Acapulco - tips by travel authority Howard Hillman

Acapulco

travel wonder in Mexico

Why
Acapulco
is special

No other major resort destination in the world caters to such a broad range of visitor interests - from luxurious and sophisticated tastes to budget and mass partying cravings. Acapulco has it all.

Acapulco
tips & insights

Stunning setting

Acapulco is blessed with a beautiful bay lined with smooth sandy beaches edged by mountains. This is the primary reason I rank this destination above other mass-market Mexican beach resort areas such as Cancun.

Plenty to do

Watersports
Acapulco has watersports galore, from parasailing to sportfishing. On land, you can enjoy outstanding golf and tennis facilities.

Resorts
Acapulco has a number of world-class resorts with gorgeous, relaxing seaside ambiances.

Dining
Eating is a favorite pastime among the vacationers. Restaurants suit all yearnings and pocketbooks, from gourmet to fastfood. Many have outdoor tables.

Clubs
There is no shortage of clubs for the party-till-dawn youth.

Family activities
Acapulco is also ideal for families with children in tow. Very popular is the vast waterpark.

Cliff diver watching
Daring cliff divers at La Quebrada gracefully dive from a high perch on the cliff down into a small seaside cove flanked with jagged rocks (see photo).

Sidetrip
The small, attractive hill town of Taxco is a popular side strip. Because it's several hours away, most people make it an overnight affair.

Acapulco has a history

Its deep bay was Spain's major New World port for trade with Asia. In its heyday, it was quite active.

Climate

The sun shines virtually every day, but wear sunscreen - it can be scorching. During the rainy season, from mid-May to October, it's also humid.

Nearest major city

Acapulco is about 5 hours from Mexico City on a toll express road. By plane, it's 45 minutes.