Acapulco de Juárez is a beautiful city in Mexico, characterized by its famous clientele and appearances in film. You can find resorts and hotels that suit every budget, from the backpacker to the luxurious villas. Apart from the beaches and forts, you can visit Roqueta Island, which has the Aca Zoo that houses native species of wildlife, the El Zócalo cathedral and also be a witness as daring divers jump into the ocean at night from the La Quebrada.
The first known inhabitants of Acapulco de Juárez were the Nahuas tribe, followed by Aztecs. Francisco Chico, from Spain, arrived here in 1521 and rechristened the city as Santa Lucia. It developed into a popular trading port between America and Asia, attracting pirates; some of the known names were Sir Henry Morgan, Sir Francis Drake and Sir Thomas Cavendish. The Spaniards defended the lucrative port by building the Fuerte de San Diego. The fort was destroyed in an earthquake in 1776 and in 1810 the city was torn apart due to the War of Independence. The city again gained prominence as a trading port during the Panama Gold Rush.
Acapulco de Juárez is a major city and sea port in the state of Guerrero that lies on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Built on barely half a mile of land width, the town dwells between the coastline and lofty mountains, encircling the bay. It had a population of 722,499 in 2005. The only access from inland to the town was through a two kilometer tunnel constructed in 1990. Later, the Abra de San Nicolas passage was made through the mountains. With a tropical climate ranging from warm to hot, even winter here is sunny and dry.
Since the 1920s, Acapulco has been a popular tourist destination, first with the Europeans, then with the rich and famous people of Hollywood. The 60s and 70s saw a hoard of affordable accommodations and resorts pop up. The road built between the Mexico City and Acapulco in 1990s drew in more visitors from Mexico too. The town's most spectacular feature is the Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range, which forms a natural amphitheatre and is more commonly called Acapulco's bay as it cradles the city.
Acapulco is known for vivacious nightlife, postcard beaches, water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and jet ski, gourmet restaurants and breathtaking natural beauty. Fishing here is legendary, with the crystal blue pacific waters offering a bounty of marine life, such as giant marlins, sailfish and sea bass. There are four championship golf courses in the city. You can take a city tour for $27 per person, which will show you the prominent places in the city, in three and a half hours. Other places you should visit are the Cliffs of La Quebrada and the Coyuca Water Lagoon, famous for its water hyacinths, palms and native flora.
The tides at the Playa Diamante, Revolcadero beach, and Barra Vieja are very high and strong. Swimming and water sports are not recommended in these places. Attempt snorkeling and scuba diving only with the help of trained professionals. There is normally a surge of students here for spring break.
