GMT - 6 (GMT - 5 from first Sunday in April to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

New Peso (peso) = 100 centavos.

Language

Spanish.

Situated on Acapulco Bay, Acapulco is probably the most famous beach resort in Mexico and has many beaches as well as numerous top-class hotels. The malecón (seaside promenade) runs along the beaches. There is a square in the centre of the old town to the west of the Bay. This lively and fashionable resort offers skindiving (i.e. diving without a diving suit), angling, parachute sailing, water-skiing, golf, tennis, riding and the unique spectacle of the Quebrada high-cliff divers. The waters of the Bay are famous for their calmness and safety, though the beach of La Condesa has rougher waters and good surf for those who want it. The two beaches nearest the centre of the town are Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla; the sun on these is considered to be at its best in the morning. The late afternoon sun is thought to be best on Playa Hornos, which is further around the bay to the east. Scuba-diving lessons can be arranged on request. Nearby is Roqueta Island, visited regularly by glass-bottomed boats from which the underwater image of the Virgin of Guadalupe can be seen. The island itself is popular for family trips.

Silverware, ceramics, woven wool blankets (sarapes), brightly coloured scarves in wool or silk (rebozos), blown glass, straw work, embossed leather, richly embroidered charro hats, gold and silver jewellery and hard and semi-precious stones.

Fish tamales (filled pastries), posole (a stew made with pork, onion, hominy (maize), garlic and chilli peppers) and ceviche (raw fish marinated in lemon or lime juice) are all traditional local dishes.

Juan N Alvarez International Airport.

North AmericaMexico

Hotels in and near Acapulco include Hyatt Regency, Camino Real Acapulco Diamante, Westin Las Brisas, Fiesta Americana Condesa, Elcano and Acapulco Princess.

Mexico