I have no doubt that most Brazilians know Acapulco from the episode of Chaves that was filmed in one of the hotels in this famous Mexican destination.
Acapulco was once the place to see and be seen on the Pacific coast. The city’s tropical climate, with sunshine almost all year round, provides ideal conditions for tourism and outdoor activities, making the destination even more attractive. It was the city immortalized by Elvis and in the popular consciousness as Mexico's most popular vacation destination. Acapulco is located on the coast of Mexico, bathed by the Pacific Ocean, which contributes to its stunning landscapes and famous beaches.
However, now most foreign tourists avoid all this by going to the colonial Puerto Vallarta, For luxury of Los Cabos.
On the other hand, Acapulco is gaining strength again after security problems and little by little tourists are returning to the paradise that was once the favorite destination of celebrities such as Elvis and former American president, John Kennedy.
The importance of Acapulco as one of the most emblematic tourist destinations in Mexico stands out for its variety of beaches, attractions and experiences that allow visitors to make the most of their trip.
Read the text to the end and find out everything about this incredible destination, a paradise adored by celebrities. Tourism is essential for the local economy and Acapulco offers unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers, with its beautiful landscapes, beaches and leisure options.
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History of Acapulco
Acapulco de Juárez comes from the Nahuatl word Aca-pōl-co (meaning 'where the reeds are destroyed/washed away') and is named after former Mexican President Benito Juárez.
Throughout its history, It was inhabited by Olmecs, Mayans, Nahuas, Coixas and Aztecs, before being 'discovered' by the Spanish around 1520. The combination of cultures that passed through the region contributed to the historical and cultural richness of the place, making Acapulco an important center of cultural integration in Mexico. Acapulco's historical importance as a strategic port was fundamental for the trade and export of Mexican products, consolidating its economic relevance since the first centuries.
It quickly became an important (and powerful) port city, especially with the onset of the Mexican Revolution at the turn of the 19th century. The city's development was not limited to the waterfront: the interior of Acapulco also developed, integrating different neighborhoods and urban areas into tourism and the local economy.
The construction of the highway to Mexico City in the 1950s changed the way people accessed the city, facilitating the flow of tourists and boosting employment and tourism in the region. In addition, Acapulco became known for the production and sale of typical products, further strengthening its economy and increasing its importance on the national scene.
In the 1920s, the destination began to gain international recognition, aided by a visit from the Prince of Wales and the construction of a road that linked it to Mexico City in the 1950s. And then the boom began. Among the main historical points of the place, the Fort of San Diego stands out, a symbol of the defense and port history of Acapulco.
The city has also welcomed notable figures, such as Diego Rivera, whose life and artistic work left a significant influence on local culture, especially through murals that celebrate Mexican identity.
The Acapulco Boom
Historians mark Acapulco's “Golden Age” as between the 40s and 70s, when the construction of large hotels was in full swing and Hollywood stars have found their ideal vacation destination.
Elvis Presley filmed Fun in Acapulco, Elizabeth Taylor married Mike Todd and JFK spent his honeymoon with Brigitte Bardot. D
During this period, the city expanded its boundaries, moving up into the surrounding hills, and in the 80s and 90s, the development of luxury resorts in the Diamante region was underway.
In the 21st century, its national and international appeal grew and it remained a popular destination.
The brilliance of the mid-20th century began to turn into the hell of Spring Breakers (American students) in the early 21st century, when the seaside city became the preferred vacation destination for Gringos.
However, everything changed with the presidency of Felipe Calderón, the leader who ruthlessly declared a war on the Mexican cartels that would later devastate Acapulco's reputation.
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Acapulco Failure
In 2010, Acapulco became a hotbed of cartel fighting and was largely avoided by domestic and international visitors.
This got worse in 2009, when Arturo Beltran Leyva – the leader of one of Mexico's most powerful cartels – was killed by police.
It was then that the city went into real decline, residents say, as the cartel splintered and random violence erupted thanks to existing members jockeying for power.
While cartel violence in most Mexican cities tends to affect only those involved in the drug industry, in Acapulco in recent years tourists have been caught in the crossfire.
