Acapulco: The Pearl of the Pacific

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-see-ahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón/Lo siento
  [pair-dohn/loh see-ehn-toh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido/a
  [ehs-toy pair-dee-doh/ah]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh/ah]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSólo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes bajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs bah-har ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh o-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una en punto
  [ehs lah oo-nah ehn poon-toh]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-booce)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

Long before the arrival of Europeans, Acapulco was inhabited by indigenous peoples such as the Nahuas. These early settlers established fishing villages and small communities along the coast, taking advantage of the rich marine resources and fertile land.

In 1521, Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés arrived in Acapulco, recognizing its strategic importance as a port. By 1531, the Spanish had formally established the city, using it as a key point for maritime trade and communication between Asia and the Americas.

From 1565 to 1815, Acapulco became a bustling hub for the Manila Galleon trade route, connecting the Philippines and Mexico. Ships laden with silk, spices, porcelain, and other goods from Asia would arrive in Acapulco, which then served as a distribution point for these treasures throughout New Spain.

The lucrative galleon trade made Acapulco a target for pirates and privateers. To protect the city and its valuable cargo, the Spanish constructed Fort San Diego in 1616. This fortress played a crucial defensive role and remains a historical landmark today.

Acapulco was a significant site during the Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821). The city was captured by insurgent forces led by José María Morelos in 1813, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle against Spanish rule.

In the mid-20th century, Acapulco transformed into a glamorous destination for Hollywood stars, international celebrities, and affluent tourists. The construction of luxury hotels, resorts, and the iconic Acapulco International Airport in 1945 cemented its status as a premier vacation hotspot.

Today, Acapulco is a vibrant city that blends its rich historical heritage with modern attractions. The city offers a mix of cultural experiences, from visiting historic sites like Fort San Diego and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude to enjoying its stunning beaches and lively nightlife.

Acapulco is served by the General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport (ACA), located about 26 kilometers from the city center. Direct flights are available from major cities in Mexico and some international destinations. Alternatively, you can reach Acapulco by bus from Mexico City, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. Major bus companies such as Estrella de Oro and Estrella Blanca operate regular services to Acapulco. For those driving, Acapulco is accessible via the Autopista del Sol (Highway 95D) from Mexico City.

In Acapulco, taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through apps like Uber. Public buses offer an affordable option for getting around the city, but they can be crowded. For a more scenic experience, consider taking the retro-looking 'Calandrias,' which are horse-drawn carriages. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city, but driving can be challenging due to heavy traffic and local driving habits.

The official currency in Acapulco is the Mexican Peso (MXN). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful, especially in tourist areas, but be cautious of skimming devices. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and in various locations throughout the city.

While Acapulco is generally safe for tourists, certain areas have higher crime rates, particularly those targeting tourists. Avoid neighborhoods like Coloso and Renacimiento, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid walking alone after dark. Use authorized taxis or rideshare services rather than hailing cabs on the street. Keep your valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Major hospitals in Acapulco include the Hospital del Pacífico and Clínica Sanatorio Santa Lucia, which offer emergency services. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress casually but modestly; swimwear is appropriate at the beach but not in town. Religion: Do respect religious customs, particularly when visiting churches; cover your head and shoulders if required. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public buses. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake or a friendly 'hola.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like pozole and ceviche. Don't refuse food or drink offerings from locals, as it can be seen as impolite.

To experience Acapulco like a local, visit the Mercado Central for fresh produce and local crafts. Enjoy a meal at a 'fondita,' a small, family-run restaurant serving traditional Mexican food. Take a stroll along the Costera Miguel Alemán for beautiful ocean views. Don't miss the famous cliff divers at La Quebrada, a must-see spectacle. For a unique experience, visit the local 'tianguis' markets, where you can find everything from clothes to street food.