Copyright 1989 by Scott Hays
Magazine: Orange Coast Magazine
Topic: Action-Packed Acapulco
Byline: Scott Hays

Acapulco's reputation as an action-packed, glittering international playground packed with tourists is true. The city is buzzing with energy and glamour. Blessed with spectacular scenic beauty, this southern-most community on the Mexican Riviera is in the business of making vacations unforgettable. Three hours flight time from Los Angeles, in the state of Guerrero, no other Mexican resort knows better how to manufacture fun.

State, federal and private investors have been diligently working to double the amount of travelers to Mexico and boost tourist revenues. To that end, Mexico's oldest resort - and the one that probably has the most to offer to international travelers - has launched a $10 million advertising and promotion campaign with the slogan. "Acapulco! Hotter than Ever."

Bordered by the golden Pacific on one side and the towering Sierra Madre mountains on the other, there's enough to do here to last from dawn to dusk. Acapulco, unlike anything else in Mexico, is an extraordinary resort that's pretty much a party town. The beaches are loved by sun worshipers and people stay in their bathing suits past midnight.

Acapulco originally was well-known as an important port during the 16th century and used mostly as a base to chart Mexico's coastline. It was later established as a trade center, linking it with the Orient, the Phillippines and Spain. Cortes ordered the settlement of Acapulco in 1531, and in 1599 the Spanish Crown declared it an official city. By the crescent-shaped bay really made a name for itself during the 1940s and '50s when Hollywood celebrities and European royalty sought out its beaches and warm weather.

Today, Acapulco is still a playground for the rich and beautiful, but it is overrun with tourists. Last year, more than 1 million people visited the area and it's the No. 1 destination for both Mexican and American tourists.

Whatever you do in Acapulco, you'll more than get your money's worth. Start your stay with a half-day city tour that includes a visit to Fort San Diego, which was used to protect the area from pirates intent on sacking the port and capturing riches. It's located in the older section of Acapulco, where the local markets also can be found.

More than 23 beaches are nestled in and around the tranquil water of Acapulco Bay. The beaches are alive with vendors and Mexican beach boys. As you walk along the sidewalks, someone may hand you a flier for a free drink at a local watering hole, or offer you an invitation to go parasailing.

For a mere $10, a seven-minute ride parasailing would be a welcome adventure. A speedboat pulls your parachute 300 feet above the bay for a breathtaking view of the city. Other water sports you can enjoy include water skiing, speed boating, scuba diving, sailing or deep-sea fishing. Lessons and equipment are available.

For cultural programs, traditional Mexican performers regularly perform at the Acapulco Convention Center, located in the east bay along Costera Miguel Aleman, and bullfights are held Sunday afternoons near Caleta Beach. Just ask for the Plaza de Toros. When you buy your tickets, ask for the shady side of the bullring.

Be sure also to visit La Quebrada, where the daring cliff divers perform. From the small ledge above, divers plunge roughly 130 feet down a sheer wall into a narrow gorge where the surf is less than 12 feet deep. You can watch the divers at least three times a day from the La Perla nightclub at El Mirador Hotel.

For those who want to enjoy the Pacific Ocean in a more peaceful surrounding, a trip to Roqueta Island is a must. Visitors can take in a spectacular view of Acapulco Bay from the lighthouse, or visit the submerged Virgin of Guadalupe in a glass-bottom boat. Another great way to spend the afternoon is on board one of the yacht cruises, which visit Puerto Marques, Acapulco Bay and La Quebrada.

Visitors can shop in open-air markets or take cover at the sophisticated air-conditioned malls. Gold and silver jewelry, leather goods and resort wear are some of the items to bargain for here.

Knows as the disco capital of the world, Acapulco comes alive at night. Most nightclubs and discos usually don't open until 10 p.m. r later. The real action doesn't start until after midnight. Most major hotels have piano bars or discos, while most of the outside clubs require reservations. Try Baby'O, Jackie O's or Acapulco's newest disco, Extravaganza, a $4 million nightclub on the hill near Las Brisas Hotel. All three are very trendy.

Once the partying has ended, you can stake out a favorite bay-side spot before heading back to your hotel. Acapulco hotels are the essence of elegance and romance.

The world-famous Las Brisas, which sits high on the eastern edge of a 110-acre hillside overlooking Acapulco Bay, is more like a private country club than hotel. It has 300 pink and white casitas (bungalows) with private or semi-private pools and a private beach club, where you can skin dive in fresh- or salt-water lagoons. Be sure to rent one of the hotel's pink-and-white jeeps. It makes it easier to get to and from your room and to explore Acapulco.

Taxis, on the other hand, are plentiful and reasonable. But set your price with the driver before getting into the cab.

Other luxury hotels in the area include the Pierre Marques, the Hyatt Regency, Acapulco Plaza and the Acapulco Princess Hotel near the airport. Pleasant tropical temperatures remain throughout most of the year, so any time is a good time to visit this city that never sleeps.