Acapulco Holiday
Acapulco is famous for its parties, beaches and watersports, but it is also used to play an important role as the haunt of pirates, conquistadores and other seafarers.
The Mexican city of Acapulco is set in a fabulous bay in the south west of the country and is a popular tourist resort, with a rich history.
Known officially as Acapulco de Juarez and located in the state of Guerrero, Acapulco means "plain of dense reeds" and the city has been inhabited from at least the third millennium BC, with many artefacts from ancient peoples discovered in the area.
Once the haunt of pirates and trading vessels, the bay became a destination of choice for the international jet set and is mentioned in a number of songs, including the Frank Sinatra hit Come Fly With Me.
The bay of Acapulco fell under the control of the Spanish conquistadors in 1521, on the orders of Hernan Cortes and became a vital stopover for ships trading between Europe and the Orient. Following Mexican independence in the 19th century, Acapulco was isolated for a century; enjoying renewed popularity from the 1920s onwards as a holiday destination.
Acapulco lies on Mexico's Pacific coast around 190 miles south west of Mexico city and is home to a population of around 650,000 people. It has somewhat fallen out of favour with holiday makers and is less crowded these days, but it still retains a lively and sophisticated air and has enjoyed a revival in recent years. Although flights to Mexico are still reasonably priced through out the year.
For those willing to tear themselves away from the golden sands and delicious cocktails along the bay, there is plenty to see. The Casa de la Cultura is a sizeable complex that houses a charming archaeological museum, crafts market and art gallery, the Casa de Mascaras has a collection of 550 traditional ceremonial masks, and the Fuerte de San Diego, a 17th century fort, is now the Acapulco History Museum.
For younger visitors, the CiCi and Magico Mundo Marino water parks have slides and dolphin and seal shows, while the beautiful Parque Papagayo has its own aviary, roller-skating rink, lagoon with boats and replica space shuttle.
Excellent shopping opportunities of all kinds can be found in the markets, the old city square and the sizeable malls, where tourists can choose from stylish boutiques, local shops and stalls, many of which sell Mexican jewellery, fabrics and handicrafts.
Acapulco offers a wealth of beachside activities and watersports, including the famous cliff divers, who have been leaping from La Quebrada Cliff since 1934. Facilities are also available for horse riding, surfing, fishing, jet skiing and windsurfing.
There are some spectacular natural sights in and around the city, from lush tropical jungles to crystal blue lagoons and the ruins of the old silver-mining Taxco, around 170 miles to the north.
Acapulco is famous for its nightlife, with bars, clubs and restaurants stretching along the bay. There are plenty of places to stay in the city and along the coast, with stylish old hotels rubbing shoulders with high rise blocks. The Convention Centre hosts exhibitions and has a large plaza, theatres and a concert hall.
The city is accessible by road, bus and rail, though most tourists fly into the international airport, with an increasing number of airlines offering direct flights from the UK and holiday package deals available.
