Acapulco is México's original resort

Acapulco's warm water bay and pristine beaches have been irresistible to humans since the days of the Aztec Empire

Acapulco (Officially: Acapulco de Juárez) is a city and major sea port in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, 300 km (190 miles) southwest from Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay. It is a port of call for shipping and cruising lines running between Panama and San Francisco, California, USA. As of the 2005 census the population of the city was 616,394, while that of its surrounding municipality of the same name was 717,766 people. The municipality, which has an area of 1,882.6 km² (726.88 sq mi), includes numerous small localities outside of the city. The tourist resort city of Acapulco is the largest city in the state, by far larger than the state capital of Chilpancingo, in second place.

The Spanish immediately recognized the strategic advantages of the perfectly formed bay and used it as their base to explore across the Pacific. On fact, Acapulco was the only port in the New World authorized to receive Spanish galleons from the Philippines and China.

The fishing in Acapulco, particularly sailfish, is legendary, in fact, it's news when someone doesn't catch a fish. The snorkeling and SCUBA diving here is first rate and there is nothing as exciting as jumping on a jet-ski and riding at full throttle across Acapulco Bay.

For most of a century, exotic and historic Acapulco has been a popular resort for tourists taking long holiday weekends and cruises from the United States, the Mexican interior and countries in South America. Eventually, it began competing directly with the east-coast (Cancun) as a super-tourist destination. In the past three decades, air fares have become increasingly affordable as international airlines added flights and infrastructure to support the increasing air travel. The two beach resorts are essentially located on opposite coasts oriented due East and West from the other at essentially the same latitude. The city has had its star-spangled times, prompting none other than Frank Sinatra to give the place a mention in his all time classic "Come Fly With Me". Modern Acapulco has a great appeal and is a featured destination for many Pacific cruise ship packages and international air carriers. The vast majority of the tourists are Mexicans, but its balmy subtropical climate and pleasant year round temperatures draws in many other foreign nationals year round providing the volume to support the numerous bars and clubs dotted around the bay. Whether seeking a break from northern climes, winters or heat, or the southern hemisphere's seasonal analogs, the resorts proximity to the equator on the narrows of the North America continental isthmus gives it an economically important geographic centrality rivaled by only a few resorts in the world.

In recent years, within the younger crowd, Acapulco has made up some ground on Cancun as a popular spring break destination. This growing popularity may be because Acapulco offers a different unknown experience and a larger, international student crowd than Cancun due to its prominence as an international tourist mecca with many available international transatlantic and transpacific flights. Apart from just the beach, Acapulco's best known island Roqueta, is a great attraction which is typically reached by transparent-bottom motor boats (enabling clear view of the bottom sea). As in Cancun, water sports such as water skiing, para-sailing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing, sailing and snorkeling excursions are available in many price ranges amongst the picturesque coastal waters.
Several real estate, hotels and timeshares had been developed in the Acapulco Diamante (Diamond Acapulco) zone. A very important development has been built by Mayan Resorts the largest vacation club and golf operator in Mexico.

Attractions

all the must sees in Acapulco

Since 1934 the La Quebrada Cliff Divers have performed their impressive jumps into the shallow stream of water of dangerous tides that forms in the bottom part of La Quebrada. The Acapulco cliff divers were seen regularly on weekend sports programming in the United States during the 1970s.

There is a very vibrant night life in Acapulco which caters to all comers. Especially during Spring Break, many bars and night clubs sign special contracts with US based travel companies and cater specifically to the needs of an American crowd, which pay in advance through the travel company (it is open to everyone however). Due to this, there are distinct areas in which the American spring breakers are dominant, mainly around the coast in which the majority of the hotels are located.

Most clubs are open bar, while the smaller bar establishments are pay on tab (these also tend to have dj or live music and dancing). Of the American favored clubs, the top thre are Palladium, Mandara, and Privado, all located within a mile of each other. These clubs play mostly American music (during spring break), with some popular music from Mexico, generally rock, rap, or pop. The price varies due to the type of the year, but generally 40-50 American dollars is the cover (once again the bars are free inside, and very well stocked and staffed). Music is often live, and live performances are regular.

There are multiple clubs which tend to cater to the local population as well as visitors from Mexico D.F. and other locations within the country. The two most popular are Salon Q and Ninas, both located on the coast a few blocks apart in the heart of Acapulco. Cover is also variable, but generally speaking the price is 20-25 American dollars with open bar. The music is a mixture of live music, with DJ'd music during the breaks. In addition, each has a performance every night, which includes a mixture of lip synching, crossdressers, and Latin exhibition dancing. The majority of the music is Latin, Cumbia, Duranguense, Norteňo, Merengue, and Salsa are the most common. In addition to a younger crowd, it isn't surprising to find older couples as well. At around 2:00-3:00AM, the live bands retire, and music will switch over to include a large amount of Mexican/American current favorites (as well as a surprising amount of 70-80's US music).

The cliff divers at La Quebrada:

• 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.
• 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.

