Acapulco

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The original Mexican resort town, Acapulco[1] has been eclipsed by Cancun and other resort towns. Still, it remains a major destination and a worthwhile trip and is the number one spring break destination among U.S. college students.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Get in 3 Get around 4 See 4.1 Beaches 5 Do 6 Eat 7 Drink 8 Sleep 8.1 Budget 8.2 Mid-range 8.3 Splurge 9 Get out

[edit] Understand

[edit] Get in

Many buses go from major cities (e.g. Mexico City) to Acapulco. Most buses are safe, fast and comfortable and usually not very expensive. Some bus lines offer student discounts. The Estrella de Oro bus line offers nonstop trips from Mexico City with service more like of First Class on an airline -- roomy seats, ride attendants, snacks and drinks, and free movies (The Lake House and Superman Returns on a recent trip.) A regular Estrella de Oro (double-decker) one-way ride is 320 pesos, while upgraded VIP bus service is 480 pesos; VIP service includes a marble lounge inside the regular Acapulco bus terminal with TVs, drinks, and newspapers. Depending on the bus, the ride takes 5 - 5 1/2 hours in comfort. Be warned, they search you and pat you down for weapons before leaving.

There is a modern four lane highway from Mexico City to Acapulco (Autopista del Sol). It is somewhat expensive, but will take you there in 3 and a half hours, approximately, if you don't stop on the way. The Autopista is not continuous; there is a break in two sections where the road is rougher, so a car with good tires is a must. However, before you decide to drive to Acapulco, remember that traffic and parking in the city are difficult.

Alvarez International Airport (ACA) is well connected domestically and internationally. Flights from Mexico City to Acapulco take approximately 35 minutes and ground transportation from the airport to the major tourist area of La Costera takes more or less the same time. Round trip fares depending on the season and class, range from USD$230.00 to USD$500.00.

[edit] Get around

Taxis are everywhere in Acapulco. Since they are unmetered, make sure that you agree on a fare before entering. Always negotiate - they can smell tourist money a mile away. You should not have to pay more than $50 pesos per cab ride within the Costera area but fares can reach as much as $120 pesos for rides from La Costera to La Quebrada, Princess Hotel (Revolcadero Beach) and the airport. Alternatively most hotels can arrange for taxi transportation for a fixed fare (usually inflated). Prices will usually be about 50% more expensive than for a taxi hailed on the street.

There are several public transportation options: Yellow cabs are 10 pesos per person; buses are 4 pesos or 5 pesos with the luxury of air-conditioning. Because of the sheer amount of taxis here, when one is dining out it is often worthwhile for them to offer a round trip and simply wait around while you have your meal, and they will not charge extra.

Buses are worth experiencing even if you don´t want to travel on them. The bus system in Acapulco has been fully privatised - each bus is privately owned. This means they can decorate them however they want. Pink buses cruise around blaring out traditional Mexican music, racing against ones decked out in UV lights pulsing out club music into the night air. The complete lack of suspension and the bizarre incentive for the buses to race each other to each bus stop as they compete for passengers makes for an unforgettable ride.

It is generally unwise to try to drive yourself around Acapulco. Traffic is heavy, parking is scarce, streets do not run in a neat grid, and even change names unexpectedly.

[edit] See

• La Quebrada Cliff Divers - No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into the shallow stream of water of dangerous tides that forms in the bottom part of La Quebrada. They have been doing it since 1934. You can see the dives from a small platform by the cliff for a small entrance fee, or eat at the La Perla restaurant which offers a good view of the divers. Showtime at 1 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 9:30 PM.

• Zócalo - Zócalo, Acapulco's town square, lies on the western side of La Costera. It tends to expose more local culture than other, more tourist-centric, areas. Zócalo contains Acapulco's cathedral, as well as many restaurants ranging in size from sidewalk bistros and tiny street-corner kitchens. Many of the smaller restaurants will provide full dinners for as little as 35 pesos.

• Pie de la Cuesta - Pie de la Cuesta is a quiet strip of land roughly 6 miles northwest of Acapulco, bordered on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by a freshwater lake (Laguna de Cuyoca) on the other. The lagoon is extremely tranquil, but tourists are advised not to enter the Pacific Ocean at Pie de la Cuesta, because the surf is very dangerous. One can reach Pie de la Cuesta via bus. If you are on the Bay Side along the Costera, between Escudero and Diego Mendoza, look for the bus that says Pie de la Cuesta PLAYA LUCES. These go up that narrow strip of land. You can also take one that says San Isidro and that will let you off in the Zocalo in Pie de la Cuesta, but you have to walk a couple blocks to the strip and about a half kilometer up to the lagoon.

