Acapulco, Guerrero

Acapulco is the largest and most spectacular tourist resort in the Mexican Pacific. As a result of its stunning beaches, exuberant natural surroundings and wonderful climate, this port of call has been dubbed the:

"Pearl of the Pacific"

The most popular holiday resort in Mexico and Latin America, since its functional, modern infrastructure has had very little impact on its original beauty or attractions. During the viceroyalty, boats set off from Acapulco to explore the South Seas, and in 1566, it was inaugurated as a trade route with the Far East through the routes of the galleons of China and the Philippines.

This trade attracted marauding pirates that repeatedly attacked the port. The Fort of San Diego, whose structure can still be seen, was built to repel these attacks. Set in gorgeous natural surroundings, Acapulco, Mexico offers an enormous range of attractions and activities.

Calm, sunny beaches and exuberant vegetation that surrounds one of the loveliest bays in the Pacific blend seamlessly with major hotel complexes, superb restaurants and wonderful nightclubs.

Acapulco, Mexico has something to suit every taste and budget and offers a range of activities for the whole family. The main attraction of the bay are more than twenty beaches, each with a distinct atmosphere, where you can choose your favorite water sport.

Enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for sports fishing, diving, water skiing and Snorkeling. There are also several ecological areas that are ideal for picnics and horse riding, as well as golf courses and tennis courts. Acapulco is a wonderful place for shopping in stores that combine luxury with comfort. It also boasts a variety of restaurants offering everything from regional to international cuisine.

The port's nightlife is intense and extremely diverse, offering something for every taste. Acapulco, Mexico is located 326 km away from the Federal District along the Autopista del Sol, and 411 km away by the old federal highway # 95. It also has an excellent international airport.

~ Orientation of Acapulco, Mexico: ~

Before the mountain backdrop of the Sierra Madre del Sur - Acapulco stretches along the 11km (7mi) shore of the huge Bahía de Acapulco on Mexico's Pacific coast - 400km (250mi) south of Mexico City. Acapulco is divided into three parts. Fronting the harbor in the west is the historical center, known as 'Acapulco Naútico' or the 'old town'. As in most Spanish colonial cities, the heart of the old district is the cathedral and the adjacent zócalo, or main square.

'Acapulco Dorado' (Golden Acapulco) is the strip around the bay, east from the old town along the palm-lined La Costera (Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán). This is the city's principal bayside avenue, home to most of the major hotels, restaurants, discos and other points of interest, and where the action keeps up 24 hours a day. 'Acapulco Diamante' (Diamond Acapulco) begins where La Costera changes its name to Carretera Escénica (Scenic Highway) at Puerto Marqués and continues southeast to the airport. This new luxury development, with its stunning hillside views, is Acapulco's most desirable address.

At the other end of the bay the Peninsula de las Playas juts out from the old town. South of the peninsula is the popular Isla de la Roqueta, and nearby is the so-called underwater shrine, a submerged bronze statue of the Virgen de Guadalupe. Just west of here is La Quebrada (The Gorge), and about 10km (6mi) further west from town is Pie de la Cuesta, a tranquil lagoon and surf beach area where tourism is more low key.