Weekend in Acapulco

Our Local Expert Says:

This is where the rich go to play…but you can go and visit this impressive area even if you are on a budget…The beautiful people are here!

Description:

The Diamante Area in Acapulco is the newest part of town. This is where the luxury hotels and mansions are to be found. However, there are also some of the most beautiful beaches and places to visit, such as Capilla de la Paz, a church of remarkable beauty located at the top of a hill. From here, you can see the whole of the bay and port of Acapulco and the most exclusive residential area of Las Brisas. The attractions also include restaurants such as Los Pavorreales for a delicious Mexican breakfast, or Beto Godoy and Cevichería Linda for a seafood lunch. And for a wide range of cocktails, stop off at any of the luxury hotels such as Mayan Palace, Pierre Marqués or Quinta Real, to enjoy a drink at their lobby bars, with live music, a distinguished ambience and excellent service. The best discos in town are also here. The Diamante Area is the place for tasteful entertainment, places of interest and natural beauty.

Our Local Expert Says:

Edith passed away in 2002 but her son now keeps up the tradition.

Description:

As this high-quality art gallery demonstrates, Acapulco is not all just sun and beaches. It is also a great place for shopping and this does not exclude art. Edith Matison's art gallery specializes in exhibiting and selling works by renowned local and international artists. The work of some of Mexico's best talents can be acquired here, as well as high-quality Mexican handicrafts from the extensive selection on display. This gallery is a perfect place to purchase an unforgettable present or an expensive memento to add some Mexican color to your home.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very pricey if you are looking to buy but houses the works of some of Mexico's finest.

Description:

This small gallery carries different works of art. Located within the Hotel Las Brisas, a majority of its visitors tend to be hotel guests, but it is also open to the general public. You will find both original works and authorized copies exhibited here. Some of the art works displayed here include those of famous painters like Diego Rivera, and the sculptures of Sergio Bustamante. Art lovers can even buy pieces, although prices tend to be high.

Our Local Expert Says:

Spectacular views. Well worth the trip for photos. The cross measure 42 meters high and can be seen from the city centre.

Description:

Spectacular views. Well worth the trip for photos. The cross measures 42 meters high and can be seen from the city centre.

Our Local Expert Says:

The only place in town where you can hear a real kookaburra bird laughing while you dine. In fact, originally there was a pair chuckling away in the large cage to the right of the entrance, but it is said one died after an inebriated patron blew cigar smoke in its face (in the days before the smoking ban).

Description:

For a long time this was the best restaurant in Acapulco for romantic atmosphere, style, sea views and cuisine and it still is among the top in the Las Brisas area. Decor is white and fresh, with natural materials (wood and thatch, stone and pebbles) without being rustic. It tends to be business lunches at around 2 to 4 pm and more romantic dining or larger groups in the evenings, when the place flickers with candles. It is a favorite with Acapulco's political and business classes, so you can rest assured its dishes (mostly international fare, with a touch of Mediterranean) and prices are not just aimed at tourists. The starters are very good and of the main courses the fish and seafood dishes tend to be the best options. Dress on the formal side.

Our Local Expert Says:

famous…If you can't stay there. Just take a taxi up to take a look. It is a beautiful view. The hotel grounds are beautiful.

Description:

The famous Princess hotel has been fully renovated and again reigns as Acapulco's leading resort, with 192 beachfront hectares (480 acres) of tropical gardens, pools, and golf courses. Guest rooms are housed in three 15-story buildings shaped like Aztec pyramids, with modern Mexican decor and terraces with views of the ocean, gardens, or golf course. Five beautiful free-form pools, including a saltwater lagoon dotted with waterfalls, are surrounded by gardens with 750 plant species and swans, flamingos, and other tropical birds. The wide beach offers many watersports activities, and there's an excellent kids' club. The resort also offers world-class tennis, golf, and spa facilities, and enough dining and entertainment options to obviate your need to leave the facility. In late 2008, the Fairmont "Pearl" opened as a luxury annex to the Princess, targeting hip, urban couples looking for a place to "see and be seen." Chic guest rooms colored in brilliant blues, magentas, and light greens feature plasma TVs, 350-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and beautiful bathrooms with rain showers and Miller Harris amenities. The Pearl Tower features its own lobby, concierge services, and swimming pool,...

