The Mask Museum is a unique museum with a huge collection of theatrical masks. Each mask exhibition tells about the special traditions in the city in different time. Some of the masks displayed in the museum are over five hundred years old. So, exhibits that once belonged to slave owners are stored here. Most of the masks are handmade. The museum stores items that are still used in national ritual dances to this day: the “battle of the tigers” and the production of “Moors and Christians.
The museum has several rooms. In each hall there are exhibitions of masks of a certain theme. The hall dedicated to the black population of Guerrero - Costa Chica is popular with visitors to the museum. The museum has a professional guide who will tell you about each exhibit. There is a souvenir shop on the territory of the museum of masks. Here you can buy commemorative magnets, as well as small copies of masks. The entrance to the museum of masks is paid.
Coordinates: 16.87404000,-99.90812000
Old area of Mazatlan
The Old District of Mazatlán is the old district of the Mexican city of Mazatlán. The first buildings in this place appeared in the middle of the XVI century. Until the beginning of the century before last, the area remained only a small fishing village. But in the 19th century, a number of buildings and cathedrals began to be erected here.
Until our time, the ancient cathedral has been preserved almost in its original form, which is visible from afar thanks to its two twin towers. On Sundays, there are many parishioners in the temple.
This is the only Catholic church in the world with the Star of David reflected in the stained glass windows. It is installed here as a thank you to the Jewish family who helped restore the temple.
The old part of the city of Mazatlan attracts many travelers with its low prices for many products and services. So, in a local restaurant you can order a full meal for twenty dollars. In other areas of Mazatlan, food prices are several times higher.
Coordinates: 23.22872700,-106.40756000
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Estero Del Yugo National Reserve
The Estero Del Yugo National Reserve is the largest Mexican nature reserve. Its total area is more than twenty-seven acres. On the territory of the reserve there are two reservoirs: one with fresh water, and the other with sea water and tropical deciduous forests. More than two hundred species of various birds live in the reserve. There are flycatchers, and owls, and parrots, and wild ducks, and cormorants. Many of them are not afraid of humans. Therefore, often in the national reserve you can see ornithologists who study their behavior in their natural environment.
Estero Del Yugo has several alleys for walkers. There are benches and small gazebos. Estero Del Yugo has a laboratory and a small educational center. Entrance to the reserve is paid and is five dollars. The money raised goes towards its upkeep. The Estero Del Yugo National Reserve is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm.
Coordinates: 23.30471900,-106.48586500
Acapulco Yacht Club is one of the most famous clubs in Mexico. It was created in the middle of the last century - in 1955. Thirteen years after its opening, it served as the venue for the sailing events of the Summer Olympics. Since that time, the yacht club has remained the center of sailing in Mexico. On the territory of the club, travelers can rent yachts of various categories, ranging from sports yachts to first class yachts. The rental price includes the work of the crew of the yacht.
Therefore, even a beginner will be able to deal with the intricacies of maritime affairs and go on a rented vessel to the open sea. Experienced crew members will help novice sailors. Vessels of famous oligarchs are moored in the yacht club. Club members will be able to view them for free. The yacht club has a tennis court, swimming pool, laundry and restaurant. There is also a small sports shop.
Coordinates: 16.84937000,-99.90562000
Fort Del Virrey Restaurant
Restaurant "Fort Del Virrey" is an institution with an original interior design and cuisine of international dishes.
The restaurant is remembered for its unusual interior. From the outside, it resembles a fort that was built in Acapulco in the 19th century. The interior decoration reflects the taste of the owner - there are a lot of decorations and an interesting atmosphere and color in general. There is even a small museum here, which exhibits paintings by famous Mexican artists and handicrafts of local craftsmen.
The kitchen specializes in dishes that are recognized all over the world. But the art of cooks is on top. As well as the service.
Coordinates: 16.85756100,-99.86442000
Arugula Island
Arugula Island is a Mexican island located next to Acapulco. total area The island does not exceed one square kilometer. The climate on Rukkola Island is tropical. Here you can find lush vegetation, palm trees, almond and lemon trees, Tea and Tamarindo trees. The island is considered specially protected natural area. There is a lighthouse on a small mountain in the central part of the island of Rukkola. It was built in the middle of the last century. From here you have a view of the entire Gulf of Acapulco.
There is a zoo on Rukkola. It is inhabited by tigers, lions, turtles, crocodiles, monkeys, turtles, deer and giraffes. Rukkola Island also attracts travelers due to its small beach. The sand on the beach is white. Sometimes there are small shells. The water in this area is clean and clear. The waves of the ocean are calm and usually their height does not exceed one meter. The island can be reached by boat or helicopter.
Coordinates: 16.82148000,-99.90873000
La Quebrada Gorge
La Quebrada is an artificial crevice created between huge cliffs for the natural ventilation of the city. 35-meter cliffs surround a small bay, one of the most picturesque places in Acapulco and Mexico.
