Acapulco

INTRO
Have you ever wanted where the famous people spend their vacations and how do they relax? Do you wish to give yourself the same pleasures and enjoy a luxury and comfort? If your answer is yes, take a holiday in the most famous Mexican resort and experience its charm and sunny atmosphere. Please your senses and visit Acapulco.

City Profile
City: Acapulco
Country: Mexico
Area: 1,882.6 km
Population: 717,766
Mayor: Félix Salgado Macedonio
Language: Mexican

LOCATION
This beautiful bay is located at the most southwestern tip of the Mexican Coast on the Pacific Ocean. The resort was built in between the shoreline and the surrounding mountain and is the major sea port in the state of Guerrero as well as its largest city. Acapulco is the most popular spring break destination in Mexico, considered one of the most splendid bays in the world.

TIME TO VISIT
The resort enjoys sunny weather throughout the whole year thanks to its tropical climate. The average daytime temperatures from mid-October till June are around 29 degrees Celsius. This is also the dry season with cloudless sky and almost no precipitation. The high sunny season, which coincides with the northern hemisphere winter, is the wet season but most of the rainfall occurs late in the evenings or even after midnight, which allows visitors to sunbathe during the day. As a popular spring break destination, Acapulco is mostly visited from July till September but many tourists come here during the winter in order to escape from the cold and experience the warm sunny days on the bay.

POPULATION
As a popular resort destination for mostly Americans, Canadians and Germans, Acapulco never houses only its residents. Due to the year-round sunny weather, the number of people who come to visit exceeds far more the number of the regular inhabitants, which is more than 1.5 million. It has been estimated that every week more than two thousand tourists come to Acapulco either by air, train or car, while during the peak season, the weekly amount of tourists entering the resort reached three thousand. Excluding the foreigners, the native population is extremely warm-hearted, friendly and communicative and even though they don't speak the perfect English, they try to speak it so as to make you feel welcomed. Otherwise, attempts to speak Spanish and learn a little more about the local Mexican culture will be perceived as an appreciation of Mexican customs and respect toward the country.

DISTRICTS
The city of Acapulco is built along the beautiful Acapulco Bay. Its metropolitan area is known as Costera Miguel Aleman and is divided into three parts.

The Traditional Zone includes the main square, Zocalo, as well as the old part of the town.
The Golden Zone, or Costera encompasses the Mexican Navy Base and the area between Playa Hornos and Icacos. It is the largest district in Acapulco.
The Diamond Zone connects the airport and the central district through a picturesque highway.

SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
Apart from the wonderful beaches that most tourists come to Acapulco for, there are a number of other places of interest that will fill up your free time while resting from the sunbathing. The following are must-see attractions and must-do activities.

The San Diego Port as well as the newly found History Museum situated nearby are the main historical attractions in Acapulco, the former of which is the oldest port in the city. The fort used to be the centre of the commerce and other significant historical events such as the invasion of the pirates of the Pacific, the discoveries of Morelos and trade with Asia. The museum has been recently renovated and air-conditioned and its informative exhibits will make you familiar with the past of the local people.
La Quebrada Cliff Divers is the most famous, breathtaking show that began in 1934 when brave young man started jumping into the water from the high cliffs by the water. The performance can be seen from an observation deck or from the nearby hotel while having dinner. What if fascinating about these divers' fearlessness is that they have to wait until a wave comes so that they don't hit the bottom of the narrow rocky canal that they jump into. The view is truly spectacular and definitely a proof of the human adventurous spirit.
Coyuca Lagoon is a most marvellous place where the lagoon, the ocean and the river meet. Visitors can take a boat tour around the lagoon and view the scenic jungle-like landscape while passing through the cluster of small islands. Some of these islands have been the site of movie pictures such as the Island of the Man with Seven Wives, where Rambo II was filmed, and the La Barra, where the Tarzan TV series were shot. It is a magical experience for all who love nature.
C & C Water park is not only the major attraction for kids but also a creative amusement park for adults. Various water entertainments are available, including slides, shows, pool with simulated waves, a dolphin show, during which you are allowed to swim along with the dolphins, and last but not least, a hot air balloon that offer unique views over Acapulco. If you have children or you just want to feel ten years younger, this is the place to go to.
Parasailing is the most recognisable entertainment activity in Acapulco. If you are not afraid of heights, parasailing is the best way to get a unique bird eye view of the resort, make your blood run faster and experience the joy of flying. You take off from the beach and land on the beach as well so take a deep breath and go for the thrill.

AIRPORT
Flying to Acapulco is possible through its international airport that is located close to the main city area.

Alvarez International Airport is situated only 20 minutes drive, 26 km, from downtown. Everyday flights connect the resort to other destinations within and outside the country. There are several ways of reaching Acapulco from the airport, including car rental, taxis or hired transportation for 7 people that costs around 35 dollars.

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Travelling around Acapulco is easy. Tourists can either walk, take a bus or ride a cab.

Yellow Buses are the cheapest and most reliable means of transportation around Acapulco as they come every 5-10 minutes. They operate up and down the main road, parallel to the coastline. There are no bus stops, you just wave them down when you see them approaching and then tell the driver where you want to get off. Fares: 4 pesos and 5 pesos for an air-conditioned bus.
Walking is the most preferable way of getting around the resort. Pleasant strolls right before sunset or early in the morning are enjoyable and relaxing.
Beetle taxis can be found almost everywhere in Acapulco. Negotiate the price before getting in. It should not be more then 20 pesos inside the city.
"Colectivo" cab system is a government subsidised public means of transportation. The driver takes passengers and drops them to their destination for 10 pesos per person.

HISTORY
It has been proven that the region of present Acapulco has been inhabited for more than 3000 years and the first to settle Acapulco's area were the Nahua Indians, followed by the Aztecs. Acapulco was the summer destination of the Aztec Emperor Cuauhtemoc until 1500s. Around the middle of the same century the bay was conquered by the Spaniards but it preserved its importance as a major trading port that was a major spot of interest for the pirates. Acapulco's recent history as one of the most famous summer resorts in the world began in 1920s when the Prince of Wales visited the area on one of his fishing expeditions. Since then, the resort attracted many famous people, including J.F. Kennedy, Bill Clinton and Brigitte Bardot who chose this paradise Mexican city for their honeymoons. The city is also proud to have hosted Elisabeth Taylor's wedding. Many wealthy Americans and Europeans owned estates here such as Frank Sinatra and Baron de Rothschild. Today, Acapulco remains one of the most significant tourist destinations in Mexico, an exciting and vibrant place for both the young and the old.

CITY LINKS

El Sol de Acapulco: A Daily Newspaper in Mexican: http://www.oem.com.mx/elsoldeacapulco/
Acapulco Travel Guide: http://www.allaboutacapulco.com/
Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Acapulco
About Acapulco: http://www.allaboutacapulco.com/allaboutacapulco.htm
Things to do in Acapulco: http://www.acapulcoluxuryvillas.com/activities.htm

UNIVERSITY LINKS

American University of Acapulco, one of the city's leading schools: http://www.uaa.edu.mx/