|
|
|
|
 |
 |
Acapulco
> Accomodations |
Attractions | Shopping
| Restaurants | Nightlife
Acapulco Attractions
 Plaza
Álvarez or Zócalo:
it is the main square of the city and one of the few places
that show the architectural lines of the old
Acapulco . A haven of peace,
it has refreshing fountains, varied vegetation and benches
to relax.
Cathedral
of Nuestra Señora de la
Soledad :
its simple architecture shows Spanish and Moorish influence,
in particular its cupolas that look like the Byzantine
towers of the mosques. The inside is adorned with tiles,
while the floor is covered with golden mosaics. Built
in 1930, it was originally designed as a movie set,
before being used as a church.
Fort
of San Diego:
it was built by the Spaniards as a protection against
the pirates who threatened the coast of Acapulco
by attacking the
Manila and Nao Galleons on their way back from the Orient,
full of valuable goods. Remodeled in 1776, the stone
fort has a pentagonal shape and its numerous rooms are
surrounded by protection pits. It is located in Hornitos
St. No. 1, downtown, and I now house the Historic Museum
of Acapulco.
Historic
Museum of Acapulco: its
10 rooms house permanent and temporary exhibitions that
reflect the history of Acapulco from the earliest human
vestiges (3,000 b.C.) to date, including information
about the Spanish conquest, the trade relationship with
the East, the pirates´ attacks and the Mexican
revolution. There
are also musical shows and theater plays.
Dolores
Olmedo Gallery:
the house of this famous art patron and collector is
now a cultural landmark in
Acapulco . Its invaluable collection includes a mural
by Diego Rivera, who took advantage of his stay in 1956
to paint the god Quetzalcóatl, whom he represented
as a plumed serpent. The
gallery is located on Costera Miguel Alemán 4455.
Ecumenic
Chapel of Peace:
in the highest part of Acapulco (402 asl) the Trouyet
spouses decided to create a space of harmony and spirituality
to welcome worshippers of all religions without any
distinction, an idea that gave birth to this chapel
with its 42-meter cross, that can be seen from everywhere
in town. Located in the exclusive area of Las Brisas,
the chapel offers a spectacular panorama of the
Acapulco bay.
Acapulco
International
Convention Center :
the cultural heart of the city, it has theaters, such
as Netzhualcoyotl and Juan Ruiz de Alarcón and
wide gardens where colorful folkloric shows take place,
with regional music and dances. It
has a 34
acre area and its architectural design is both modern
and prehispanic.
Noa
Noa Handicraft Market:
located in the Hornos area, it houses beautiful and
original pieces, full of creativity and good taste.
Pieces
made of precious stones and minerals are the most remarkable,
prices are also very attractive.
Papagayo Roller Park:
also known as Ignacio Manuel Altamirano, it has 21 hectares
of children´s games, slides, a scenic train, pedal
boats, a skating ring and even an old Spanish galleon.
It is very close to downtown
Acapulco , between Insurgentes
and Avilés avenues.
Beaches
Caleta and Caletilla:
two of Acapulco´s most traditional beaches, they
are both rather quiet, because the current from the
Pacific is blocked by the Roqueta island, located just
in front of them. These beaches are perfect for those
in search of quiet and friendly waters and they are
also perfect for diving. On
Caleta
Beach , the city aquarium - Magic Marine World - showcases
a large variety of exotic fish, crocodiles and seal,
among other species. There is an oceanographic museum,
an aviary, a video room, a swimming pool with slides
and a beach club. The boats for
Roqueta
Island leave from there.
Tamarindo,
Hornos and Hornitos:
these beaches are idyllic, with tall palm trees, soft
sand and quiet waves, ideal for endless swimming and
practicing watersports. At sunrise, one can watch the
fishermen preparing their boats to go fishing in the
Pacific. These beaches are located between hotel Las
Hamacas and Paraíso Acapulco.
Condesa:
one of the most popular beaches in
Acapulco , its high waves
are a guarantee of fun, as are its lively shopping malls
and delicious restaurants. There is always something
to do there, whether jet ski, waterski, windsurf, sailing,
snorkeling or bungee jumping from a 50-meter high platform.
You can also simply enjoy the endless party atmosphere
that invades the beach, located in the Golden Zone of
the Costera Miguel Alemán, the tourist heart
of
Acapulco .
Icacos:
the largest beach in
Acapulco , it begins at the Presidente hotel, where
waves are high and impetuous, and ends at the Hyatt
Regency
hotel where, ironically, the sea is quiet and peaceful.
It
is ideal for all surface watersports. Icacos
beach is also home to the
Water
Park or International Children Community Center (CICI)
that offers shows with dolphins and seals. There are
also slides, pools and a mini aquarium, among other
attractions.
Pichilingue:
the beach of the famous. Many jet set celebrities have
luxury villas on this exclusive beach, where they come
to enjoy the relaxing waters of the Pacific. If you
feel like a paparazzo, board one of the yachts that
can be found around Pichilingue. If you’re lucky,
you could see some celebrity on the beach or playing
with the waves, otherwise you might have to just enjoy
the view of the sea. 
Puerto
Márquez:
what used to be a pirates´ refuge is now the locals´
favorite beach, who enjoy going there to bask in the
sun, savor seafood specialties and refreshing drinks.
Its quiet surf and beautiful vegetation make it an excellent
spot for diving, snorkeling and water skiing.
Revolcadero:
its name refers to the impetuous character of the Pacific
in this part of
Acapulco . The surf is strong and impetuous on this
beach, and there can be constant undertow, therefore
it is not recommended to swim there. However, these
choppy waters are a challenging paradise for surfers.
You can also ride a horse on this endless beach. It
is located on the scenic road (its name comes from the
beautiful views it offers) that goes to the airport
close to Puerto Márquez.
Barra
Vieja:
it is a small island located 27 km from
Acapulco . The waters of Rio
Papagayo and Tres Palos lagoon join around it, and there
is also a channel connecting it to the
Pacific Ocean . This beach is ideal for long horse rides
and it also famous for its “pescado a la talla”,
a typical dish prepared in its restaurants.
Pie
de la Cuesta: its
fierce waters may scare swimmers away, but its magical
and blazing sunsets attract numerous visitors and make
it a highly interesting beach. In addition, while you
watch the sun go down, it is customary to savor the
delicious specialties prepared in its cozy restaurants,
or gallop on the beach on a fiery horse.
 La
Quebrada:
every day, bold divers dive into the sea from this 35-meter
high cliff, as part of a show that has become one of
Acapulco
most traditional landmarks. It is an unforgettable and
hair-rising sight, especially at night, when the bold
young men jump with lighted torches in their hands.
This famous cliff is not natural, it was formed after
a hill was dynamited and cut in two, which gave birth
to the imposing rock formation that has been used by
divers since 1934.
La
Quebrada is located close to Caleta beach, a few minutes
from downtown, on
López
Mateos avenue
. If you want to see the
dives from a privileged location, go to La Plancha.
. If you want to see the dives from a privileged location,
go to La Plancha. Walk
carefully, because the area is slippery.
Tlacopanocha:
this is where the fierce seamen arrive, after a day at
work in the Pacific. It is located next to the pier, close
to the Acapulco Zócalo. |
|
|
|
