Acapulco Nightlife

One of the hottest places to go is Palladium Acapulco , on Carretera Escénica (Boulevard Costera Miguel Alemán) at Las Brisas. High on a hillside at the southern end of Acapulco Bay, it has glass windows 160 feet wide that look out over the water, giving dancers the feeling of being suspended in mid-air. Lighting and sound are top of the line, and as a result there's always a line to get in.

Baby'O , Costera Miguel Alemán #22, is a mainstay that has been around since the disco days of the '70s and is still going strong. The atmosphere here is akin to a very high-class cave pierced by laser lights, rumbling to the throb of techno, hip-hop and dance music.

The city's most celebrated nighttime destination is the diving from La Quebrada cliff. Professionally trained young men perform these spectacular dives, which date back to 1934, when La Quebrada first became a popular spot for local divers to display their talent.

A successful dive depends as much on timing as on skill, since a diver enters a channel less than 25 feet wide and must wait for an opportunity when the water is deep enough to permit a safe entry at a speed of about 55 miles an hour. Getting to the top of the cliff is risky as well—barefoot divers scale the steep, vertical cliffside by grasping at rocky outcrops that occasionally snap off. Evening dives feature blazing torches that enhance the theatrical effect.

The traditional place to view the cliff divers is from the bar or terraces of the La Perla restaurant at the El Mirador Acapulco hotel, but you'll be required to pay a cover charge (which includes two drinks) or have dinner. Reservations are advised during the winter high season; phone (744) 483-1260.

The major hotels offer nightly entertainment, such as Mexican-style fiestas or theme parties, during the high tourist season. Live music often accompanies hotel bar or poolside cocktail bar happy hours, and there's also no shortage of evening floor shows.