Acapulco Spring Break Destination Advice & Info

Acapulco, located on the West Coast of Mexico, is Inertia's furthest south spring break destination, for killer weather & great tans.

What Acapulco spring break is best-known for is its absolutely amazing nightlife & upscale clubs, that go 24/7. We guarantee you that Acapulco's spring break clubs will blow your mind beyond your wildest expectations.

Acapulcos huge city on the bay offers great American restaurants, as well as really good authentic cuisine. The hotel scene in Acapulco offers super-student packed fun, noisy pools, and tons of partiers.

A romantic history of spice ships and pirates; golden beaches, tropical jungles and lagoons; high-rise hotels, glittery nightlife and the famous daredevil cliff-divers have all made Acapulco the first and foremost resort town in Mexico.

• Best nightclubs & night time party scene for spring break vs. any other destination
• HUGE hotel properties often have 500+ rooms
• The all inclusive hotel option is a great deal - all meals & drinks included right at the hotel make for a big time value.
• Large variety of bars & restaurants suit all tastes
• Always busy, super packed on the weekends no matter what week your spring break is
• Hot people - Acapulco attracts hot, rich students
• Weather - hottest temperatures you'll find at a spring break destination

Acapulco is nestled in between the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains and Acapulco Bay. The city of Acapulco offers a combination of countless beaches, great shopping, history and world class nightclubs that keeps people returning year after year. The city is home to clubs that are among the most impressive in the world. Palladium is the largest and the most popular, with a dance floor surrounded by a panoramic view of Acapulco Bay from the cliffs. Enigma is the height of elegance with an ancient Egyptian theme to it. There's also Obleu, with its mermaid swimming in a tank next to the dance floor; El Alebrije, arguably the local favorite; and Disco Beach, located directly on the beach and home of the famous foam parties. Baby O' usually hosts world-class DJ's like Skribble & AM. Buy a VIP pass and jump the lines and drink all night for free.

These are sophisticated clubs with a dress code in effect and the people and guests of Acapulco go all out in dressing up for their nights out. This means no shorts for the men-except at Disco Beach, which is casual. Days in Acapulco are meant for recovering from the nights. Whatever methods of "recovery" and relaxation you decide upon are up to you. The choices are endless, but you can't beat a lazy day spent on the beach enjoying the breeze, the surf, the sun and a tropical drink. Once your energy is recovered there are bullfights, poolside parties, shopping, and the historic Fuerte de San Diego to explore.

Enjoy your dinner at an open-air restaurant on the beach, like Paradise, or Carlos 'n Charlie's, where you can dance on the tables. And get ready for the night ahead. Have the time of your life in one of the World's most renowned and glamorous hotspots, Acapulco. Originally made famous by the likes of its illustrious guests like Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and John F. Kennedy, it still attracts those who know how to play all day and all night.

Inquire whether they are members of the Better Business Bureau.

1. You can check them out by going to their website, figuring out what state they are incorporated in (their mailing address) and then going to the Better Business Bureau's website and doing a search on them. You're looking for a clean or satisfactory report. By the way: it doesn't mean all that much... but it's far better than traveling with a tour company or travel agent that has an unsatisfactory report, right?
2. Avoid or beware of any claims of "Zero Complaints" with the BBB. The BBB doesn't rate companies as having "Zero Complaints". Businesses get either a satisfactory or unsatisfactory rating.
3. Another key accreditation (there are about 20 you can look at) is the ASTA, or American Society of Travel Agents. They have a code of ethics that their members must follow.
4. Watch the accreditations. There are about 20 that a company can obtain. Really, you just pay a fee, and you’re in. That’s not really the best way to determine if they are good or not.
5. If you are booking with a travel agent, check ASTA, but also: ask them who they are using for their tour company. Check BOTH out.
6. Look at their party schedule in Acapulco. If they've cheaped it out by not including Palladium, don't buy at trip from them, either. Not going to Palladium on Acapulco is like going to NYC for the first time and not seeing Times Square. You're gonna wanna go there. Palladium is one of the coolest nightclubs in the world, let alone for a spring break destination.
7. Ask what airline they will be using. If they are using charters, problematic flight delays can occur. It makes some sense to at least consider spending the additional money on guaranteeing a scheduled airline ticket, even if there is an annoying change of planes - at least you'll get there on time.

