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Sometimes called the "Queen of the Mexican Riviera", Acapulco has sunshine 360 days a year, 20 miles of golden sand beaches and luxury hotels ranging from picturesque to palatial. Ask our Mexico Specialist to assist you in arranging your travel to Acapulco! About Acapulco Attractions Special Interests Click here for Fast Facts About Acapulco A cornerstone in the development of world trade as far back as the 16th century, situated on its fabled bay where ships sailed to the Philippines and traders from two hemispheres met to exchange Mexican silver for spices and silk. Visit Acapulco's San Diego Fort built in 1616 to guard the famous Manila Galleons from marauding pirates, a classic, five-point fortress surrounded by a moat, today housing exquisite, rare relics of a cultural exchange between Asia and the Old World. Those familiar with Acapulco's modern-day reputation for glamour, excitement and non-stop fun may recall that Acapulco introduced vacationers to discos, swim-up pool bars, parasailing, hotels shaped like pyramids, rooms with private swimming pools (Acapulco's Las Brisas has elevated this concept to appeal to the most discriminating travelers) and the attraction the city is most famous for, cliff diving. Also, it was here that Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd, John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy honeymooned, and Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Harry Belafonte became regulars. In fact, many celebrities, among them Sylvester Stallone, still own homes in Acapulco. ACAPULCO DIAMANTE AREA Located south of Acapulco Bay, not far from the airport, along the superb ocean-surf marked by Revolcadero Beach and the adjacent, tranquil bay called Puerto Marques. It was once the exclusive domain of the Acapulco Princess and Pierre Marques resorts, but it is now, also, home to the Vidafel Mayan Palace, Camino Real Acapulco Diamante and Quinta Real Hotel, all luxurious properties attracting upscale guests, as well as the scenic 18-hole Tres Vida Golf Course and countless restaurants lining the shore. ACAPULCO BAY/COSTERA MIGUEL ALEMAN A spectacular mountain-framed harbor rivaling Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong for natural beauty, with the main thoroughfare descending the steep cliffs on the bay's southern end to become the coastal Avenida Miguel Aleman, commonly referred to as the Costera. It is along the Costera that visitors find the heart of Acapulco's resort and entertainment scene. It is home to nearly all of Acapulco's high-rise hotels (such as Hyatt Regency, Hotel Continental Plaza, Costa Club Beach Resort, Fiesta American Condesa Acapulco, El Presidente Acapulco and others), as well as nonstop dining, lively nightlife and excellent shopping. DOWNTOWN & "OLD ACAPULCO" On the northern end of the bay, directly across from Acapulco Diamante. Here, visitors will find the bustling seaside malecon, or promenade, the pretty, shaded main square, or zocalo, Acapulco's most significant historic treasure, the San Diego Fort and La Quebrada, site of the famous cliff divers. And the downtown area has its share of beaches, Caleta and Caletilla and accommodations that include the legendary Hotel Los Flamingos, the one-time playground of the Hollywood jet set. GETTING AROUND: Inexpensive taxis with established rates (hotels can provide rates for guests), inexpensive bus service, brightly decorated horse-drawn carriages, calendrias that cruise the Costera and taxis with taxi drivers who serve as personal tour guides for less than the cost of a car rental. (Negotiate the price ahead of time and if the service is good, leave a generous tip). Attractions BRAVO TOWN A new destination, along the Papagayo River, with Shotover Jet, rafting, kayaking and rock climbing. BUNGEE JUMPING In the middle of Acapulco Bay on Condesa Beach, with a height of 160 feet! FORT OF SAN DIEGO Recently remodeled to restore it to its original glory. Special Interests BEACHES CALETA Located on the bay's westernmost point. Frequented most by the locals. A small beach with calm waters and beautiful, powdery sand - a great place to swim and sunbathe. HORNOS Extensive beach with white