For thousands of annual visitors, Acapulco is the ideal holiday destination. This Pacific resort is a Mecca for those who love swimming, shopping, and an exciting nightlife. Acapulco Bay, one of the world's foremost natural harbors, is the city's centerpiece. The weather in Acapulco is without parallel, with warm waters, almost constant sunshine, and year-round temperatures in the 80s.

in recent years, Acapulco has undergone a remarkable renaissance. Classic hotels have been renovated and areas gentrified. Beautification efforts have transformed and renewed the entire area.

Acapulco is thriving in every regard. it often happens that development comes at a cost to the environment, so the city government has invested over $1 billion in public and private infrastructure improvements to counteract any damage that might have occurred during the growth spurt. An ongoing program instituted in the early 1990s has cleaned up the water and is preventing pollution or any destruction to the fragile eco-balance. With the return of clean beaches and pollution-free waters, the balance of nature has been restored and is being protected. Recently, whales have even been sighted offshore.

Visitors to this amazing resort town find a wide variety of beach and water activities. Snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, and fishing are all popular choices. The attractions on land are equally impressive, as each of the numerous resorts boasts world-class tennis and golf facilities.

Be sure to enjoy a performance by the world famous La Quebrada cliff divers. The show is repeated throughout the day. The last show at night is enhanced with the addition of torches, that are held by the divers.

At night Acapulco is transformed as the city springs to life. The nightlife is legendary, and with the constant opening of new and ever more spectacular dance clubs, Acapulco remains the disco capital of the world. The clubs are always crowded, so visitors usually go to several in one night. The restaurants are also well-known for their variety, and the menu choices range from simple lunch offerings to world-class cuisine.

The waters of Acapulco's famous Harbor are a crystal clear blue by day. At night, they reflect the lights of Acapulco's dazzling skyline. The beaches are some of the most famous in the world; the variety of land, sea, and indoor activities lend excitement to each day spent in this enchanting place. People come to Acapulco to kick back, relax, and enjoy one of the best vacations they will ever experience.

Population: 1.5 million

Time Zone: US Central Standard Time. Daylight saving time is observed from April-October.

Average Temperatures:

When to Visit: The climate of Acapulco is that of the tropics.it is pleasant all year with warm rains for small portions of most days in the months from August to October. Tropical showers are brief and usually occur at night. Occasionally tropical storms develop with two or three days of heavy rain. However, the usually bright skies, warm sand, and sea attract visitors at all seasons of the year.

Area code: 744; international country code: + 52 (Mexico)

Emergency Numbers

Ambulance: Red Cross: 85.4122
Police: 85.0650
Fire: 060

Currency Exchange--Numerous banks along the Costera are open Monday through Friday from 9am to 6pm, Saturday from 10am to 1:30pm. Banks and their ATMs generally have the best rates. Casas de cambio (currency-exchange booths) along the street may have better rates than hotels.

internet Access: Acanet, Costera Aleman 1632 int., La Gran Plaza, Local D-1, lower floor ( 744/486-8182 and 744/486-8184; fax 744/486-9186; www.acanet.com.mx), is open daily from 10am to 9pm.

Parking--it is illegal to park on the Costera at any time. Some parking is available along side streets, or in one of the few covered parking lots.

Pharmacy: Farmacia Daisy, Francia 49, across the traffic circle from the convention center 744/484-7664 or 744/484-5950). Sam's Club and WalMart, also have pharmacy services.

Post Office: The correo is next door to Sears, close to the Fideicomiso office. it is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm, Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

Tourist Police: Policemen in white and light blue uniforms belong to a special corps of English-speaking police established to assist tourists

How to Get to Acapulco

By Plane : Local numbers for major airlines with nonstop or direct service to Acapulco are Aeromexico ( 744/485-1625), American ( 744/466-9232, or 01-800/904-6000 inside Mexico for reservations), Continental ( 744/466-9063), Mexicana ( 744/466-9121 or 744/486-7586), and America West ( 744/466-9257).

Aeromexico flies from Guadalajara, Mexico City, and Tijuana; Mexicana flies from Mexico City.

The airport (airport code: ACA) is (14 miles) southeast of town.

Private taxis are the fastest way to get downtown from the airport.

