Introduction to Acapulco and the Southern Pacific Coast

It was this region's exotic tropical beaches and rich jungle scenery that first lured travelers to Mexico. Although the southern Pacific geography may be uniform, the resorts along this coast couldn't be more varied, ranging from high-energy seaside cities to pristine, primitive coves.

Spanish conquistadors came to this coast for its numerous sheltered coves and protected bays, from which they set sail to the Far East. Centuries later, Mexico's first tourists came for the same natural features, but with a different type of escape in mind.

Over the years, the area developed a diverse selection of resorts. Each is distinct, and there's one for almost any type of traveler. The region encompasses the country's oldest resort, Acapulco; its newest, the Bahías de Huatulco; and a side-by-side pair of opposites -- modern Ixtapa and the charming fishing village of Zihuatanejo. Between Acapulco and Huatulco lies Puerto Escondido, a laid-back beach town on a picturesque bay with world-class waves.

This guide covers coastal towns in two Mexican states, Guerrero and Oaxaca. Stunning coastline and tropical mountains grace the entire region, but outside the urban centers, few roads are paved, and these two states remain among Mexico's poorest, despite decades of incoming tourist dollars (and many other currencies). As with some other parts of Mexico, tourism in Guerrero has suffered somewhat from reports of drug-related crime, although this problem has generally not affected the key tourist areas.

Exploring the Southern Pacific Coast -- Beach bumming with a frosty piña colada or cold Corona and a big, shady sombrero used to be the stereotype for most travelers to this part of Mexico. Today ecotourism, adventure tourism, and more culturally oriented travel are stealing people from the beach for at least part of their visits. Each of the beach towns in this guide can serve as a complete vacation. You could also combine several coastal resorts into a single trip or mix the coastal with the colonial -- say, Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca, or Acapulco and Taxco.

These coastal communities have distinct personalities, but you get the beach wherever you go, whether you choose a city that offers virtually every luxury imaginable or a rustic town providing little more than seaside relaxation.

The largest and most decadent of Mexican resort destinations, Acapulco leapt into the international spotlight in the late 1930s when movie stars made it their playground. Today, though increasingly challenged by other seaside destinations, Acapulco still lures visitors with its glitzy nightlife and sultry beaches (even if the Hollywood celebrities who made it a household name have long since moved on). Of all the resorts in this area, Acapulco has the best airline connections, the broadest range of late-night entertainment, the most savory dining, and the widest range of accommodations. The beaches are generally wide and clean, and although the bay itself remains suspect, it's cleaner than in past years.

The resort of Ixtapa and its neighboring seaside village, Zihuatanejo, offer beach-bound tourist attractions on a smaller, less hectic scale than Acapulco. They attract travelers with their complementary contrasts -- sophisticated high-rise hotels in one, local color and leisurely pace in the other. Their excellent beaches front clean ocean waters. To get there, many people fly into Acapulco, then make the 4- to 5-hour trip north by rental car or bus.

Puerto Escondido, noted for its celebrated surf break, laid-back village ambience, attractive and inexpensive inns, and nearby nature excursions, is a worthy destination and an exceptional value. It's 6 hours south of Acapulco on coastal Hwy. 200. Most people fly from Mexico City or drive up from Huatulco.

The Bahías de Huatulco encompass a total of nine bays -- each lovelier than the last -- on a pristine portion of Oaxaca's coast. Development of the area has been gradual and well planned, with great ecological sensitivity. The town of Huatulco, 130km (80 miles) south of Puerto Escondido, is emerging as Mexico's most authentic adventure tourism haven. In addition to an 18-hole golf course, cruise-ship pier, and a handful of resort hotels, it offers a growing array of soft adventures that range from bay tours to diving, river rafting, and rappelling. Dining and nightlife remain limited, but the setting is beautiful and relaxing.