Acapulco is the big city of coastal resorts with the most hotels nearly 400 and the most visitors. Its visitor attractions are divided between those for foreigners and those for the many Mexicans who swell the winter population. In spite of the heavy tourist traffic and the wealth of diversions that have been introduced for tourists, the exotic, natural beauty of the area remains.
Winter is probably the best season to visit, but the resort is popular all year (most hotels lower their rates during the off season from May through November). The weather never gets very cold, and the water temperature is always perfect. Vegetation is lush, fragrant, and tropical. Shoppers beware, though prices are generally higher here than in any other Mexican city (especially from Christmas to Easter).
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Acapulco Beaches
Visiting Acapulco's beaches tops most visitors' lists of things to do here. The beaches heading cast around the bay from the zocalo- playas Hornos, Hornitos, Condesa and Icacos - are the most popular. The high-rise hotel district begins on Playa Hornitos, at the eastern side of Parque Papagayo, and heads cast from there. City buses constantly ply La Costera, the beachside avenue, making it easy to get up and down this long arc of beaches. Playas Caleta and Caletilla are two small, protected beaches beside one another in a cove on the south side of the Peninsula de las Playas.
The town : is set at the base of mountains that all but encircle a partially landlocked blue bay. When approaching town along the highway you descend to beach level and hotel row, a long line that reaches in toward the center of town. You'll discover newer resorts (and more expensive ones) on Revocaldero Beach and near lovely Puerto Marques Bay. The great high-rise structures are the luxuary hotels, air conditioned and equipped with swimming pools. Across the boulevard Costera Miguel Alernan cluster shops, restaurants, and night clubs, as well as supermarkets and American quick food franchise shops. The boulevard parallels the beach for awhile. At the last center of commerce before the street turns south, a broad, divided boulevard heads inland to where the vast public market complex is located.
The market is fun, whether you're shopping for picnic ingredients or just looking at what may be the most fascinating place in town. Here you'll find unfamiliar groceries, fresh breads, bulk seasonings, and produce both familiar and strange. Flower vendors brighten the courts between pavilions, and truckloads of bananas and other products crowd the streets.
Where the boulevard turns west again you'll see Acapulco's one real antiquity the 18th century Spanish Fort San Diego looming on the slope above. This is the heart of town. Enjoy the zocalo, cathedral, and malecon. Toward the sea is the waterfront park and its seawall extension. Vendors sell curios and crafts in the park's intricate cluster of small stalls. The sport fishing boats line up at the seawall; excursion boats and cruise ships anchor in the bay.