Travel to Acapulco
Travel to Acapulco
The lively port city of Acapulco offers lots of glitz and glamour, in addition to sunny beaches, tropical rain forests and guiltless pleasure. Although many visitors come here to relax and let the days go by at one of the beach resorts, those looking for some nightlife will not be disappointed. Also, the view of Acapulco Bay, with its backdrop of mountains and beaches, is awe-inspiring by day or night.
Transportation to Acapulco
Juan N Alvarez International Airport has frequent connections from Guadalajara, Mexico City and Tijuana, in addition to direct services from several cities in the USA. The airport is located 26kms southeast of the centre and transport to the city is by taxi or, more economically, by minivan.
By bus, there are services every hour to and from Mexico City (4 to 5 hours) as well as a daily service from Zihuatanejo. Buses also go to Chilpancingo, Cuernavaca, Iguala, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta and Taxco. For those wishing to drive from Mexico City, options include the toll-free Highway 95D from the south (6 hours) or the more attractive toll Highway 95 (3 hours, 30 minutes).
What to see
Naturally, the main attractions are the beautiful beaches, with the Bay of Acapulco forming a gorgeous arc. Acapulco Nautico, the heart of the Old Town, is home to the beautiful cathedral and the lively main square. Another attractive sight, the Museo Historico de Acapulco, sits on the location of the former Fuerto de San Diego and houses exhibits showing the history of the city from ancient times all the way through toMexicos independence from Spain in 1821.
Not to be missed are the famous cliff divers that perform at La Quebrada cliffs every day. They leap 40 metres down into the wild waves of an inlet that is only 7 metres wide and 4 metres deep.
Daytrips
About 10kms westof thetown lies Pie de la Cuesta, a stunning strip of land flanked by the sea and a fresh water lagoon, Laguna de Coyuca. The beach offers good waves, but it can be dangerous due to rip tides. In the lagoon, visitors can enjoy calm and safe swimming, waterskiing and boat trips to three islands that offer a variety of bird life and long walksthrough the leafy jungle.
Another freshwater lagoon, Laguna de Tres Palos, is located 32kms south of Acapulco. It is surrounded by tropical vegetation that is full of nesting birds. Close by is the appealing Barra Vieja, a palm-lined beach with several restaurants serving seafood specialities.
Activities and leisure
Acapulco's Convention Centre, Centro de Convenciones, houses a craft gallery and different exhibition displays. Close by, you can find the Centro Internacional de Convivencia Infantil, a water sports park where visitors can watch dolphin, seal and diving shows. At the aquarium, Magico Mundo Marino, you can enjoy a sea lion show, swimming pools, water toboggan rides and scuba diving. Also, jet-skis, inner tubes and kayaks can be rented. Acapulco is even better known for its nightlife than for its beaches. Several open-air oceanfront dance clubs can be found along Costera Alemn, of which most play techno or alternative rock.
Safety issues
Be on guard for pickpockets when visiting Acapulco, particularly at night around the busy bar areas. Travellers are always more at risk when in an unknown environment. Water sports are also a possible danger and travellers should stay alert. It is advisable to drive on the highways during daytime only, as it can be quite dangerous at night. We strongly recommend you take out travel insurance for yourself and your family.