Travel in Acapulco
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Informations on Acapulco: history, politics, economy, culture, Did you mean: Acapulco
For an other version of this travel guide, please visit Ooaj.com: Travel in Acapulco + Hotels
The original Mexican resort town, Acapulco has been eclipsed by Cancun and other resort towns. Still, it remains a major destination and a worthwhile trip.
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Understand
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Get in
There are many buses that go from major cities (e.g. Mexico City) to Acapulco. Buses are normally not very expensive and some bus lines offer student discounts in either official Mexican holidays or the summer, winter and april vacation period.
There is a modern highway from Mexico City to Acapulco (Autopista del Sol). It is somewhat expensive, but should take you there in 3 and a half hours, approximately.
There is also an airport that receives national flights and counts with a airport-hotel-airport service for transportation. Most flights from Mexico City to Acapulco will take no longer than one hour; The road from here to the bay takes more or less the same time. Fares, depending on the season and class, range from USD$230.00 to USD$500.00.
Get around
Taxis are everywhere in Acapulco. Since they are unmetered, make sure that you agree on a fare before entering, for they love to inflate their charges for 'rich' gringos. Because of the sheer amount of taxis here, when one is dining out it is often worthwhile for them to offer a round trip and simply wait around while you have your meal, and they will not charge extra.
See
- La Quebrada Cliff Divers - No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers dive into the waters. They have been doing it since 1934.
Beaches
The best beach in Acapulco can be found close to the hotel 'Princess de Acapulco'. While not within a walking distance from the city (about 35 minutes), it's definitely worth it. The sand is much finer, the water is clearer, it's less crowded but on Sundays, and people are normally better educated and cleaner because of the more expensive hotels in this beach. This is an open-sea beach, henceforth the tide is stronger and caution is advised.
The main beach or, la bahía is where most hotels are, the waters are mostly calm and suitable for practising sports and even riding "la banana", the fruit shaped inflatable.
Do
- CICI - It's a water park. Especially nice for kids.
There are several more atractions, including golf courses, night clubs and post-hispanic fortifications. Nightlife in Acapulco is pretty much fun, and many places are suited for tourism including "El Alebrije", "Disco Beach" and "Palladium", this last having a awe-inspiring sight of the whole bay of Acapulco..
Eat
- Señor Frog's - Señor Frog's is a party place; outside you will see signs that read "Drunk Crossing"; from that you can infer what this place is like.
- Casanova - Excellent Italian food with a great view of the city.
- Kookaburra - Also good food with a great view of the city.
- La Perla - La Perla's claim to fame is that they provide a wonderful view of the cliff divers. However, the food isn't quite up to par; it resembles cheap casino food.
Drink
La Costera, Acapulco's main drag along the coast, is full of bars and clubs. Locals tend to frequend Ibiza a lounge club on the beach which is very pleasant and plays mainly electronic music. The super clubs in Acapulco are El Alebrije and Paladium. El Alebrije is the largest night club in Latin America. Cover is $350 Pesos for men and $300 Pesos for women with a free bar until 5am. During busy periods getting a drink can be quite tricky. If arriving by car park in the Walmart 24 hour carpark just up the road and save on the valet parking charges. Paladium is perched on top of a cliff overlooking Acapulco. The large panoramic glass wall which forms one side of the dancefloor is very impressive. As with Alebrije the cover is relatively high but the bar is also free.
Sleep
Hostels
- Kingdom Youth Hostel
A former athletic training facility, Acapulco's Kingdom Youth Hostel (http://studenttravel.about.com/od/mexicohostels/ss/hostel_kingdom.htm) is a treat for the active or indolent. Friendly managers as of 2005. Inexpensive, with excellent showers and plenty of hammocks, internet access and a small bar. Outside of Acapulco proper, but that means it's near a quiet beach; a cab ride into the disco zone is about 10 pesos. A hostel worth checking out.
Resorts
- Las Brisas
- Quinta Real
- Fairmont Acapulco Princess