* La Quebrada Cliff Divers - No visit to Acapulco is
complete without watching the cliff divers perform their
impressive jumps into the shallow stream of water of dangerous
tides that forms in the bottom part of La Quebrada. They
have been doing it since 1934. You can see the dives from
a small platform by the cliff for a small entrance fee,
or eat at the La Perla restaurant which offers a good
view of the divers. Showtime at 1 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM
and 9:30 PM.
* Zócalo - Zócalo, Acapulco's town square,
lies on the western side of La Costera. It tends to
expose more local culture than other, more tourist-centric,
areas. Zócalo contains Acapulco's cathedral,
as well as many restaurants ranging in size from sidewalk
bistros and tiny street-corner kitchens. Many of the
smaller restaurants will provide full dinners for as
little as 35 pesos.
* Pie de la Cuesta - Pie de la Cuesta is a quiet strip
of land roughly 6 miles northwest of Acapulco, bordered
on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by
a freshwater lake (Laguna de Cuyoca) on the other. The
lagoon is extremely tranquil, but tourists are advised
not to enter the Pacific Ocean at Pie de la Cuesta,
because the surf is very dangerous. One can reach Pie
de la Cuesta via bus. If you are on the Bay Side along
the Costera, between Escudero and Diego Mendoza, look
for the bus that says Pie de la Cuesta PLAYA LUCES.
These go up that narrow strip of land. You can also
take one that says San Isidro and that will let you
off in the Zocalo in Pie de la Cuesta, but you have
to walk a couple blocks to the strip and about a half
kilometer up to the lagoon.
* Puerto Marquez - Located at a smaller bay just east
of Acapulco, Puerto Marquez sees much less tourist traffic
than Acapulco. One side of the bay is completely covered
by adjacent beach-side restaurants offering very reasonably
priced food and beer. The restaurant owners (as well
as most other locals) are very friendly to tourists
and some will offer discounts or a free round of beer
to groups. Tourists and locals alike munch on shrimp
enchiladas, sip negra modelos, wade in the waters, and
enjoy the breathtaking sunsets. Fewer locals speak English
in Puerto Marquez than in Acapulco, so it is recommended
that vistors speak some rudimentary Spanish. One can
reach Puerto Marquez via bus.
[edit] Beaches
Most beaches are in the bay area fronting the main
boulevard "La Costera". This bay area is what
made Acapulco famous and its beauty and majesty have
not faded over the years. Some of the most representative
beaches in La Costera are Icacos, Condesa, Hornos and
Caleta, of which Condesa is the cleanest and most scenic.
Beaches on La Costera have mostly calm waters suitable
for practicing sports and even riding "la banana",
the fruit shaped inflatable. Most hotels in Acapulco
are found along La Costera.
Perhaps the best beach in Acapulco can be found close
to the hotel 'Princess de Acapulco'. Playa Revolcadero
is about three miles from the airport and as opposed
to beaches in La Costera that are protected by the bay,
this is an open water beach with strong tides that warrant
extra caution. Transportation from La Costera takes
about 35 minutes through a winding and scenic road.
Don't miss Barra Vieja, approx. 20 past the Airport
coming from the costera($500-$800 Pesos for a cab all
day) |