sand and quiet surf, located in the center of town with a variety of Mexican restaurants along the shore. Ideal for watersports of all kinds. LA CONDESA Has satiny, white sand and plentiful restaurants. Located in the heart of the Zona Dora (Golden Zone) between the Continental Plaza and the El Presidente hotels. Watersports include water-skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, sailboating, parasailing and bungee jumping! Widely considered the most 'fun' beach, the place 'to be and be seen'. ICACOS Located on the eastern-most point of the bay. Has very moderate waves, perfect for families. Activities include water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, paragliding and beach volleyball. REVOLCADERO Reached via a panoramic highway from which the beauty of Acapulco Bay can be fully appreciated. Has white, powdery sand and shady, palm trees. Perhaps Acapulco's most beautiful beach! Wild surf, ideal spot for surfers! PUERTO MARQUES A very popular beach, and home to several Mexican restaurants. FAMILIES ACAPULCO ZOO On La Roqueta Island is the world's only island zoo. See lions, alligators, leopards, giraffes and zebras, as well as an aviary and a serpentarium. Hiking and snorkeling are available! BRAVO TOWN Features kayaking, white water rafting, rappelling, a rock climbing wall, swimming pool, a restaurant and more. CICI A water park with numerous waterfalls, fountains, slides and cool pools, including one with man-made waves. Its newest attraction is swimming with dolphins. It presents seal and dolphin shows and the Sky Coaster, a thrill ride that swings riders from a perch 100 feet in the air. Also offers water-skiing, snorkeling and windsurfing. MAGICO MUNDO MARINO Located on a small island between Caleta and Caletilla beaches, accessible only by a rope bridge. It is part beach club, part amusement park. PAPAGAYO PARK Conveniently locacated on the Costera Miguel Aleman, this 52-acre playland offers rollerblading, skateboarding, billiards, video games and pedal boats. There is a beautiful aviary, shady tree-lined byways and life-size replicas of a Manila galeon and the space shuttle ROLLER GRAND PRIX Located in the Brisa Mar development. Features go-karts, an in-line skating rink and more. GOLF TRES VIDAS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB One of the most magnificent beachfront facilities in the world. The course, inaugurated in 1995, was designed by world-famous golf course architect Robert von Hagge. The 7,040-yard, par 72, 18-hole course, built right on the edge of the ocean, is landscaped with nine lakes, dotted with palms and home to a flock of ducks and other birds. Greens fees: approximately $140. FAIRMONT ACAPULCO PRINCESS The 6,355-yard Percy Clifford-designed course with water hazards on 12 holes, sand bunkers and lush landscaping is set on 480 acres along Revolcadero Beach with the azure blue of the Pacific Ocean crashing on one side, backed by the soaring majesty of the Sierra Madre Mountains on the other. Greens fees: $75-$88, including cart. FAIRMONT PIERRE MARQUES The 6,723-yard Pierre Marques course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., has abundant tropical vegetation and water on 13 holes. The Pierre Marques is adjacent to the Acapulco Princess, its sister property. Visitors at either resort are permitted to use either course with discounted guest fees. Greens fees: $75-$88, including cart. MAYAN PALACE GOLF CLUB An 18-hole course by the ocean's edge. Totaling 6,507 yards, this par 72, 18-hole course represents a challenge to the most skilled player. Surrounded by tropical plants and designed with numerous hills and lakes, it will surprise golfers with its natural beauty. Greens fees: About $65. HONEYMOON/ROMANCE Take a cruise around ACAPULCO BAY. Spend a quiet afternoon on one of the secluded, pristine beaches at BARRA VIEJA where Tres Palos Lagoon meets the Pacific Ocean. Head to PIE LA CUESTA in time to take in one of its fiery sunsets. Pick up Mexican handicrafts at EL PARAZAL MERCADO DE ARTESANIAS or ARTESANIAS FINAS to add decorative memories to a new home. Try a "love potion" found at the MERCADO MUNICIPAL or sip coco locos, the house specialty, at the legendary HOTEL LOS FLAMINGOS. Dine at a romantic
