PHOTO: The legendary Acapulco Bay (Courtesy Visit Acapulco)
Acapulco has earned a reputation as great beach destination and with good reason, considering its location and year-round temperate climate.
But those who think it's only about the beaches, or just another stop on the Love Boat's itinerary, can think again. There's more to Acapulco than meets the eye, and anyone spending more than a few days there owes it to themselves to explore Acapulco beyond the beach.
1) El Rollo Acapulco. When the sand gets to be too much but you still want to spend some time by the water, then a visit to El Rollo Acapulco is just the ticket. This modern water park is the perfect way to spend a day with the family, lolling in the pools, taking in a dolphin show, or shooting down the twists and turns of the water slides. And when it's time to take a break, there are plenty of dining options to suit every taste.
2) Papagayo Park. Spanning 49 acres of protected area, Papagayo Park gives visitors the chance to get up close and personal with a wide variety of migratory birds and other animals that call Acapulco home, if even for a short bit. More adventurous visitors may wish to skate through the park or paddle on one of its three lakes, or even go for a spin on the cycling track. Young and the young at heart won't want to miss the rides and attractions, and when the day is done you can relax at one of the parks many restaurants.
3) Cliff divers of La Quebrada. Touristy? Maybe. But take-your-breath-away amazing, definitely. The cliff divers of La Quebrada are a must-see for any visitor to Acapulco, as they plunge from 115-foot high cliffs into a narrow pass in the rocks. If that alone isn't amazing consider that not only do they have to hit their target, but they have to do it at just the right moment thanks to dangerous underwater conditions. That will make you think twice the next time you stand at the edge of the low dive.
4) Calandrias. Festooned with multicolored balloons, these popular horse-drawn carriages pull visitors along the Costera Miguel Aleman, Acapulco's main avenue, taking passengers from the traffic circle at La Diana to Papagayo Park. The calandrias turn into a party on wheels once the sun goes down, as passengers can take in the neon lights of the main restaurants, bars and clubs along the route.
5) Deep Sea Fishing. Set out for the Marina and Yacht Club, where you can organize a sport fisherman's dream voyage. Once out on open water, you may find yourself at the other end of the rod from mahi-mahi, marlin or northern red snapper. (And that's no fisherman's tale.) And even if you don't land a sailfish, you may well see dolphins or a whale. You can't lose, either way.
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