Acapulco was our second stop on our Panama cruise in April, 2003. Acapulco is located in the state of Guerrero and is situated in Mexico’s southern region. The natural harbor in the Bay of Acapulco was first discovered in 1512 by the conquistador Gil Gonzales Avila. Acapulco was a vital link in world trade for hundreds of years until new trade routes developed around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope at the end of the 18th century. After WWII Americans began seeking out new destinations to explore and “rediscovered” Acapulco. Tourism has grown steadily ever since and the city now boasts a population of nearly 1 million residents.

One of the major attractions in Acapulco is the cliff divers.  These skillful divers dive off the western cliffs 150 feet high into the canyons below, timing the dive to hit the water as the sea is rushing into the canyon below. Mistiming would end in certain death. Unfortunately we were unable to see the cliff divers due to work commitments on board the ship.

We did, however, visit the old fort San Diego (right), which happens to be very near the cruise ship terminal(the picture was taken from the deck of the ship). It is a good example of an old Spanish fort in a pentagon shape built in the early 1600s. They have done a good job telling the story of the fort (in Spanish and English) and present many relics from the days when Acapulco was an important port on the east-west trading route.

Perhaps next visit we will be able to see the cliff divers. And yes, on our next trip (November, 2003) to Acapulco we did indeed go see the cliff divers. In the picture at the left is one of the divers jumping from the highest point. The thing that is so impressive about these jumps is that the divers must judge their jump based upon the water movement below. They must time their jumps so the water will be the deepest when they get there. When the water recedes, the shallowness would ensure a certain death. To see the divers you must pay about $5 at the booth to get access to the neighboring cliff. However, the money does go to the cliff divers so they are no longer reliant on tips alone.

We also walked around the small old town area of Acapulco which we found to be much more inviting than the newer commercial town. The old town center is of the classic style of a central square with the church on one side and shops around a park-like setting. The church, pictured at right, is the focal point of the square. Walking through the square is a pleasant experience even on a hot day as the entire central area is covered by large, mature shade trees, providing a cool, even shade. Planter boxes and seating under the trees provide a welcome respite to weary shoppers.

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