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2. La Quebrada

Acapulco's world-famous divers of La Quebrada, who soar from 136-foot rocky cliffs into crashing surf, have become an enduring symbol of the city. These fearless fellows dive into a narrow inlet where huge waves enter and crash over the rocks. The timing of their dives is crucial and must be perfectly executed due to the dangerous water conditions below. This is one of the main Acapulco attractions.

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3 & 11. Caleta and Caletilla

Caleta and Caletilla; These two beaches are famous for placid waters and soft sand, a family atmosphere. They're adjacent to one another on the outer edge of the Peninsula de las Playas (which marks the west end of Acapulco Bay), and they catch more sun in the morning, so they're ideal for early outings.

They're also popular with guests from what are now low-priced hillside hotels. From the beach you can catch a ride on one of the local glass-bottomed boats. Personally we love it because the swimming is excellent as Roqueta Island blocks the waves from coming he beach. For more information on Acapulco beaches click here.

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4. La Cabaña

La Cabana - An open-air, bay-view restaurant on Playa Caleta, serving fresh seafood under a large white awning. We recommend the charola de mariscada, a tasty sampling of seafood. Daily 9 am-11 pm.

We love it there as it has great food and what a beautiful place to sit with friends and enjoy a good drink together. Playa Caleta, Lado Ote, Acapulco. Phone 825-007.

For more information have a look at La Cabana or their website at lacabanadecaleta.com TOP

5. Caleta Hotel

The Grand Meigas Hotel... rises majestically from the cliffs overlooking Caleta Beaches. Enjoy a vacation in the heart of charming, romantic, old Acapulco, just minutes from the cliff divers.

Once the Caleta Hotel and second home of the Great Hollywood Stars of the 50's, is now the Grand Meigas Acapulco featuring the comfort and services demanded by the value conscious traveler, where you can simply relax and enjoy the warmth of Mexican Hospitality.

But that was the 50's and plenty has changed since then. I had walk around the hotel to floors that are not even used anymore.

For more information on the Caleta Hotel click here.

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6. Hotel Boca Chica

Playa Caletilla S/N, Acapulco, MX 39390

Their add says that it has become a very popular place among the locals given its excellent cuisine. Well please add us Canadian on your list of locals and be advised that we will tell al our friends and relatives about this place. Yes the food was great, we will be back. For more information on the Hotel Boca Chica click here.

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7. Alba Suites

This is a family oriented hotel, located on a quiet hillside, in the middle of the most peaceful residential area of Acapulco, adjoining the spectacular marina of the yacht club, overlooking the Bay. Our 300 rooms are distributed in 7 low- rise buildings, our spacious garden setting provides the peace and quiet for those who want to rest and relax. Click here to find out more about our stay there many years ago.

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8. San Diego

Did you know that this is the Oldest Fort in America? Anchored right in the center of the city, the five-sided San Diego fort was built to protect the legendary Galleon of Manila, coming from Spain's Asian colonies loaded with pricey merchandises, against marauding Dutch and English Pirates. Click here for pictures and information on the San Diego Fort.

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9. Los Flamingos Hotel

The Los Flamingos Hotel may no look like much now but....
The deal is that this hotel was one of the first luxury hotels in Acapulco, having been built in the 1930s. In 1950, the hotel was purchased lock, stock, and barrel, by a group of Hollywood actors as their own private Shangrila. This group was called The Hollywood Gang, and was led by Johnny Weismuller (Tarzan), and John Wayne. There were about 10-15 other investors in the deal, including names like Cary Grant. The hotel would remain the private resort of these stars until 1984.Click here for pictures and additional information.

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10. Magico Mundo Marino

The art deco-style aquarium is home to tropical fish, seals and alligators. After visiting the critters, cool off in the pool, which has a water slide and a water-sports center. M$50. Wednesday-Monday 10 am-5 pm. Playa Caleta (on the peninsula at the western end of Acapulco Bay). Phone 483-1215.

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12. Plaza de Toros or Bullfights

The Acapulco bullfighting ring is a smaller version of the one in Mexico City, but its crowd is as vociferous and colorful. Bullfights ("Corridas") are held every Sunday at 5:30 p.m. usually runs from late December or January to march/April. Be certain to buy a ticket in the shade (around $20). Most people buy their ticket directly at the ticket office, but you can buy it in advance from travel agents and some hotels in Golden Acapulco.) at an extra charge of course.

As a rule, three men will face three bulls in ritual killing that dates back several centuries; the fighters wear suits ("traje de luces") derived from Spanish street wear of the 16th and 17th centuries. Avoid congestion by taking a taxi to get there. The fights in Acapulco are "novilladas" meaning that the bulls are between three and four years old and weigh not more than 450 kilograms (1000 LB).
Av. Circunvalación, across from Playa Caleta, Acapulco. Ph 74/82-11-81

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13. Acapulco Yacht Club

La Marina Acapulco; This huge development was built to satisfy the demand for sea-going service. It is primarily designed for weekend tourists.

Do you like deep sea fishing? Then check out the Marina and Yacht Club. From here boat trips or a yacht can be organized, so you can set sail on the open sea and look for your coveted trophy. Fishing in Acapulco is an unforgettable experience and you shouldn't miss it. Our experienced crews will use their skills to give you the best opportunity to catch marlin, tuna, sailfish, dorado or other varieties of game fish abundant in the Pacific waters of the region.

Deep sea fishing is the most famous type of fishing in Acapulco, being the best season to practise it the period between November and May. Some renowned places to enjoy this exciting sport are the Bay of Puerto Marques, Tecomate and Chautengo Lagoon.