• Puerto Marquez - Located at a smaller bay just east of Acapulco, Puerto Marquez sees much less tourist traffic than Acapulco. One side of the bay is completely covered by adjacent beach-side restaurants offering very reasonably priced food and beer. The restaurant owners (as well as most other locals) are very friendly to tourists and some will offer discounts or a free round of beer to groups. Tourists and locals alike munch on shrimp enchiladas, sip negra modelos, wade in the waters, and enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. Fewer locals speak English in Puerto Marquez than in Acapulco, so it is recommended that vistors speak some rudimentary Spanish. One can reach Puerto Marquez via bus.

[edit] Beaches

Most beaches are in the bay area fronting the main boulevard "La Costera". This bay area is what made Acapulco famous and its beauty and majesty have not faded over the years. Some of the most representative beaches in La Costera are Icacos, Condesa, Hornos and Caleta, of which Condesa is the cleanest and most scenic. Beaches on La Costera have mostly calm waters suitable for practicing sports and even riding "la banana", the fruit shaped inflatable. Most hotels in Acapulco are found along La Costera.

Perhaps the best beach in Acapulco can be found close to the hotel 'Princess de Acapulco'. Playa Revolcadero is about three miles from the airport and as opposed to beaches in La Costera that are protected by the bay, this is an open water beach with strong tides that warrant extra caution. Transportation from La Costera takes about 35 minutes through a winding and scenic road.

Don't miss Barra Vieja, approx. 20 past the Airport coming from the costera($500-$800 Pesos for a cab all day)

[edit] Do

• CICI - a water park right by the main beach. Especially nice for kids. Entrance is 100 pesos and it features many different pools and slides, a Skycoaster (a mix between a swing and a bungee jump) and a dolphinarium. Dolphin shows are on offer, and so is one hour swims with the dolphins - a lifetime memory for USD120.

There are several more attractions, including golf courses, night clubs and post-hispanic fortifications. Nightlife in Acapulco is pretty much fun, and many places are suited for tourism including "El Alebrije", "Disco Beach" and "Palladium", this last having a awe-inspiring sight of the whole bay of Acapulco..

[edit] Eat

• Señor Frog's - Señor Frog's is a party place; outside you will see signs that read "Drunk Crossing"; from that you can infer what this place is like.

• Casanova - Excellent Italian food with a great view of the city.

• Kookaburra - Also good food with a great view of the city.

• La Perla - La Perla's claim to fame is that it provides a wonderful view of the cliff divers. A buffet breakfast is 110 pesos (roughly $11 gringo dollars) and includes Mexican breakfast specialties such as chilequiles (fried tortilla pieces with scrambled eggs and chilis), sopas, and chicharones, with yogurt, cereal, fresh fruit, tropical juices, Mexican pastellitas (little coffee cakes) and seasonal treats such as a whole roasted piglet. Before the divers' show, you stand a good chance of a getting a serenade from a wandering trio of mariachis. (Tipping recommended, and they also take requests.)

• 100% Natural - A Mexican chain of restaurants in many locations throughout the city, including the beach. They specialize in traditional Mexican food prepared with a healthy slant and different sorts of tropical and nutritional juice blends. A hearty, tasty breakfast ranges between 35 and 70 pesos, not including a juice drink. Very clean, with prompt service.

[edit] Drink

In the past few years Acapulco has become a preferred destination for spring breakers, with tens of thousands of students descending upon this resort town to drink away the sorrows of midterms in a multitude of bars and clubs. Be aware that the fancier places may have long queues outside and will probably not let you in if you wear shorts and/or sneakers.

• El Alebrije claims to be the largest night club in Latin America, capable of holding over 5,000 people. The crowd is fairly young, around 18-25. Foam party on Fridays. Cover is $350 Pesos for men and $300 Pesos for women with a free open bar until 5am. Be prepared to tip if you plan on drinking heavily. If arriving by car, you can park in the Walmart 24 hour carpark just up the road and save on the valet parking charges.
• Palladium[2] is the other super club in Acapulco. It is located in Las Brisas, perched on top of a cliff overlooking Acapulco. The large panoramic glass wall which forms one side of the dancefloor is very impressive. Prices are about the same as in Alebrije, drinks included in the cover charge.
• Baby'O[3] is one of Acapulco's perennial favorites. Baby'O is by far the most luxurious (and expensive) club in Acapulco and is favored especially by the 18 to 35 set of Mexico City's upper-class. Here, you will be able to revel in luxury. Expect to pay at least a $250 pesos cover charge and $80-$150 pesos for a drink.