In 2012, Acapulco (the city with the highest homicide rate in Mexico) was named the most dangerous city in Mexico and has done so every year since.
It seemed like the fun in Acapulco was really coming to an end.
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Acapulco begins to recover its reputation
Has all the unrestrained gang violence left a permanent mark on the reputation of the once-iconic Acapulco? Can Mexico’s most dangerous city in Mexico’s most dangerous state recover from this blow to its popularity and safety?
The importance of tourism for the economy and image of Acapulco is fundamental, as the sector drives a large part of local economic activities and contributes to the international projection of the destination.
Some residents remain concerned that the near-constant and heavy police presence in the heart of tourist areas continues to be an obstacle to repairing Acapulco's stellar reputation.
However, Acapulco is slowly returning to its glorious days Nowadays, it is quite easy to travel around the city's tourist areas. Each region offers a variety of destinations and attractions, such as beaches, historical landmarks and traditional neighborhoods, which make the visitor experience even richer.
With the recent success of the Jersey Shore reality show, Acapulco Shore, and the attractive hotel prices, it seems like this could be seen as a blip in Acapulco's history for years to come.
Currently it seems that violence has decreased and even the famous tennis tournament (Mexican Tennis Open) or Acapulco Open continues to be held at the destination no problem. Even Rafael Nadal passed by there without any problems.
Each tourist spot in Acapulco has its relevance for the development of the city and for providing unique experiences to visitors, reinforcing the importance of tourism and different destinations for the recovery and growth of the municipality.
If you want to visit this famous destination, always remember to stay in the tourist areas and take all the precautions you would take in a city like Rio de Janeiro, for example.
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What to do in Acapulco
The most popular tours in Acapulco include boat trips, ecological trails and guided tours of historical sites, providing unforgettable experiences for all ages.
The city's most famous beaches, such as Condesa Beach and Icacos Beach, are ideal for water sports, sunbathing and lively seaside parties. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants and local food options, from typical food stalls to haute cuisine, especially in the golden zone, the ideal place for accommodation and leisure.
Acapulco’s nightlife is vibrant, with parties, events and options for all ages, making it the perfect city for those looking for fun after sunset. The natural landscapes, lush coastline and views of the Pacific Ocean make Acapulco a unique destination for those looking to make the most of their trip.
The range of attractions includes everything from the historic San Diego Fortress to trails through the city's interior, which also has a strong connection to tourism.
Acapulco caters to all ages, offering different ways to enjoy the city, whether as a family, couple or group of friends. Visitors will find a wide range of tourist products, such as travel packages, souvenirs and local services, boosting work in the tourism and services sector, which is essential for the local economy.
There is no evil that lasts 1000 years, they say. So don't worry, because Acapulco is recovering its reputation and it is now possible to safely stroll through the region's tourist areas, enjoying the best of the coastline bathed by the Pacific Ocean.
Therefore, I brought three excellent attractions to enjoy Acapulco safely.
1 – Boat Trip
During the boat trip, you will be treated to stunning views of the Acapulco coastline, with paradisiacal settings that make the experience even more special.
Visit the magnificent Acapulco Bay, the hotel zone and see some homes of celebrities such as singer Luis Miguel or Antonio Banderas. The tour includes sailing across the Pacific Ocean, providing incredible panoramic views of the city's beaches and coastline.
You’ll also visit the famous La Roqueta beach, where you can enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and diving, as well as soaking up the sun on the white sands. You’ll also pass through the La Quebrada area, where you’ll see athletes (known as “clavadistas”) jumping into the sea. These and other surprises await you on this magnificent crossing.
You can do this day trip or you can choose something more romantic in night tour.
2 – Guided Tour
Acapulco became an iconic holiday destination in the 60s and has since attracted tourists from all over the world. Did you know that at one time it was the favorite destination of celebrities such as John F. Kennedy and Elizabeth Taylor?
Na Guided Tour of Acapulco We will explore a set of attractions and regions that represent the best of the city, including its most famous tourist areas. We will get to know the three areas of the city: Traditional Acapulco, Golden Acapulco and Diamond Acapulco, the most luxurious area of the port.