The major rental-car agencies all have booths at the airport.

Transportes Terrestres has desks at the front of the airport where you can buy tickets for minivan transportation into town .

By Car: From Mexico City, take either the toll-free Highway 95D south (6 hr.) or scenic Highway 95, the four- to six-lane toll highway (3 1/2 hr.). The free road from Taxco is in good condition;. From points north or south along the coast, the only choice is Highway 200.

By Bus: The Ejido/Central Camionera station, Ejido 47, is on the far northern end of the bay and north of downtown (Old Acapulco)..

From this station, Turistar, Estrella de Oro, and Estrella Blanca have almost hourly service for the 5- to 7-hour trip to Mexico City and daily service to Zihuatanejo. Buses also serve other points in Mexico, including Chilpancingo, Cuernavaca, iguala, Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, and Taxco.

Getting Around Acapulco

By Bus: Two kinds of buses run along the Costera: pastel color-coded buses and regular "school buses." New air-conditioned tourist buses (Aca Tur Bus) charge a few cents more than the old school buses. Covered bus stops are all along the Costera, with maps on the walls showing routes to major sights and hotels..Buses run continuously along the Costera.

By Car: Rental cars are available at the airport and at hotel desks along the Costera. Unless you plan on exploring outlying areas, take taxis or use the easy and inexpensive public buses

Areas of Acapulco

Tourist areas are roughly divided into three sections:

(1) Old Acapulco (Acapulco Viejo): the original town

(2) The second section is the Hotel Zone (Zona Hotelera); it follows the main boulevard, Costera Miguel Aleman (or just "the Costera"), runs east along the bay from downtown.

Avenida Cuauhtemoc is the major artery running roughly parallel to the Costera.

(3) Carretera Escenica (Scenic Hwy.): The third major area begins just beyond the Hyatt Regency Hotel, where the name of the Costera changes to Carretera Escenica (Scenic Hwy.), which continues all the way to the airport. The area fronting the beach is Acapulco Diamante which many consider to be Acapulco's most desirable address.

Fort San Diego

Left along the Costera past the steamship dock and up the hill

744/482-3828

Open 10:30-4:30

This fort museum features many antique relics such as beads; shells; baskets; ceramics embroidered silk tapestries, Kimonos, porcelain vases, and offers a glorious view of the bay. The fort was originally built in 1615, and then rebuilt in 1776 following a massive earthquake. it is built in a classic five-point design and surrounded by a moat. it was constructed by the Spaniards to protect the port of Acapulco and its lucrative Manila trade link from pirates. it now serves as a fascinating history and anthropology museum.

Zocolo

This is the former center of the city, which is now called the Centro area. it is a large village square located in front of the cathedral. The cathedral was erected in 1930 with a dome in the shape of a Mosque and with Byzantine towers. Zocolo is the main public plaza in town. This is a center of family activity and a place to stroll about on a sunny day. it is quite common to encounter a band concert at the music gazebo. Enjoy the charm of the plaza, as well as the stores and small restaurants that surround it!

Caleta

Caleta is known as the oldest beach in Acapulco. it features a beautifully clear beach, restaurants, The Magico Mundo Marino (aquarium),boats to Roqueta and glass bottom boats that carry visitors around the bay.

Magico Mundo Marino

483-1215

Magico Mundo Marino waterpark is next to the aquarium, which has indoor and outdoor marine exhibits and is a great place for family fun. Located in front of the Caleta beach area, it has a swimming pool, two water slides, the aquarium, restaurant, snack bar and a dolphin show.

isla la Roqueta

isla la Roqueta is a 10-minute boat ride from Caleta Beach. The island is located directly in front of Acapulco bay. The area is known as one of the best places to hike and snorkel in Acapulco. it is reached via a short boat ride from Caleta beach. On the island there is an excellent beach and a unique zoo with lions, alligators, leopards, giraffes, zebras, an aviary exhibit, and a serpentarium.

Pie de la Questa

Pie de la Questa is the world-famous sunset beach. it not only offers a great view of the setting sun, but also a great meal at any one of the beachfront restaurants.

