Acapulco

Acapulco's important trade role quickly developed, becoming a major trading center in a few decades, sending goods to Manila and other countries. In 1573, the city was given a monopoly and became the only port through which to trade with Manila.

The rapid development of Acapulco attracted the attention of English and Dutch pirates. Fort San Diego was built to protect the city in the XVI century. The fortifications provided Acapulco only with temporary security. In 1615, the pirates looted the city, and the owners of merchant ships began to choose more reliable routes. So Acapulco gradually lost its status as a major trading port and ceased to develop.

This Mexican city took over 200 years to recover and reclaim its identity. This time the emphasis was on the tourism sector. In the 1930s, Acapulco built the famous El Mirador Hotel, which still offers impeccable service and remains one of the best in the world. Its opening attracted the attention of vacationers, including Hollywood stars. Acapulco became a developed tourist resort and was already hugely popular by the middle of the XX century.

Today the city is a favorite destination for Mexicans and visitors from other countries.

If you plan a trip considering the holidays and festivals, you should visit Acapulco in mid-November. The city hosts a folk music festival, which delights visitors with live performances, theatrical performances, and a large fair.

In early December, Acapulco hosts another music festival, Tropico. It offers guests a three-day non-stop concert, a fashion show, and all sorts of exhibitions.

The resort hosts the Acafest music festival in mid-May, the paella festival with tastings in late May, and the big Corona Sunsets beach party in mid-June.

• Find the perfect beach. Acapulco is one of the most popular resorts in Mexico, so you should start exploring the local beaches. Condesa is considered the most popular, famous for its soft sand and big waves. Caleta and Caletilla beaches are great for holidays with children. They delight vacationers with cozy bays and numerous restaurants on the shore. Revolcadero is quiet and cozy but known for strong waves. Icacos attracts guests with golden sand and a real rainforest.
• Visit the Chapel of Peace. The ancient castle, next to which there is a 40-meter high cross, is located at the highest point of Acapulco. It offers spectacular views of the city and the mountains. There is a legend that the cross protects Acapulco and brings good luck to maritime travelers.
• See the Cathedral. One of the oldest temples in the city is decorated in a romantic oriental style. Four towers complement the central building in the Byzantine style. The cathedral impresses not only from the outside but also from the inside. The rich decor in gold and blue shades, beautiful stained glass, and frescoes on the ceiling are especially beautiful in sunny weather.
• Take a tour of the San Diego Fortress. This is a very important building for Acapulco because it began the city's modern history. There are always a lot of tourists, so it is better to come here in the morning. In addition to seeing the fortress itself, travelers have the opportunity to visit the Historical Museum, which contains documents, weapons, clothing, jewelry, and household items (including those that belonged to the natives).
• Get acquainted with the exhibits of the Museum of Archaeology. It is perhaps the most popular museum in the city, which tells the history of Acapulco since Indian times. It is worth allocating at least 2-3 hours to visit the museum, and it is better to study the rich exposition with a guide.
• Relax in the Papagayo National Park. This is the largest protected area in the south of Mexico (an area of 218,000 square kilometers) and a favorite vacation spot for tourists and locals. Shady alleys, artificial lakes, sculptures, botanical garden, astronomical playground, water park, several cafes, and even its library — you can spend the whole day in the park and get a lot of pleasant emotions.
• Visit the Isla la Roqueta. It is one of the most picturesque attractions in Acapulco. You can get here by boat. The road takes no more than 10 minutes. A shallow beach, a beautiful lighthouse, a zoo with exotic animals, an observation deck with an amazing view of the bay, and several cozy restaurants — the rest on the island will give pleasant memories.
• Take a dizzying leap off a cliff in La Quebrada Bay or marvel at how others do it. It is an ideal activity for extreme lovers, who gather every evening near the bay to jump into the water from a 35-meter-high cliff. Everything is complicated not only by the steep cliffs but also by the shallow depth of the sea — only 5 meters. During the jump, the spectators also get a dose of adrenaline and come to this peculiar spectacle.
• Dance until morning. Acapulco is not accidentally called the night capital of Mexico. Life doesn't stop after dusk. Rather, on the contrary. The resort turns into a solid dance floor, which does not let holidaymakers go until morning. Tourists can choose from many nightclubs, bars, and discos, which often host themed parties with performances by stars.