Acapulco flights and travel guide

Part of Guerrero state's Sun Triangle with Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Taxco, Acapulco sweeps around one of the world's most beautiful bays. It's also the major sea port in Guerrero, a popular stopping-off point for cruise-ship passengers.

Acapulco's heyday was in the 1950s when movie stars jetted in for the beaches and perhaps a bit of deep sea fishing. It lost its super-resort status to Cancun in the 1980s, but still remains one of Mexico's most popular resorts. In recent years, increasing numbers of college students have been taking cheap flights to Acapulco for spring break to party and then recover on the beach. College students are not the only types of visitors however, Acapulco is favoured by loved-up couples and families too.

Most of the beaches front La Costera, the main boulevard. Some of the most popular are Playa Hornos, known as the "afternoon beach", Tamarindos, a "morning beach" as local fishermen use it then, Playa Papagayo, an international beach, favoured by French Canadians and European tourists, and Icacos, a favourite with spring breakers. La Bonfil has the best waves for surfing.

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Acapulco climate

Acapulco enjoys a tropical climate. Temperatures are warm to hot year-round. Travellers considering taking cheap flights to Acapulco should bear in mind that there are two seasons - dry and rainy. The dry season runs November to April. Average temperatures range between 30-32 degrees Celsius (86-90 degrees Fahrenheit). The rainy season extends from May to October. Average temperatures are higher than in the dry season - 31-34 degrees (88-93F). Humidity is high during these months.

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When to fly to Acapulco

Peak Season:
January through the end of April is the high season. This takes in Spring Break when thousands of college students jet in on cheap flights to Acapulco to party. The high season also takes in Easter. Semana Santa (Holy Week - Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday) is very busy in Acapulco.

Shoulder Season:
September to early November and March through May (excluding Semana Santa and spring break) are good times to visit Acapulco. The weather is good and visitors may be able to save on accommodations too.

Off Season:
During May to October, Acapulco gets very hot and humid and there is a lot of rainfall. However, rain showers don't last all day. If you can brave the heat and don't mind ducking indoors for part of the day, it can be a good time to get discounts on flights and accommodations.

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Getting downtown Acapulco

Travellers who have stepped off cheap flights to Acapulco can organise car hire with companies such as Alamo, Budget or Hertz. There are air-conditioned vans that offer transfers from the airport to any hotel in Acapulco. Fares cost about $15 to the Diamond Zone or Golden Zone. Authorised taxis are also available. The journey to the beach zone takes about 35 minutes and costs about $50.

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Getting around Acapulco

It’s possible to rent a car at the Acapulco airport, but it isn’t advised. You’ll waste too much time dealing with heavy traffic and scarce parking spots. It’s cheap and easy to take the bus – just board the government-run yellow buses that have “Acapulco!” painted on their sides. They travel along the tourist section of town and, best of all, are air conditioned and comfortable. The private buses are less comfortable, but kids might have fun riding in these decorated buses, especially those adorned with cartoon characters like Hello Kitty. You can also hail taxis from the street. If you call for a cab from your hotel, you’ll be charged a premium.

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Acapulco insider information

• The deep sea fishing in Acapulco is awesome. Sailfish and mahi mahi, or dorado, can be caught year-round. Peak season is in winter though.
• You've got to see the La Quebrada cliff divers, who perform daily shows for the public. They dive 45 metres to the waters below. At night, they often hold torches while they dive.
• The Isla de la Roqueta has a beautiful beach with shallow areas. It's perfect for families. Take a water taxi or glass-bottom harbour tour boat from Caleta Beach.
• Acapulco is divided into several zones. The Golden Zone is centre of the tourist zone and nightlife with many hotels and bars. Las Brisas is in the hills of Acapulco, an area of opulent homes, fine restaurants and great discos. Caleta is the historic heart of Acapulco, home of the cliff divers. The Diamond Zone is the "new" Acapulco. It has many luxury resorts and prime real estate. Pie de la Cuesta is a beach and lagoon west of town. Costa Azul is a residential neighbourhood just off the Costera. Zocalo is the main public square and centre of the "old" part of Acapulco. It is especially popular with Canadian tourists. Sundays are the best day to visit.

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Acapulco airports

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