Getting Around Acapulco

Taxis are everywhere in Acapulco. Since they are unmetered, make sure that you agree on a fare before entering. Always negotiate - they can smell tourist money a mile away. Shared Cabs (usually white) run between major destinations and are very convenient. They usually display their destination in large letters and charge a flat fee on $10 pesos, irrespective of distance. You should not have to pay more than $50 pesos per cab ride within the Costera area but fares can reach as much as $120 pesos for rides from La Costera to La Quebrada, Princess Hotel (Revolcadero Beach) and the airport. Alternatively most hotels can arrange for taxi transportation for a fixed fare (usually inflated). Prices will usually be about 50% more expensive than for a taxi hailed on the street.

There are several public transportation options: Yellow cabs are 10 pesos per person; buses are 4 pesos or 5 pesos with the luxury of air-conditioning. Because of the sheer amount of taxis here, when one is dining out it is often worthwhile for them to offer a round trip and simply wait around while you have your meal, and they will not charge extra.

Buses are worth experiencing even if you don´t want to travel on them. The bus system in Acapulco has been fully privatised - each bus is privately owned. This means they can decorate them however they want. Pink buses cruise around blaring out traditional Mexican music, racing against ones decked out in UV lights pulsing out club music into the night air. The complete lack of suspension and the bizarre incentive for the buses to race each other to each bus stop as they compete for passengers makes for an unforgettable ride.

It is generally unwise to try to drive yourself around Acapulco. Traffic is heavy, parking is scarce, streets do not run in a neat grid, and even change names unexpectedly.

Adapted from Wikitravel

5 Attractions to Visit in Acapulco, Mexico

1) La Quebrada Cliff Divers

A visit to Acapulco is incomplete if you do not make the time to visit the famed La Quebrada Cliff Divers. This is a group of professional sky divers who put on daily shows for the public. In each of these shows, they will dive 45 metres from the cliffs into the sea. Their stunts will literally take your breath away. Night shows are also held, and are even more fascinating to behold. The divers bring torches with them as they make their dives and look like bright lights streaking into the dark sea.

2) Nightlife on La Costera

Acapulco's nightlife is known the world over and any visitor looking to let down their hair and enjoy themselves must make it a point to visit La Costero. This is a street in Acapulco with a variety of pubs and clubs that will allow you to hop from club to club without having to travel long distances. Three clubs frequently visited by foreigners include Disco Beach, which features a dance floor directly adjacent to the Condesa beach, Barbarroja, a club in the shape of a pirate ship, as well as Andromedas, which features a real mermaid in a tank by the wall! (The mermaid is actually a scuba diver, but it is still a pretty cool sight to behold!)

3) Coyuca Lagoon

Coyuca Lagoon is a breathtaking fresh water lagoon and is a gorgeous sight for the eyes to behold. Surrounded by palm trees and a variety of flora and fauna, framed by blue shallow waters, and teeming with wildlife, Coyuca Lagoon is the stuff that stories are made of. A variety of lagoon tours are offered. Visitors can enjoy a cruise along the Lagoon before hopping off and enjoying the food at the local beachfront restaurant. Or, you can simply find an empty hammock and de-stress. Either way, Coyuca Lagoon is a must-see for visitors.

4) Acapulco Botanical Garden

Acapulco Botanical Gardens is a beautiful piece of greenery located in the picturesque Southern Sierra Madre Mountains. Visitors will find themselves entranced by its two creeks, its tropical weather and its mind-boggling range of flora and fauna. The animals also feature prominently among the Garden's many attractions. Have fun trying to spot the iguanas, lizards, snakes, possums and racoons as you trek through the Garden.

5) Fort of San Diego

The Fort of San Diego is Acapulco's most revered historical monument. The Fort attracts a steady stream of visitors who are not only interested in seeing its unique star shape design, but who want to visit the Acapulco History Museum, which is housed within the Fort. The museum features several collections which portray Acapulco's general history and the role of the Fort in Acapulco's past. The Fort also has beautiful gardens and provide countless phototaking opportunities.

Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Holiday accommodation in Acapulco & Holiday apartments Mexico