Typical Oaxaco Dress

Acapulco. . . the name alone glistens like the sunshine flashing across the ocean waves. Its warm white sands, sparkling waters and tropical sun are known all over the world; and even if other resorts try to be "just like Acapulco," there is really only one. Acapulco is the shade of palm trees on the beach, tropical rhythms, water skis and surfboards, sailboats bobbing on the bay, the wide bayside avenue, lush mountains, modern hotels, lights shining over the water for moonlight swimmers, fishing, golf, tennis, and sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Without a doubt, Acapulco Bay is one of the most beautiful landscapes imaginable, a circular jewel of calm blue waters surrounded by green hills on one side, a rocky peninsula on the other, and wide beaches in the center. Beyond the bay, the coasts are lined with open ocean beaches. Add clean and modern hotels, facilities for the best in vacation sports, nightlife, and one of the world's best climates, and it's easy to see why Acapulco is the king of sun and sea resorts, and even more.

Begin With the Beaches . . .

The masterpiece of Acapulco, the foundations of world fame, are the beaches. On the bay alone, where the calm waters are perfect for water skiiers, sailboats, parachute riding, or swimming, there are 23 beaches. Caleta and Caletilla are called "the morning beaches" by residents, because they are blessed with the rich morning sun. Hornos and Hornitos are "the afternoon beaches," according to local lore (although all the beaches are sunny all day long). Condesa and dozens more line the broad palm-shaded avenue Costera Miguel Aleman, the bayside boulevard named for the Mexican President who helped make Acapulco a post-war world landmark. Shaded patio restaurants along the bay beaches offer a cool drink or a full seafood meal.

Over the hill to the south, Puerto Marques beach sits at the head of a smaller bay, almost completely enclosed by the green hills, where sailboaters glide over the clear waters. Another mile beyond Marques is Revolcadero beach, the surfer's dream, sprawling south for miles and miles of rollingbreakers and the immense Pacific Ocean. Revolcadero is the site of several of Acapulco's most deluxe resort hotels, complete with golf, tennis, horseback riding, nightclubs, and, of course, clean white ocean beaches.

A few miles north of the city, Pie de la Cuesta beach is famous for its huge waves (better to look at than swim in local residents say you can see the outlines of fish in the breakers) and beautiful sunsets. La Roqueta, on a small island facing Caleta beach, is more secluded. It's a short ferry ride from the city.

Or Fun in the Sun . . .

After a day of rest on the beach, there's plenty of other action to choose from. The waters, with temperatures ranging from 75° to 85°F., offer the best in water sports. Skin divers love the clean, clear waters of the bay, especially around the submerged statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe, near La Roqueta, where the colorful coral bottoms are full of prizes for spear fishermen. And water skiing? Water skiing was invented in Acapulco and it's still alive there and more than well. Scores of rental boats have complete equipment, and the crews are ready to give some quick lessons to the beginner. A floating photographer's booth in the bay can take pictures of a waving skiier and make them into postcards for the folks back home. Acapulco's latest invention is parachute riding, for a safe but thrilling view of the bay from a hundred feet over the water, attached to a parachute being towed by a speedboat. And on the ocean beaches, surf's up! From December to May, experts say the angler has about a 50-50 chance of landing a 100-pound sailfish, sierra or marlin. The rest of the year there are dolphin fish, barracuda, bonito, pompano, mackerel, red snapper and other game fish for the deep sea fisherman. Charters, complete with modern equipment, bait, soft drinks, and an experienced crew, are available at the downtown wharf in the mornings. Smaller boats are available for small game fishing offshore, with experienced guides at moderate prices.

A raised terrace, where the rain god Chac appears again on a frieze that runs along the main halls. The structure and design are among the most precise of any of the Mayan ruins. Other structures include the Ball Court, the House of the Turtles, and the Great Pyramid, a massive mound still partially covered by thick jungle.

Other ruins are spread across the peninsula. Twenty-six miles from Chichén Itzá, near the town of Valladolid, the Cenote Zaci is believed to have been another Mayan ritual pool. Nearby is the recently uncovered Mayan shrine beside an underground lake at Balancanché Cave, where incense burners, urns, and ceramic pieces honored the god Chac.

Just 12 miles south of Uxmal is Kabah, where the Palace of the Masks is the principal structure, and an arch marks the beginning of a road between Kabah and Uxmal. In this Palace, there are 250 masks of Chac made with exactly 30 stones each. In the same area, Sayil and Labná are reminders of how the ruins were first found by explorers in the deep jungles.

Closer to Mérida, Dzibilchaltún, one of the oldest Mayan cities, is partially restored. Still mostly covered by jungles, the area is more than a mile wide and provides many opportunities for exploring. Its Temple of the Seven Dolls is the most important building uncovered to date.

Tulum, about 25 miles southwest of Cozumel Island, is a spectacular ancient walled city whose watchtower looks over the cliffs to the Caribbean Sea below. There are 56 structures within the walls, including the Tower, the Castle, the spectacular Temple of the Frescoes, and others. Visits are usually made by air taxi, but a new road has been opened.

Southwest of Yucatan State, with its west coast open to the Gulf of Mexico and its southern portion covered by jungle hills, is the State of Campeche. It abounds in beautiful nearly virgin wilderness, fishing villages and quiet beaches, all of which make it a favorite hideaway for hunters and fishermen.

The city of Campeche, with a population of approximately 50,000, was one of the first centers of the Spanish colony and still retains much of its colonial atmosphere, with baroque architecture and narrow streets.

The landmark of the town is a great seawall, part of the original fortress that bordered the whole town and was used to hold off pirates. Today it is a shrimp center, and also produces tortoise shell items and panama hats. A visit to Campeche has to include a magnificent seafood meal in one of the several old restaurants, and a tour around the fortresses and narrow streets of the city center. Outside the old walls, modern boulevards open to the warm beaches where you can watch the ships sail by on the Gulf of Mexico. The best time to visit is during one of Campeche's famous fiestas, including the pre-lenten carnival, the Fiesta de San Román (September 14-30), Fiesta de San Francisco (October 4-13), and State Day (August 7).

The Museum of Arms (Museo de las Armas) is built in a section of the old walls, and contains an interesting collection of muskets and cannons used to fend off the pirates. The Archeological Museum has Mayan artifacts and a special display of the ancient burial ceremony on the island of Jaina in the Gulf.

Campeche's Cathedral, finished in 1545, is another of Yucatan's outstanding examples of colonial architecture.

There are several hotels near the center of town, rich in colonial atmosphere, open patios, and good dining. A modern trailer park and a full beach resort hotel is located about 30 miles from town. Ciudad del Carmen, southwest of Campeche, is a major shrimp fishing center, still retaining much of its charming smalltown atmosphere built around a rich past. The city, located on the southwest end of a 24-mile long narrow island, was once a pirate stronghold, and was actually ruled by the pirates until the governor of Yucatan managed to drive them out in 1717. Today, it's a favorite for sports fishermen who catch tarpon and other big game fish. While there are good hotels and dining in the town itself, beach hotels and sports fishing centers are concentrated in the beach resort of Isla Aguada, on the northeast end of the small island.