Planning your Acapulco, Mexico vacation
Before it became the first major tourist
city in Mexico, Acapulco attracted a different group of visitors in
the 16th century - namely pirates. In 1521, Francisco Chico, under
the orders of the Hernán Cortés, established what became the most
important trading port between Mexico and Asia. This trade brought
in pirates like Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan. As Acapulco's
economy grew, so did its population. A gold rush in the 19th century
brought more settlers in, but it wasn't until 1920 when British royalty
visited that Acapulco was really put on the map. The Prince of Wales,
who became King Edward VIII, recommended that Europeans travel to
this city on the Pacific Ocean. Over the next 50 years, major building
projects created more hospitable conditions, giving Acapulco the reputation
it has today. It also didn't hurt that Hollywood celebrities also
vacationed here. There's plenty of history and local culture to explore
in Acapulco. After dancing all night at nightclubs or scuba diving
in the Pacific, visitors will find the perfect place to stay at Acapulco's
hotels, motels, inns, and guesthouses.
Climate
Acapulco is in the tropics, so its warm
year-round. The city receives 360 days of sunshine a year, with an
average temperature around 80 degrees. The rainy season is from June
to October, but showers are brief and occur at night.
Entry Requirements
Although citizens of most western countries
don't need a visa to enter Mexico, they are required to have a Mexican
tourist card. To receive one, you must show a valid passport, birth
certificate, or a naturalization certificate. You must have the original
copy of these documents. When you receive your tourist card, make
sure you make a copy of it in case you lose the original. Carry the
card with you at all times in case Mexican authorities approach you.
Safety
Like most places, tourists are vulnerable
to thieves in Acapulco. Make sure you don't leave valuables unattended.
Don't wear expensive jewelry, or flash a lot of cash. Tourists should
also be careful when participating in water sports. Acapulco posts
warning flags on many of its beaches because of riptides, which can
be fatal. Red or black flags mean stay out of the water. Enter the
water with caution if there's a yellow flag. A green flag means it's
okay to swim.
Transportation
The cheapest and most efficient way to
travel in Acapulco is via taxi. It costs between $30 and $50 (U.S.)
to travel to downtown Acapulco from the airport. If you want to travel
around on your own schedule, you can rent a car. The major car rental
companies have booths at the airport. |
