EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Travel along the coastline while you learn about the history and culture of Acapulco. Stop at El Mirador, above La Quebrada to enjoy a drink while admiring the world-famous cliff divers. From a vantage point near Las Brisas Hotel, marvel at the incredible beauty of the panoramic landscape and the bays of Acapulco and Puerto Marques. Continue to the outskirts of town and pass by one of the most impressive hotels in the Acapulco Diamante hotel zone, the Acapulco Princess Hotel, constructed to resemble an Aztec Pyramid.

Drive through the old part of town and visit the Hotel Los Flamingos, once called the refuge of the Hollywood gang of the 1950s. Next, visit around the Fort of San Diego. The present structure was rebuilt on the ruins of the former fort, which was destroyed in an earthquake. Visit one of Acapulco’s landmarks, the Chapel of Peace. This chapel is beyond doubt a place of serenity and peace, located on one of the most exclusive residential areas in Mexico - Las Brisas. Here you’ll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay and of Roqueta Island. A 20-minute stop will also be made for those wishing to shop. At La Quebrada, admire the world-famous high cliff diver’s performance.

Take a scenic ride through downtown Acapulco and along the coast, heading south. About 20 miles away, on a tranquil beach, is the Sea Turtle Rescue Center. Operated by a local environmentalist, the center works to improve the chances of survival for the endangered species of Golfina sea turtles. Learn how the program works and see the baby turtles in various stages of development, from their eggs to the holding tanks where the hatchlings are ready to return to the sea.

Walk down to the shoreline where the turtles will be named before they are released into the water. The number of turtles that are ready for release may not always match the number of participants. A short shopping stop will be made on the way back to your ship.

Visit the San Diego Fort, once the most important Spanish fortress on the Pacific coast and today is home to the Acapulco Historic Museum. You’ll learn about the history of the city, the important role the fortress played and the culture of early inhabitants.

You’ll also visit the cliffside at La Quebrada cove and witness a performance presented by the world famous cliff divers of Acapulco. Using skill and experience, these divers have to time the beginning of their dive so that the waters in the cove are deep enough when they hit them. The breathtaking highlight of the show will be when the master diver plunges headlong over 130 feet into the ocean waters below from the uppermost level of the jagged cliff.

View the famous cliff divers at La Quebrada while enjoying a complimentary drink. Tour main avenue and stop near Las Brisas area for stunning panoramic views. Shop for handcrafted items or jewelry. Stop at the Hotel Los Flamingos, where you can enjoy a drink while you travel back through history and visit the home of movie legend Tarzan in its original setting.

The tour ends with an outside visit to the Fort of San Diego, the most important museum in the state and a testament to Acapulco's history.

Visit the cliffside at La Quebrada cove and witness a performance presented by the world famous cliff divers of Acapulco. Using skill and experience, the divers have to time the beginning of their dive so that the waters in the cove are deep enough when they hit them. The breathtaking highlight of the show will be when the master diver plunges headlong over 130 feet into the ocean waters below from the uppermost level of the jagged cliff.

On this tour you’ll experience Acapulco from a unique perspective, as you cruise through one of the most beautiful bays in the region. Your transfer boat will take you to your vessel on which you’ll set sail for La Quebrada to view the world famous cliff divers as they plunge nearly 130 feet into the ocean below. Continue sailing along the coast, passing by the million dollar mansions of the rich and famous perched on the Acapulco hills. Taste an array of Mexican appetizers and beverages while you enjoy the sights from the bay.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the world of mezcal through tastings and enlightening demonstrations of how this traditional potent potable is made. The venue for this immersion into mezcal will be Casa Ahuate, a country estate that produces the spirit. Although similar to tequila, which can only be made from Blue Weber agave, mezcal can be made from any agave plant, so there is a much greater variety of tastes. However, mezcal typically has a signature smoky flavor that comes from cooking the heart of the agave in underground pits lined with hot rocks. Each step will be explained in detail so you will come away with an understanding of the artisanal process. While snacking on a selection of Mexican appetizers, you can sample some of Casa Ahuate’s mezcal. You will also tour other areas of the estate, including the small zoo, ecumenical chapel and stables for horses that compete in rodeo-like charreadas.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Discover how mezcal is produced and how it differs from and is similar to tequila.
• Taste several smoky mezcals made from agave plants at the estate Casa Ahuate.
• Tour the estate’s small zoo, horse stables and chapel.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Kayaking along the shoreline of La Roqueta is full of interesting sights and geological features, not to be missed. From your cruise ship, you’ll be taken by land to the kayaking beach station. Upon arrival, you’ll be given brief instruction of the equipment you’ll be using and the area that will be covered as you paddle to La Roqueta. You’ll have a total of 60 to 75 minutes to explore via kayak. Water or soda will be provided.

Take a 20-minute water taxi ride to La Roqueta, where you’ll set off on your three-mile, vertical ascent hike of some 450 feet above sea level. See exotic species of plants and possibly animals indigenous to this isolated tropical jungle. At the summit, you’ll be accompanied only by the jungle and a thrilling view of Acapulco Bay, the cliffs and the open Pacific Ocean.

After your descent, head over to an oceanside terrace restaurant to relax, take a refreshing dip in the ocean and enjoy a cold beer, soda or water before your water taxi returns you to your ship.

Board your bus for a 1 1/4 hour ride to the beach, past Acapulco’s most notable points of interest. There’ll be a series of scenic photo stops throughout the ride. During your drive up the southern hillside of Acapulco, enjoy unique views of the bays of Acapulco, Puerto Marquez and of the city. Upon arrival at the beach, the party begins complete with an open bar of Mexican beer (soda and water are available) and plenty of snacks. Enjoy the beauty of the beach, the swimming pool and the Pacific Ocean, or relax at the bar and listen to the music.

If you're a nature lover, this is your perfect opportunity to explore the wonders of a unique tropical nature preserve and a botanical garden. Enjoy a lovely ride along Acapulco Bay as you head towards the coast to Tres Palos Lagoon. During your scenic drive you’ll see Acapulco’s points of interest, including stunning views of the bays, resort and residential areas. Upon arrival at Tres Palos Lagoon, you’ll board your motorboat to begin a breathtaking exploration of the lagoon, home to many species of tropical birds. See mangrove tunnels, virgin lagoons, a natural garden of wild flowers and more.

Then, travel up into the cool hills surrounding the bay and stop to visit the Botanical Gardens. Here, you’ll walk through exotic and amazing tropical flora. The vegetation is typical of a lower deciduous jungle as it contains a great variety of hardwood trees, as well as a variety of cacti, palms and fruit trees.