Cici

Cici is a water park located in the center of the Acapulco strip. Children and adults will enjoy a day at this water-based amusement park. Cici has everything from a big wave

pool, some smaller pools, a giant water slide, and seal - dolphin water shows. it also features a pool for a swim with dolphins. Visitors enjoy the beauty of the gentle waterfalls and fountains that surround the park.

Nature Tour of Tres Palos Lagoon

Parque Ecological deViveristas

462-0302.

Visitors can embark on an exciting adventure in a natural setting to view some of the most beautiful sights that Acapulco has to offer. A unique feature of this tour is sightseeing while driving your own wave runner.

Jungle Tour

460-1960

While visiting Acapulco, take a tour of Coyuca Lagoon. it is here where Rambo ii was filmed. Tours leave daily from Hotel Continental Plaza at 9:30 and 11.

Palaco

Latin rhythms can be found in Palaco. This is a large restaurant on Roqueta island. The special feature of Palaco is the daily dancing and floorshow. There are two shows daily at 11 and 1:30.

Roller Papayago

A great place for the whole family. Roller Papayago is it! it is an outside roller skating rink in front of Papayago Park.

Papayago Park

Papayago Park is a large park featuring a roller rink, acres of trees, plush grass, and an amusement park. The amusement park has a number of rides, including many carnival rides. it also features a beautiful aviary.

Quebrada

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This is the site where spectators gather to view the legendary cliff divers of Acapulco. This

is not to be missed. Visitors can watch the sunset at the Symphony of the Sea,at a grandstand built into the side of the mountain. Following this show, divers perform at the Quebrada. For generations, brave young men have taken this majestic dive into the Pacific Ocean.

Convention Center

484-32118

The Acapulco Convention Center is home to the Mexican Fiesta Folklore Show commemorating the Mexico of the past. The entertainment includes regional dancers, lively music, and pole climbers. The Convention Ceter is also the site of the Acapulco Symphony Orchestra and the famous Acapulco Music Festival The huge garden areas contain a large variety of tropical plants and palms.

Chapel of Peace

One of the most recognized sights in Acapulco, the Chapel of Peace is in the form of a large cross and is located on the top of a mountain.

Sky Flight

484-8575

Take a thrilling ride on this high-powered hang glider. The glider takes off from the beach and reaches an altitude of 450 feet, then cruises over the beaches of Acapulco.

Cathedral on the Plaza

The design of this church is a product of Spanish, Moorish and native influences. its distinguishable blue dome dominates the downtown plaza. inside is an extensive collection of religious artifacts.

Mercado Municipal

One of the largest markets in Acapulco, the Mercado Municipal is a favored place for early morning shopping. it is open daily, but closes early in the afternoon.

Guerrero Cultural Center

The Guerrero Cultural Center features a unique gallery and a small archaeological museum.

March

Spring Break

it feels like spring break in Acapulco year-round, but during March the city transforms into party paradise. The Golden Zone along the Costera is alive with students (and just about everyone else) enjoying their break in Acapulco. Along with Easter and the week after Christmas, spring is the high season for vacations in Acapulco.

May

Acapulco Music Festival ("Acapulco Fest" or "Acafest" for short) is held annually in May at the Convention Center in Acapulco. it is a huge event lasting a week and featuring dozens of famous Latin artists. Two separate events/stages run concurrently - each with its own admission.

Acapulco Philharmonic Orchestra: Monthly concerts on the first or second Friday of the month (visit or call the Convention Center for dates). The shows start at 9:00 pm, but get to the Convention Center 30-45 minutes early for free tickets and a chat with the conductor of the orchestra.

Bullfights: You can attend bullfights in Acapulco on Sundays from November through March.

Mexican Open Tennis Tournament

The Mexican Open is a clay court tennis tournament held annually at the Fairmont Princess Hotel in Acapulco. Players from all over the world compete in the tournament - traditionally, many of the players are from Central and South America and Spain. in addition to the tennis matches, there is an assortment of booths for snacks, drinks, meals, and merchandise. The stadiums are in the sun, so bring your sunscreen or find a seat higher up in the shade.

December

The Acapulco Fair is held at the Convention Center every year during the Christmas holidays. it runs from a week before Christmas to the week after the New Year. There are many rides for children and adults.

There are also the usual carnival games and prizes and over a thousand vendors.