With its breathtaking bays and golden sand beaches nestled against the Sierra Madre mountains, its easy to see why Acapulco has been a favourite resort area for decades. This is where the world-renowned cliff divers hurl themselves 38 metres into the sea and where golfers have three excellent courses to choose from.
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 has been dubbed the Pearl of the Pacific. It is 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.
Acapulco is one of the longest running resort destinations in Mexico. It has been attracting all types of travelers with its miles of sandy beaches, exciting nightlife and famous cliff divers. Acapulco is a popular spot travelers looking for lots activities during the day and even more at night. Families might be better suited to one of the other Pacific Coast destinations. Some of the more popular resorts here include the Copacabana for a budget resort.
Avg. °C | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
High | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Low | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 22 |
Rain (mm) | 9 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 271 | 209 | 312 | 341 | 145 | 50 | 14 |
While many all-inclusive resorts market themselves as tips included, we find it is still a good idea to tip your servers, house keeping, bartenders, bellman, etc. Tips can go along way for both the recipient and towards the service you will receive.
In Acapulco taxis are everywhere and have fixed rates depending on your destination. Hotel taxis are more expensive then the street ones. There is also a bus service running along the Costera.
The main attraction is of course Acapulco's 20 plus beaches, each one with its own environment, on which every imaginable water sport can be practiced. Water skiing, surfing, swimming, banana boats and seadoos will be at your disposal on the beaches of Puerto Marques, Caleta and Caletilla. Those who enjoy fishing will find the sites quite adequate.
Diving is very popular, as well as snorkeling, particularly around Icacos beach where the transparency of the sea reveals amazing fish and corals sightings. Other sites overflowing with marine animal-life are the islands of Roqueta, Caleta and Caletilla.
Several wonderful golf courses are offered such as the 18-hole golf course at the Acapulco Princess Hotel or the Acapulco Golf Club at the Conventions Center. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, you will then it on the Condesa beach where you can bungee jump all 50m down. On the Papagayo river you can enjoy boat rides turbo powered Shotover Jet.
Dining & Nightlife
It also boasts a variety of restaurants and their settings are often extraordinary from scrumptous bay views to quaint bistro. Many can be found in hotels and on the Costera.
Acapulco is, of course, known for its seafood specialties or fish and shellfish combination dishes. Local dishes include shrimp medallions in tamarind sauce, molcajetes de filete and pescado a la talla. However, being an important international tourist resort, there are also Mexican and international restaurants.
Acapulco's non-stop nightlife has something for everyone and its illuminated glass porches and neon signs are now legendary. The discotheques, dance halls and bars are designed for all sorts of people wishing to have a good time. Many of these establishments have a panoramic view of the bay, fireworks and laser shows. Some popular places are Baby O, Palladium, Enigma/Siboney and Salon Q.
Shopping
Acapulco is a wonderful place for shopping in stores that combine luxury with comfort. Acapulco has state-of-the-art malls with all kinds of shops and boutiques. The port offers superb summer clothing. The numerous shops all along the Costera carry craft jewelery, silver work, leather accessories, perfume and unusual souvenirs made from and with marine shells.
Spend some time downtown several blocks from the shore. Zocalo Plaza, surrounded by sidewalk cafes and adorned with a mosque-like cathedral, is a great place to shop.
Flying time from:
Toronto: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
Montreal: Approximately 6 hours
Calgary: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
Vancouver: Approximately 5 hours 30 minutes
Languages: Spanish
Currency: Mexican Pesos. U.S. currency widely accepted.
Climate: Sub-tropical with average temperatures of 29'C
Electricity: Same as Canada and the U.S.
Documents: All Canadians citizens are now required to carry a valid Canadian passport to enter Mexico. All other nationalities please consult a vacation specialist or the Mexican consulate.
Mexican tourist cards are supplied & validated with vacation packages. Some restrictions apply to tourists 18 years & under, when traveling without parents. Contact the Mexican Government Tourist Office toll free at 1-800-446-3942.
Acapulco Ritz
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Alba Suites
- Overlooking the bay and the cruise port of Acapulco, Alba Suites is a Canadian favourite for long stays! Location: Located adjacent to Cruise port, 60 minutes to airport. more
Copacabana Beach Hotel Acapulco
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Emporio Acapulco
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Hotel El Cano Acapulco
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Krystal Beach Acapulco
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Park Royal Beach Acapulco
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Playa Suites
- Conveniently located in the heart of Acapulco's lively hotel zone, this full service suite hotel offers good value, a relaxed atmosphere and fun for the whole family. Location: On the beach, 25 minute drive from the airport and a 15… more