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)

Acapulco offers, to its guests, an incredible number of diverse activities. Everywhere you go there are interesting things to do. The combination of activities for both young and old make this a vacation paradise. Many of the water sports can be arranged for directly on most of the beaches in Acapulco. Your vacation will need to be an extended one to enjoy all there is see & do in Acapulco.

As the sun goes down, Acapulco’s nights come alive. Acapulco’s nightlife is legendary. With an endless array of clubs, bars and discotheques for all music preferences and for all ages you will never have the time of visiting them all. Most venues are open until sunrise. Dancing at one of the hillside clubs with a full view of the bay through floor-to-ceiling windowpanes is an experience unique to Acapulco.

Acapulco plays host to an incredible array of nightlife. The nightlife scene is varied, from loud and lively discos to intimate piano bars with some incredible tropical shows thrown in to keep everyone interested. Everyone should be able to find something to to do at night in Acapulco. The discos open late and may stay open until sunrise. Many of the bars keep the same closing hours. Remember...this is the city that never sleeps. Enjoy!

Bars & Discos

The best nghtlife is in Acapulco

El Alebrije

Costera Alemán 3308

This high-tech club boasts an exterior of reflection pools, gardens, and flaming torches. Inside, stadium seating, booths and round tables surround the vast dance floor -- the disco (capacity 1,200) doubles as a venue for concerts and live performances by some of Mexico's most notable singers. The dress code forbids shorts, T-shirts, tennis shoes, sandals, and jeans. Average age here is late teens to early 20s. Open daily from 11pm to 5am.

Baby'O

Costera Alemán 22

This longtime Acapulco favorite is a throwback to the town's heady disco days, although the music is exceptionally contemporary. The mid-to-late-20s crowd dances to everything from house to hip-hop, techno to dance. Located across from the Romano Days Inn, Baby-O has a dance floor surrounded by several tiers of tables and sculpted, cavelike walls, serviced by five bars. Drinks cost $4 to $5. Three-dimensional laser shows and H2O cooling effects keep the dancing going strong. Service is excellent. This is a great choice for those who shun mammoth clubs in favor of a more intimate setting -- although there's generally a good crowd. It opens at 10:30pm.

Mandara

Carretera Escénica

Venture into this stylish chrome-and-neon extravaganza (formerly Enigma) perched on the side of the mountain for a true Acapulco nightlife experience. The plush, dim club has a sunken dance floor and panoramic view of the lights of Acapulco Bay. The club also has an intimate piano bar upstairs overlooking the disco, called Siboney, with a special champagne menu, which draws a more mature and moneyed crowd. The after-hours lounge Privado, also in the same building, opens its doors at 3am. Downstairs, there's pumped-in mood smoke, alternating with fresh oxygen to keep you dancing. Tight and slinky is the norm for women; no shorts for men. The club opens nightly at 10:30pm; fireworks rock the usually full house at 3am, which is when a stylized dance performance takes place on weekends in the style of Euro clubs. Call to find out if you need reservations, this club tends to be busiest on Friday nights.

Palladium

Carretera Escénica

This cliff-side club currently reins as the top spot in town, and is found just down the road from Mandara. Generally, it welcomes a younger, rowdier crowd that enjoys the equally fabulous views and the dancing platforms set in the 48m-wide (160-ft.) glass windows overlooking the bay. Around 3am, Silver Man, complete with an Aztec headdress, performs, followed by a spray of fireworks outside the windows. Palladium has welcomed the world's finest DJs as special guests. The layout of the club is more open, which makes meeting people most accessible.

ZUCCA

Carretera Escénica 28

This club offers a fantastic bay view. It caters to a more mature crowd -- it allegedly admits only those over 25, though the attendants seem to bend the rules for women -- and is particularly popular with the moneyed Mexico City set. The club periodically projects a laser show across the bay. The dress code prohibits shorts, jeans, T-shirts, or sandals. Reservations are recommended. It's open nightly from 10:30pm to 2:30am, until 4am on weekends and when the crowd demands it.

Carlos 'n' Charlie's

Costera Alemán 999

For fun, danceable music and good food, you can't go wrong with this branch of the Carlos Anderson chain. It's always packed. Come early and get a seat on the terrace overlooking the Costera. This is a great place to go for late dinner and a few drinks before moving on to a club. It's east of the Glorieta Diana traffic circle, across the street from the Fiesta Americana Condesa. It's open daily from 1pm to 1am.

Hard Rock Café

Costera Alemán 37

If you like your music loud, your food trendy, and your entertainment international, you'll feel at home in Acapulco's branch of this chain bent on world domination. Elvis memorabilia greets you in the entry area, and among other numerous mementos is the Beatles' gold record for "Can't Buy Me Love." There's a bandstand for live music -- played every night between 10pm and 2am -- and a small dance floor. It's on the seaward side toward the southern end of the Costera, south of the convention center. Open daily from noon to 2am.

N Joy

Costera Alemán

A large disco with many couches, a good-sized dance floor, dancers on stages, and your typical selection of Spanish dance music. Located south of Cinemark on La Costera. Saturday is the night to go - because it is so large, you will have more fun if it is crowded.

