For those of you who don’t know what Mexico City looks like, visiting the place will surely catch your attention. By simply looking at the pictures of their places in the internet, you’ll surely find yourself booking for a trip to one of the world’s largest city, Mexico City. It is the capital of Mexico; it’s also Mexico’s location, financial as well as cultural capital of Mexico. I’m sure as soon as you arrive to this place, you’ll get yourself busy for a magnitude of activities and exciting things, beautiful places to visit. Yet before anything else, knowing its origin would make us better understand what it was before, how it came to what it is now and how we will see it in the future.

Several people were living in the Valley of Mexico many centuries ago way before the coming of the Aztecs in the thirteenth century and the conquest of the Spaniards after that. Many inhabitants have been attracted to its shores because of its several lakes found in the Valley. Then came along the Aztecs, which is a nomadic tribe. They were known to be very fierce and barbaric in nature. The inhabitants of the Valley of Mexico did not welcome them thus were forced to move from different places, eating whatever food they can find until they were able to settle on swampy islands in the western part of the lake. The native inhabitants have a story that has it that Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec war god, was the one who led them to this place upon seeing an eagle rest on a cactus devouring a serpent (now, you’ll see this as a national emblem of the Mexican flag). This is where their dominion started, spreading over the swamps, marshes and islands. They formed many alliances with several other communities. And because of their viciousness, they served as private armies for Tepanecs of the Azcapotzalco. Needing to maintain power, they joined many more alliances. Among the three cities, Tenochtitlan rose as an empire grasping its power beyond the Valley of Mexico.

Much has happened upon the arrival of the Spaniards under the Spanish explorer Hernan Cortes. Moctezuma believed that Cortes was the returning god Quetzalcoatl, welcomed the Spaniards to their city. With the turn of events, Moctezuma became their prisoner. The Aztecs made their defense until the final battle on August 13, 1521 with Cuauhtemoc, the last Aztec king, leading the defense, who is now a national hero.

Mexico City ruled a territory extending to South Panama and north to California by the 1530s. Much improvement was made to Mexico City with its renowned architecture, so impressive that it can be compared with Europe’s best. Despite these achievements, nature got its part of history. Flooding was one of their worst problems even after 1629, thousands of people died in floods. Mexico gained its independence from Spain in 1821 after a very long war. Americans shared a part of their history too. Mexico was captured in 1847 and they forge a peace treaty in the country. Mexico’s rulers did retaliate and curbed the Catholic Church by 1850s.

Despite the turmoil, Mexico City continued its growth side by side with wealth and power centering mainly in Mexico City. Porfirio Diaz made vast contributions to the City’s development. He developed the city’s infrastructure, persuaded foreign investments, and started the groundwork for industrial development. Mexico City then became modernized by the early twentieth century. Still, his leadership impoverished the many and, thus the revolution.

So much has happened to history which led to so much political changes by the 1990s. Mexico City now has become one of the largest and most interesting places to go. You’ll see so much of its history, culture and changes simply by setting foot in this beautiful city.

Acapulco is México’s original resort that is going now through a much deserved resurgence in popularity. The reputation of Acapulco portrays a city that never sleeps and Acapulco does its best to live up that reputation.

Nightclubs and discos don’t close until every last reveller has gone home, at times this is long after the sun has come up.  Legendary nightlife aside, Acapulco also has a reputation of being a magnet for the rich and famous.  Many celebrities, from all over the world, have homes or keep vacation retreats in Acapulco.

Acapulco is situated around a horseshoe shaped natural bay, with hills and cliffs on either side.  Each side offers incredible views of the entire bay, the city and all of the beaches within the bay.  Many of the restaurants, bars and discos are located to take advantage of these incredible views.  The view of Acapulco at night has got to be one of the most incredible “man made” sights in Mexico.

The official language is Spanish. English is understood and/or spoken by most people employed in the tourism industry. French, Italian, German and many other languages are spoken by tour guides and concierges.

The climate of Acapulco offers a hot and sunny year. July and August are the warmest months and rainy season runs from June to October, though showers usually last only 15 or 20 minutes and fall at night.

Tourists’ attractions

Zona Dorada – The Golden Zone

Going almost anywhere in Acapulco, you’re sure to run into or end up on “The Costera”, known as Avenida Costera Alemanwhich is the real heartbeat of Acapulco. Most of Acapulco’s major attractions are either on or very close to this busy street.

The action along The Costera is varied, and constant, making many sections of this strip a perfect spot to have lunch or dinner and do some serious people watching.

The Zócalo or town square is a peaceful area, shaded by giant rubber and mango trees, near the hectic centre of Acapulco.  The zócalo is lined with ice cream stands and sidewalk cafes.  It’s a good place to mingle with the locals as they go about their daily business.

The daily routine around the zócalo is pretty much the same as it has been for years.  One end of the zócalo is dominated by the cathedral which was built in 1930 originally for use as a movie set.

Acapulco Beaches

During the day, most of the focus in Acapulco is on the beach because the city gives many choices when it comes to beaches. The whole bay is lined with beaches. Because of the waves, these beaches are a great area for surfers as well as beachcombing and collecting shells.

The small  beaches combine calm waters, great atmosphere and many beach front restaurants that serve some incredible seafood.  Many of the beachfront restaurants are shaded by giant trees which add a different feel to beach going.

Acapulco Nightlife

One of the most exciting cities in the world, Acapulco is famous for its explosive nightlife, postcard beaches, unlimited watersports, first-class hotels, gourmet restaurants and the breathtaking physical beauty of Acapulco Bay.

But Acapulco plays host to an incredible array of nightlife being also called “the city that never sleeps”. Acapulco is a party town when the sun goes down.  The world famous party scene starts late and ends early the next morning.

The nightlife scene is varied, from loud and lively discos to intimate piano bars with some incredible tropical shows thrown in to keep everyone interested.  Everyone should be able to find something to to do at night in Acapulco.

The discos open late and  may stay open until sunrise. Many of the bars keep the same closing hours. Dancing at one of the hillside clubs with a full view of the bay through floor-to-ceiling windowpanes is an experience unique to Acapulco.

Things to Do

Getting tired of the sea and sun, there is still plenty to do in and around Acapulco. Water sports are a way of life in Acapulco. The bay is alive with warerunners, parasailing, paddle boats, banana rides and even a beachfront water park.

There are also many air conditioned theatres, most open during the day, where you can take in the latest movies.

Acapulco is home to four championship golf courses and another 9 hole course that is located right in the tourist zone. There are abundant tennis courts and many of the hotels have their own private courts.  A few of the hotels allow visitors to rent the courts.

Shopping in Acapulco

Acapulco is great for the serious shopper.  There are open air markets, ocean view malls, indoor malls and specialty shops of every shape and size.  Acapulco’s proximity to Taxco makes silver a serious commodity with many stores featuring the work of local artists.

The main boulevard, Costera M. Aleman, is home to the finer shops, but don’t leave without looking for some bargains in the downtown area.  The downtown area has many typical local businesses and a Sears store.

The area also plays host to such American favorites as a massive Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club and Costco.  There are also many specialty shops selling unique items, produced locally, for the home.