Travel to Acapulco with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Acapulco with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

The bustling port city of Acapulco provides plenty of glitz and glamour, as well as sunny beaches, tropical jungles and riotous pleasure. Although it’s easy to relax and while away the days on the beach resorts here, those seeking a bit of nightlife will not be bored. Additionally, the view of Acapulco Bay, framed by mountains and beaches, is breathtaking day or night.

Getting there

Juan N Alvarez International Airport receives frequent service from Guadalajara, Mexico City and Tijuana, as well as direct service from many cities in the USA. The airport is 22kms southeast of the centre and transfers can be made quickly by taxi or more cheaply by minivan. By bus, there is almost hourly services to and from Mexico City (five to seven hours), and daily service from Zihuatanejo. Buses also serve Chilpancingo, Cuernavaca, Iguala, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Taxco. If you choose to drive from Mexico City, take either the toll-free highway 95D south (six hours) or the more scenic highway 95 toll highway (3 hours, 30 minutes).

Key attractions in Acapulco

The main attraction here is of course the beautiful beaches, with Bahia de Acapulco forming a lovely arc. Acapulco Nautico is the heart of the old town and houses the cathedral and main square. Another interesting sight, the Museo Historico de Acapulco, rests at the site of the former Fuerto de San Diego and contains exhibits portraying the city from prehistoric times through Mexicos independence from Spain in 1821. Of course you won’t want to miss the cliff divers that perform at La Quebrada each day. They plunge into the roaring surf of an inlet thats just seven metres wide and four metres deep, and 40m below the cliffs.

Out and about Acapulco

roughly 10kms west out of town is Pie de la Cuesta, a beautiful strip of land sided by the ocean and a fresh water lagoon, Laguna de Coyuca. The beach has good surf but can be dangerous due to rip tides; while the lagoon offers more tranquil swimming, water skiing and boat trips that go to three islands where you can see a variety of bird life and take long walks in the verdant jungle. Laguna de Tres Palos is another freshwater lagoon 32kms south of Acapulco. It is circled by tropical vegetation filled with nesting birds. Nearby is the charming Barra Vieja, a palm-fringed beach with many restaurants offering seafood specialities.

Leisure options

Acapulcos convention centre, Centro de Convenciones, contains a craft gallery and various exhibition displays. Nearby is the Centro Internacional de Convivencia Infantil, a water sports park where you can watch dolphin, seal and diving shows. The aquarium, Magico Mundo Marino, boasts a sea lion show, swimming pools, a toboggan, and scuba diving, as well as jet skis, inner tubes, and kayaks for rent. Acapulco is even more famous for its nightclubs than for its beaches. There are a number of open-air oceanfront dance clubs along Costera Alemán, most of which feature techno or alternative rock.

Safety

be alert for pickpockets when visiting Acapulco, especially at night around the busy bar areas. Tourists are always more susceptible when in an unfamiliar environment. Water sports are also a potential hazard and travellers should remain vigilant. You should drive on the highways during daylight hours only. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for you and your family.

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