Immerse yourself in the authentic Mexican spirit at the original Mexican resort

What is Acapulco like?

Acapulco is a well-known resort destination in Mexico. It sets itself apart from other popular resort areas like Cancun, Los Cabos, and Puerto Vallarta, where foreign investments have been pouring in. Acapulco has retained its authentic “Mexican essence” in a positive way, offering a more rural and local atmosphere. It is the closest resort to Mexico City, and under good traffic conditions, it takes about 4 hours to reach.

Acapulco has two main areas, Costa and Diamante. Costa is what is usually referred to as Acapulco. If you are interested in cliff diving at La Quebrada or enjoying bars and dance halls for vibrant nightlife, Costa is recommended. Personally, I lean towards Costa (laughs).

Diamante, on the other hand, mainly features all-inclusive hotels, making it ideal for those seeking a more relaxed experience within the hotel premises.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning that Acapulco holds significance for Japanese history, as it marks the place where the first Japanese people landed in present-day Mexico. One of those early Japanese visitors was the warrior Takayama Ukon (also known as Dom Justo Takayama). In 1614, before Japan’s isolation policy, he disembarked at the port of Marqués in Acapulco on his way to Europe. After traveling through the inland areas and Mexico City, he eventually boarded a ship bound for Europe.

👆Hasekura Statue

Additionally, Acapulco was a major hub for Asia trade that lasted from 1565 to 300 years. It served as the largest base on the western side of the Pacific Ocean. All Asian products destined for Spain were unloaded here in Acapulco, then shipped from Veracruz to Cadiz port in Spain.

 

Why Acapulco now?

It all comes down to personal preferences. For me, I value the ambiance of the destination, and I tend to favor places with a stronger local flavor. Popular resorts like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Los Cabos, in all honesty, make me feel like I don’t necessarily need to be in Mexico. I might as well go to Guam or Hawaii, which take just around 3 hours from Japan (laughs). If I’m going to spend 20 hours or more on a trip, I want to feel like I’m truly in Mexico.

Acapulco, with its unpolished charm and laid-back atmosphere, may not offer the most stylish hotels and services, but it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the resort experience. It caters to all ages and types of travelers, whether families, couples, or young people seeking a Mexican getaway. Another attractive aspect of Acapulco is its affordability compared to places like Cancun and Los Cabos.

 

Other tourist spots besides Acapulco?

During your trip, you can make a stop in the town of Taxco, known for its silver craftsmanship. You can choose to stay overnight in Taxco or spend a few hours there before heading to Acapulco. Acapulco’s hotels typically have a check-out time of 12 PM or 1 PM. So, you can enjoy a leisurely morning on the beach, have a late lunch, and still return to Mexico City without getting back too late. Alternatively, Acapulco is close to the airport, allowing you to fly there as well.

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the sea turtle release experience! There are several places to do this, but some facilities focus on “conservation” and organize sea turtle release activities.

Please note that it’s not recommended to travel during long weekends or high seasons. The local areas tend to be overcrowded, and there could be severe traffic jams, limiting your enjoyment. It’s better to plan the schedule in advance and consult with the local experts. If you want to enjoy nightlife in Costa, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are recommended.

 

Photo Gallery

 

Recommended for…

• Those who want to experience the “true essence of Mexico.”
• Individuals who find typical tours lacking and seek something more fulfilling.
• Female travelers looking for a memorable girls’ trip.
• LGBTQ+ individuals who want to enjoy themselves freely.
• Those with an interest in culture and history.
• Older individuals or those with physical limitations who want to fully enjoy Mexico.
• Small groups planning special trips such as graduation celebrations, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, 60th birthday celebrations, or a trip to show appreciation to parents, and more.

Of course, everyone is welcome, not just those mentioned above!