Acapulco is world renowned for its glitz, glamour and luxury. With
a reputation as a haven for the rich and famous, Acapulco has everything
a traveler could
hope for. No matter how much time you have, you won't have enough for Acapulco.
White sandy beaches
are the crowning jewel of Acapulco and each has a character of its own. Some cater to the
sun and fun seeker and some to those looking for solitude. While in Acapulco remember to
make time for
the beaches; each will offer a different taste of what this town has to
offer. Acapulco is perfect for stretching out on the sand along the bay
and sipping a
coco-loco.
Shopping
Acapulco isn’t as much of a
shopping mecca as other Mexican cities, but never fear...you should be able to find more
than enough options for souvenirs and duty-free merchandise.
If you enjoy bargain
shopping, the beaches are not going to be your best bet in Acapulco. The local government
recently set up several markets to get the vendors off of the beaches. Most of these
markets are located along the Costera and sell a wide variety of merchandise. Always pay
close attention to what you buy, as many vendors will try to sell fake stones or fake
“name-brand” merchandise. It is usually best to bargain
shop in the markets, as
the beach and street vendors are those that
are most notorious for selling fake
merchandise.
Most of
Acapulco’s shopping is offered through individual stores on the Costera instead of
through shopping malls. Taking a nice stroll and
shopping along the Costera will make a
nice day’s outing while in Acapulco. Shops are typically open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Acapulco residents love their siesta time, and for a large
portion of the
day, stores will be closed, but you’ll find it is remarkably easy to
adjust
to their schedule.
Fishing is probably the most popular marine sport
in Acapulco, and
for good reason. Chances of pulling in a large game fish are excellent.
Among the many game fish available off the coast of Acapulco are sailfish,
tuna, barracuda, Spanish mackerel, bonito and many more. Fishing tours
typically leave from the dock at Playa Larga, and will vary in price,
depending on the size of the boat and the time of the tour. The price may
or may not include meals, drinks, and/or your fishing license. Be sure to ask
what is included in the price. Unlike most other Mexican resort towns,
Acapulco offers freshwater fishing as well as deep sea fishing. The Club de
Playa Maeva makes daily runs to Pie de la Cuesta’s Coyuca lagoon where
you can do some freshwater fishing, mainly for bass or catfish.
Watersports
DIVING &
SNORKELING
Snorkeling and scuba diving are very popular in Acapulco as the waters in the area are
rich in marine life.
The general favorite
snorkeling location is Roqueta island, but boat traffic can be dangerous here, so pay
close attention to where you are snorkeling or diving.
If you would like to
learn the ins and outs of diving, instruction is available either on Caleta beach or through some hotels, which will likely cost a little more. This price
usually involves about an hour and a half of instruction on diving safety and how to use
diving equipment. Costs for an actual diving excursion will vary.Snorkeling gear may
be rented on most beaches for a reasonable price, making it, perhaps, the easiest and
cheapest of watersports available in Acapulco. Your hotel may even have snorkeling
equipment for rent, so you may wish to ask at your hotel information desk to find out what
they have to offer.
WATER-SKIING,
PARASAILING, & SURFING
Like most other vacation resort towns, Acapulco offers many exciting
water sports.
If you love
water-skiing or would love to learn, you won’t have much trouble finding someone to
take you or teach you. Sometimes having a better boat to pull you is worth the added cost, so if
you can afford more, these trips are worth the money. Every night except on Mondays, the
International Ski Club puts on a wonderful water-ski show in front of San Diego Fort. The
show begins at 9 p.m. and is well worth your time to see.
Parasailing is
offered as well. Parasailing involves being
strapped into a parachute and being pulled behind a boat. The height that you reach
provides an excellent view of the surrounding area, but it also provides some danger. To
best ensure your safety, be sure to check the equipment for wear and tear.
There are a variety
of boat rentals available on the beach, including sailboats, paddleboats, kayaks, inner
tubes, and jet skis. Naturally, prices will vary, so be sure to shop around for the best
price.
If you’d like to
give surfing a try, surf boards and sail boards are available for rent. The pounding surf
of Revolcadero beach is the favorite location
for surfers, but if you’re just
starting, you might choose the calmer surf
of other local beaches.
Boat Trips
Snorkeling and diving tours
are available, usually going to Roqueta island, the favorite snorkeling spot in Acapulco.
If you want to go to Roqueta without paying the price of an organized tour, ferries leave
every half hour.
Another excellent
tour to take is a cruise around Acapulco bay. Each boat will have different activities
available and you can pick and choose which boat most suits your needs. Most will feature
a bar and buffet meal, some have swimming pools, others stop to allow passengers to swim
in the bay, glass bottom tours are available and some tours even feature shows and
dancing. A cruise is an excellent way to relax and see Acapulco bay, and each cruise will
have it’s own distinct personality, so choose the cruise that best suits you and
enjoy.
