Imagine a sunset with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. A thousand colors in the sky and as your eyes reach the horizon you begin to notice the lights and noises of a city that does not sleep, you feel the energy of one of the favorite destinations to visit for both Mexicans and foreigners for many years. You are in the paradisiacal Acapulco and your vacations begin!
With the Pacific dominating the splendid view and the drive of a coastal city with as much life and color as there is in this port, it’s hard not to fall in love and want to return again and again.
¿WHAT TO KNOW IN ACAPULCO?
1. LA CAPILLA DE LA PAZ
The Chapel of Peace is located in the highest part of the Guitarrón hill. It is an ecumenical chapel, which officiates religious weddings for couples who do not necessarily share the same faith or religion.
Next to it, there is a huge cross 42 meters high that makes it visible from anywhere in the port, being located in one of the highest areas of Acapulco.
Mrs. Milly Hauss de Trouyet had a dream that, as soon as possible, a chapel would be built at the height of the Las Brisas Residential Club, a site that she herself chose to crown the highest part of Acapulco. By the end of the 50’s, the exclusive Las Brisas subdivision would be founded, the work of the architect Jorge Madrigal Solchaga, and the architect Gabriel Chávez de la Mora would be sent to structure the chapel project together; later, the architects Jorge Madrigal Solchaga and Santiago Greenham Ballescá would supervise the construction of the Ecumenical Chapel of Peace.
It has a modern construction with fresh materials; it is an almost obligatory visit if you want a moment of meditation or silence and if you want to admire a complete view of the bay.
2. LA QUEBRADA
This experience is unmissable. Local divers with nerves of steel take a leap into the ocean waters just as the swell allows. The jump requires a precise calculation of the waves and the wind, because if the tide goes out the diver could hit rocks instead of the sea. Currently, the World High Diving Championship is held on this cliff.
A classic in Acapulco is this 45-meter-high cliff, one of the icons that identifies and has given Acapulco world fame, since 1934 daring divers jump into the sea many times even with a torch in hand, giving a unique show at sunset and dusk.
3. EL FUERTE DE SAN DIEGO
It is the most important historical monument in the port of Acapulco. Unique due to its design, the most advanced military engineering concepts of its time were applied to it.
The old fortress shows a synthesis of its rich past, the culture of the first settlers of Acapulco, the conquest of the South Seas, trade with the East, piracy in the Pacific Ocean, the military exploits of José Maria Morelos y Pavon and constructive aspects of one’s strength.
It is located in the heart of Old Acapulco and stands out for its five-pointed star-shaped architecture. “El Fuerte” tried to protect the galleons that arrived at the port of Acapulco at the end of their “turnaround” trip from Manila.
From here you have a beautiful view of the Bay of Santa Lucía (or Acapulco).
4. MURAL DIEGO RIVERA. (LA CASA DE LOS VIENTOS)
The House of the Winds was the summer home of the painter Diego Rivera, where he presented his last exhibition before his death. This house belonged to Dolores Olmedo, promoter of the arts in Mexico. Between 1956 and 1957, Rivera lived in his summer home in Acapulco due to cancer.
Diego Rivera made his last works in this house before his death, among which several sunsets stand out, a mural on the ceiling consisting of a maritime landscape in which Dolores Olmedo appears as a mermaid surrounded by four stars. It also highlights a toad-frog, a figure that symbolizes Diego Rivera, offering his beloved a heart and a lollipop.
The most emblematic work is on the main façade of the house, where Exekatlkalli or Ehecatlcalli (the house of God Echécatl) appear, this mural occupies 70 square meters of the residence. It is in Old Acapulco, the visit is quick and it is on the same road to La Quebrada.
5. JARDÍN BOTÁNICO. “ESTHER PLIEGO DE SALINAS”
It is the most important historical monument in the port of Acapulco. Unique due to its design, the most advanced military engineering concepts of its time were applied to it.
The old fortress shows a synthesis of its rich past, the culture of the first settlers of Acapulco, the conquest of the South Seas, trade with the East, piracy in the Pacific Ocean, the military exploits of José Maria Morelos y Pavon and constructive aspects of one’s strength.
It is located in the heart of Old Acapulco and stands out for its five-pointed star-shaped architecture. “El Fuerte” tried to protect the galleons that arrived at the port of Acapulco at the end of their “turnaround” trip from Manila.
From here you have a beautiful view of the Bay of Santa Lucía (or Acapulco).
