BY CLAY LARROY
In
the world of traveling,
there are plenty of great resources available to both new and experienced
travelers alike. There are many websites, guides, books, videos, and other
resources available. By writing this blog I hope that I am providing valuable
information about wonderful vacation destinations. When you want to
plan a vacation contact me!
Acapulco
Overview
Situated on one of
the loveliest bays on the Mexican coast, backed by the evergreen vegetation of
the Sierra foothills, Acapulco offers anything and everything to holiday
visitors, but this is not the place to seek a peaceful escape from it all. It
is the Queen of Mexican beach resorts, the loudest and most famous in the
country with non-stop energy, high-rise hotels, a glittering nightlife, white
beaches and an enormous range of holiday activities. The main attraction in
Acapulco is the string of beaches that sweep around the bay, each offering a
different atmosphere and ample opportunities for watersports, with calm waters,
sun bathing and seafront dining of international quality. The downside of
Acapulco city is the shabby, polluted and overcrowded old town area, but it is
easy enough to ignore this side of Acapulco with plenty to keep visitors happy
along the glitzy holiday resort strip, with its shopping plazas, restaurants
and beaches. A famous Acapulco institution since the 1930s are the Quebrada
cliff divers, who pitch themselves gracefully from a height of 148ft (45m) into
the seemingly shallow water of a narrow chasm in the ocean below after praying
at the small rock shrine for safety.
Shopping
in Acapulco
One of the pleasures of a holiday in Acapulco is shopping
for souvenirs, of which there is a plentiful, varied selection gathered from
all over Mexico. Handmade leather goods, locally made textiles, beautiful
pieces of silver jewelry, bright and lovely ceramics, and even inspiring paintings
by local artists are just some of the things on offer in the markets, stores
and beachfront stalls. The older areas of Acapulco have a number of well-priced
tailors and quaint souvenir shops. A good spot to indulge in some bargain
hunting is the open-air artisan's mall opposite the Plaza Bahia, where it is
possible to do a little haggling for arts and crafts. The native-made goods may
be appealing, but just as desirable for avid shoppers are the many upscale
boutiques selling well known designer labels which pepper the streets of the
Zona Dorada (Golden Zone), also dubbed Mexico's 'Sunset Boulevard'. As far as
modern malls go, Acapulco's biggest, complete with food court and cinemas, is
Le Gran Plaza, situated on the Costera.
Dining
in Acapulco
Acapulco's scenic
setting around a picturesque bay allows for some magical and romantic dining
opportunities in a multitude of restaurants while on holiday. Cuisine of all
sorts is on offer, the quality generally very high and the prices reasonable.
Some of the best restaurants use a fusion of styles and cuisines to create
something unique and special, like the Kookaburra, with its spectacular terrace
views of Acapulco Bay, creating delicious French dishes prepared with Mexican
ingredients. Also renowned for its originality is El Olvido Restaurant, which
is pricey but worth every penny, with a menu featuring signature dishes like
honey-coated quail and sea bass spiced with savory cilantro. Mexican seafood is
a top favorite with visitors, a fact well exploited by most establishments,
like the El Amigo Miguel off the main town square, where delicious shrimp and
grilled red snapper medleys are specialties of the house. Other firm favorites
include Pampano Restaurant and Lounge with its spectacular views of Acapulco
and Zuntra, where the chef offers up a unique fusion of Mexican, Mediterranean
and Asian tastes.
Activities
in Acapulco
Flashing lights, pumping music and boundless energy are
the characteristics of Acapulco's frenetic nightlife, which centers on the
clubs and discos of the main strip and Las Brisas. Clubs like the renowned
Palladium, where the legendary 'silver man' fire dancer performs in the early
morning hours, make Acapulco a hot favorite destination for young spring-break revelers
from the USA. Those looking for a more Latin experience head down to Ninas, a
traditional Mexican salsa club where the locals burn up the dance floor. For
visitors interested in seeing some authentic Latin American Salsa dancing, head
to Salon Q, 'the cathedral of salsa'. Disco Beach on Costera Aleman is well
known for its popular Friday night foam parties. Mandara up on the side of the
mountain, with its panoramic views of Acapulco by night, is one of the best
places to end your evening and wait for the sun to rise before another day on
the beach. Most of the dance clubs open at 11pm, close at 6am, and charge a
fairly steep entrance fee, but this often includes 'all you can drink'. Those
taking a break from dancing can enjoy bar-hopping along the Costera, which is lined
with numerous exuberant open-air watering holes.
Things
to be aware of in Acapulco
There is often an
oily layer on the seawater of Acapulco from the use of jet skis. Visitors to
Acapulco are strongly advised to avoid the resort during America's spring break
in mid-March as hordes of student revelers descend on Acapulco for spring break
mayhem and partying.
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Travel have fun and
create wonderful memories for your family!
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