"Hola, Acapulco. Viva Acapulco" Acapulco by seagoingJLW

We have been to Acapulco several times. The first time I went there, it consisted of two streets. There were vendors all over the place. We stayed at what was then a brand new hotel---Las Hamacas. Now, it is a real dump. But that was back in the late forties.

Today Acapulco is a lively place. It is a crowded resort with an active night life. These days we arrive by ship.

History

Acapulco was inhabited by the Nahoa Indians who were predecessors of the Aztecs. The name "Acapulco" is in the Nahoan language and means "The place where the reeds were destroyed." There is supposed to be a myth behind this name. I shall try to find out about it.

Acapulco was captured by Hernán Cortes when the Aztec Empire was defeated in 1521. It was turned into a big shipyard where Cortez built ships in order to extend his territories. Spanish colonization began in 1550. The Spaniards proceeded to enslave the Nahoas.

From 1571 on Acapulco became the most important trading port for Europe with the Philippines and other Asain and South American ports. It also became a haven for pirates such as Sir Francis Drake.

The Spaniards built the Fort of San Diego to defend the city from attacks.

During the Mexican War of Independence, the Fort of San Diego was one of the most difficult positions to liberate from the Spaniards.

Miscellaneous Information

Acapulco is hot and sunny all year round with an average temperature from 80° to 92°. The rainy season runs from June to October.

Citizens of the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Argentina, Chile, and nearly all Western European countries do not require visas to enter as tourists. They do require a Tourist Card which they can obtain at airports, piers, or the border.

While Spanish is the official language, English is widely spoken by people employed in the tourism industry.

Most hotels have purified water. However, it is recommended that bottled water be the beverage of choice. Make sure fresh fruit is peeled before eating. Watch out for ice in your drinks.

The electricity is 120 Volts 60 Cycles AC. Acapulco is on Central Standard Time.

• Pros:Great resort, but very touristy.
• Cons:Traffic is awful
• In a nutshell:It really is worth seeing at least once.