Sr. Frog's

Carretera Escénica, Comercial La Vista

The craziest parties in Acapulco! Every night is different with great music, perfect service and shows behind your wildest dreams. The ambiance is great for a night of fun in one of the best nightclubs in Acapulco. You can’t miss it. It’s one of the preferred places by nightlife lovers, especially during Spring and Summer breaks. Don’t forget

 

Mayan Resorts Places in Acapulco

• Mayan Palace Acapulco. Living up to its legend as a world famous resort, Acapulco entices visitors with its beauty, lively pace and its many attractions from sports to shopping. Absorb the local color in the quaint fishermans village of Puerto Marqués. Stroll through Viejo Acapulco—Old Acapulco—that captures the city´s soul. Shop the flea markets for native handicrafts. Share a romantic dinner overlooking Santa Lucia Bay. Set sail in style aboard a private yacht. Thrill to the Acapulco cliff divers plunging into the sea from La Quebrada as they perform incredible diving feats from a height of 100 feet above the crashing waves. Daily shows are at 12:45, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Swim with the dolphins, go deep-sea fishing, scuba diving or snorkeling. Divers—beginners to advanced—are welcome to marvel at the underwater marine life. Indulge your wild side with parasailing, Bungee jumping, a hot air balloon ride or rafting. The Mayan Palace Acapulco concierge can assist you with tour arrangements.
• Mayan Sea Garden Acapulco.Take in the sights and sounds of world-famous Acapulco, a bustling city just 20 minutes away from Sea Garden. Visit the quaint fisherman’s bay at Puerto Marques, shop the open-air flea markets or share a romantic dinner overlooking Santa Lucia Bay. No visit to Acapulco is complete without a trip to La Quebrada to see the famous Acapulco Cliff Divers perform their incredible diving feats from a height of 100 feet above the ocean waves. Daily shows at 12:45; 7:30; 8:30; 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Swim with the dolphins, go deep-sea fishing, scuba diving or snorkeling. Daily excursions for certified divers and beginners leave at 8:15 a.m. Quench your thirst for adventure with parasailing, Bungy jumping, a hot air balloon ride and rafting down the Papagayo River. The Sea Garden Acapulco concierge will assist you in making arrangements.
• Mayan Lakes. Best condos in Acapulco. A real and unique opportunity for a wonderful real estate investment.
• Mayan Island Acapulco is the most exclusive real estate development in Latin America. Well known for its unique design and magnificent hand- crafted details, the condominiums and villas offer the latest in contemporary elegance in an exclusive location. You will have choice options among a beach-front condominium, an apartment facing the golf course, or a villa with a view of the fairways. Mayan Island Acapulco is the most prestigious real estate development in the exclusive Diamante zone. Choose between the condominiums with beautiful views of the beach or the golf course, or the villas overlooking the fairways or lakes that are part of the landscape. Mayan Island Acapulco has presented a new concept located in the exclusive zone of Acapulco's Punta Diamante. Mayan Resorts is proud to present an avant- garde and much-praised project: Mayan Lakes, now in its second phase. You have the opportunity of investing today in a beach- front property over and above the expectations of current investors in this development. Seven towers designed to offer new owners more than just a property. Its excellent location is only five minutes from Acapulco's international airport, the super highway to Mexico City, and the most exclusive shopping zone in the area.
• The Grand Mayan Acapulco amazes visitors with its beauty, constant activity and varied attractions from the practice of sports to shopping. This is a destination with traditional charm and renowned worldwide fame. Walk through the traditional Acapulco to experiment the soul of the city. Absorb the coloring of the "Fishermen’s Bay" in “Puerto Marques”. Spend an afternoon finding local crafts or shopping in the market. Share a romantic dinner while enjoying the view of the "Santa Lucia Bay". Sail with style on-board a private yacht. Board a ferry to the “Tres Palos” Lagoon and visit the "botanic garden". Be impressed by the Acapulco divers who dive into the sea from “La Quebrada” cliff at a height of 98.4 feet, over the strong surf. Daily shows: 12:45, 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. Acapulco is a paradise for aquatic sports lovers. Swim with dolphins, go deep sea fishing and practice deep sea-diving or snorkeling. Divers (beginners and advanced) are welcomed to the wonders of the submarine life. Explore your adventurous side with the practice of parachuting or experience the "bungee jump". Ride a hot-air balloon or go down the "Papagayo River" on a raft. The Grand Mayan’s concierge will gladly assist you with your reservations for your touristic desires.
• Grupo Mayan Golf Acapulco Surrounded by gorgeous tropical scenery of exuberant palm trees and beautiful lakes, the course is considered one of the most spectacular on Mexico’s Pacific coast. Located in the exclusive tourist zone of Punta Diamante, only 10 minutes from Acapulco’s international airport, it boasts an avant-garde design completely integrated with nature, allowing full enjoyment of a serene and relaxing atmosphere.
• The Performing Arts Center Art is a unique blend of magic and fantasy, while nature supply us with spectacular scenery. Mayan Resorts unites these elements in the Performing Arts Center making its debut in Acapluco to illuminate and spice up the nights with great variety of performances of world class level.