Acapulco Travel Guide

Nature gave "the Pearl of the Pacific" a remarkable number of some of the most stunning beaches in the planet. The natural beauty makes Acapulco perfect for those visitors who are after the pleasures of the sun and the sea, and have been searching for the perfect sand and water to relax in, enjoy or play sports in. All the beaches in Acapulco are open to the public, including those near the most exclusive hotel resorts. The following beaches are particularly worth visiting: Barra Vieja, enormous in length; Laguna de Tres Palos, which eventually leads to the Pacific; Playas Caleta y Caletilla in old Acapulco, a favorite among the locals; Mágico Mundo Marino; La Isla de la Roqueta; La Angosta; Playa Condesa and the Laguna de Coyuca. La Isla Roqueta is perfect for snorkelling or windsurfing. While still on the subject of beaches, it's necessary to mention the Playas Hornos y Hornitos: a swimmer's paradise; and Playa Icacos, one of the finest places in Acapulco. Playa Icacos is the ideal place to sit and watch the sunset; what you see on the postcards in nothing compared to the magical experience of seeing it live. Surfers find its waters a true paradise. The waves of Bahía de Puerto Marqués are not particularly swimmer-friendly, but many people prefer them for water sports. At El Revolcadero you have the chance to ride a horse along the shore and check out stunning views. Other beaches which are well worth visiting include Playa Tamarindos and Tlacopanocha.

Sailing in a yacht is one of the favorite activities among tourists who visit the Bay. Although the sea is not entirely calm and one requires some previous experience or simply natural talent to sail, fishing certainly poses no danger. Why not take your rod? You could catch anything from barracudas to sharks...There are special fishing tours you can book: the men in charge of the boats know where to find what you are after, and with their advice and suggestions, your experience is bound to be a success.

Acapulco is also excellent for playing golf, with two very good golf courses, one of which is at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess, and the other at Campo de Golf Pierre Marqués, both with 18 holes.

If you fancy a walk, visit some of the many arts and crafts shops, where a great amount of establishments specialize in Taxco silver and traditional arts and crafts from the Guerrero province. On Sundays, enjoy the folk music and try something special to eat at the Acapulco Garden Club. La Catedral is a chance to look into the history of Acapulco and the Centro Internacional de Convenciones Acapulco is famous for the amount of quality shows that run year after year here, particularly concerts and music festivals.

During your visit, don't forget to go for a walk along Quebrada (La), where, for decades, divers have tried their luck and put their lives at risk by diving from a great height to a narrow and dangerous entry into the Pacific Ocean, from a mountain peak. Yet another of the old attractions of Acapulco. The landscape from up here is beautiful and there is a wide selection of arts and crafts shops and traditional restaurants.

Acapulco offers entertainment for everyone, whatever age, tastes or interests. For the little ones, stop at Mágico Mundo Marino or at the CICI, famous slides and water games, as well as all sorts of trained sea animals.

In Acapulco there is simply no time to get bored. The price of attractions and entertainment varies, but are never too expensive. If you prefer busy streets and action in general, stick to the centre; if you would rather relax on a quiet beach, the part of the Bay known as Las Brisas is your best bet.2008-08-02T07:29:22.000 292