In addition to the beauty of the landscape, La Quebrada attracts tourists with the show of the same name, which takes place here every evening. Professional divers from a great height jump into a narrow crevice in the bay, the depth of which does not exceed 5 meters.
In order not to die, divers must choose to jump at the moment when a wave rises in the bay and it becomes deeper. In addition, when jumping, it is necessary to push off strongly so that in the jump you do not catch on the rocks of a narrow gorge.
Coordinates: 16.84598900,-99.91526300
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Acapulco International Center
The international center of Acapulco is located in the port city of Guerrero. It is considered a major convention center. The initiative to create such a center was made by the President of Mexico, Miguel Alemán Valdes.
Major international negotiations of state representatives of Mexico take place here.
Building International Center Acapulco cost the local authorities fifty million dollars. Its building was erected within nine months. The opening of the Acapulco International Center took place on October 25, 1973.
The center hosts the annual Acapulco Festival. It also organizes seasonal concerts and performances by the local classical orchestra.
Acapulco International Center open all year round. It is only closed during the New Year holidays.
Near the building of the center there is parking for three thousand cars.
The center building is currently under renovation.
Coordinates: 16.85465400,-99.85259000
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A major port city in Mexico and one of the most popular resorts on the Pacific coast. The first flow of tourists poured into Acapulco in the 30s, when the city became a favorite vacation spot for Hollywood stars and the American rich. At different times, Elizabeth Taylor, Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo and Frank Sinatra loved to come here. Following the "star" tourists, serious investments came to the resort. Now Acapulco is a fashionable resort with kilometers of snow-white equipped beaches, hundreds of hotels and a huge number of nightclubs, thanks to which the city is also called the night capital of Mexico.
Acapulco never sleeps. During the day, tourists spend time on the beaches, sailing and parasailing, and at night they flock to Costera Miguel Alemán Street, where they have fun and spend money on dance floors, in casinos and restaurants. The nature of Acapulco seems to be created for relaxation in a "tropical paradise". The local bay is one of the four most beautiful bays in the world and annually attracts millions of tourists. At the same time, the city, unlike Cancun, was able to preserve the unique Mexican spirit. The resort is great for families with children, older tourists and young people.
Beaches in Acapulco
Acapulco is called the pearl of the Pacific Ocean. First of all, for its magnificent beaches. They stretched for almost 30 kilometers. The most popular of the 20 municipal beaches is Condes. Its length is one kilometer. Entrance here is free. The sand on Condes is fine, pleasant yellow. The ocean water is not the calmest. There are waves, so the beach is popular with water sports enthusiasts. Condes is well equipped. Here you can rent sun loungers, umbrellas, if necessary, go to the toilet and shower, as well as visit local cafes and restaurants.
Icacos Beach, similar to Condes, is another favorite vacation spot for tourists. This is two kilometers of well-equipped coastline with clean yellow sand and turquoise ocean water. The waves here are not strong, but you can’t call calm water either. A whole string of luxurious hotels, restaurants and nightlife stretches along the Icacos. The beach is quite crowded. One of the oldest beaches is Hornos. It is located in a city park, where you can easily hide from the scorching sun under palm trees, eat in a cafe, soak up the sand and swim in the calm ocean. Mexicans themselves and families with children like to relax here. Every year Hornos hosts the famous Sand drawing competition.
Fans of a relaxing beach holiday should take a closer look at the hotels near the beaches of Caleta and Caletilla. A small island opposite protects the shore from the invasion of ocean waves, so this place is popular with families with children and older tourists. The infrastructure of the beach is designed for a calm family vacation: paddling pools for children are fenced in the water, sunshades are installed, family restaurants and cafes are open, and noisy parties are not held at all. There are quite wild beaches in Acapulco. One of these is Revolcadero, which is in the southern part of the resort. The place is very picturesque. The water in the ocean is clear, and the sand on the beach has a grayish tint. The beach is not suitable for swimming, as the waves on Revolcadero are large and there is a strong undercurrent. The beach is also not equipped for recreation: there are no sun loungers or toilets here. However, lovers of secluded relaxation surrounded by wonderful nature will certainly like it here.
Climate and weather in Acapulco
According to long-term observations, the sun in Acapulco shines 360 days a year. Here the climate is mild throughout all 12 months. The average summer temperature is +30 degrees Celsius, a light breeze blows. Sometimes it rains, but they are short-lived. The high season in Acapulco is winter. From November to the end of April, the chance of rain is minimal. The air warms up to a comfortable +26, the same temperature and the water in the ocean. It is this time that is considered the most favorable for tours in Acapulco.
| Happy | At night | Sea | Season | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | +30 | +23 | +24 | beach |
| February | +30 | +23 | +24 | beach |
| March | +30 | +23 | +25 | beach |
| April | +30 | +24 | +26 | beach |
| May | +31 | +25 | +27 | beach |
| June | +31 | +25 | +27 | |
| July | +32 | +25 | +27 | |
| August | +32 | +25 | +27 | |
| September | +31 | +24 | +27 | |
| October | +31 | +25 | +26 | |
| November | +31 | +24 | +25 | beach |
| December | +31 | +24 | +24 | beach |
Hotels and hostels in Acapulco
When choosing a ticket to Acapulco and comparing hotels, you should pay attention to the division of the resort into zones. The districts are code-named "traditional", "golden" and "diamond". Is there some more urban area- the place of residence of the Mexicans themselves. But it’s better for tourists not to go there, as you can become easy prey for criminals. In the west of the resort is "traditional Acapulco". This is the place of concentration of city attractions. There are several hotels here, but they are more suitable for a short stay while visiting historical monuments. In the same area of the city, budget housing, such as guest houses, is popular. Room rates are low. Tourists are usually offered only breakfast.
