Acapulco from piracy to tourism
Imagine an unspoiled paradise, on the coasts of the Pacific, where only a few animal species lived, the sun, the sea and the vegetation making up a green and ochre landscape. Thus was Acapulco Bay 3,000 years ago. The first inhabitants of this area were the Nahuas, a tribe that was a predecessor to the Aztecs, according to archaeological findings dating back to over 2,000 years ago.
In 1521, Francisco Chico, by order of Hernán Cortés acting on behalf of the Spanish Crown, arrived in this area, the first foreigner ever to step on Mexican territory, and named it Santa Lucía. The newly founded city quickly became an important trading centre between Asia and America, with ships constantly coming and going to and from the East, and which brought, among many other goods, spices into America. As a result of the economic boom, the population increased threefold and its wealth attracted the attention of legendary pirates such as Sir Francis Drake, Morgan and Cavendish.
In order to defend the port from the frequent pirate attacks, a castle was built: Fuerte de San Diego, which would later fall prey to an earthquake in the 18th century, and would be destroyed as a result. Acapulco is, after all, one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the country.
At the beginning of the 19th century, King Charles IV declared Acapulco Ciudad Oficial and it became an essential part of the Spanish Crown. In 1810, José María Morelos attacked and burnt down the city during the War of Independence.
Acapulco recovered its importance during the Gold-rush. Many of the ships stopped in the port on their way to Panama, and more than a few of the passengers were so taken by the natural beauty of its beaches that they decided to settle there.
In 1920, Acapulco started its voyage towards becoming an important tourist destination, with the visit of the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VIII. Acapulco's charm had captivated the royalty and they soon recommended the place all around Europe. The idea to create a hotel and trading infrastructure came from a Texan businessman named Pullen, responsible for the construction of what is now known as Old Acapulco. Years later, President Miguel Alemán radically transformed the port, installing electricity, drainage systems, pavements and building the first road from Mexico DF to the port, which brought much more tourism to the area.
The economy grew and foreign investment increased with it. 1950 marked the beginning of the golden age of Acapulco. It became the "in" place among millionaires and Hollywood stars. Elizabeth Taylor chose Acapulco for one of her weddings; Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, John F. Kennedy and Brigitte Bardot were regular faces on Acapulco´s beaches.
During the 60s and 70s, new hotel resorts were built, and accommodation and transport were made cheaper. It was no longer necessary to be a millionaire to spend a holiday in Acapulco, the foreign and Mexican middle class could now afford to travel to Acapulco.
Over the time, Acapulco has become accessible for everyone, whatever one's tastes and budget.
During the 90s, the road known as the Ruta del Sol was built, crossing the mountains between Mexico City and Acapulco. The journey only takes three and a half hours, and this makes Acapulco one of the favourite weekend destinations of the Mexico City inhabitants.
Acapulco is still expanding and its infrastructures constantly improving with the ever-growing foreign investment. No doubt it is worth visiting this Mexican destinations where the landscape and sunset are still the same as the Nahuas admired from its deserted beaches so many years ago.
Imagine an unspoiled paradise, on the coasts of the Pacific, where only a few animal species lived, the sun, the sea and the vegetation making up a green and ochre landscape. Thus was Acapulco Bay 3,000 years ago. The first inhabitants of this area were the Nahuas, a tribe that was a predecessor to the Aztecs, according to archaeological findings dating back to over 2,000 years ago.
In 1521, Francisco Chico, by order of Hernán Cortés acting on behalf of the Spanish Crown, arrived in this area, the first foreigner ever to step on Mexican territory, and named it Santa Lucía. The newly founded city quickly became an important trading centre between Asia and America, with ships constantly coming and going to and from the East, and which brought, among many other goods, spices into America. As a result of the economic boom, the population increased threefold and its wealth attracted the attention of legendary pirates such as Sir Francis Drake, Morgan and Cavendish.
In order to defend the port from the frequent pirate attacks, a castle was built: Fuerte de San Diego, which would later fall prey to an earthquake in the 18th century, and would be destroyed as a result. Acapulco is, after all, one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the country.
At the beginning of the 19th century, King Charles IV declared Acapulco Ciudad Oficial and it became an essential part of the Spanish Crown. In 1810, José María Morelos attacked and burnt down the city during the War of Independence.
Acapulco recovered its importance during the Gold-rush. Many of the ships stopped in the port on their way to Panama, and more than a few of the passengers were so taken by the natural beauty of its beaches that they decided to settle there.
In 1920, Acapulco started its voyage towards becoming an important tourist destination, with the visit of the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VIII. Acapulco's charm had captivated the royalty and they soon recommended the place all around Europe. The idea to create a hotel and trading infrastructure came from a Texan businessman named Pullen, responsible for the construction of what is now known as Old Acapulco. Years later, President Miguel Alemán radically transformed the port, installing electricity, drainage systems, pavements and building the first road from Mexico DF to the port, which brought much more tourism to the area.
The economy grew and foreign investment increased with it. 1950 marked the beginning of the golden age of Acapulco. It became the "in" place among millionaires and Hollywood stars. Elizabeth Taylor chose Acapulco for one of her weddings; Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, John F. Kennedy and Brigitte Bardot were regular faces on Acapulco´s beaches.
During the 60s and 70s, new hotel resorts were built, and accommodation and transport were made cheaper. It was no longer necessary to be a millionaire to spend a holiday in Acapulco, the foreign and Mexican middle class could now afford to travel to Acapulco.
Over the time, Acapulco has become accessible for everyone, whatever one's tastes and budget.
During the 90s, the road known as the Ruta del Sol was built, crossing the mountains between Mexico City and Acapulco. The journey only takes three and a half hours, and this makes Acapulco one of the favourite weekend destinations of the Mexico City inhabitants.
Acapulco is still expanding and its infrastructures constantly improving with the ever-growing foreign investment. No doubt it is worth visiting this Mexican destinations where the landscape and sunset are still the same as the Nahuas admired from its deserted beaches so many years ago.
Acapulco now has to compete with other popular Mexican cities such as Acapulco,
Cabo & Puerto Vallarta, but the city retains its exotic, exciting, and
cosmopolitan aura.
There are scores of first class hotels, restaurants, night clubs, and diverse
attractions that continue to make Acapulco a world class resort destination. And
as always, the views and the sunsets over the bay and mountains are forever
enchanting. Acapulco is an excellent vacation choice for budgets of all sizes,
especially if you take some notes while you are reading this guide. You can get
the most out of your vacation with a little advanced planning and an adventurous
attitude.
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