Acapulco Mexico Tourism & Travel Information Hotels Tours Airport Transfers

Acapulco					Mexico

Acapulco Travel Information

About Acapulco

Acapulco, known as the “Pearl of the Pacific”, is one of the most visited Mexican beaches. It is located on the Pacific Ocean seaboard, to the west of the Acapulco bay, and 400 kilometers to the south of Mexico DF (see map of Acapulco).

Acapulco has a first class tourist infrastructure, due to its constant growth. This is divided into 4 zones: Revolcadero and Diamante Beaches, Puerto Marqués, the Zona Dorada (Golden Zone) and Viejo Acapulco (Old Acapulco).

The Revolcadero and Diamante Beaches are located to the south of Acapulco, 9 Kilometers from the airport, and are the areas of greater development. The area has 4 golf courses, important international hotels with modern infrastructures and an extensive coast with great waves, perfect for surfing.

Puerto Marqués is a small bay with calm waters, which shelters spectacular homes and condominiums. There are “palapa” (huge straw “umbrellas”) restaurants which offer fresh seafood and tropical drinks.

The Zona Dorada is the Acapulco bay itself, Acapulco, bordered by “la Costera”, the main avenue, which descends from the sea cliffs to the beach. Along its length are the highest and most complex architecturally designed hotels. This area is the heart of Acapulco’s night life with bars, restaurants, discotheques and malls.

Viejo Acapulco is the traditional zone, which goes from the Zócalo until the Caleta (where one will find the Yacht Club and the New Marine). It is characterized by its ancient buildings, alley markets, handicraft shops and more economic hotels (see prices).

Hotels in Acapulco

There is a great variety of hotels in Acapulco, from the most basic and modest to the sumptuous and top class resorts.

The greater luxury hotels in Acapulco are located between the areas of Puerto Marqués, the Revolcadero and Diamante beaches and the airport (see prices).

There are many first class hotels in the Zona Dorada, some of which are of international standing, including all types of services. Most are located on Costera Avenue, facing the beach.

Economic hotels are found in Viejo Acapulco. Low budget travelers will find excellent buildings, varied conveniences and personal attention.

Hotels in Acapulco, for the most part, offer lodging systems at the tourist’s choice: “all inclusive”, European system (without breakfast) and with breakfast or buffet.

Excursions in Acapulco

Excursions in Acapulco are oriented towards enjoying its beaches and sea, practicing water sports and enjoying the gastronomy and customs of this region.

Old Acapulco preserves the main plaza, known as the Zócalo, the Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Our Lady of Solitude) church, the San Diego fort (from colonial times), the municipal market and numerous local handicraft shops.

The Mágico Mundo (Magical World) Water Park and the Papagayo Park are family recreation centers with pools, water slides, children’s games, sports, as well as aviaries and aquariums with a large variety of species.

The International Center of Coexistence (CICI) offers wave pools and slides, water games and one of the best seal and dolphin shows around.

La Quebrada (The Ravine) in Acapulco is the place where one of the most famous shows in the world is given. The divers make extraordinary jumps from an approximate height of 45 meters into a little cove in the sea (see prices).

The Coyuca Lagoon offers the possibility of navigating among wild countryside and traveling through La Barra, the place where the lagoon, river and sea unite.

Car Rentals in Acapulco

Car rentals in Acapulco are operated through the principal international agencies, located in the air terminal and in most of the large hotels.

Air travel in Acapulco is realized via the Juan Álvarez International Airport (ACA), located 26 kilometers from downtown. There are several car rental agencies, transportation services authorized taxis located within the building.

Buses are a very convenient and economic way to discover Acapulco. The destination is written on the windshield. Yellow buses travel along the Costera and have air conditioning, and therefore are a little bit more expensive (see map of Acapulco).

Taxis in Acapulco are available 24 hours a day and are recognizable because they are VWs painted blue. They do not have a fixed price, so it is best to ask the cost before getting in. The units parked in the hotels have air conditioning and are bigger and more expensive. The prices are displayed in the lobby.

The José Azueta International Transatlantic Port is considered one of the best on the west coast, with a dock for ships measuring up to 9 meters draught, including tourist cruise ships. The Yacht Club and the Acapulco Marine is located at this port.

Acapulco Tourist Information

During the peak season (from the end of December until Holy Week), hotel reservations need to be made with anticipation (see prices).

There is a Value Added Tax (IVA) in Acapulco, included in products and services, for residents or foreigners. Currently it is 15% over the sales value, to which 2% for lodging at all hotels.

Tips are regulated by world level standards. At the airport and hotels, a tip of 1 to 2 American dollars is recommended for each suitcase carried and for the maid service. In restaurants, a tip of 15 to 20% of the total value of the bill is normally given, if it is not included within the bill.

As far as security, travelers can rest easy and walk peacefully along the streets and beaches of Acapulco. However, as with any other city in the world, avoid remote areas far from public places and don’t neglect your belongings.

The water is drinkable but we recommend drinking bottled water.