Acapulco's main tourist area is the "golden district". Many hotels have been built here, both expensive and not very expensive. Nearby are full of all kinds of entertainment and entertainment venues. Acapulco has a traditional five-star hotel classification system. But according to the observation of tourists, in Mexico, the “star rating” of some hotels is still overstated. However, they can provide you with comfort and safety. They will also offer the all-inclusive, popular with tourists.
In Acapulco, unlike other resorts in the world, there is a special category for super-hotels - Grantourismo. Steeper, as they say, there is nowhere. Such hotels are located in the "diamond Acapulco" - an area in the east of the resort, which is famous for its luxury housing. Luxurious villas and premium hotels are everywhere here. Expensive "Las Brisas", for example, became famous for the number of "star" guests who leave their handprints on the "wall of fame". Territories near Grantourismo hotels are usually huge. It has its own shopping centers, and golf courses, and nightclubs, and beaches. You can spend your whole vacation without ever leaving the hotel.
Attractions Acapulco
Despite the fame of an exclusively beach resort, Acapulco will also be of interest to lovers of historical monuments. In the center of the city, for example, is the Cathedral, better known as the Cathedral of the Lady of Solitude. The building was built in Art Nouveau style and is decorated with unusual stained-glass windows and sculptures. Interestingly, the building was originally built as a cinema, but later it was transferred to the church. Despite its name, the temple is popular with lovers who get married here.
The fortress (fort) of San Diego is a vivid example of the Spanish influence on the culture of Mexico. It was built in the 17th century by the Dutch architect Andriano Boot. At that time, pirates ruled the waters of the Pacific Ocean. This fort was built to protect the city. Now there is a city museum. Cultural Center Guererense was opened in Acapulco in 1976. Tourists can visit the museum of archeology, the gallery of arts and photographs, as well as find many interesting exhibits in the handicraft shop. Arriving in Acapulco, it is impossible not to visit the famous Papagayo Park, which traces its history back to the 40s of the 20th century. Tourism at this time was just emerging here. The park began to be built specifically for visitors. Now this picturesque place with three artificial lakes, a large bird settlement, a water park and an astronomical platform is very popular among both tourists and locals.
The hallmark of Acapulco is the world-famous La Quebrada show, which takes place every evening in an artificial crevice of the same name. During the performance, professional divers jump into the water from a height of 35 meters. At the same time, the depth of the bay in this place is only 5 meters. In order not to break, the daredevils are waiting big waves and strongly push off with their feet so as not to touch the rocks. The spectacular show can be watched from the observation deck or from nearby restaurants.
Cuisine and restaurants in Acapulco
In Acapulco, you can find many restaurants and cafes specializing in national cuisine. But most likely for the first time you will meet her on the beach, where a local merchant will offer you elote. So in Mexico they call boiled corn. It is sold in the form of an ear, strung on a stick or in the form of individual grains in a glass. Corn in Mexico is different from ours. After all, here it is boiled with the addition of chili powder and lime, and served with butter, sour cream or mayonnaise. As a snack, Mexicans eat nachos, corn chips. At the Acapulco restaurant, they will be served to you on a large plate while still hot, along with various sauces: cheese, guacamole (avocado sauce), pico de galla (tomato coriander sauce) and the most spicy diablo.
Soups in Mexico are not so popular, but if they are prepared, they can devote a whole day to this! It takes so much time to prepare the national dish posole. This is a hearty soup of meat, legumes, avocado and radish, with the addition of lemon and signature spices. Another popular soup in Acapulco is mushroom soup. His taste is absolutely not similar to Russian. So it's definitely worth a try. As a main dish, you can order a stuffed tortilla (meat, seafood, vegetables or all together), as well as a real Mexican steak. The freshest beef is fried for a short time in a pan along with a lot of vegetables. The meat should certainly remain a little pink inside and be served hot.
Those who have a sweet tooth, having arrived in Acapulco, can then proudly say that they have visited the birthplace of chocolate. According to one version, it was here that it was invented and created. There are many types of chocolate in Mexico, including those with an unusual taste and even completely unsweetened ones. For dessert, you can also order caramelized guava. The fruit is dipped in advance in thick sugar syrup and allowed to cool. Sweetness is served with ice cream, chocolate and even chili peppers. That's such a spicy Mexico!