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the heart of the old central neighborhood of Acapulco. While catering to tourists it also retains local authenticity, and is a showcase for some of the town's elderly characters of the "popular classes," as they are called here.

Description:

The Zócalo was the heart of Spanish Acapulco, founded on December 13, 1521, when Fernando Chico sailed into Acapulco Bay, and remains the most traditional section of the entire city. The busy neighborhood's vital center is a pretty tree-lined plaza between the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and the bay front avenue, La Costera. The church, built only in 1930, is unusual in Mexico: onion-shaped twin towers covered in blue and yellow tiles resemble those of a Russian Orthodox church.

The plaza's arcades contain restaurants and ice cream stores and if you explore the surrounding side streets you will find decent prices for souvenirs. The cruise ship terminal is within walking distance of the Zócalo and the sidewalks are frequently packed with passengers enjoying a day in port. Walk up the hill behind the church to La Quebrada and watch the cliff divers.

Description:

Located at the center of the bay in Acapulco's Golden zone, Condesa beach is known for its great tourist and commercial activity. Waves at this beach go from medium to large size and are ideal for those wanting to ride the waves in on a buggie board. It's festive atmosphere is ideal for meeting new friends, apart from the fact that along this beach there are several restaurants and bars which serve the public from early afternoon, all of which creates a festive mood that promises fun from sunrise to sunset.

Our Local Expert Says:

Not the prettiest beach due to the number of fishing boats, but it can be an interesting place to watch them come in.

Description:

This small beach (it comprises of just a short stretch of sand by the sea) lies in close proximity to the wharf. Hence it is a favorite spot of the villagers. The only drawback is the chain of boats parked along the coast. Since it is an important fishing center, one can spot several boats in the water at any hour.

Description:

This is a very popular beach for both locals and tourists. Its sand is fine with gentle waves. There are many palm trees on this beach that offer shade to this area. You can watch the fishmermen preparing the morning catch after pulling in the net.

Our Local Expert Says:

This famous elegant restaurant with spectacular décor has been visited by heads of state of many different countries as well as celebrities and the rich and famous. Reservations required. If possible request an outside table by the edge.

Description:

Madeiras serves absolutely lovely dinners along with a great view of the famous Acapulco bay. Served different menus are servied each day of the week in a classy atmosphere. All the table have a great view of the bay and the service is flawless. Each menu is four courses for a fixed price. The specialties include lobster, red snapper, chicken, and steak. There is a dress code: no shorts, tennis shoes, or bathing suits. They also have an impressive list of imported wine and liquors, as well as great margaritas. Dinner only; reservations are recommended.

Our Local Expert Says:

famous…If you can't stay there. Just take a taxi up to take a look. It is a beautiful view. The hotel grounds are beautiful.

Description:

The famous Princess hotel has been fully renovated and again reigns as Acapulco's leading resort, with 192 beachfront hectares (480 acres) of tropical gardens, pools, and golf courses. Guest rooms are housed in three 15-story buildings shaped like Aztec pyramids, with modern Mexican decor and terraces with views of the ocean, gardens, or golf course. Five beautiful free-form pools, including a saltwater lagoon dotted with waterfalls, are surrounded by gardens with 750 plant species and swans, flamingos, and other tropical birds. The wide beach offers many watersports activities, and there's an excellent kids' club. The resort also offers world-class tennis, golf, and spa facilities, and enough dining and entertainment options to obviate your need to leave the facility. In late 2008, the Fairmont "Pearl" opened as a luxury annex to the Princess, targeting hip, urban couples looking for a place to "see and be seen." Chic guest rooms colored in brilliant blues, magentas, and light greens feature plasma TVs, 350-count Egyptian cotton sheets, and beautiful bathrooms with rain showers and Miller Harris amenities. The Pearl Tower features its own lobby, concierge services, and swimming pool,...

Description:

Located to the East of Acapulco Bay, and very close to the airport, this is a fresh water lagoon of extraordinary natural beauty, which also houses a great variety of wild fauna. Jet-skis are available for rental and many visitors visit the canals that have been formed with marine vegetation. Among these canals, birds care for their young in nests. There are also a few restaurants here, and all of them have access to the lagoon and rent jet-skis and boats. Try Los Pavorreales!