Acapulco, Mexico

Easily the most-visited tourist-town in Mexico, Acapulco is a collaboration of the faded nightclub, the boulevard, the beach towel, and the storefront. Though it is not the premier travelers destination it was at its peak in the 90s a time when celebrities were widely known to roam its sands it continues to be the epicenter for vacationers in the country. Whether youre from Europe, North America, Asia, or Africa, Acapulco is the perfect getaway for the adventurous spirit inside; Activities ranging from scuba diving to cliff diving can be part of your daily agenda. Thrill seekers love Acapulcos coastline, but even if youre simply in the mood lay low and sip on daiquiris, everything is available at just a stones throw away. Dont miss out on your chance for fun! Visit Acapulco today!

When to go

Theres no use in trying to avoid the tourist crowd in Acapulco. Everything is alive and thumping, 24/7, and youd better get used to it, or hitch a ride out of town. Day and night the town is booming with the sounds of markets, street shows, beach volleyball and more, and your best chance of a great time here is to jump right into the chaosahem, activity. Though Acapulco is usually marked by hustle and bustle throughout the year, spikes in the number of visitors to the city are known to occur in winter and summer. Winter, the Christmas and Easter season, brings those on holiday escapes, while in summer, Acapulco gets hit by the school-break crowd. Prices rise accordingly, and you may be a bit disappointed by the heat waves that sweep the streets.

Getting there and around

Certainly not the busiest flight center in Mexico, but not a barren terminal by any means, Alvarez International Airport serves travelers wonderfully with the friendly staff and zippy service. On-site are car rental services, restaurants, shops, and more. Shuttles await your arrival (actually, theyre there for everyone), and though the ride may not be quite as short as one might wish, youll get to your hotel in 30 minutes or less.

Many people choose to go the route of renting an automobile, but because Acapulco is so compact, youll find less and less need for your own set of wheels. Utilizing the citys public transit system is the way to go. The bus system here is superb, but hold onto your belongings tightly, especially in the evening. Air conditioned buses cost more but are worth it for those cross-town commutes. If youd like more personal service, taxis suit travelers well. Dont be afraid to bargain on a fare; in the end, drivers would rather hold you as a customer than lose you over a dispute on pricing.

Attractions

Throughout the year, the Centro de Convenciones is a haven for temporary exhibition of all kinds, and concert performances are commonplace here. The complex offers a wide range of options to visitors, and you cant ignore the pull of the Fiesta Mexicana, held on a number of evenings each week. Its good to contact the center before arriving as you can obtain a comprehensive outline of the daily schedule before heading out the door.

Close by to the Centro de Convenciones is CICI, href=http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/espanol/playas_y_balnearios/sur/detalle.cfm?idpag=4749&idsec=31&idsub=0>Centro Internacional de Convivencia Infantil. This water park is home to a number of exciting attractions sure to please the whole family. Dolphin and diving shows are held numerous times a day, and amateur surfers can ride the waves in an artificial pool. An aquarium is also featured on the premises, as is the Sky Ride, an elevated trip around the park grounds.

Everyone knows Acapulco to be a tourist haven, but you might not expect that such a city would have a great history to it as well. The Fuerte (Fort) de San Deigo is a fantastic trip to the past, and though much of it was damaged in an earthquake in the 18^th century, the intricate restoration work closely resembles that of the original Fort. Access to the Fort is free, and you can snap shots of the views from the roof after roaming around the exhibits of the Museo Historico de Acapulco inside. The Fort is the site of an occasional light show in high season as well.