hours. There are two bus terminals in Acapulco; Estrella de Oro (the company which runs the very comfortable "Diamante" (Diamond) service to and from Mexico City) has a separate terminal a few blocks from the main station.  You can book your tickets online in advance with Estrella de Oro.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses

By Car - The drive to Acapulco on the toll road from Mexico City is fast and efficient, taking about 4 hours; however the road is one of the most expensive in Mexico, costing around US$50 each way for a car. The Toll Road is Highway 95 - the same one the First Class bus takes; a very scenic route that includes driving across the suspension bridge over the Río Balsas, the largest of four suspension bridges on the highway. There is a free road you can take as an alternative to the toll highway, but this will inevitably be slower.

See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is southeast of Acapulco's central area, and you can get ground transportation into town; buy your ticket before you leave the airport terminal building.

Local Buses - These are frequent and plentiful, but do tend to be a bit rickety. They are a very economical means of getting around locally and will take you where you want to go in the Acapulco bay area.

Taxis - If you speak Spanish, hail one off the street, it will be cheaper than taking one from your hotel. All of the hotels display "fixed rates" for taxi rides between the hotel and certain places (e.g. The Diving Cliffs at La Quebrada). These fees are higher than the street rates, but do offer the convenience of door-to-door transport.

Rent a Jeep - An open-top jeep is a fun way to travel around the Acapulco area - especially if you want to get out to the fringe areas like the newly developed "Acapulco Diamante" area of town, independently.   Experience the warm wind in your hair and great views! See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Acapulco.

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LocalEvents Calendar

Easter Holiday (Semana Santa) - This is Acapulco's busiest time of year. People who live in Mexico City empty out of it and one of their favorite destinations during Easter is Acapulco. All kinds of special events are laid on at this time of year - your hotel will have details. Note: Reserve early for this season.

Tianguis Turistisco - Tianguis is an old Mexican word for open-air market (Mercado). During the second or third week in April a trade fair, created especially for those working in the Mexican tourism industry gets into full swing in Acapulco.

Film Festivals - The Festival de Cine Francés (French Film Festival) and Festival de Cine Negro (Black Film Festival) are held here in late November and early June respectively.

UFO Conference - If you are interested in UFOs the Annual World UFO Conference gathers in Acapulco the second week in December.

Virgen de Guadalupe - Mexico's patron saint, and on December 11th in Acapulco a festival begins to celebrate the Virgin with parties and street processions taking place on December 11th and 12th.

Expo-Acapulco - is an established commercial/industrial conference. Its prime function is to attract investment to Acapulco. The conference takes place late December thru early January. Connect to the Mexperience Business Center for full details about doing business in Mexico.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: You'll find Banks with ATM machines throughout Acapulco; even some hotels have them now.  During business hours they and Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well. Read about money and currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Safety: Acapulco's tides can be dangerous - its undercurrents can be particularly strong, and claim lives every year, from people who ignore the warnings. If you see a Red or Black Flag on the beach - it is NOT safe to swim - stay out of the water. Yellow flags signify caution; White or Green flags indicate that swimming is safe. If it's not safe to swim in the sea, use your hotel's swimming pool to cool off.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Acapulco

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Restaurants

Hard Rock Cafe: Fast Food-Hamburgers. Avenida Costera Miguel Aleman No. 37. Tel: (527) 484-6680

Baikal International: Mexican food. Carretera Escénica 16 y 22, Fracc. Playa Guitarrón Sobre la Carretera Escénica. Tel: (744) 4466867

El Olvido: International food. Plaza Marbella, Costera Miguel Alemán. Tel: (744) 4810203

Bellavista International: International food. Hotel Las Brisas, Carretera Escénica Clemente Mejia. Tel: (744) 4696900.

Tabachin: French, International. The Fairmont Pierre Marques Hotel, Av. Playa Revolcadero. Tel: (744) 4352667.

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When Night Falls

Gran Noche Mexicana - The Great Mexican Night - Three days a week; Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays, you can experience a party hosted in the Plaza by the Convention Center from 7 pm. You pay a fixed fee of around US$50 which includes dinner and an open bar, and a performance from the Ballet Folklórico.

Locally Hosted Parties - Many of the hotels host their own parties which include dinner, dancing, a show and all drinks for a fixed fee. Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - If you want to go clubbing - Acapulco is one of the top two venues in Mexico (the other one is Mazatlán). Lots of young people go to Acapulco for the night-clubs. Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - most people don't go before 11 p.m. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 am and 7 am.

Beach Clubs - Most of open-air beach night clubs (which are becoming more and more popular) offer their clubbers all the services of a nightclub out in the open air - often near and on a beach.

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What to Buy in Acapulco

Acapulco is not the greatest place to buy Mexican arts and crafts, as it is mainly a town designed for holidays, seaside relaxation as well dancing & partying the night away. However, there are shops and markets in Acapulco where you can buy an assortment of Mexican mementos as well as practical goods for your trip. People from Mexico City often take back coconut and tamarindo fruit.

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Local Climate

Acapulco's climate is hot and very humid - perfect for the seaside. Average temperatures hover around 80F, with high humidity levels all year round. The town boasts sunshine nearly every day of the year. The rainy season here is between June and October, although downpours tend to be reasonably brief and occur in the late afternoon / early evening.

Live Weather Report:

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