The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean and its bright waves lapping against the shore provides a constant percussive beat to the rhythm of life on the western coast of the southern nation nestled on North America.
From your perch on the golden sands of the picture-perfect beaches, all lit in glorious sunshine, you can sit and spy humpback whales joyfully jumping above the horizon, while exotic birds call out and dolphins breach the surface of the sea. Nature is everywhere to behold, offering a rough-and-ready look at the true Mexico, teeming with flora and fauna.
For fans of aquatic sports like surfing and kayaking, the Central Pacific Coast boasts world-class opportunities. But those looking to luxuriate by the pool, sipping on cocktails and dreaming of the energetic nightlife will find plenty to do when the sun goes down.
Whether it’s a fortnight of sipping Margaritas or a month backpacking towards the inescapable Sierra Madre, Mexico makes space for every kind of tourist. Here are our top five things to do on the country’s Pacific coast.
5. Los Arcos National Park
This park, made up of five different islands and islets which almost look to be bobbing on the surface of the Pacific, is full of diversity. Some of the islands tower up to 50 metres above the water, teeming with nesting birds (parrots and pelicans), as well as exquisite plant life, while others barely scrap five metres, secreting shoals of lustrous fish just below the water.
[Flickr/Shanti Gilbert]
4. La Quebrada Clavadistas
The most famous sight in Acapulco has been leaving tourists gobsmacked for more than 80 years, with the famous cliff divers soaring off La Quebrada into the water below. Pulling off acrobatic feats with grace and steely nerve, the divers plummet at high speeds from 25-to-35m heights, with the last show of the evening seeing the diver carrying flame-lit torches as they jump.
[Flickr/Michael R Stoller Jr]
3. Fuerte de San Diego
Constructed in 1616 on top of a hill, this strategically significant fort faces five different directions, designed to keep Spanish settlers safe from marauding Dutch and English pirates, while helping to maintain trade routes as far away as Manila.
The fort was decimated by an earthquake in 1776, but what is on show today has remained unchanged since it was rebuilt in 1783. It’s worth a visit alone for the Museo Histórica de Acapulco, which caters for English-speakers with intriguing exhibits about the city and its development.
[Flickr/the world seen through my eyes]
2. Zócalo
A must visit for fans of a good night on the town, Zócalo is the name of the leafy old part of Acapulco, which bursts forth with music and fun every night. On the paths, street performers set up and wow audiences, while mariachis strum away as patrons enjoy a drink or two in the cafés. Sunday nights are famous occasions for generations of Acapulco families to get together and stroll through Zócalo, but the highlight of the year has to be the world-famous ‘Día de los Meurtos’ festival honouring the dead in stylised gothic fashion.
[Flickr/Coberturas Yahoo! Mexico]
1. Templo de la Virgen del Rosario
This Roman Catholic basilica bursts forth with intricate baroque and rococo design, a sumptuous feast for the eyes, dripping in opulence, and yet incredibly ramshackle and rundown. In many ways it is emblematic of everything Mexico is, a little shabby sometimes, but with treasure to be found for those willing to take a look. The church does, at least, have a relatively new floor; the story goes that the daughter of the region’s governor was getting married in the chapel, and didn’t want the hem of her wedding gown ruined by the dirty floor.
[Flickr/Enrique López-Tamayo Biosca]
To listen to travel writer Manchán Magan tell George Hook about Mexico's Pacific Coast, please play the embedded podcast below:
