Tag Archives: Acapulco

Mexico Independence Day
Acapulco, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Three Great Places to Celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day

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Though Cinco de Mayo gets a lot of hype north of the border, Mexico’s true Independence Day is September 16. This day marks the anniversary of “El Grito de Dolores,” the day in 1810 when bells rang out in the city of Dolores to usher in the Mexican War of Independence. Much like American’s commemorate the Fourth of July with patriotic bunting in the colors of the stars and stripes, people all across Mexico decorate homes and streets with flags, flowers, and lights in their national colors of green, white, and red. September 16 is a day of parades, rodeos, and street parties, and the revelry is ramped up by the sounds of whistles, horns, and fireworks. Celebrations happen all across the country, but certain cities take the festivities to the next level. Here are three places you’d want to be on Independence Day in Mexico.

Campeche

On the Yucatan Peninsula, the historic city of Campeche begins Independence Day observances with formalities, and then gets on with the party. In the evening, crowds gather in the city’s Moch- Couho plaza, next to the government palace, to hear a reading of the Act of Independence, sing the national anthem, and chant “Viva Mexico” as replicas of the bells of Dolores ring out. This patriotic display is followed by a fireworks spectacle and video mapping presentation that uses special effects and music to recreate the events of 1810. Next, the real celebration kicks off with singing, dancing and on-stage performances by headline artists. Visors can absorb a double dose of culture, because the city of Campeche is also home to the Feria de San Román – a religious festival that begins on September 14 to honor the beloved Cristo Negro of Iglesia de San Román. This festival includes a vibrant market and midway with Ferris wheels, food and local crafts. There are also sporting matches and a traditional dance competition.

Campeche

Campeche’s Catedral de la Concepción Inmaculada rises above the city’s historic district. The cathedral’s bells are rung on Independence Day. Photo: Christian Pinto/Cancun CVB

Acapulco

The city of Acapulco begins Independence Day preparations on September 15th, when residents and visitors flock to the city’s central market to buy commemorative decorations such as flags, piñatas, pinwheels and ribbons. Nearby Avenida Costera is decked in green, white and red lights for the occasion. As darkness falls, celebrants congregate at the Zocalo, the city’s main square, where government officials lead the crowd in the traditional “Cry of Dolores.” After enthusiastic chants of “Viva Mexico,” everyone then moves to food booths along the pier to watch fireworks and continue the party until dawn. To recover from the all-night revelry, locals tuck into a hearty bowl of pozole. This post- celebratory dish, which is a broth, made of hominy, pork or chicken, chili peppers and vegetables, is said to be a cure for overindulgence.

Acapulco

Independence day fireworks light the sky over the pier at the Acapulco waterfront. After crowds gather to watch, this area becomes the center of an all-night street party. Photo: Cancun CVB

Dolores Hidalgo

This small town in the state of Guanajuato is known as the cradle of Mexican independence. It was here that revolutionary priest Miguel Hidalgo made the “Grito de Independencia” — the cry for independence — by ringing the town’s bells to signal the beginning of a revolution against Spanish rule. Every year, the town stages a festival on the evening of September 15, featuring theatrical performances, open-air dancing and plenty of tasty Mexican food. Visitors to Dolores Hidalgo should also take in the Hidalgo House Museum, the Museum of Independence, and the House of Abasolo, where the national hero was born. Two additional highlights of the historic town are the church of Our Lady of Dolores Parish, which showcases unique Novohispano baroque architecture, and Atotonilco Parish, where Miguel Hidalgo adopted the famous flag of the Virgin of Guadalupe and led the march of independence.

Dolores Hidalgo

The central plaza at Dolores Hidalgo holds a statue of revolutionary hero Miguel Hidalgo, and a tree that is said to have received the tears or Cortez. Photo: Roman Korzh/Flickr

Cabo Horseback Riding
Acapulco, Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta

Mexico’s Best Horseback Beach Rides

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Sun, surf, sand and a cantering horse. It’s a compelling image, and a familiar entry on many traveler’s bucket list. The trick is finding a ride-worthy stretch of sand that’s not overrun with beach chairs and bathers, but still within easy reach of the resort. Equally important is choosing the right outfitter—one that provides healthy, well-trained mounts that respond with an enthusiasm and temperament matched to the rider.

Oceanfront rides are offered at a number of Mexico’s Pacific Coast vacation destinations by outfitters from itinerant and often unaccredited entrepreneurs to large tour companies that stage large group rides. For the best experience, you’ll want something in between: an established and reputable stable that specializes in smaller parties, stables with well-trained animals and has access to the most scenic trails and beaches. Here are some of our favorite outfitters and routes.

Cabo San Lucas

A number of tour operators in the Cabo San Lucas area can get you on horseback. But if you want the best, make your way north of town to Cuadra San Francisco (www.loscaboshorses.com). This premier equestrian center and riding academy trains in disciplines such as dressage, driving and polo, and also produces exceptional trail horses. Private or small group rides lead into the nearby hills of Cabo Real, along undeveloped beaches, or take in both. Horses are matched to each rider’s ability, providing novices with accommodating animals while inspiring experienced riders with a mount that shares their enthusiasm for the trail.

Cabo Horseback Riding

Near the town of San Jose del Cabo, wranglers lead a string of horses back to the stables after completing an evening ride along the beach. Photo/iStock

Mazatlan

Before you saddle up for Mazatlan’s favorite beach ride, you’ll first take a short boat ride across the harbor entrance channel to the area known as Stone Island. The close-by stretch of beach overlooking Isla Cardones is a favorite with day-trippers disembarking from the cruise ships, but your horse provides an easy escape from the crowds, and there are miles of undeveloped beach to the south to discover. In addition to following the surf line, routes may also take you through coconut groves, coastal mangrove forests and small local villages. The stable that earns consistent high reviews is Randi’s Happy Horses. (www.randishappyhorses.com)

Mazatlan Horseback

Just across the harbor from Mazatlan, Stone Island is a favorite destination for day trips, and a starting point for horseback rides along the wilder beaches to the south. Photo: Jerry Moorman/iStock

Acapulco

If your idea of the ideal beach ride includes crashing surf, you’ll likely be in luck when you schedule a ride along Acapulco’s Playa Revolcadero. This less-developed section of coastlines lies southeast of both Acapulco Bay and Puerto Marques, and is a favorite with surfers. The same cresting breakers provide a memorable backdrop for beach rides. Those willing to travel a bit farther afield can continue along the coast to Barra Vieja, where a ride can be one element of a day spent sunning, fishing and soaking in the laid-back vibe of this coastal village. The leading outfitter, Playa Revolcadero Horseback Rides, does not currently have a web site, but trips can be arranged through a number of tour companies or hotel concierges.

Acapulco Horseback

A sunset over Acapulco’s Revolcadero Beach. This coastline is less developed than beaches within the bay, and ideal for a memorable horseback ride on surf-washed sands. Photo: Andres Balcazar/iStock

Puerto Vallarta

As beaches all along the northern end of Banderas Bay see a new wave of beachfront development, there are no longer areas where horses and bathers mix. Which is not a problem, because the more dramatic backdrop for a seaside canter is still found to the north of the bay, on surf-washed beaches near the coastal towns of Sayulita and San Francisco. One of the area’s favorite stables is the Painted Pony Equestrian Center (http://paintedponiesequestriancenter.com), where riding adventures can range from a one-hour ride along Litibu Beach to half-day excursions that also take in coastal jungles and waterfalls.

Puerto Vallarta Horseback

A short drive north from Puerto Vallarta resorts and Banderas Bay, the wild beaches near the small coastal town of Sayulita are ideally suited for horseback rides on the beach. Photo/iStock

 

 

Acapulco Bay, Mexico
Acapulco, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Acapulco: 10 Reasons to Go

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From celebrity retreats to spring break raves and family vacations, Acapulco has welcomed them all. Today, this city by the bay offers everything from retro-chic digs in the heart of the historic district to five-star beachside retreats, along with an ample helping of fine dining, water sports and nightlife.

