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Acapulco
The vibrant Mexican Pacific port
city of Acapulco is home to one of the most spectacular
bays in the world, making it a favorite stop over the decades
for celebrities of the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Placido
Domingo and Julio Iglesias. But Aca, as the locals call
it, offers much more than just stretches of beach: Mexicans
and foreigners agree that it is the perfect place for people
of all tastes and budgets to swim, shop, dine, party or
just soak up the sun.
A drive along the Costera Miguel
Aleman Avenue offers a spectacular view of the bay and its
grandest attractions. These include San Diego Fort, originally
built to protect Acapulco from pirates; Cici, a water theme
park for children; Papagayo Park, which offers a roller
rink, Aviary, a racetrack for kids and model of a Spanish
Galleon; and the Cultural Center (Casa de la Cultura), with
an art gallery, handicraft exhibit and small archaeological
museum.
Although Acapulco attracts
throngs of tourists year-round, many of its beaches remain
relatively secluded. These include Pie de la Cuesta and
the Coyuca lagoon, whose hidden coves and tiny islands teeming
with wildlife can be toured by small motorboat (lancha).
Another beautiful, less-crowded beach is the pristine Puerto
Marques, sheltered within a small bay east of Playa Icacos;
it boasts the most tranquil waters in the area, breathtaking
sunsets and charming little restaurants.
After basking in the sun, a
good place to visit is the bustling central square (zocalo),
whose crafts market (mercado de artesanias) and town market
(mercado municipal) open daily, offering everything from
fresh vegetables and fruits to love potions.
And no trip to Acapulco is
complete without seeing the world-famous divers at La Quebrada.
Trained divers plunge 130 feet into a narrow cove of just
11 feet of water, which is safe only when a wave has come
in. You can see the dives while sipping a drink at the Plaza
Las Glorias Hotel or enjoying a prix-fix dinner at El Mirador
Hotel. Dives are scheduled at 12:30 p.m., and nightly at
7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m. At night, the last divers
(at the 10:30 p.m. show) carry torches.
When dinnertime approaches,
the rich and famous both within and outside Mexico head
to Madeiras Restaurant, an Acapulco institution. Another
popular restaurant is Tabachin, located in the exclusive
The Fairmont Pierre Marques Hotel, which offers exquisite
French-Asian cuisine in a contemporary setting.
When night falls, revelers
head to Baby O, Palladium and Enigma (electronic music and
house); Yucca, Salon Q and Ninas (salsa and tropical music);
and Zucca (60s, 70s, 80s and 90s music). And for those preferring
a sunset cruise along the bay to a disco, Bonanza’s
offers afternoon and evening cruises leaving from the downtown
area near the zocalo; many hotels and shops sell the tickets.
The cruises leave at 4:00 p.m., returning at 8:00 p.m.;
and at 10:00 p.m., returning at 1:00 a.m.
Although Acapulco is known
for its nightlife, it is also increasingly being recognized
for its world-class golf and spa offerings. The Tianguis
Golf & Spa trade show took place October 19 to 22 2003
at the prestigious Fairmont Acapulco Princess Hotel to promote
Mexico as the world's greatest golf and spa destination.
The Acapulco Convention Center, one of Mexico’s most
important venues for meetings and conventions, is home to
Mexico’s famous annual tourism trade show, the Tourism
Tianguis.
Last but not least, Acapulco
offers a tremendous array of lodging options, from inns
(posadas) to luxury hotels. The exclusive Las Brisas resort
offers 263 guest houses with private or semi-private pools
as well as breathtaking views of Acapulco Bay and/or the
Pacific Ocean. The historic Villa Vera, meanwhile, is an
oasis of exotically-designed white houses, suites and villas
decorated in contemporary Mexican-Mediterranean style.
A two-hour drive northeast of
Acapulco leads visitors to the beautiful colonial mining town
of Taxco, which offers the best selection of silver at excellent
prices.
acapulco hotels deals
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