Services
BANKS: Banks along the Costera are usually open from 9 a.m. to 1 or
2 p.m. on weekdays. The banks have the best rates, but should you opt
for convenience, the
Casas de Cambio (money exchange booths) give a competitive rate of exchange and usually
have short lines. Hotels are perhaps the most convenient place to exchange money, but
rates are worse at hotels than at banks or exchange booths. There is an American Express
office at 709 Costera Aleman (the Costera). Telephone: 84-5200 for financial services,
84-1095 for travel services, 84-5550 for customer service, and 84-6060 for tours.
CONSULAR:There is an
American consular agent at the Hotel Club del Sol
on the Costera at R. Catolicos available
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays. Telephone: 85-6600 ext. 7348.
The Canadian agent is
also at the Hotel Club del Sol and is available from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays.
Telephone: 85-6621.
TOURIST
INFORMATION:The federal tourism office (SECTUR) can be found on the Costera near Hornos
Beach. Here you may have questions answered regarding flights, hotels, activities, or any
other questions you might have regarding the options you have as a tourist in Acapulco.
The office is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on
Saturday.
EMERGENCY: In
Acapulco, there is a special squad of police officers who speak English and whose primary
task is assisting tourists. These officers wear white and light blue uniforms and will be
glad to help you in case of emergency.
Acapulco has its
share of English-speaking doctors should you have a medical emergency. It is best to ask
at your hotel’s information desk to
find the name of a good English-speaking
physician.
POST OFFICE: The main post office, or
Correo, of Acapulco is located on the Costera near the Zocalo.
OTHER TRAVEL INFORMATION:from the
Mexico Tourist Department
HEALTH:Health problems sometimes affect visitors to Mexico. Information on health
precautions can be obtained from local health departments or private doctors. It is wise
to review your health insurance policy before
you travel. There are short-term health
insurance policies designed specifically to cover travel.
Most hotels offer purified water, but it is always advised
to drink bottled water. Be aware of ice cubes (sorry, this includes Margaritas) that may
not have been made with purified water Vegetables and fruits should be peeled or washed in
a purifying solution. A good rule to follow is if you can't peel it or cook it, do not eat
it. Diarrhea may benefit from antimicrobial treatment which may be prescribed or purchased
over the counter. Travelers should consult a physician, rather than attempt
self-medication, if the diarrhea is severe or persists several days.
A Guide to Entry and Exit Regulations
Getting Into Mexico:
U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for no more than 72 hours and remaining
within 25 kilometers
of the border do not need a permit to enter. Those wishing to travel past the 25 kilometer
border area of Mexico must be properly documented. Those transiting Mexico to another
country need a transit visa which costs a nominal fee and is valid for up to 30 days.
Tourist Cards:
All U.S. citizens visiting Mexico for tourism or study for up to 180 days
need a document,
called a tourist card in English or FMT in Spanish, to enter and leave Mexico, The
airlines will provide you with one prior to landing. Upon entering Mexico, retain and
safeguard the pink copy of your tourist card so you may surrender it to Mexican
immigration when you depart. You must leave Mexico before your tourist card expires or you
are subject to a fine. A tourist card for less than 180 days may be revalidated in Mexico
by the Mexican immigration service (Direccion General de Servicios
Migratorios).
Traveling With Minors
A child under the age of 18 traveling with only one parent must have written, notarized
consent from the other parent to travel, or must carry,
if applicable, a decree of sole
custody for the accompanying parent or a death certificate for the other parent. Children
traveling alone or in someone else's custody must have notarized consent from both parents
to travel, or if applicable, notarized consent from a single parent plus documentation
that the parent is the only custodial parent.
Returning to the United States
You must present the pink copy of your tourist card at your
point of departure from Mexico.
The U.S. Customs Service currently permits U.S. citizens
returning from international travel to bring back $400 worth of merchandise, including 1
liter of alcohol, duty free. The next $1,000 worth of items brought back is subject to a
duty of 10%. In addition to U.S. Customs regulations, be aware that some U.S. border
states (most notably, Texas) have imposed state restrictions on liquor, wine, and beer
imports from Mexico. If you are planning to bring back alcoholic beverages, inquire about
these restrictions from the liquor control office of the state through which you plan to
return.
TIPPING:In Mexico, it is customary to tip 10
percent in
restaurants, and you may also give a couple of dollars to any
passing band whose playing is particularly pleasing. However, the
American custom of tipping 15 to 20 percent is practiced at
international resorts. Housemaids in hotels may be covered by
an all-inclusive charge, but welcome US$4-$5 tips per night, and
don't forget to hand over something small to the little boy who
runs to clean your windshield or who fills your car up with gasoline
for you. Mexicans always tell you that tipping is not expected; it
may, however, be well deserved and they always thank you.
Acapulco
travel: 