Acapulco de Juárez, more commonly called Acapulco, is Mexico's largest and oldest beach resort which came into prominence during the
40’s and 50’s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires.
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| Arial of Acapulco Bay Photo: Public Domain |
From a population of only
4,000 or 5,000 in the 1940's, Roberto claims Acapulco now boasts a population of over 2 million. In 1997 the city was devastated by Hurricane Pauline. The storm stranded tourists and left more than 100 dead in the city.
Most of the victims were from shanty towns built on steep hillsides that surrounded the
city. Other victims were swept away by thirty-foot waves and 150 mph
winds. Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán, the city’s main thoroughfare that loops
around Acapulco Bay, quickly became a fast-moving three-foot-deep river of
sludge.
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| Photo: Public Domain |
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| Photo: Public Domain |
If one is going to write about
Acapulco, violence in the 21st century is not to be ignored. Cartel gang violence has
been a major problem in Acapulco since 2006 causing the number
of international flyers to drop from 355,760 in 2006 to 52,684 in 2015, an 85%
decrease in the course of nine years.
That said, I did have reservations about taking a shore excursion
but after much research decided to give it a go.
The
Norwegian Pearl docked in Acapulco on April 21, 2018. Big Al Malone, a fellow cruise passenger, had
arranged a shore excursion with Roberto Alarcon,
owner of Roberto Alarcon Tours. Roberto lived in the United States for 8 years but was born and raised in Acapulco and has been conducting tours for 21 years.
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| Roberto Alarcon, Owner of Roberto Alarcon Tours |
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| Van used |
Al
had our group assemble onboard at the Maltings Beer & Whiskey Bar, Deck
6. Once everyone had checked in we
disembarked together as a group. The
time was 9:45am.
We found Roberto without any difficulty, boarded the van and set out for our first stop, the pink Las Flamingos Hotel.
The hotel sits atop the highest cliffs in Acapulco. I loved the historical background of the
hotel, it’s stunning views, and Casa Tarzan - the ‘tarzan’ suite - where Johnny Weissmuller stayed.
Owned
by Johnny Weismuller and John Wayne, the guests here were the Hollywood elites
of the 1950-1970’s and included Rita Hayworth, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, Rock Hudson, Debbie Reynolds, Brigitte Bardot, Sylvester Stallone, Jackie Kennedy, Gregory Peck. Elvis Presley, Esther Williams, Lana Turner, Tyrone Power, Richard Widmark, CaryGrant, Red Skelton, Rory Calhoun, and many, many others. It was fun looking at all the photos that are still on display in the lobby
area.
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| Main Lobby |
I had heard of the famous "Coco Loco" drink before but have never had one. Unfortunately, we weren't here long enough to try out the famous drink created for John
Wayne. The drink is served in a giant green coconut
with 7 types of liquor and coconut water with lime. It is decorated with Hibiscus, a little flamingo
made of fruit and nuts and a tropical fern.
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| Coco Loco drink |
Our
time here was short but we were able to walk the grounds and admire the
stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. We
also climbed to the very top and walked around the Casa Tarzan - the 'tarzan' Suite. Built in a unique circular design with
windows all around, it gives one a feeling of what it must have been like back
in ‘the good ole days’. The unit does
not have air conditioning but it is truly a historical treasure and worth a
visit, or better yet, an overnight stay, affordable at only $120 a night.
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| Tour guide Roberto |
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| Photo opp with friend Marci Inman on the left. |
It was now time to make our way to La Quebrada,
the most famous of all tourist attractions in Acapulco. But first, a quick stop at Casablanca, in Old Acapulco, used in the filming of "Fun in Acapulco", an Elvis Presley movie made in 1963.
Originally opening in 1935, it represents an authentic colonial style hotel. As we made our way back to the van I glanced at my iPhone. It read 91 degrees but said "feels like 109". Once again Roberto provided us with water and beer.
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| Eric Kirkby enjoying a beer |
It was a much welcomed drink as it was very hot and humid.
From here we were heading to the peninsula to view the Diego Riviera murals. Completed between 1954-1956 and just before his death in 1957. The murals, made from venitian tiles, represents the main culture of Mexico Dos
Azteca, "King of the Rain" and "King of the Fire".
