ACAPULCO, MEXICO

Acapulco is situated around a horseshoe-shaped natural bay, and has hills and cliffs on either side. Each side offers incredible views of the entire bay (including its beaches) and the city. The view of Acapulco at night has to be one of the most incredible scenes in Mexico

Acapulco was conquered by order of Spaniard Hernán Cortés, after the Aztec Empire fell in 1521. The city retained its importance as a world trading port for the next 400 years, during that time becoming a haven for pirates including Sir Francis Drake and Sir Henry Morgan. To defend the lucrative port, the Spaniards built the Fort of San Diego. In the 1920s, Acapulco began its transformation into a holiday destination when the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VIII, visited the bay on a fishing expedition. In the 1950s and 60s, the city became a playground for the Hollywood jetset. It was here that Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd, the John F. Kennedys and stars like Brigitte Bardot honeymooned, while Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Harry Belafonte and Baron de Rothschild became regulars. Today, Acapulco – a diverse city with a population of over 2 million – is one of the most exciting places in the world, attracting those who love to play all day and stay up all night!Acapulco is situated around a horseshoe-shaped natural bay, and has hills and cliffs on either side. Each side offers incredible views of the entire bay (including its beaches) and the city. The view of Acapulco at night has to be one of the most incredible scenes in Mexico. On this tour we will travel along the coastline while we listen to our guide. They will explain the history and culture of Acapulco, and point out sights of interest. At the El Mirador Hotel, above La Quebrada, we will enjoy a performance of the world-famous ‘clavadistas’ (cliff divers) while sipping a refreshment. We can admire the amazing and breathtaking manoeuvres executed by these brave souls, who plummet from dizzying heights into the blue abyss below. Travelling onwards, we pass through the Principle Avenue of Acapulco, the Costera Miguel Aleman that surrounds the bay. Here we will discover the famous beaches: “Hornos, Hornitos & Tamarindos” all situated in Traditional Acapulco.We continue on and take in the sights and sounds of the modern hotel zone, commercial centre, bars and restaurants that make up the heart of Acapulco’s Golden Zone. We then drive to some of the most beautiful panoramic viewpoints of “The Bay of Acapulco, the Bay of Puerto Marques & Tres Palos Lagoon”. Next, we continue to the outskirts of town where we will view either the Acapulco Princess Hotel, constructed to resemble an Aztec pyramid, or the Mayan Palace Hotel, built to resemble a Mayan temple. This tour involves some walking, including 50 or so steps to negotiate at the El Mirador Hotel, and some uneven terrain; comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Sun protection and insect repellent are also advisable. For reference, the buses used are not air-conditioned. We cannot guarantee how much of the actual city will be seen on this tour. The itinerary basically covers the hotel zones, a variety of beaches and viewpoints. The highlight of this excursion is the performance by the cliff divers.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2007 CARIBBEAN SEASON