What to bring from Acapulco
Mexico is always associated, first of all, with the ancient Maya. Therefore, any symbolism of a lost civilization is a great souvenir. Despite the fact that there are no Mayan monuments in Acapulco itself, the famous calendars that promised us the end of the world are sold everywhere. Be sure to find a place in your suitcase for a colorful wide-brimmed sombrero hat, as well as a national warm poncho and a hammock. All these things are inexpensive, but without them, Mexico is not Mexico. Acapulco's markets feature many ceramics. These are bright cheerful plates that can serve not only as a souvenir, but also as real dishes in the house, reminiscent of the carefree days in colorful Mexico.
When you see turtles in souvenir shops, do not be alarmed, but rather buy a few as a gift. After all, the skull in Mexico symbolizes life after death. Skulls with smiles are even made from chocolate here. You can also buy the silverware that Mexico is so famous for. Bottles of real chili sauce and tequila will serve as edible souvenirs.
World famous resort on the Pacific coast of Mexico, which attracts millions of tourists every year due to its mild climate, beautiful beaches and rough nightlife. The port city of Acapulco is the famous "night capital" of Mexico, a city of entertainment, shows, casinos and restaurants.
The resort welcomes tourists all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April.
Despite the fact that the hotel infrastructure of Acapulco is well developed and fully complies with international standards, a significant part of its hotel base is in a rather worn condition. After all, this resort was at the zenith of its glory back in the 50s of the last century. At the same time, they built the lion's share of hotels, which, of course, are updated from time to time.
How to get there
Acapulco Juan Alvarez Airport receives both international flights from America and local ones. In addition, the resort can be reached by bus from Mexico City.
Search for flights to Mexico City (nearest airport to Acapulco)
How to navigate in the city
Stretching along picturesque bays for 35 km and framed by green hills, Acapulco is divided into three districts. The city center, "Old Acapulco", occupies the western side of the bay. The main hotel area is the "Golden Acapulco". There is also "Brilliant Acapulco" - a zone of elite villas and luxury hotels in the east. It is most convenient to move around the resort by taxi or special yellow buses with the inscription Acapulco.
Acapulco beaches
The best beaches of the resort are Caleta, Pi de la Cuesta and Caletilla in the Old Acapulco area. They are ideal for families with children: a gentle entrance to the sea, developed infrastructure, and the absence of big waves. In addition, the Condeza beach (Playa Condesa) in the “golden” area is quite popular.
All beaches are sandy, yellowish-gray in color. The sea here is darker than on the Caribbean coast, where the water is azure and the sand is fine and white.
Weather in Acapulco
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Popular hotels in Acapulco
Entertainment and attractions of Acapulco
Art Nouveau Cathedral, "Peace Chapel" - a castle from the time of Spanish rule on a high mountain next to a 42-meter cross blessing sea travelers, the Museum of Archeology with a rich collection of Indian culture items, the Papagayo National Park with three artificial lakes and a water park, the San Fortress -Diego, built at the beginning of the 17th century - now it houses a historical museum. It is also worth taking a trip on a glass bottom boat to Roqueta Island, admiring the beauties underwater world and a statue of the Holy Virgin of Guadalupe, the patroness of sailors, installed right at the bottom.
The resort of Acapulco wakes up after sunset, when its lively and very diverse nightlife begins. All kinds of nightclubs and bars pulsate to the rhythm of the dance. Discos in Acapulco are considered the best in the country: they have excellent DJs, great ensembles and famous soloists, light music and fireworks. You can dance until dawn or sit in piano bars, where there is also music, but more relaxed.
In Acapulco, you can rock out at the best discos in the country, as well as indulge your gastronomic passions in restaurants on the roof of a skyscraper, on a "pirate ship", on a sea cape or on the mountains and islands closest to the city.
Stunning views of Acapulco
There is also enough entertainment for children in the resort: a historical museum in the seaport, a water amusement park, a zoo on Roqueta Island, and a huge Mundo Marino aquarium.
A special spectacle in Acapulco is dizzying jumps into the sea in the bay of La Quebrada from a cliff 34 m high. The history of this "attraction" begins in 1932, when Rigoberto jumped off a cliff in the artificial crevice of La Quebrada, created to ventilate the city Arak. Having instantly become famous, this brave man set a bad example for dozens of desperate seekers of glory. Then, in the 30s, the El Mirador Hotel was built near the rock. Since then, it has become so: tourists tickle their nerves with these mini-performances, and brave men gain the coveted fame.
Fishing in Acapulco
The underwater world of Acapulco is surprisingly rich, but divers, alas, have nothing to profit from there - the water in the Pacific Ocean is too muddy. But the fishermen will be delighted: barracudas, tuna, dorado and blue marlin weighing up to 2-2.5 kg are found in abundance in the local waters.
Today, Acapulco is one of the most prestigious and most visited resorts in the world, as well as the famous " Mexico's night capital».
This place became famous back in the 60s, when Hollywood stars chose it, and famous directors began to shoot their films here. As a result, the resort began to grow and develop rapidly, grandiose high-rise hotels, numerous nightclubs and casinos, as well as many villas and cottages appeared.