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14. El Mercado de Artesanías

El Mercado de Artesanías El Parazal Sometimes called El Parazal, this outdoor area is really best known as the Flea Market-in both English and Spanish.

Each stall is a store in itself. You'll find more crafts, souvenirs, treasures and junk than you can imagine.

They are open Daily and year round from 9-9. The address says that they are located at Cinco de Mayo (in the downtown area). But if I can remember right it is located one street north of Cinco de Mayo on Vásquez de León. However since Cinco de Mayo turns north or to the left maybe the East side of the flea market is also on Cinco de Mayo.

El Mercado de Artesanías El Parazal is about a 10-15 minute walk from Sanborns downtown. From Sanborns downtown, head away from Avenida Costera to Vásquez de León and turn right one or two blocks later.

Mascaras y Artesanias is most likely one of the best know flea market to both the tourists as well as Mexican alike. No matter what you are looking for in souvenirs or gifts you will find it here. If you collect masks, Mascaras y Artesanias offers a vide variety of masks in reasonable prices as compared to stores in Acapulco.

Then you will find the ever-present onyx chessboards, $20 hand-embroidered dresses, silver (careful of imitation), hammocks, and a whole lot more.

This outdoor area is really best known as the Flea Market, which has also been named "El Parazal". Bargains Acapulco style! So why not enjoy a fun and full day of Acapulco shopping.

If you can't find it, look for Café Wadi coffee house, the flea market is just down the street.

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15. Playa Angosta

Visit here in the evenings for a totally unobstructed beach view of the sunset, the only such view in all of Acapulco.

This small breezy strand is sandwiched between two sandstone cliff beaches, one going to La Quebrada, and the other toward the Peninsula de las playas. Playa Angosta is best for scenery and picnics.

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16. Tlacopanocha Beach

Just across the street from the Central Plaza is the always-crowded beach of Tlacopanocha. Its calm waters make this strand quite popular with many middle-class Mexican families with kids.

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17. Café Wadi's coffee house

I had not been there before but from what I had heard it's the best place in town to get the greatest coffee. So in January of 2006 I was determent to check it out and let you know if it is as good as they say it would be. Well I'm back and yes if you are interested in a great cup of coffee, then Café Wadi in Acapulco is the place. This coffee roasting company has over 20 different blends of coffee available.

Café Wadi is Acapulco's gourmet coffee company located at the corner of V.de Leon and V. Mina 18 in downtown Acapulco.

I had a cappuccino and wow, that was well worth the walk to try and find the place. I had been told that Café Wadi was located on Cinco De Mayo and so I walked down the street and almost have up when I spotted the store sign. Actually Café Wadi is one street over and one block from the flea market El Mercado de Artesanías El Parazal. So before or after shopping at the flee market stop in for a gourmet coffee or cappuccino. Better yet take a bag back to your condo/appartment and enjoy a fine cup of coffee latter.

Have a look at a website called cappuccino.com. This website tells me that Mexico is one of the top ten Coffee Producing Nations, Interesting don't you think. By the way, the website has some good information on brewing a great cup of coffee.

By the way, its only a short walk from the Zócalo to Café Wadi, have a look at the map. Next to the Zócalo you will find Sanborns. From Sanborns downtown, head away from Avenida Costera to Vásquez de León and turn right one or two blocks later. Sanborns is a landmark in Acapulco as it has been there ever since I can remember and been going there. Did you know that even the busses have Sanborns listed as an official stop? And have a close look at the picture of the street signs on the of corner of Café Wadi, V.de Leon and V. Mina 18, the sign even has Café Wadi as part of the sign, now that is what I call imperative!

If you are having trouble finding it, don't worry they have never failed me yet. Who I'm I talking about well it's the nice and helpful señor who is more than willing to take you to the flea market El Mercado de Artesanías El Parazal. Oh he may give you a card that will point you to his amigo or familia stand. The business card for Artesanias Lupita Flea Market “El Parazal” that read “we have acapulco T-shirts and so on” but then it said “The only Flea Market in Acapulco”, only in Mexico, eh! So on the way to the flea market you will most likely walk right by Café Wadi. So take a break have a coffee and maybe, no I'm sorry he will still be there waiting to take you to his amigo's stand no matter how long you enjoy your coffee. Of course you should go with him as his amigo's stand has everything, almost free, sorry I'm getting carried away.

Here is a couple of links to Café Wadi's and other dining in Aca at Café-Wadi and Café Wadi official website at Café-Wadi

If you get an opportunity to go there please say hello from me. Here is a photograph of the owner, sorry I wrote down his name but I can't seem to find it and I sure can't remember it.

It seems that at my age the only thing I retain is water or coffee, LOL.

Please email me if you happen to find out his name, thank you.

Cheers.

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18. Sinfonia del Sol or Symphony to the Sun amphitheater

As you pass the cliff divers a La Quebrada down, which I believe is Hidalga street/road you will come to a cliff called Sinfonia del Sol amphitheater. The West-side hill block Acapulco Bay's sunset horizon, but not here at the amphitheater Sinfonia del Sol. It is at the amphitheater Sunset connoisseurs remedy the problem.

This is one of the gathering at certain points on the Peninsula de las Playas that watching the sunset is magnificent. These places include La Quebrada, Playa Angosta, and the cliffside restaurant, Sinfonia del Sol and gazebo/bar of the Hotel Flamingos.

But in addition to watching the sunset you can also get a great view of the Divers at La Quebrada and the El Mirador made famous by Elvis Presley. So before going to the discos take some time to relax and come out to one of these places. To sit, relax and watch a sunset that will leave you wanting more of the same.

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