The tour includes a variety of destinations and historical sites, providing a complete experience through the different neighborhoods, beaches and tourist attractions that make Acapulco a unique place. The guided tour is suitable for people of all ages, offering options for activities for children, adults and seniors, ensuring fun and interest for all types of visitors.
In addition, the tour will pass by the main attractions of this incredible destination, such as La Quebrada, where you can see the incredible divers jumping off the cliff. Amazing, right?
3 – Dinner and diving show in La Quebrada
Acapulco is known for its wide variety of restaurants, especially in the La Quebrada area, where you can find everything from traditional options to sophisticated dining experiences.
La Perla restaurant is one of the most famous establishments in the destination for its quality cuisine and its spectacular viewpoint. From the restaurant terrace you will enjoy the clavados show with the best views of La Quebrada.
During the show, the lively atmosphere and party atmosphere reflect Acapulco's vibrant nightlife, making the experience even more special.
Several times a day, athletes jump from the top of the cliff into the sea. Only the bravest swimmers do the diving, as miscalculating the jump can be really dangerous due to the rocks on the seabed. The diving of La Quebrada has attracted tourists from all over the world for decades.
Chaves Hotel in Acapulco
41 years ago, the film “Férias em Acapulco” was recorded, in which all the characters from Chaves participated for the last time in a recording of the program.
Brazilian Chaves fans fondly remember the most popular episode, which in the Portuguese dub referred to Acapulco as Guarujá.
But what was the hotel that became so famous in Brazil and nobody knows about it? Is it still operating?
In early 1977, Televisa owner Emilio Azcárraga purchased a luxury hotel in Acapulco, the Acapulco Continental Hotel, now called Hotel Emporio Acapulco, located on Avenida Costera, almost next to Parque Papagayo.
So, to promote it, he decided to have the Chaves production team record some special episodes at the hotel.
The production team reserved a large part of the hotel, recorded the episodes and the trilogy was broadcast in 1977.
In addition, an episode of Chapolin Colorado was also recorded at the hotel, called “Un Chapulín en Acapulco”, and was broadcast around May 1977.
The hotel where “Chaves em Acapulco” was filmed looks like this today.
“Holidays in Acapulco” was the only occasion in which the series was filmed on special exteriors and featured all of the series’ regular and original cast.
In subsequent reruns of the Chaves series, the original 1977 broadcast was lost and only the 1978 broadcast remained, coinciding with the end of that season and the beginning of 1979.
For this reason, it is believed that those three chapters were the last scenes recorded of Carlos Villagrán as Quico on the program.
After this recording, some actors decided to leave the show and pursue other projects.
Although the name of this luxury hotel was never mentioned in the chapter, the hotel is called “Hotel Emporio Acapulco” and thanks to Google Maps you can check it out.
If you want to know more information about Acapulco or Mexico, leave your comment or write directly to Mexico Guide Instagram.
FAQ
Acapulco is a city located in the state of Guerrero, Mexico. The city is an important port and a well-known tourist destination on the Pacific coast.
To get from Brazil to Acapulco, you need to take a flight with at least one stopover, usually in Mexico City or Panama. There are no direct flights between Brazil and Acapulco.
The city of Acapulco was severely devastated by Hurricane Otis in October 2023. The Category 5 hurricane caused widespread destruction to the city's infrastructure.
The cost of a trip to Acapulco can vary considerably depending on the season and your flight and hotel choices. Round-trip flights from Brazil usually start at a few thousand reais.
Yes, Brazilians need a physical visa to travel to Mexico, including Acapulco, for tourism purposes. This requirement has been reinstated by the Mexican government.
The episodes of the series “Chaves” in Acapulco were filmed at the Hotel Emporio Acapulco. At the time of filming, the hotel was called Acapulco Continental.
The filming location for “Chaves” is the Hotel Emporio, located in the hotel zone of Acapulco, Mexico. The hotel is a popular tourist attraction among fans of the series.
The Emporio Hotel, where episodes of “Chaves” were filmed, was one of the many buildings severely damaged by Hurricane Otis. The hotel suffered significant structural damage.
The famous episodes of the series “Chaves” in Acapulco were recorded and originally shown in 1977.
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