Sightseeing in Acapulco

The popular image of Acapulco is that of a hot spot to soak up sun and sea by day, and revel at night. However the city also offers you the most brilliant variety of excursions, sports and shopping. You can choose any of the four major excursions into the city and its surroundings:

Downtown and Old Acapulco is the heart of the city, with a bursting tempo that may sometimes jar with your idea of a seaside vacation. This area is famous for its seaside, Main Square, the cliffs of La Quebrada, the San Diego Fort and other attractions. The zocalo or Main Square is a tree-lined plaza over-looking the Nuestra Senora de la Soledad Church. The San Diego Fort is around the corner on a hill overlooking the harbour. It was built as a sentinel post to guard against Dutch and English pirates during the Spanish colonial trade. The fort’s museum is well worth a visit to view some beautiful relics. (The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). The chaotic Municipal Market is an enormous bazaar where you can buy just about anything from the crowded stalls.

Two scenic coves mark the Caleta and Caletilla Beaches in the heart of the city. The Magico Mundo Marino is an exotic collection of indoor and outdoor marine exhibits. This is good fun for the whole family. Admission rates are around US$6 for adults and $3.30 for children. The Hotel Caleta is a romantic spot on the beach and was once the most charming beach resort in Acapulco. The Isla Roqueta is a ten-minute boat ride from the Caleta Beach. (The ride costs aroundUS$2.75 per head). The island has a lovely snorkeling center and an unusual zoo. (Entry tickets for the zoo are about US$.75 each).

At the famed cliffs of La Quebrada you will see Mexican divers leap off the cliff and plunge into the roaring Pacific 136 feet below. There are five shows a day and the night show with torches is the most spectacular. You will get the grandest views from the cliffs of The La Perla Nightclub for a cover charge.

Pie de la Cuesta and Coyuca Lagoon

This whimsically beautiful beach area lies north of the city. An idyllic lagoon, complete with tropical flora and fauna offsets the miniature islands. The Pie de la Cuesta beach is a charmingly unhurried world where you can marvel at flaming sunsets while sipping coconut gin. Take a boat ride from the Coyuca Lagoon to drink in the splendid wildlife, or go freshwater fishing and water skiing. Movies such as “African Queen”, “Rambo II” and some of the early Tarzan movies were filmed here.

The Costera Resort Zone

The Costera is an urban boulevard flooded with quaint eating-places and bars, hotels, shopping centers, art galleries and theme parks. Among these parks, the Papagayo Park and the CiCi water park are not to be missed. The archaeological museum and art gallery at the Guerrero Cultural Center is near the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The Centro Internacional Acapulco is a modern convention center where traditional ballets and performances are held. You can take in the Ballet Folklorico and dinner on any Monday, Wednesday or Saturday at 8 p.m.

Puerto Marques and Revolcadero Beach

Puerto Marques is a beautiful sandy beach and bay area that is spanned by mountains. It is a favourite seaside destination, dotted with restaurants and within sight of the new Punta Diamante development. The Revolcadero Beach has magnificent beach resorts such as the Acapulco Princess, the Pierre Marques and the new Vidafel Mayan Palace that is a remarkably unique resort crafted in Mayan style.

Fine art is on display and sale at Galeria Ixcateopan, Galeria Rudic, Galeria de Arte Delores Olmedo, Pal Kepney’s Gallery.