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Several months ago, while inadvertently channel surfing,
I happened upon one of those “look back” at Hollywood
programs. There was Elizabeth Taylor, young, beautiful,
suntanned, and frolicking on the pacific shores of Mexico with
one of her many husbands. “Acapulco,” remarked the
commentator, “was the St. Tropez of Mexico in the 1950s and
60s. A prominent destination for all the notable celebrities.”
They showed film clips of John Kennedy, Frank Sinatra,
Judy Garland, and several other stars and starlets.
Like most, the glamour and the picture they painted of
this elite Mexican beach town intrigued me. The portrait was so
powerful, and the impression so lasting that I decided to take a
trip and discover what life is like in the Acapulco of 90s.
Little did I know that I would be so taken by this sparkling
gem.
Acapulco is still the queen of all the
Mexican beach resorts.
It is the undisputed birthplace of Mexican tourism and
everything that entails. Presenting the world with such
specialties as tequila poppers, parasailing, swim -up bars and
cliff diving, Acapulco is, and has always been, the standard by
which all other beach destinations are measured.
Though the jet set crowd responsible for creating
Acapulco’s dynamic reputation has long since gone, all the
qualities that drew them to her shores still remain. In recent
years, Acapulco has been reborn and is once again back in
spotlight.
From the moment I arrived, one thing was
clear – this is indeed Mexico. It’s not that you will have
trouble finding plenty of English speaking locals, but the
language here is Spanish and the people here are determined to
maintain their tradition and culture despite the influx of
tourists. For travelers like me, that is one of the most
appealing and poignant attractions to the destination. And, of
course, the fabulous beaches, upscale hotels, endless
activities, and nonstop nightlife don’t hurt either!
I quickly discovered that most things in
Acapulco happen in one of three areas: Playa Revolcadero/Diamante,
Puerto Marqués, and the area surrounding Acapulco Bay. And
simply enough, these areas are found simultaneously on the drive
into town from the airport. The first is the Playa Revolcadero
and Diamante area which represents the most modern part of
Acapulco. Home to several world-class resorts, stretches of
clean white beach and an enormous tropical lagoon, this area is
best suited to those who don’t mind being a bit outside the
action. The resorts welcome visitors and sipping tequila
overlooking the beach at sunset will undoubtedly be one for the
photo album.
Just a bit further, I saw the first of
Acapulco’s scenic bays. Though far smaller than its famous
neighbor, the Puerto Marqués, is its own scenic wonder. Still
quiet and tranquil, it is also growing and developing to keep
pace with the demand for luxury properties and housing.
Nonetheless, it remains one of the most enjoyable places near
town to spend a day at the beach. Charming seaside restaurants
offer the winning combination of fresh seafood, cold beer and a
hammock or two. The waters are calm and warm, perfect for
swimming and snorkeling.
And then as the car reaches the crest of the
hill, there it is the heart and soul of the city – the
grandiose Acapulco Bay. I am quite sure I will never forget the
first time I saw it. I was amazed not only at the size, but the
seemingly endless view of a thriving metropolis. This is hardly
a sleepy seaside resort; this is the bustling home for nearly
two million people. And that is precisely what makes it special.
Not only are there beaches and oceans, but also all of the
electricity and excitement that comes with big city life.
It is this very “city life” that
polishes Acapulco to a brilliant shine. When the sun goes down
and the lights come up, the queen is at her very best. The bay
twinkles with lights reflecting on the calm waters and the
panorama becomes even more unforgettable. It would be difficult
to rival Acapulco’s nightlife, maybe Las Vegas, but maybe not!
Here, restaurants of every kind serve until late hours, and
disco is still king. Usually grouped in small clusters, it is
easy to find yourself dancing until dawn. And, even if you
prefer things slightly more relaxed, the cliffside cafes are the
perfect alternative for whiling away evening hours.
After making the rounds, I ended my visit in
Acapulco with the one “must see” attraction -the cliff
divers of La Quebrada. Since 1934, five times a day, divers have
been plunging 136 feet from rocky cliffs into only 11 feet of
crashing sea. It has become and enduring symbol of the city, and
Mexico as well.
Personally, I enjoyed the evening show where the divers
carry torches, but either way, it is an unforgettable spectacle.
To me, all of Acapulco is an unforgettable spectacle. I
feel that it would take several trips here to really get
acquainted with all the subtle nuances that give this queen her
charm. But as a newcomer, I could really feel the magic and I
now understand why it has withstood the test of time and still
reigns as the best and brightest in Mexico’s resort kingdom.
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