Acapulco, Mexico: Then and Now

Everybody loves Acapulco — and they have for hundreds and hundreds of years. The Azetcs, the Conquistadors, the international travelers, all of these people have explored the beauty of Acapulco and found one small strip of paradise. Indeed, Acapulco has seen many cultures pass through it. Interestingly, while the people of Acapulco have changed through the years, the land itself remains one of the most vibrant and beautiful places in all the world. Where has Acapulco been and what has this great land seen? What is the significance of its culture? Finally, how did it come to be such a world-famous resort location? 

Acapulco has been inhabited since before the year 3000 BCE, according to some archeological evidence. Little figures representing men have been made of clay and stone and been preserved through the ages. In fact, some pieces were found in Puerto Marques and are literally, the earliest known ceramics to come from Mexico. There have also been cave paintings discovered that date back to 200 BCE. However, more concrete references to Acapulco have been found in Spain's historical records. 

One day an exploring captain Hernan Cortes decided that he would start an expedition to journey to the Mexican Pacific coasts so that perhaps he might discover a new route to Asia. Francisco Chico led the expedition and inadvertently found what later became Acapulco. Eventually, Spain claimed the territory and marked their findings driving in the sand a cross and staff with their holy banners. Off and on, Acapulco was treated kindly by royal decree and then occasionally used for a "shipping" state, to serve as a port. 

This practice continued as Acapulco continues to be a port today, though much more revered for its tourism. In the next couple of centuries Acapulco watched helplessly as pirates from England and the Netherlands fought Spaniards over this little island's treasure. Eventually the fighting stopped. (And a good thing, or else tourism wouldn't be so common)  But you may ask where did all the tourism come in?

Acapulco's tourism was mainly an advent of the 20th century--as all nationalism aside, everyone loves money! (And going to see fancy places too)  Acapulco has now been a popular tourist attraction for latter half of the 20th century and onward, and a favorite for weekend getaway and cruise packages. One of the reasons why Acapulco's tourism has skyrocketed is because airfare has gone down in price allowing more people to travel more often. Acapulco has also enjoyed a spike in popularity from younger demographics, a new generation of partygoers who are all grown up and want to sample a paradise location with no Americanized rules.

You could even say that there is a friendly rivalry going on between Acapulco and Cancun, or more specifically, their vacationers. The majority of people who vacation in Acapulco give the tourist spot good reviews, and it certainly doesn't hurt that Acapulco offers the same thrills as Cancun, but with less of the crowded atmosphere. Make your next vacation an Acapulco paradise!