Introduction

Acapulco de Juárez has always been characterized by its strong tourist impact, both national and international. Featured in hundreds of films, a favorite of well-known '50s and '60s Hollywood stars, attractive to hotel empresarios and investors; and today, the destination of many a Mexico City inhabitant seeking sun and sea on the weekends.

One of the main attractions has remained unchanged through time; traditional Acapulco continues to be an ideal place to stroll. You can visit the Fuerte de San Diego, which served as protection against the attacks of dangerous buccaneers in times when pirates were a common threat; La Isla de la Roqueta, with its Aca-Zoo, a small zoo with some native species; El Zócalo, with its well-known, curiously designed Cathedral; La Quebrada, and its daring divers; or the Playas de Caleta y Caletilla, popular with Acapulco locals. The activities in this district tend to be fun and cheap.

The Zona Dorada ("Golden Area"), one of the largest districts in Acapulco, extends itself throughout the Avenida Miguel Alemán, also called Costera. In this area—compared by some to Sunset Boulevard—there is a large number of exclusive shops, like Guess; restaurants and bars such as Baby Lobster, La Mansión Suntory, and some four-star hotels.

If you're taking the panoramic road towards la Quebrada, you will find a district called Pie de la Cuesta, a small fishing village, famous for offering some of the most glorious sunsets you're ever likely to see. People travel from all over Acapulco just to catch a glimpse of this wonderful display. The sea is open, so the large waves make it dangerous to swim in. However, you can just sit and watch the sun setting with friends, or taste a dish or two at nearby restaurants like Tres Marías.

Bahía de Puerto Marques is the other district that nature seems to have blessed: natural charm and postcard sceneries abound. In this area, tourism has taken over with large hotels, shops and eateries. One of its greatest attractions is its seafood market.

One of the most exclusive spots, with private beaches and large luxury hotels is Punta Diamante. One such hotel is the Hotel Las Brisas complex, with hotels and condominiums. These places occupy the beaches of Pichilingue, far from the town and the Costera Miguel Alemán. This means the hotels have all sorts of services and facilities, and often host events like congresses and symposia. There are some shops and stores around this area, like Costco.

Towards the international airport, is an area with hotel complexes and all-inclusive resorts. These include The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, Hotel Mayan Palace (Vidafel) and Tres Vidas, with its world-class golf course, located near the Laguna de Tres Palos. The sea here is open, which makes it ideal for practicing sports such as surfing: however, it is not ideal for swimming. Throughout the beach, one can find many places selling typical local dishes, which you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere. This is the case of the delicious Pescado a la talla dish, well-seasoned freshly caught fish.

Be it the old Acapulco which enchanted Elizabeth Taylor, or the new one—with its large hotel chains, luxury shops, theme restaurants and popular clubs—tourism is still going strong in the bay, as strong as it has ever been. If you visit Acapulco, be sure to try a bit of both worlds—you're likely to come back time and time again.