Acapulco
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Feb 6 - Feb 12
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Acapulco at a glance
A stunning bay overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Acapulco is the port with the greatest tourism tradition in Mexico. It has gorgeous beaches, delicious fish and seafood establishments, important trade centres and a first class hotel infrastructure. Acapulco de Juárez has always been characterized by its strong tourist impact, both national and international. Featured in hundreds of films, a favorite of well-known '50s and '60s Hollywood stars, attractive to hotel empresarios and investors; and today, the destination of many a Mexico City inhabitant seeking sun and sea on the weekends.
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Acapulco history
Acapulco: From Piracy to Tourism
Imagine an unspoiled paradise, on the coasts of the Pacific, where only a few animal species live, the sun, the sea and the vegetation making up a green and ochre landscape. Thus was Acapulco Bay over 3000 years ago. The first inhabitants of this area were the Nahuas, a tribe that was a predecessor to the Aztecs, according to archaeological findings dating back to over 2000 years ago.
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Acapulco local information
State:
Guerrero

Country:
Mexico

Acapulco by the Numbers:
Population: 721,100 Land Area: 11 square miles Average Annual Rainfall: 59 inches Average January Temperature: 81 degrees F Average July Temperature: 92 degrees F Average Sunshine Days: 360

Quick Facts:
Major Industries: Tourism, Textiles, Petroleum Electricity: 110-120 volts; standard, flat two-pin plugs Time Zone: GMT - 6 or - 5 between April and October Country Dialing Code: 011 Area Code: 744

Did You Know?
Jacquie and John Kennedy and Bill and Hillary Clinton honeymooned in Acapulco.

Orientation:
Acapulco is nestled on the southeastern edge of Mexico's mainland. Its western edge rims the Bay of Acapulco which opens to the Pacific Ocean. The Sierra Madre Mountains tower from the east making for a dramatic union of water and land. Mexico City sprawls 229 miles to the north and Guadalajara 612 miles to the southeast.
Acapulco weather
Average Temperatures
Fah
Cel
Rainy Days
Average Annual Rainfall:
40.3" / 45.0 cm
How to get there
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Getting There

By Air
The Juan N. Alvarez International Airport (ACA) (+52 744 466 9446) perches 14 miles southeast of downtown. Recent major renovations to its terminal, including more restaurants, have made it more visitor-happy.

Private taxis are banned from ferrying passengers from the airport so look for the Transportes Terrestres booths near the baggage claim area. Shared vans average USD10, while taxis range from USD18-USD50. Rides into town take 25-30 minutes.

By Bus
The Central Camionera Station, north of downtown, is serviced by two major bus lines: Estrella de Oro (+52 744 485 9360) and Estrella Blanca (+52 744 469 2028). Both have air-conditioned buses and provide almost hourly service to Mexico City.

By Car
Highway 95, a four-to-six lane toll highway, takes 3.5 hours from Mexico City and costs USD50. If time is not a factor but you are looking to save money Highway 95 D, a route that parallels Highway 95, is free but takes six hours from Mexico City due to its excess of continuous curves. Highway 200 wanders into Acapulco from both the north and south. Be careful when driving from the south for it has a history of robberies.

Getting Around Town
Acapulco sports an extremely efficient bus system. Riders can choose from either its new line of pastel colored buses (USD.40) or its noticeably old school buses (USD.35). Covered bus stops, complete with posted route maps, line the Costera (Acapulco's main hotel/restaurant strip) making buses accessible from almost every street corner. Buses operate from 5A-11P daily.

Taxis are abundant and easy to find. The VW bug cabs are cheaper than the more contemporary "sitio" taxis averaging between USD2-USD10 as compared to USD4-USD12. If you hail a hotel taxi they generally charge three times higher. Because taxi competition is fierce each cab attempts to gain an edge by lavishly decorating their cars with elaborate neon lights so don't be surprised to be picked up by something that resembles a vehicular Liberace. Some of the more prominent upscale cab companies include:

Sitio Escudero: (+52 744 484 0250) Sitio Emancipacion (+52 744 484 7300) Sitio 54 Acapulco Plaza (+52 744 486 2461)

Because of Acapulco's sprawl having a car is handy, but not necessary due to its bus system. If you do drive be aware that parking is tight and is completely banned from the Costera. Street names and numbers are difficult to spot so have a good idea of where you going prior to driving.

Acapulco is not conducive for walking, unless you plan on never leaving the Hotel Zone.
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