Acapulco

Acapulco was one of Mexico’s first beach areas to become popular. It is no wonder these early tourists were captivated, since Acapulco has a stunning natural setting. Today, the aura of secluded bliss in the downtown area of Acapulco has faded behind rows of high-rise hotels (many of which have seen better days) and fast-food restaurants. Nevertheless, the views of Acapulco Bay, framed by mountains and beaches, are still breathtaking day or night. The towering Sierra Madre mountains are beautiful; they seem to reach right down to the shoreline. At night, the bay is magical and romantic with millions of lights reflecting in the water like stars.The more recently built hotels, many of them real beauties, are not in town, but tucked along the coast, away from the hustle and bustle. Here golden-sand beaches, blue sea, and waving palm trees create an idyllic setting. Acapulco is non-stop, 24-hour-a-day energy. The perfectly sculpted bay is an adult playground full of water skiers and wave runners. Golf and tennis are popular, but the real attraction is the nightlife! Acapulco, Cliff Divers of La QuebradaThe nightlife scene begins at 1 or 2 am and doesn’t stop until daylight. The beaches are generally wide and clean, but the ocean is polluted, although it is cleaner than in years past. In the 1990s, a program was instituted to clean up the water, and whales have recently been sighted offshore for the first time in years. If you do decide to swim in the sea, be aware of the strong undertow and riptides (at least two swimmers drown each year).One of the largest and most decadent of Mexican resort towns, Acapulco leapt into the international spotlight when movie stars made it their playground in the late 1930s, but it has fallen out of favor with international visitors in the last decade. Today, the vast majority of visitors are Mexicans from Mexico City and Guadalajara, who pour into town in huge numbers to spend a vacation by the sea.A visit to Acapulco would not be complete without seeing the famous cliff divers of La Quebrada who have been jumping from the rocks (about 35 meters up) into a small crevasse of ocean since 1934. Get there in time to see the spectacular sunsets and watch the divers as they plunge into the cliffs holding flaming torches. Visit the small shrine where the divers pray prior to their performances (Elvis said a few prayers himself there during the filming of Fun in Acapulco). For those looking for a sightseeing excursion, a day trip can be made to the spectacular mountainside town of Taxco, although it is a rather long trip. However, if you are driving to Mexico City, Taxco makes a good stopover along the way.