However, first of all, Acapulco is attractive for its sandy beaches, beautiful bay and clear blue water.
Region |
State of Guerrero |
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Population density |
357.8 people/km2 |
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mexican peso |
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Timezone |
UTC-5 in summer |
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Climate and weather
Acapulco has a humid and hot tropical climate. The sun shines here almost all year round. average temperature air in summer is +35 °C, and in winter - +22 °C. In this region, the whole year can be divided into two seasons: wet (from June to September) and dry (from November to May).
They do not differ much in temperature, but differ in the amount of precipitation and relative humidity. It is worth noting that even during the rainy season, the weather here is warm and sunny, and precipitation falls most often in the evenings and is almost always short-lived. best time for a trip to Acapulco, the period from late December to April is considered.
Nature
The Mexican resort town of Acapulco is located 350 km from Mexico City, in the southwest of the country. He lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, belted mountain range Sierra Madre. The city harbor forms picturesque bay with white sandy beaches.
sights
The main attraction of the city and its symbol is the Gothic Cathedral of the Sargario de la Soledad. It is located on the most beautiful Zocalo Square, where there are also beautiful fountains, cozy gazebos, colorful flower beds. Another prominent architectural monument of the city is fort san diego(1616), which in the past has repeatedly saved the townspeople from pirate attacks. Currently located in the castle Historical Museum with valuable historical documents and unique archaeological artifacts. No less interesting and Peace Chapel, which is the most high point cities. On its territory there is a huge observation deck from where you can admire the panorama of the city.
In addition, an unusual monument in the form of a huge cross (401 m) is located nearby, which, according to legend, brings good luck to sailors. Also noteworthy the blue church of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, which in the past played one of the important roles in the development of the resort.
There are not too many museums in the city, unfortunately. Of these, the most interesting are Museum of Archeology and Mezcala Art Museum.
Nutrition
Acapulco has long been famous for its restaurants, so this city will seem like a real paradise to gourmets. Here you can find any gastronomic establishments - from simple street cafes to exotic restaurants.
Among vacationers, of course, the most popular are places where Mexican cuisine is served. The list of local dishes that you must try, first of all, includes lobsters with avocados, ceviche(seafood in lime juice), seafood soup sopa de marisco, meat in cornmeal and Mexican-style lamb. Well, for dessert, local chefs offer a variety of dishes from exotic fruits, fried sugar cane, mango with cream, fried bananas and corn soufflé.
In addition, literally on every corner of the city you can find small eateries where they cook right on the spot. enchilados(corn tortillas with seafood), syncronizadas(Mexican sandwiches) tacos(stuffed flatbread) and tamales(cakes in corn leaves). All these dishes are invariably offered salsas(spicy chili sauces).
From soft drinks, freshly squeezed juices and lemonades are ubiquitous, and from alcoholic drinks - tequila (Mexican vodka), mezcal (a type of tequila), brandy, pulque and beer.
Residence
The hotel infrastructure in Acapulco is at a high level and meets all international standards. The most upscale hotels are located in the east of the city, in an area called Diamond Acapulco. Here luxury rooms are ready to offer hotels Las Brisas Acapulco(from $100 to $900) and Banyan Tree Cabo Marques(from 300 to 1000 $).
However, the main area where most of the hotels and inns are located is the area Golden Acapulco. There you can easily find not very expensive (from $ 50), but comfortable accommodation ( Sands Acapulco Hotel and etc.). In addition, the city has budget hostels ( The Youth Hostel K3 Acapulco, $15) and guest houses (Boardriders House Potocaya, 18 $).
Entertainment and recreation
Spending time in Acapulco will appeal to both fans of active beach holidays and fans of nightlife and noisy parties. In the city and its suburbs there are many sandy beaches, of which the most popular are Biscuit and Galetilla. The beach is more suitable for nature lovers Tamarindos, surrounded by thickets of exotic plants, and active tourists - the beach Puerto Marques, where you can go sailing or water skiing, scuba diving to the bottom of the ocean, go windsurfing or diving, and also make a parachute jump. Another popular activity in Acapulco is fishing in Koyuca lagoon. Well, the most daring tourists are given the opportunity to make a dizzying jump into the sea from a high cliff in Bay of La Quebrada.
Family travelers are advised to visit papagayo park with many attractions and a small beach, CiCi Aquatic Centre, Magico Mundo Marino Aquarium and ACA-Zoo, which is located on the island of Roqueta. In addition, the resort has well-equipped gyms, three golf clubs and several tennis courts.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the nightlife of Acapulco, which begins at sunset. It is at this time that numerous nightclubs, discos, casinos, piano bars and other entertainment venues open their doors to guests, and the city and its coast begin to sparkle with bright lights. It should be noted that local discos are considered the best in Mexico and are famous for their excellent DJs, famous guests and unique holiday atmosphere.
