Acapulco stretches more than 6km (3 3/4 miles) around the huge bay, so trying to take it all in by foot is impractical. The tourist areas are roughly divided into three sections. On the western end of the bay is Acapulco Viejo (Old Acapulco), the original town that attracted the jet-setters of the 1950s and 1960s -- and today looks as if it's still locked in that era, though a renaissance is projected.
The second section, in the center of the bay, is the Zona Hotelera (Hotel Zone) or La Costera; it follows the main boulevard, Costera Miguel Alemán (or just "the Costera"), as it runs east along the bay from downtown. Towering hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and strips of open-air beach bars line the street. At the far eastern end of the Costera lie the golf course and the International Center (a convention center). Avenida Cuauhtémoc is the major artery inland, running parallel to the Costera.
The third major area begins just beyond the Gran Hotel Acapulco, where the name of the Costera changes to Carretera Escénica (Scenic Hwy.), which continues all the way to the airport. The hotels here are lavish, and extravagant private villas, gourmet restaurants, and flashy nightclubs built into the hillside offer dazzling views. The area fronting the beach here is Acapulco Diamante, Acapulco's most desirable address.
Street names and numbers in Acapulco can be confusing and hard to find. Many streets are not well marked or change names unexpectedly. Street numbers on the Costera are illogical, so don't assume that similar numbers will be close together.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
