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Acapulco EventsThe Acapulco Traditional Fair (Feria Tradicional de Acapulco) sets up near the Convention Center the week before Christmas and lasts through the week after New Year's Day. Those looking for fun things to do with kids will enjoy this event, which features carnival rides and games as well as hordes of vendors.
The Abierto Mexicano Telcel tennis tournament, held in late February or March, draws players from around the world. It takes place at the Hotel Princess Mundo Imperial.
The year's greatest influx of visitors is during Holy Week and the week after, marked by several religious observances. Many local businesses close, and the city becomes so crowded that some people sleep on the beach. If you're planning your trip during this time, make reservations far in advance.
For music lovers, the Festival Acapulco (Acafest) in April draws participants from many countries. The offerings include everything from top-of-the-charts pop to traditional boleros, and are performed by orchestras, bands, trios and individual artists. Concerts are given at the Acapulco International Center, the Plaza de Toros bullring and at beaches, hotels and other open-air spots around the city.
The Virgin of Guadalupe is the focus of a nationwide pilgrimage on Dec. 12 to the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. In Acapulco this major religious observance is celebrated with street dances. Acapulco closes out the year with a huge party on New Year's Eve (Fiesta de Fin de Año), highlighted by fireworks exploding over Acapulco Bay.
Acapulco, GR
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City Population
779,566
Elevation
13 meters (43 feet)
Police (emergency)
Dial 911 and ask to be connected to an English-speaking operator.
Police Assistance
English-speaking “tourist police” outfitted in white and light blue uniforms patrol streets in tourist areas and can provide assistance to visitors. Phone (744) 485-0490.
LOCATEL
(provides assistance in locating vehicles or missing persons, or to those in need of public services): (744) 481-1100. The office is at Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #3221.
Hospitals
Hospital Privado Magallanes, Calle Wilfrido Massieu Perez #2, (744) 485-6544; IMSS (Mexican Social Security Hospital), downtown at Av. Cuauhtémoc #95, (744) 469-0270; Red Cross (Cruz Roja), Calle Andrea Dorian #1 (off Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán), (744) 481-3385. Many hotels have an in-house doctor or a contact physician on 24-hour call.
Local Phone Calls
Public phones take prepaid Ladatel/Telmex phone cards, which can be purchased at any convenience store. The smallest card value is 30 pesos; local calls cost only a couple of pesos, depending on the time the call is made. Insert the card chip side up and then dial your call; an LED display shows the remaining value of the card after the call is finished.
Publications
Sanborns, a Mexican restaurant chain, has English-language books and periodicals. There are locations at Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #3111 (several blocks south of the El Rollo Acapulco water park), Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #1260 (in the vicinity of Playa Calinda) and at Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán #209 in old downtown Acapulco.
Visitor Information
Boulevard Miguel Alemán #4455 Acapulco, GR . Phone:(744)484-4416
Currency Exchange
Most banks along the Costera, both in the downtown area and the hotel zone, are open Mon.-Fri. 9-5 (some also Sat. 10-2). Casas de cambio (currency exchange houses) line the Costera in the vicinity of the big hotels; these are open daily and often until 8 p.m. ATMs are plentiful and accept international credit cards; withdrawals are in pesos.
Staying Safe
In recent years Acapulco has experienced high-profile incidents of drug cartel-related violence, some of which have occurred in or near tourist areas. If you leave your hotel, stick to areas frequented by visitors (the beaches and tourist-oriented businesses along Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán). The old downtown area is also safe during daylight hours. Tourists often are targeted for petty theft; stay alert if you happen to be in a crowded public place, like a market. Never carry large sums of money or personal valuables and always keep your hotel room key card with you, preferably in a hidden pocket or other safe place.
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