Donna Sherf

Acapulco is a tourist resort abundantly favored by nature. It faces the Pacific Ocean with two splendid bays that possess natural coves, steep cliffs and warm beaches. Acapulco was an old place long before being discovered by the Aztec Indians. Early remains, left behind by seaside residents, date around 2500 BC. By the 1930's, the city was still in an infant stage. Tour guides listed it as a "sleepy fishing village". There were only two ways of getting to Acapulco then. One by freighter ship and the other by automobile, driving the dry river bed from Mexico City. In the village were cottages to rent, a gas station, an American Express office, and fishing boats.

A small airport opened, west of the city in the late 40's. Prop planes landed and took off from the beach. If there was a sandstorm both arrival and take-offs were delayed. With the advent of jet engines, a new airport was built east of Acapulco between Tres Lagos and the Pacific Ocean. This sleepy fishing village became a haven for "Jetsetters" and "Hollywoodites"! Many of them built summer homes in the mountains overlooking the bays. Ironical to build a summer home in a place where daily temperature 352 days a year, averages 85 degrees!

By the mid 70's, Acapulco became a port-of-call for cruise ships. It wasn't unusual to see 2-5 ships anchored in the harbour during the winter season. Passengers tendered to a small dock. Now, with a newly built terminal building and a pier long enough to berth two ships, Acapulco is a year-round cruise destination. This pier is located in the downtown area of the city across the street from both the Zocalo (city square) and the Fort of San Diego. The fort was built in 1565 and has been revitalized into a superb historical museum.

Probably, without a doubt, the busiest tourist attraction, in the city, is the La Perla Divers at La Quebrada. In a natural cove, shaped by sheer cliffs, daring natives show the audience the ability of their dangerous profession. The late Teddy Stouffer was a promoter of this attraction and elevated it to international fame. The cliff divers are
less than 10 minutes by taxi from the terminal and perform everyday from noon until midnight.

If you are a shopper, the flea markets are a must. You won't walk more than a block in any direction without seeing a typical Mexican one. Do bargain with the vendors. It's the name of the game!

Then there's the chapel at Las Brisas. The cross holds court over the city and the views from here are spectacular. This is a gated area, so to reach the chapel and the cross, one must hire a taxi or a guide.

Walking distance from the cruise terminal are glass-bottom boats sailing to Roquetta Island. This island, across from Caleta Beach was a leper colony. Now it hosts a sandy beach, a small zoo and beer-drinking donkeys! To get there, turn left from the cruise terminal and walk past the fishing boats to Caleta Beach There will be booths selling tickets to ride the boats. These boats sail back and forth from dawn to dusk. The captain will give a running commentary on the sunken shrine of Our Lady of Guadelope and the fish you are looking at through the glass bottom.

And last, but not least, if you want to see Acapulco from a bus window, without any commentary, board a city bus parked close to the pier. Unless you are adventuresome, take the air-conditioned bus with the plush seats. It will cost one-peso-more than the others, but well worth it. Ride the bus to the end of the line. You'll be on the bay of Puerto Marques. Re-pay and ride the bus to the other end to Caleta Beach and walk to the ship. If you want commentary on the ride then hop on a trolley. They ply the costera, the main street of Acapulco. These are the best ways to see the city-by-the-bay with the most perfect weather in the world!

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