Purchases
Acapulco has a large number of fashion boutiques, large shopping centers and jewelry stores, so shopping is one of the types of entertainment for tourists. The largest and most popular shopping and entertainment center of the city is La Isla where you can buy almost everything, from food to evening dresses. We also advise you to walk through a variety of shops and shops, which are located on Zocalo Square and in the area Diamond Acapulco. It is worth noting that the prices here are quite high. The exceptions are craft shops and jewelry stores with silver.
In addition to shopping centers, Acapulco has many colorful street markets. On the Perla de Acapulco traders offer to buy national Mexican clothes (ponchos and sombreros), local delicacies (egg liqueur rompope, tequila, coffee, cactus sweets and exotic fruits), as well as a variety of souvenirs. Another great market to go for gifts and original souvenirs is the huge Craft market, where handicrafts are sold (souvenir crafts, self-woven fabrics, bedspreads, hammocks, earthenware, volcanic glass figurines, etc.).
Transport
In Acapulco, the cheapest mode of transport is city buses, which have a fairly large number of routes and run every 5-7 minutes. The fare on the bus is $0.5, payment is made to the driver. In addition, in the city you can often see yellow tourist buses with logo " Acapulco", which are characterized by increased comfort. They ply only on the main tourist routes and to the beaches.
In addition to buses, there are a large number of taxis in the city. However, it is recommended to take them only at official parking lots, otherwise you risk becoming a victim of a robbery.
Connection
Cellular communication in Acapulco works quite reliably and without interruption. Mobile operator TelCel communicates in the GSM-1900 standard, and Movistar— in iDEN, roaming agreements are concluded with all major cellular companies in the world. It should be noted that roaming rates here are very high, so it will be more profitable to buy a local SIM card.
International calls will be relatively cheap if you call from city pay phones that work with special cards LADATEL. If necessary, a call can be made from any restaurant or bar, but in this case, its cost will be too high.
Internet access is provided in almost all hotels. There are also several Internet cafes in the city center, and large restaurants and shopping centers have wireless access points.
Safety
The overall crime rate in Mexico is quite high, and this primarily concerns pickpockets and street robberies. However, in Acapulco, as in other resort cities, the situation is less tense, since in addition to the state police, the tourist police also work here. And yet, in order not to become a victim of crime, refuse to walk alone at night, avoid dubious acquaintances and keep an eye on your personal belongings. Taxis are recommended to be ordered by phone or taken from official stands.
Business climate
The economy of Acapulco and all its business and financial life are based directly on tourism and hotel business. Most of the city infrastructure was formed in the 50s, but today the city government has outlined a plan for its complete renovation. In this regard, today large investors are attracted here, private business is welcome. Thanks to this, the city has developed a favorable environment for those who want to invest part of their capital in the tourism sector.
The property
Among foreigners, Acapulco real estate is one of the most sought after in Mexico. This is explained by the fact that the city is a famous world resort, and is also distinguished by stable housing prices.
It is worth knowing that in the Mexican real estate market, foreigners are prohibited from buying property in " closed area» (land located less than 10 km from the Mexican border, as well as the territory located in the zone 50 km from the coast).
Mexicans are very temperamental, and sometimes even hot-tempered people, so we do not advise you to refrain from joking with them: they often perceive this as an insult and humiliation. They have one more interesting feature: everyone communicates, regardless of the degree of acquaintance, at a very close distance, which initially can cause discomfort. However, if you take a small step back, then this can be perceived as a hostile attitude. At the same time, it is not customary for local residents to look closely into the eyes of an interlocutor or watch a stranger. For men, hands hidden in pockets are considered bad manners.
Acapulco is a port city of Mexico, which in the middle of the 20th century became a favorite resort of Hollywood stars.
Along with the growth of popularity in it, like mushrooms after the rain, new hotels began to appear, casinos were built and closed beaches expanded. As a legacy from the golden years, he received many elite restaurants, nightclubs, large gambling establishments and the world fame of another city that never sleeps. To this day, first-tier movie stars rest here, but more and more wealthy Mexicans and tourists from all over the world come here. The most popular beaches of the resort are located in the bay of the same name, which, thanks to the white sands and blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, is one of the best in the world.
In history, Acapulco is often mentioned as the second port city of New Spain, located at the crossroads of the main trade routes of the colonialists. Before the expansion of Mexico by the conquistadors, there was a settlement of the Yopi Indians here, and even then the city bore its current name, which came from the name of the hero of one of the Indian legends. Once upon a time, the young man Akatl (translated as “sugar cane”) lived in the bay, he was the son of one of the leaders of the tribe. Fate played a cruel joke on him - once on a campaign he saw a girl and fell in love with her at first sight. Later, he found out that her name was Kuitil (translated as “rain, hurricane”), and that she was the princess of a hostile tribe. Of course, they were not allowed to be together.
The grief-stricken young man went to the pier and wept so bitterly that his tears were enough for a whole pond. The girl also suffered for a long time and became a cloud. One day, flying over the place where her lover lived, she learned of his death. Kuitl became furious and hit the settlement with a hurricane, completely destroying it, but when she reached the bay, she calmed down and disappeared - the souls of her lovers were finally reunited. So the name Acapulco appeared - "the place of the destroyed reed."
