Acapulco : A Destination with Exotic Nature and Exciting Attractions

With a name that sounds like the quintessence of the exotic, a blessed climate of idol gods, a legendary half-moon berry and a nightlife that attracts revelers from around the world, Acapulco deserves its sulphurous reputation. Those who do not like mass tourism will go their way. But Acapulco is also a typical Mexican city, with an urban area of two million people, has a long history and a strong character. Its foundation dates back to 1531 when the conquistadors set up the first port on the Pacific Coast (a story told in the museum, installed today, in Fort San Diego) on a former Mayan site.

1. Coyuca Lagoon

This beautiful freshwater lagoon is considered as one of the most important natural attractions of Acapulco. This picturesque lagoon is lined with palm trees, water hyacinths and native flora, and has been part of Hollywood movies like The African Queen. The calm waters of the lagoon are separated from the tumultuous waters of the Pacific Ocean by a narrow strip of land. This place is known for its exuberant and colorful vegetation and for the many species of birds that live there.

2. Pie de la Cuesta

Only 10 km from Acapulco, the peaceful village of Pie de la Cuesta stretches out on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the Coyuca Lagoon. For travelers wanting a calm atmosphere to discover the coastline, this is the place! Past the mountain and forest that separate the two neighbors, the hotel style changes radically: small pensions and hotels on a human scale, no building on the horizon.

3. Fort San Diego

This fortress in the port of Acapulco fascinates both by its history, but also by its turtle shape. This is where the Museo Histórico de Acapulco is located. In 13 rooms, you will have a complete overview of the history of the city.

4. Zocalo

The Zocalo is a must-see place in Acapulco. You will love its place, its park, its small shops, its church, but also the life that one finds there, the musicians, the artistic performances. It is also a place where one eats very well, the big offer of restaurants, therefore, and where the prices are not prohibitive in spite of the influx of tourists. We advise you to visit it at night; the show is even more charming.

5. The island of Roqueta

Water sports and nature lovers will be on this island in paradise! But before enjoying the raw beauty of the place, you will have to make some effort, at least that of borrowing a boat from the beaches of Caleta or Caletilla. Ask to take a boat that has a glass bottom, so you can see the seabed and surely also the underwater statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of fishermen. Once on site, you can indulge in your favorite water activities or the observation of fauna and flora.

6. Taxco

Taxco is a picturesque colonial town located 170 miles north of Acapulco, in the mountains of the Northern Sierra. With a one-of-a-kind architectural style, the city is popular for its cobbled streets and white stucco houses topped with red tile roofs. The wrought iron balconies, a common ornament is usually brimming with beautiful flowers. Taxco is a known tourist destination in the world with the friendly and hospitable character of its inhabitants that has not changed. It is also like the silver-producing capital of Mexico, so there is a vast selection of cash available for purchase in its stores. Enjoy the free time to walk the cobblestone streets, visit the Santa Prisca Cathedral and savor the atmosphere of this typically Mexican city.

7. La Quebrada

The Quebrada, near Playa Langosta, is a 45-meter-high cliff made famous by the famous divers of Acapulco, brave youngsters who jump into the sea when the waves raise the water level in the sea. The show, of course, attracts many spectators to see these intrepid divers who jump from a height of 35 meters by accurately calculating when to throw from the top of the cliff. If you can see them from a space open to the public, the best view of this show given five times a day is located on the terrace of the restaurant La Perla of the Hotel Mirador overlooking the Quebrada. At night, for example, you can dine on the Mirador de la Perla while admiring the divers launching from the top of the cliff with a torch in each hand.

8. Parque Papagayo

Along the Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán and in the heart of the city, the Parque Papagayo is a real green lung for Acapulco. Covering an area of 22 hectares, three artificial lakes surrounded by tropical vegetation will be discovered, home to some exotic animals in captivity. This park, also known as Parque Ignacio Manuel Altamirano, is very popular with families and young people who will find sports fields, a skating track, rides for the little ones, a theater in the open air, a library, an aquarium, bars, restaurants and a giant piñata sculpture by Mexican artist Alberto Chessal.

9. Playa La Condesa

Playa La Condesa is also one of the most famous beaches in Acapulco. Located in the area of Acapulco Dorado, between Plaza Marbella and the Fiesta Americana Hotel, this beautiful beach of 650 meters extension is very lively at night due to the presence of many bars and discotheques. On Playa La Condesa there is a tower of 50 meters high that attracts thrill seekers by practicing bungee jumping. The less adventurous will be content to practice windsurfing, water skiing, sailing, snorkeling under the eyes of those who prefer to watch all this, quietly lying on the beach.

10. Laguna de Tres Palos

25 kilometers from the center of Acapulco you will discover the Laguna de Tres Palos, a lagoon with a length of 15 kilometers by 5.5 km wide separated from the Pacific Ocean by the beach of Barra Vieja and where you will find many restaurants that will offer you fish and seafood dishes including the famous local dish: "Pescado a la Talla", a snapper known there under the name of huachinango, seasoned with chili (chile guajillo) and grilled on the embers. The lagoon is home to an assortment of fish species, and horseback riding is offered to discover its exuberant nature with many birds that live in the mangrove.

◎ Closing

The golden crescent of Bahia de Acapulco today houses the most popular seaside resort in the country and the favorite of chilangos (inhabitants of Mexico City), thanks to its proximity. The atmosphere has changed, but the hectic Acapulco has kept oases of tranquility in its surroundings and offers many activities to satisfy all travelers who will stop in the most famous bay in the world.