La Costera, Acapulco's main street along the coast, is full of bars and clubs:

• Ibiza is a lounge club on the beach which is very pleasant and often frequented by locals. It plays mainly electronic music.
• Disco Beach is very popular with foreign visitors and locals. Its main attraction is a dance floor fronting the Condesa beach (the main beach).
• Barbarroja is a bar/club in the shape of an old pirate ship that caters mainly to the 30 and over crowd. Also conveniently located by the Condesa beach.

• Andromedas, located right on the Costera avenue, is a good place to be if you like electronic music. Full of beautiful girls, according to reports, and it also features a scuba diver mermaid swimming in a large tank on the wall. Cover charge is $25 USD including drinks.

[edit] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Kingdom Youth Hostel

A former athletic training facility, Acapulco's Kingdom Youth Hostel is a treat for the active or indolent. Friendly managers as of 2005. Inexpensive, with excellent showers and plenty of hammocks, internet access and a small bar. Outside of Acapulco proper, but that means it's near a quiet beach; a cab ride into the disco zone is about 10 pesos. A hostel worth checking out.

• La Mision

Clean room, clean sheets, painted brick, and cold showers. The rooms range from one bed to three. La Mision is 2 blocks outside Zócalo. The staff does not speak English. A basic breakfast may be purchased from the kitchen, though there are a multitude of small restaurants nearby. Depending on the time you stay, you may be able to negotiate 200 pesos per person per night (regardless of the number of rooms occupied).

[edit] Mid-range

[edit] Splurge

• Copacabana Beach Hotel

• Fairmont Acapulco Princess

• Fiesta Inn Acapulco

• Hyatt

• Las Brisas, a complex of ´Casitas´ at the top of a hill overlooking the bay. A private beach club helps avoid the masses (and the rubbish floating in the water). The only issue is that it is a long way out of town - it´s not possible to walk anywhere. Taxis are aware that the resort is expensive and so overcharge massively. [4]

• Las Torres Gemelas, Condominium/hotel complex translating to "The Twin Towers" in the middle of Acapulo's hotel district. Constructed in 1975 and renovated in 2002, Las Torres Gemelas offers a kitchnette in every room as well as excellent location to all beaches, bars, and restaurants. [5].

• Mayan Palace Acapulco, Av. de las Palmas No. 1121. Fraccionamiento Playa Diamante C.P: 39900. Acapulco, Guerrero. México, tel: (52) 744 469 90 00 (email: mailto:conciergeaca@mayanpalace.com.mx), [6]. 365 days of the year. Type: Beach and Golf Luxury Resort, all-inclusive timeshare. Room types: Junior Suite, Suite, Master Suite. Amenities: safety-deposit box, ceiling fan and air-conditioning, living room, tub and shower, hair dryer, breakfast nook, television, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, freezer, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils. Attractions: 2,625 foot swimming pool, Aqua Park, Art and Cultural Center, Turtle refuge, Spa. Sports: Golf, Tennis, Gym. Notable restaurant(s): Bakal and Tumtah.

• Park Royal

• Quinta Real

• Sea Garden Acapulco, Av. de las Palmas No. 1121. Fraccionamiento Playa Diamante C.P: 39900. Acapulco, Guerrero. México, tel: (52) 744 469 90 00 (email: mailto:conciergeaca@seagarden.com.mx), [7]. 365 days of the year. Type: Beach and Golf Luxury resort, timeshare. Room types: Master Room, Suite, Master Suite. Amenities: Air-conditioning, bathroom with tub and shower, safety-deposit box, king-size bed, kitchenette equipped with electric stove, refrigerator, microwave oven, toaster, blender, coffee maker, china, glassware, cutlery, pots and pans and kitchen utensils, breakfast nook, two single sofa-beds, a double sofa-bed, telephone, cable color televisión, and ceiling fan. Attractions: Eco-system of lakes and navigational canals, Spa. Sports: Golf, Tennis, Gym. Notable restaurant(s): Rumm-Ba Café and Gaviotas Snack & Pool Bar

Fiesta Americana Condessa All newly upgraded rooms & facilities just east of Barbaroja...

[edit] Get out

• Taxco is along the way from Acapulco to Toluca, and just off the highway to Mexico City. Some guidebooks depict it as an adorable little town filled with silver shops, but many drivers have come to dread the crowded, narrow, windy roads.

• Ixtapan de la Sal is about an hour past Taxco on the way to Toluca. It boasts a perfect climate and thermal waters. There are modern water parks, spas, and a variety of folk health services.