By the way, few know, but this Mexican city is the birthplace of the most popular Margarita cocktail.
According to history, once a wealthy lady from Texas named Margarita Sames threw a party here in her villa, where she called the most eminent guests. The highlight of the evening was Mrs. Samees' signature tequila cocktail. Among the party guests was Tommy Hilton, the owner of the hotel chain of the same name, who realized that the new cocktail had great potential, and in less than a year the Margarita became the best-seller of all drinking establishments on the southern coast of the continent.
Acapulco today is the entertainment capital of Mexico with a heavenly climate and amazing scenery, where millions of tourists from all over the world arrive every year, eager for relaxation and fun.
Cathedral of Lady Solitude
The Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is the main religious building of Acapulco, which is located in the central Zocalo square, in the old town area.
It is hard to believe, but at the beginning of the 20th century the building began to be built as a cinema, and only later, after the foundation was laid, the project was changed. By 1930, the Cathedral of the Madonna Soledad, "Our Lady of Solitude" was already standing here, ready for opening. Among the people, the building received a simple name - the Cathedral of Lady Solitude.
The architecture of the temple is notable for the interweaving of styles of classicism, gothic and shades of modernism. These features are expressed by white and blue decoration, stained glass windows covered with gilding, the main portal decorated with the image of the sun and towers on the sides of the facade.
Today, the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is the center of the Archdiocese of Acapulco, which includes the dioceses of Tlapa, Ciudad Altamirano and Chilpancingo-Chilapa.
Fort San Diego
Since Acapulco is a border city, it simply needed to have protective structures in order to repulse ill-wishers if something happened.
An exemplary defense-type building is Fort San Diego, which regularly served the city from the beginning of the 7th to the 19th century. It was designed by Adrian Buto, who had previously built a similar structure in Veracurs.
The only time when the walls of San Diego did not withstand the onslaught of enemies was the assault of José María Morelos in 1813. They say that it was after the battle that the national hero uttered the famous words: "Long live Spain - the sister, but not the mistress of America."
In the middle of the 20th century, the fort was seriously damaged by an earthquake, after which it was long and thoroughly restored. During the restoration work, it was possible to recreate the architectural and engineering features.
Today it is one of the oldest architectural monuments Acapulco. It houses a museum, the main exhibit of which is a 17th-century Spanish galleon.
Papagayo Park
A unique landmark of Acapulco is the Ignacio Manuel Altamirano Park, or simply Papagayo, one of the largest protected land plots in Mexico with an area of 218,000 hectares. In its urban part, there are a lot of objects for which tourists constantly flock here: the Spanish galleon, a copy of the first reusable space shuttle Columbia and, of course, many different plants, birds and animals.
Among them are such rare species as the white heron, great toucan and flamingos. As you might guess from the name, the main inhabitants of Papagayo Park are parrots. For the comfortable existence of animals and plants, ecologists have created special conditions close to their natural habitat. In a separate part of the park, not far from the entrance, there is an alley where pedestrians will meet monuments dedicated to the outstanding natives of Acapulco.
Rock of La Quebrada
La Quebrada is a sheer cliff 35 meters high, from which specially trained people make dizzying jumps into the water.
Large crowds of onlookers have long been gathering to look at the extreme antics of young men. Jumping from La Quebarda for a long time has become a kind of hallmark of Acapulco.
Such a leap of faith is deadly. Not only is the height 35 meters and the width 9, but while you are flying you need to manage not to hit the sharp ledges of the cliff, and in the water not to hit the rocky bottom, which is only 3 meters deep! It is no wonder that at some point it occurred to someone to start collecting money from the audience, and to reward extreme sportsmen with the title of Hero of Acapulca. By the way, the first person to receive an award for jumping from Quebrada in 1932 was Rigo-berto Arak.
He also laid the foundation for an unusual tradition, which today is extreme view sports.
It is noteworthy that the nature of the origin of the cliff is artificial - in 1930, in order to activate the flow of fresh air in Acapulco, the authorities decided to blow up one of the rocks of the bay with dynamite.
Monument Chapel Submarine
Another unusual local attraction is the Submarine Chapel monument, which is a statue of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe, which is located on the seabed. A bronze statue was erected here in 1958 in memory of the dead divers.
The Holy Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is the patroness of all of Mexico, and many still believe that it was only thanks to the help of the Virgin that the Mexicans managed to win the War of Independence. There are two ways to see the monument: the first is to swim, following the coordinates, to the desired place in the sea on a boat with a transparent bottom, the second is to dive to it with special diving equipment. In the second case, you will get much more impressions, since at the same time you will have a chance to get acquainted with the local marine life, which often scurry around the statue.
For both cases, boats sail daily from Calteila beach to the monument.
The most popular day to visit the statue of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is December 12 - the day of the Virgin. The city celebrates for two days, hundreds of residents dive to the statue and leave wreaths and flowers there.