6. ZOCALO DE ACAPULCO.
It is an ecological reserve that, in addition to housing diversity of flora and fauna, is an alternative if you are making a trip with children through the different recreational spaces that it offers between gardens, such as colorful fountains (such as the Piñata), children’s games, food areas, rest or reading, library and nursery. It also has spaces for fairs, expos, theater and popular events, a peaceful lake and a restaurant.
7. PARQUE PAPAGAYO.
It is the most important historical monument in the port of Acapulco. Unique due to its design, the most advanced military engineering concepts of its time were applied to it.
The old fortress shows a synthesis of its rich past, the culture of the first settlers of Acapulco, the conquest of the South Seas, trade with the East, piracy in the Pacific Ocean, the military exploits of José Maria Morelos y Pavon and constructive aspects of one’s strength.
It is located in the heart of Old Acapulco and stands out for its five-pointed star-shaped architecture. “El Fuerte” tried to protect the galleons that arrived at the port of Acapulco at the end of their “turnaround” trip from Manila.
From here you have a beautiful view of the Bay of Santa Lucía (or Acapulco).
8. PUNTA DIAMANTE.
The time has come to explore the luxury and exclusivity of this famous destination, so get ready to enjoy first class accommodation in Acapulco to an exquisite gourmet meal in one of the restaurants in the area, or perhaps this time you are looking to play golf in the championship courses and if shopping is your weak point, here are the most prestigious stores. A convention and entertainment center, as well as large tourist complexes, mark the line of this area that begins on the scenic highway in Las Brisas, includes Puerto Marqués and Punta Diamante and extends towards Barra Vieja beach.
Punta Diamante Acapulco is one of the three zones into which the tourist port of Acapulco is divided and is characterized for being the ecological and ecotourism part of the destination.
ACAPULCO BEACHES
Acapulco has been for many years the spoiled destination of Mexico or at least one of the favorites of those who live in the center of the country, given its proximity to the capital and then because of the beauty of its beaches sheltered by the mountains of the Sierra. Madre del Sur, where you will find the activity and scenarios of your choice to live your vacations on the beach.
Caleta y Caletilla is the point to go up by boat to Isla Roqueta, a beautiful island perfect for snorkeling and eating delicious seafood. A walk through this island takes you to meet the Virgin of Guadalupe submerged at about 7 meters surrounded by multicolored fish. Playa Condesa is one of the most popular due to its generally gentle waves. You can’t miss Icacos beach because, in addition to being one of the most famous, it is very wide or extensive, with strong to gentle waves, ideal for windsurfing and offshore are the remains of the ship, the Río de la Plata, which lies at sea since 1940.
Revolcadero beach is another of the basic ones in this port, recommended for surfing, with strong waves. It ranges from Playa Diamante to Barra Vieja. For a romantic sunset, escape a few kilometers north of Acapulco to Pie de la Cuesta beach, where all you have to do is let yourself be surprised by the natural spectacle from your hammock. Another place to visit on your trip to Acapulco is the Bay of Puerto Marqués, with a great tropical atmosphere, gentle sea waves and fish and seafood restaurants. Suitable for diving and skiing.
Barra Vieja is a point and apart because it is about 27 km from the port, an extensive strip with restaurants that without hesitation will offer you the popular dish of fish in size, and it is the point where the waters of the Papagayo River and the Lagunas Tres merge. Palos, a freshwater lagoon that can be confused with the sea and that flows into the Pacific Ocean.
GASTRONOMY
Its modern tourist infrastructure makes Acapulco offer an endless list of options.
The white or green pozole is a traditional dish that is prepared on Thursdays in many restaurants. Other representative dishes are: the “Vuelve a la vida” seafood cocktail, the famous “Pescado a la Talla” and the “Ceviche”, this Acapulco-style ceviche is prepared with pieces of fish cooked in lemon juice with onions, avocado, coriander, olive oil, olives and chili.
You can try the local sweets made with coconut and tamarind such as the baked coconut candy, coconut popsicles and tamarind pulp mixed with chili or sugar.
The traditional drinks in Acapulco are the tuba and the petaquilla, the first made with coconut and the second with mezcal fermentation, in addition, the chilate from Guerrero is another typical drink prepared with cocoa, rice and cinnamon, sparkling and very fresh.
NIGHT LIFE
And we must not forget the nightlife of Acapulco, here you do not sleep! If there is something that surpasses its beaches in fame, it is its nightlife, with a varied and fun offer, which includes options for all tastes, it is worth living a night out Acapulco style.