restaurant: COYUCCA - Part of the same restaurant group as CasaNova, a model of elegance, offering alfresco dining on succulent steaks and seafood. Lovers eating on the patio will be in good company. AAA Four Diamonnd award winner. EL OLVIDO (Spanish for "oblivion") - Offers a menu rich in traditional Mexican flavors with a nouvelle approach. Its sophisticated, two-level open-air dining room overlooking the bay lends itself to unparalleled sunset views and star gazing. Lovers should leave room for the delicious crema quemada dessert (a Mexican-style creme brulee). MIRAMAR - A romantic oasis nestled high above Acapulco with a breathtaking view of Acapulco Bay. Couples dine on a wide variety of Continental dishes prepared with imagination and style. MEETINGS For major conventions and trade shows, the ACAPULCO CONVENTION CENTER offers size and flexibility. It offers 35 meeting rooms, 250,000 square feet of exhibition space and two theaters, one with capacity for 1,193 and an amphitheater that seats 1,775. Also available are 500,000-square-feet of gardens and terraces that can be used for dinner functions and other events. More than 6,000 of Acapulco's hotel rooms cater to conventions and incentive programs. Numerous hotels offer excellent convention facilities, many conveniently located near the Convention Center. The FAIRMONT ACAPULCO PRINCESS can accommodate meetings from 300 to 2,000 attendees. Other hotels with significant meeting space include the HYATT REGENCY, ACAPULCO PLAZA SUITES & RESORT, CAMINO REAL, QUINTA REAL, ELCANO and FIESTA AMERICANA CONDESA. NIGHTLIFE Low-Key Fun HAPPY HOUR At one of the fine hotels located along the Costera. VEGAS-STYLE ENTERTAINMENT or FIESTA NIGHTS Costera hotels
or Fiesta Mexicana at the Acapulco Convention Center JAZZ PEPE'S PIANO BAR FIETA ALEGRE Jai-Alai Stadium and Sports Book LA
QUEBRADA Hot Spots ALEBRIJE BABY O DISCO
BEACH ENIGMA NINA'S SIBONEY YUCA SHOPPING Jewelry AHA EMI FORS MARGARITA RONAY
JEWELRY TANE TAXCO
EXPORTA Fine Art GALERIA
IXCATEOPAN GALERIA
DE ARTE DELORES OLMEDO PAL
KEPENYES GALLERY VICTOR
SALAMAONE'S SCULPTURES LA
COLECCION DE SERGIO BUSTAMANTE Clothing SAMY'S ESTEBAN'S KOS MARTHA
RIESTRA BENNY PASARELA Also,
internationally known shops such as Esprit, Guess, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and more. Handicrafts PLAZA
BAHIA EL
PARAZAL MERCADO DE ARTESANIAS ARTESANIAS
FINAS MERCADO
MUNICIPAL HIKING The lush, tropical landscape of the Sierra Madre Mountains is a major draw for hikers who want to explore the area by foot. HORSEBACK
RIDING One of the true treasures of an Acapulco vacation is a sunset horseback riding experience and one of the best places to ride is on the beach fronting the Acapulco Princess. PARASAILING Acapulco invented this sport, which promises travelers an unforgettable view of the bay. SPORTFISHING Charter a boat from the dock near the zocalo for approximately $200-$400 per day on the water and a chance to catch game fish such as sailfish, marlin and dorado. For freshwater catches, mainly bass and catfish, head to Tres Palos Lagoon or Coyuca Lagoon. Hotels can help you arrange fishing excursions with Deep Sea Fishing Acapulco or Barracuda Fleet. SCUBA
DIVING Explore Acapulco's under water world including the wreck of the Rio de Plata sunk in 1944, Piedra del Elefante, and Piedrade la Hierbabuena reefs and the Virgen Sumergida (an underwater shrine) on the shores of Roqueta Island. Also, Acapulco has several excellent dive schools including Mantaraya, Divers of Mexico and Arnold Brothers. SNORKELING Popular snorkeling spots are in front of the Hotel Boca Chica, around Isla Roqueta and El Ripio, Las Palmas, and Bahia de Yerabuena Beaches. SWIMMING Generally safe in the tranquil water flanking bay beaches. Simmers should exercise caution, however, at Revolcadero and Pie de Cuesta Beaches. WATER
ACTIVITIES AT BRAVO TOWN Highlights include the famous Shotover Jet Boat Ride, white-water rafting and kayaking. WATERSKIING Skiers of all skill levels can learn the sport at various area schools. Jet-skis, hobie cats, "boncos" (mini motorboats) and windsurfers can be rented at several spots located around the bay. |
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