Weather Conditions:
An average of 360 days of sunshine are recorded yearly, and the average annual temperature is 80°F. Only the humidity varies with about 59 inches of rain annually, tropical showers are short and usually fall at night.
Climate & Topography:
Nestled in between the towering Sierra Madre mountains and the glistening waters of the Acapulco Bay, Acapulco offers beautiful landscapes, tranquil bays and lagoons, green mountains, spectacular sunsets and nearly 10 kilometers of beaches with warm, clear water. Resort activities center around three areas.
Beginning south of Acapulco Bay (near the airport) is the Playa Revolcadero area. Once the private domain of the Princess and Pierre Marques resorts, this long flat stretch of open ocean beach (backed by an enormous tropical lagoon) is now home to the Vidafel resort complex.
Just to the north (between the airport and Acapulco Bay) is the Puerto Marques area. This tranquil bay is the site of a multi-million dollar self-contained development that includes resort hotels, golf courses, condos, and marinas.
And finally, there is Acapulco Bay, a curvaceous, mountain-framed natural harbor that rivals Rio de Janeiro and Hong Kong for natural beauty.
A highway descends from the steep cliffs of the bay's southern end, becoming the coastal Avenida Miguel Aleman, also known as the Costera. This is the heart of Acapulco's "resort strip" and home to nearly all of Acapulco's high rise hotels, non-stop nightlife, dining, and shopping. The costera continues north along the bay toward Old Acapulco and the downtown area.
Adventures at Sea
Beaches
Walk the four miles of Acapulco's beaches and you're bound to find a little of everything from romantic, cozy restaurants to soccer games and, of course, bronzed sun worshippers.
Puerto Marques
This quiet bay offers a respite from the fast lane and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Bay Cruises
Take in all the majesty of Acapulco's bays and mountains from a yacht or catamaran. Enjoy an afternoon party cruise with snorkeling, or relax on an intimate sunset dinner cruise.
Roqueta Island
Near the top of the bay, this tiny little island is popular with sunbathers, snorkelers and hikers. Swim in clear waters, or visit the island zoo.
La Quebrada
After saying a prayer at a small shrine, death-defying divers hurl themselves 136 feet down into a tide-filled cove. Don't miss the exciting night dives done with flaming torches.
Nightlife
Mexican Fiesta and Folk Dance Show
You'll never forget this fun and amazing show featuring traditional Mexican food and dance. Don't miss the amazing Papantla dancers, whose stunning show highlights any performance.
Discos
Acapulco is a town that grooves all night long and offers plenty to do from world famous clubs to the latest and hottest discos. You'll find a little of every type of place from open air, ocean-view bars to non-stop nightclubs in the town that raised dancing and partying to an art form. Some discos even stage laser shows over the bay.
Dining
Fine restaurants abound in Acapulco, offering a variety of local and international cuisine.
Sizzling Sites
Zocalo
Plaza Alvarez is the classic Mexican city square with shops, restaurants, interesting architecture and an unforgettable blue cathedral.
Magico Mundo Marino
A full marine park with swimming, waterslides and Acapulco's best aquarium.
Cici Water Park
For the aquatic enthusiast, a day at CICI is fun for all. If relaxation is on the schedule, you can visit the beach club or a restaurant. If it's adventure you're after, ride an innertube, free-form down a variety of water slides or make a splash in the wave pool. Don't miss the live shows featuring birds, seals and dolphins, and the chance to swim with the dolphins.
Fuerte de San Diego
This restored fort defended the town from pirate attacks for centuries. Originally built in 1616, the fort now also encompasses a museum and has undergone an extensive renovation.
Mercado Municipal
Acapulco's main market offers jewelry, souvenirs, locally made arts and crafts and an endless array of one-of-a-kind items.
Taxco
Enjoy the scenery of the Mexican countryside as you travel about 3-1/2 hours to the oldest and most famous silver city in the world. Along the route be sure to visit Santa Prisca Cathedral and the William Spratling & Humbolt House Silver Museum.
Useful Information
Shopping
Acapulco is a shopper's haven. Many businesses close for a siesta between 2 and 4 p.m. Purchases are negotiable in the flea markets.
Acapulco offers four 18-hole courses, all near the airport, and a 9-hole course close to the convention center.
The Tres Vidas Golf & Country Club boasts one of the most magnificent beachfront facilities in the world. Designed by renowned architect Robert van Hagge, this par 72, 18-hole course is located just five minutes south of the city. The course hugs the Pacific Ocean, with five of its greens extending over the beach. It also features nine lakes, "moguls," palm trees and sand traps. It has been the home of the PGA Chrysler Cup Tournament. The Club features a restaurant, cafeteria, dressing rooms, lounge, swimming pool, bar, pro shop and an exclusive beach.
The Mayan Palace offers an 18-hole par-72 course (for public and private use) that blends in with its natural environment, featuring lakes and gardens that surround the greens. The course's avant-garde layout, which features many dunes and other distinguishing characteristics, is by the well-known golf designer/architect Guereka. Accommodations at the resort include deluxe hotel rooms, villas and condominiums. Located five minutes from Acapulco's International Airport, the club offers golf classes, and there's a pro shop, a high quality Tennis Center, and restaurant/bar located on-site.
The Acapulco Princess course is a Percy Clifford design that is mostly flat, with lots of trees, water hazards on 12 holes, and sand bunkers. The greens, of mostly medium size, are protected by at least 2 traps, which are sometimes ponds, so you will also find a number of water-carries. Included in Golf Digest's "25 Greatest Golf Resorts," The Acapulco Princess course has been host to eight PGA sectional pro-am tournaments, as well as pro-am events from Canada, England and Germany. A pro shop, dining facility, full driving range, school-type practice areas, rental clubs and shoes are available. Guests and non-guests can play the course. Golf carts are mandatory, lessons and tournaments can be arranged.
The Pierre Marques course was originally designed by Percy Clifford, and redesigned by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1982 for the World Cup Golf Tournament. Jones made changes to 65 bunkers and added a number of mounds, resulting in a difficult, mostly flat course where wind is definitely a factor, with plenty of mature trees and water on 13 holes. Guests and non-guests can play the course. Golf carts are mandatory, a pro shop and dining facility are available. Lessons and tournaments can be arranged.
Club de Golf Acapulco is a 9-hole municipal course located near the Acapulco Center. Acapulco's first public golf club is conveniently located on the Costera Manuel Aleman, and includes a pro shop, swimming pool, and restaurant. Rental clubs and caddies are available, and there are no golf carts. This very well-maintained course stays open late and is lit for nighttime play.