1  The Original Getaway

Years before Cancún or Cabo were blips on the vacation radar, Acapulco was the place where the glamorous people came south of the border for a beachfront holiday. At the time, this was a destination that catered almost exclusively to the upper crust, but that began to change in the 1970s when a new era of development and air service opened the town to a growing wave of middle-class travelers.

2  Bays, Beaches and Lagoons

The coastline delivers everything from crashing surf on rocky headlands to calm waters lapping on sandy beaches. The metro area encompasses more than 20 beaches, some sheltered, others facing the open ocean. At the mouth of the bay, Isla la Roqueta is a favorite day trip for swimmers and snorkelers, while both north and south of the city, sheltered mangrove lagoons provide wildlife habitat and sea turtle nesting grounds.

3  Old Town

Acapulco was one of the first locations the Spanish settled along the Pacific coast in the early 1500s. Thanks to its protected harbor, this outpost soon grew into one of colonial Mexico’s major trading ports. Pirates plundered, earthquakes and wars ravaged the waterfront and gold rush traffic brought boom and bust. Today, you can find reminders of the city’s colorful past at venues such as the Fort of San Diego, once the most important Spanish fortress on the Pacific coast.

4  Zone Options

Acapulco is three resort areas in one. To the north, the city waterfront and many vintage resorts of the Traditional Zone are undergoing a wave of restoration. Along the south shore of Acapulco Bay, the beachfront hotels of the Golden Zone remain the area’s number one draw, with a wide range of dining, shopping and entertainment options nearby. Farther to the south, beyond the shores of smaller Puerto Marqués Bay, the shoreline known as the Diamond Zone is home to a new generation of luxury hotels and condominiums.

5  Love the Nightlife

When the sun goes down, the party is just getting started, and for those with the fortitude, the celebration can last until dawn. Acapulco’s spring break action is legendary, but you don’t have to be a collegiate on a binge to appreciate the city’s range of entertainment options. In addition to anything goes beach bars and pulsating all-night dance floors, one can also find live musical performances and more subdued venues.

6  The Cliffs

It’s known simply as La Quebrada, the gulch. Since the 1930s, local daredevils have plunged from an 80-foot-high precipice into this narrow inlet to the delight of cliff-side audiences. The prime vantage point for this daily performance is the shoreside La Perla restaurant. In addition to high dives, this section of coast provides a spectacular backdrop for sunset views, especially from the nearby Sinfonía del Mar, a cliff-side plaza that provides commanding vistas of the western horizon.

7  Family Friendly

Acapulco has a lot to offer vacationing families. Many hotels offer nanny services and children’s activity clubs. There are calm beaches where youngsters can swim safely, a number of outdoor markets and city parks suitable for strolling and mingling with the locals, as well as museums and historic buildings worthy of a visit. Commercial attractions include glass bottom boat cruises, an island zoo, tours into surrounding mountain villages, an aquarium and a youth-themed water park.

8  Water Ways

Acapulco Bay and the Pacific Ocean are ideal for a wide range of water sports. The more sheltered portions of the bay provide calm lee shores to launch beachside favorites such as stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing, towable rides and kayaking. The bay itself is ideal for sailing, personal watercraft and powerboats, while shorelines exposed to Pacific swells draw surfers and body surfers. Isla Roqueta is a favorite snorkeling and scuba diving destination, while deep-sea fishermen range farther offshore in search of trophy catches.

9  Highland Escapes

Along Acapulco’s coast, there is no coastal plain, and the slopes of the Sierra Madre del Sur come close to the shore. These mountains provide a cooler, greener change of scenery that is still within an easy day trip of the beach. One of the most popular near-town excursions is the Palma Sola, where one can hike a hillside trail to discover pre-historic petroglyphs on the way to a panoramic summit providing sweeping views of the coast.

10  Cultural Exchange

Acapulco began as an international destination and still draws a good share of its visitors from afar. But the area also became a favorite coastal destination for Mexican nationals, especially residents of Mexico City. This popularity creates a more authentically in-country vibe than in other resort areas more heavily dominated by American vacationers. English is still widely spoken or at least understood, but you’ll also have ample opportunity to practice your Spanish.