Leisure
The main types of leisure in Acapulco are somehow connected with the bay: either relaxing on a snow-white beach, or swimming in a transparent and warm water or diving or spearfishing.
But in the city itself there are also fascinating places, for example, the Museum of Archeology, which contains a large collection of items from ancient Indian tribes. For a family holiday, a walk in Papagayo Park or a visit to the Magico Mundo Marino Aquarium is suitable. Also, you will probably be advised to sail to the La Roqueta Islands on a glass-bottom boat, making a stop along the way at the very place where the statue of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe is located in the sea.
On the island, you can plunge into the thick of tropical forests or visit the local zoo, which is home to crocodiles, lions, tigers, giraffes, turtles, monkeys and even deer.
At night in Acapulco there is no less entertainment than during the day. Especially a lot of discos are held in clubs and under open sky. The biggest holiday in the city is the Day of the Virgin Mary of Guadalupe. Despite the fact that the holiday is quite a Christian one, throughout Mexico, the Indians do not hesitate to remember their gods on this day, so do not be surprised if on December 12 you see monks in cassocks and dancing Indians in traditional costumes near the temple.
The main events of the Day of the Virgin Mary are a large city fair and a grand fireworks display late in the evening.
How to get there
Acapulco Juan Alvarez Airport receives both international flights from America and local ones.
From Europe, they usually first fly to Mexico City, and only then get from there by bus or car within 4-6 hours. The most convenient way to Acapulco from Moscow with a transfer at Cancun Airport - so the flight duration will be only 13 hours.
Transport
To Acapulco public transport developed quite well, as many bus routes travel around the city.
A ride in local transport costs 1 MXP, a ticket can be bought at special kiosks or from the driver at the entrance. According to seasoned tourists, the best transport here are yellow buses. The fare in them is 5.5 MXP.
Another popular form of transport is a taxi. Drivers usually don't give change, so you need to negotiate a price with them in advance, even if the car has a meter. The fare depends on the distance. 1 kilometer costs 5 MXP. A taxi for the whole day will cost 1,000 MXP. At night, rates increase by 10%.
Hotels
Acapuolco is the most popular hotel in the resort of the same name, which is located a 15-minute walk from a private beach on the bay. Each room here is equipped with air conditioning, a TV and an Internet access point. Most of them have private balconies, work desks and minibars, and bathrooms are always stocked with toiletries and a hairdryer. Other amenities include an on-site swimming pool and hot tubs.
A good option for a family holiday would be Departamento en Diamante Lakes, located in the outskirts of the city. The clients of the institution will have at their disposal apartments, which have a separate bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and more. Each bungalow features a seasonal pool, golf course, free parking and a terrace with garden or ocean views.
There is also a restaurant on site, which serves a breakfast buffet every morning.
Banyan Tree Cabo Marques is a five-star hotel, one of the most luxurious in Acapulco. It is located on the top of a cliff, which offers an excellent view of the Pacific Ocean. This place boasts a wide range of spa services, 3 restaurants and pool villas each. Each villa has panoramic windows, a private terrace, a TV and other household appliances that people use on a daily basis. The establishment is located 20 minutes from Acapulco International Airport.
Restaurants
The El Cabrito restaurant has two large halls and an open veranda, which are suitable for social gatherings and business meetings. The menu is represented mainly by Mexican dishes, such as fajitos, burritos, tacos, nachos with sauces and more.
It also contains names of traditional European pizzas, pastas and salads.
100% Natural is a restaurant that specializes in vegetarian cuisine. The peculiarities of the institution include an unusual interior with oriental motifs and an abundance of green color. Visitors note a high level of service and prices that are above the average for the city - 30-35 USD. Here you can order prawns in pineapple, seafood pasta, fish stuffed with cream cheese, salad with caramelized pecans and goat cheese, as well as juices and lemonades. If desired, some dishes can be packed to go.
Su Casa is an institution whose full potential is revealed in the evening, with the advent of darkness.
Here, of course, candles are not lit and orchestras are not playing, but nevertheless, an atmosphere of romance reigns. The restaurant is located on the roof of the building, which offers a beautiful view of the city, which, like a Christmas tree, is full of colorful lights. The menu is represented by European dishes (grilled fish fillet with lemon sauce, specialty shrimp, etc.). The average check is 25 USD.
shopping
The essence of shopping in Acapulno is fully reflected by the words "a mixture of exotic and luxury." Here, quite often you can see the neighborhood of quarters with souvenir shops and large shopping centers, where fashionable boutiques are located. The largest retail outlet in the city is a shopping and entertainment center The Golden zone. It has enough shops of all kinds so that everyone can satisfy their passion for shopping.
The TOP souvenirs from Acapulco are all sorts of miniature attributes of the Mayan and Aztec cultures, for example, the famous Mayan calendar disc or figures of Aztec and Indian gods such as Quetzalcoatl. Also traditional Mexican souvenirs are sombreros, ponchos, tequila and maracas. Some bring home real Mexican sauces.