We
arrived at La Quebrada at 12:30pm and I counted five divers for our performance. The
fearless Cliff Divers of La Quebrada are world-famous and extremely talented, as one would need to be to throw themselves 135
feet off a cliff.
There are officially 38 in the association of divers of which 1 is female and 23 dive every day. They are paid by the government and also from tourist tips. These speedo-clad young men are truly
amazing. Diving since 1934 from a maximum height of
135 feet, they must time the waves perfectly before they jump into the
"gulch" which can vary from 16 feet to 19 feet deep depending on the
waves. The width of the channel varies from 42 feet to 48 feet. Timing is critical for the divers. There are two memorials at the 135 foot elevation. One for Mother Mary and one for Jesus Christ. Each diver takes a moment at the top to pray and prepare for his next jump.
If you want to enjoy the sunset and watch the divers I would recommend the 7:30pm show.
There
are a number of vantage points from which to watch the dives. I walked down the concrete steps to a viewing
platform that afforded a great view of both the 135 foot high jump area and the
“gulch” water entrance below. I was glad
I had remembered to bring along my umbrella. It brought some much needed sun
relief.
As I started to climb back up the steps
I came across Luis, one of the divers.
He was 26 years old and his dives were from the 115 feet height. Luis told me that he started jumping at the
age of 12. Most jumpers start jumping between the age of 8-10 years old. All jumpers are male with the exception of 1 girl and she only dives on special dates. Imagine your 12 year old son coming in to tell you that he was 'going jumping' today!
It was now time for lunch and Roberto took us to a wonderful stop, Los Tarascos Taquieria in the downtown area. Safe and clean food.
The
site itself is composed of three very distinct and impressive pieces of
artwork. First, the large Las Manos de
la Hermandad “The Hands of Brotherhood”
structure. It is said that at just the right time of day “The Hands of Brotherhood” perfectly frame the setting
sun.
Next
is the massive 130-feet tall white cross that can be seen from almost anywhere
in Acapulco.
Lastly,
the Capilla de la Paz “Chapel of Peace” is the
main building of the chapel. The
building is relatively small and charming with onyx facades that
allow opaque light to shine through into the interior of the chapel. I found the inside of the A-frame structure to
be light and airy with plenty of space.
The
exterior of the Chapel displays rich gardens and cascading fountains. From the
elevated perspective at the back of the chapel, you have a stunning
view of Acapulco Bay and Isla de Roqueta in the distance.
If
you are not with a tour group you will want to hire a driver due to the steep
climb and difficult roads. Roberto said we were 1,250 feet above sea
level. No admission fee is required for
the Chapel but they do have a donation box as you exit. You
will love your visit here – it will leave you with a lasting sense of peace and
serenity.
Next it was off to the Diamond Zone (the new Acapulco), and a
visit to Campamento Tortuguero for the releasing of the baby sea turtles. As you make your way to the beach area, you walk through the harvesting area and learn about the conservation efforts in place to protect these wonderful creatures.
Then we headed to the beach where each person who wanted to
participate was given, and instructed on proper handling of, a 4 day old sea
turtle. They were so adorable and their eyes weren’t even open yet.
Next we were asked to give
our baby turtle a name. I named mine
“Colton” after my great grandson. Then a
survival
blessing is given as you hold your precious little sea turtle high in the
air.
When completed you gently place your turtle on the sand and instinct takes over leading them all to the sea. It was truly an amazing experience.
As we headed back to the ship Roberto pointed out XTASEA, the world’s longest over water zip-line. I can't see myself ever doing this activity. You’re strapped in Superman style, then connected to the line and then released. This attraction opened 6 months ago and there are 4 lines across. You fly about 300 feet above the water, traveling between 70-75 mph, over Puerto Marquez on a flight that lasts two full minutes. Roberto said he has done this and the cost was $999 MXP or $62USD. I did read several TripAdvisor reviews and most comments referred to the spectacular views.
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| Photo: Public Domain |
We arrived back at the ship at 5:30pm. The cost of this tour was $50USD and worth every penny.
