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Archivo de la categoría ‘Acapulco’

Acapulco is one of the most major cities and sea ports in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. It lies on the Pacific coast almost two hundred miles form Mexico City. Acapulco is actually located in a deep bay and is an important port for cruising lines running from Panama, San Francisco, and California. Even though it is an incredibly popular tourist attraction it is only home to just over half of a million people. However, Acapulco is by far the largest city in this state, far bigger than the capital city Chilpancingo.

For many years now, Acapulco has been an extremely popular tourist resort. It is especially popular during spring break and is well known for its night life. It is also known to have the largest night clubs in Latin America and the widest variety. Acapulco finally gained enough of a crowd to start competing with Cancun as the most popular Mexican tourist attraction. Cancun of course is the East Coast’s super tourist attraction. To help both of these hot spots out, air fare is becoming more and more affordable. So, if you are thinking about planning a trip to Acapulco, air travel is the way to go!

Acapulco is also another popular place for honeymooners. Especially honeymooners that find themselves on Pacific cruise ships. Since Acapulco is pleasant year round it attracts tourist from everywhere. Most of the tourists are Mexican, but there are ever growing numbers of Americans. All the growing tourism is enough to keep the bars and clubs going year round.

Cliff diving has become in the recent years a huge attraction for the younger crowds. Cliff diving is something that Cancun does not really offer and it has helped Acapulco gain some ground on Cancun. If you are into a great diving experience, Acapulco is the place to go to in Mexico. They have many areas of beautiful cliff sides for the choosing. Another great attraction here in Acapulco is the island of Roqueta, which is usually sailed to on glass bottom boats for the travelers viewing pleasure. With all the beautiful water surrounding the bay, glass bottom boats are a great addition to your plans especially if you have never had the pleasure of experiencing them. There are other tours and such you can sign up for while here on the west coast as well. Acapulco is more than worth experiencing!

Many buses go from major cities (e.g. Mexico City) to Acapulco. Most buses are safe, fast and comfortable and usually not very expensive. Some bus lines offer student discounts. The Estrella de Oro bus line offers nonstop trips from Mexico City with first class service – roomy seats, ride attendants, snacks and drinks, and free movies (The Lake House and Superman Returns on a recent trip.) A regular Estrella de Oro (double-decker) one-way ride is 320 pesos, while upgraded VIP bus service is 480 pesos; VIP service includes a marble lounge inside the regular Acapulco bus terminal with TVs, drinks, and newspapers. Depending on the bus, the ride takes 5 – 5 1/2 hours in comfort. Be warned, they search you and pat you down for weapons before leaving.

There is a modern four lane highway from Mexico City to Acapulco (Autopista del Sol). It is somewhat expensive, but will take you there in 3 and a half hours, approximately, if you don’t stop on the way. The Autopista is not continuous; there is a break in two sections where the road is rougher, so a car with good tires is a must. However, before you decide to drive to Acapulco, remember that traffic and parking in the city are difficult.

Ground transportation from the Alvarez International Airport (ACA) to the major tourist area of La Costera takes more or less 35 minutes. Round trip fares depending on the season and class, range from USD$23.00 to USD$50.00.

This is the traditional heart of the city, known for its location near the beach, the “Zócalo” remodeled in 1996, besides lodging the aquarium, the gorge and the fortress of San Diego.
Attractions in Acapulco at the downtown area have the atmosphere and excitement of a tropical port and at first impression may not seem attractive to everyone because of its antiquity, the recently renovated zócalo is a nice part of the city full of activity which houses one of the rarest and most unusual churches of Mexico, Our Lady of Solitude that by its appearance denotes a Russian style far from the Mexican.
Among others attractions in Acapulco we find the beaches of “caleta” and “caletilla”, that are near a residential zone with great houses, this is where the beginnings of Acapulco lie, then it grew southward, expanded and today  weekends are overpopulated with tourists.
In the middle of these two beaches is the new water park ‘Magical World’ that offers a marine atmosphere with pools, water slides, restaurant service, lessons of diving, snorkeling, in brief everything to spend a good time with family. Admission fee is about 60 pesos for adults and 35 for children.