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Expat Exchange - Discovering the Best of Acapulco 2024
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Discovering the Best of Acapulco

By Betsy Burlingame

Welcome Home Mexico
Welcome Home Mexico

Summary: Discover the charm of Acapulco with our guide to the city's top attractions, culinary hotspots, and vibrant nightlife. From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, we'll also help you find the best recreational activities to enjoy, and offer advice on making lasting connections with the friendly locals.

Welcome to Acapulco! If you're planning to move to Acapulco, congratulations on taking the first step towards a new adventure. While there are many things to think about before you leave, such as visas, housing, and transportation, it's important to remember that once you arrive, the fun really begins. In this article, we'll introduce you to some of the best sites, restaurants, and nightlife that Acapulco has to offer, as well as provide tips on recreational activities and making friends in Acapulco.

Acapulco, is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, offering a plethora of attractions for both tourists and locals. One of the most iconic sites is La Quebrada, where professional divers plunge from cliffs into the Pacific Ocean, a spectacle that has been attracting visitors since the 1930s. The Fort of San Diego, a star-shaped fortress built in the 17th century, now houses the Acapulco Historical Museum, showcasing the city's history from pre-Hispanic times to the present. The Zocalo, Acapulco's main square, is a vibrant place filled with shops, restaurants, and the stunning Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Cathedral.

For nature lovers, the Botanical Garden of Acapulco offers a peaceful retreat with its diverse collection of tropical plants. The Isla La Roqueta is a must-visit for its beautiful beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and a zoo. The Pie de la Cuesta is a tranquil lagoon perfect for boat rides and witnessing stunning sunsets. Acapulco also boasts several beautiful beaches such as Playa Condesa, Playa Icacos, and Playa Revolcadero, each offering unique experiences from bustling beach activities to serene relaxation.

Acapulco's restaurant and nightlife scene is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. One of the most popular restaurants is Zibu, offering a fusion of Thai and Mexican cuisine with a stunning view of the Acapulco Bay. Another favorite is Becco Al Mare, an Italian restaurant known for its delicious food, extensive wine list, and panoramic views. For seafood lovers, El Cabrito offers a variety of dishes in a traditional Mexican setting.

The nightlife in Acapulco is legendary, with a range of bars, clubs, and discos that cater to all tastes. Palladium is a popular nightclub perched on a cliff, offering breathtaking views of the city and the bay, along with world-class DJs and a vibrant atmosphere. Baby'O is another iconic club, known for its unique cave-like interior and high-energy music. For a more relaxed evening, the Sunset Bar at the Banyan Tree Cabo Marques offers exquisite cocktails and a stunning view of the sunset.

Recreational activities in Acapulco are abundant, with a focus on water sports and outdoor adventures. The warm waters of the Pacific Ocean provide excellent conditions for surfing, with Bonfil Beach being a popular spot. Snorkeling and scuba diving are also popular, with the waters around Isla La Roqueta offering a rich marine life. For those who prefer land-based activities, there are several golf courses in the city, including the Acapulco Princess Golf Course and the Pierre Marques Golf Course.

For a unique experience, tourists can take a ride on the Shotover Jet, a high-speed boat ride through the Papagayo River. The CICI Water Park is a favorite among families, offering water slides, a wave pool, and dolphin shows. For a taste of local culture, the La Quebrada Cliff Divers show is a must-see, where divers leap from cliffs into the sea, a tradition that dates back to 1934.

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Insider Tips from Expats in Acapulco: Making the Most of Life and Connections

"Expats in Acapulco often join local clubs and organizations to meet people and immerse themselves in the local culture. These can include sports clubs, such as golf, tennis, or sailing clubs, as well as cultural organizations, such as language exchange groups or cooking classes. Many expats also participate in community service or volunteer work, which not only allows them to give back to their new community, but also provides opportunities to meet locals and other expats. In addition, there are several social groups specifically for expats in Acapulco. These groups often organize events and activities, such as beach parties, hiking trips, or wine tastings, which provide a fun and relaxed environment for meeting new people. Expats can also meet people through their work or school, or by simply getting out and exploring the city. Acapulco has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants that are popular with both locals and expats. Finally, many expats find that learning Spanish and participating in local traditions and festivals is a great way to meet people and feel more at home in Acapulco," said one expat living in Acapulco.

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"Life for expats and digital nomads in Acapulco, is often filled with a mix of work and leisure. The city offers a vibrant lifestyle with its beautiful beaches, bustling nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Expats often find the cost of living to be affordable, with a variety of housing options available, from luxury villas to modest apartments. The local cuisine is a delight for food lovers, offering a wide range of Mexican dishes to explore.Working remotely in Acapulco is facilitated by the availability of coworking spaces and reliable internet connectivity. The city also has a good transportation system, making it easy for digital nomads to move around. However, the language barrier can be a challenge for some, as not everyone speaks English, but locals are generally friendly and willing to help.Despite its reputation for being a tourist hotspot, Acapulco also has a strong sense of community, which expats can become a part of. There are also plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, and exploring the natural beauty of the region. However, like any other city, it's important for expats and digital nomads to be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions, as Acapulco does have some areas with higher crime rates. Overall, life in Acapulco for expats and digital nomads can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, offering a balance of work, relaxation, and adventure," commented an expat living in Acapulco.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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