1. Sniff ’em out. Get a friend and call the company's office at the same time. Find out what happens when you do. Are they using call waiting (might be a home office), or do they have a professional phone system, where they can put you on hold? This matters, because it indicates financial stability and is good sign that they can provide you a good trip.
2. Ask questions. Ask a lot. Ask about clubs, parties, is your hotel guaranteed, etc. If your questions are answered fluidly without problem, that's a good thing... but if they are stumbling around, they might be rookies.
3. Watch out for someone/someplace pushing you too hard on any one property - they are doing that for a reason - profits, rather than actually considering you & your groups specific needs. At Inertia, we'll match you perfectly with the package that makes the most sense for you, you have our word.

Acapulco Rocks because:

• It's the true club experience, east-coast style. You're either an American, or a super-rich Mexican, it's VIP all the way. Clubs are world class nice.
• The nightlife. The nightlife. The nightlife. It rocks.
• The weather..a sun worshippers dream, mid 90's.

Acapulco sucks moose because:

• The water. It isn't as nice as Cancun.
• The dress code. For the love of the Big Man, it's 90 degrees outside and you have to wear long pants to get into a nightclub here.
• The hotels - they were nice. Stress WERE. Be prepared for a less than perfect hotel room.
• Mexican nationals. There are a lot of Mexico City people there, and it spooks some people, even if they are ultra rich.

Girl to Guy Ratio:

60% girls
40% guys

(some weeks, the girls out number the guys 2:1)

In Acapulco, it's best to stay within the Acapulco Beach area for spring break. Something where you can walk most everywhere. If you think of the time & aggravation that will save you by not jumping cabs all time, plus the cost. People forget how much they've paid once they get there, so try to talk your group into spending more than they really wanted...you'll be glad you talked them into it.

Please, don't buy into the "we won't be in the hotel much anyway" shtick. You will. If you don't have hot water, if it takes forever to get someplace, or the staff seems shady, your friends will complain to you.

Really quick, we'll recommend a few..this list is NOT exhaustive..but based on location, and being on spring or grad break, these are where to stay: (if you're not a spring breaker, avoid these!)

Have your your passport. this process to get through customs will take about 30 minutes, so be mentally prepared for this. Bags take forever to come out as well, allow about another 30 minutes for that, then tack on another 30 minutes for everyone to load the bus. Finally, it will take about 30 minutes to get to your hotel, and another 30 minutes for check in.

In other words, from the moment you step off of the plane, to the moment that you set your bags on your bed in your room at your hotel, it will take 2 hours, give or take a few. Being prepared to be patient will make you and your group have a much better start to their vacation.

Buy one. Buy the best one offered. While laying out $200-$250 right away sucks, these packages are time-tested, and offer a good value. We don't care if you're traveling with us or not, you should buy one no matter what.

Pre-purchasing one is not only cheaper, it saves you from reaching into you pocket the minute you arrive. Also, once you do, don't think that you're done spending money, because this is Acapulco, very upscale. A $1 USD tip per drink is expected.

Guys: Bring a minimum of $350 USD or don't go.
Girls: Bring a minimum of $250 USD or don't go.

Why more for the Guys? Lady friends at the clubs - you'll be tipping stud!

Hopefully, your vacation package includes roundtrip transfers. If it does not, do NOT buy it from anyone inside the airport, get a cab outside. If you're confused where to go, ask ANY American staff member from a spring break tour company, and they can assist you. The staff will have on bright shirts, with staff badges on.

Some properties need a credit card open, or a cash deposit to insure against any damages. It's important to just keep all of your receipts, this is Mexico after all.

Remember, tipping the bell captain/boy is a must here. Also, not tipping your maid can result in later theft from your room! $1 USD per person per room per day is fine. Budget $7 for it, plus your room will be 99% cleaner than those other fools that aren't tipping.

Inquire at check in about safety deposit boxes. You'll probably be required to put down a cash deposit for the key to the box, but use it for your passports/ /drivers licenses AND TOURIST VISAS (you won't need these again until you leave..as well as any cash or travelers checks you have.

Carry no more than $80 USD at a time. You can change your money at the Casas de Cambio located up and down the strip - avoid changing money at the hotel. Funny thing is, you can get the BEST exchange rate by using your ATM card - there is no fee to do so either, REGARDLESS of where you bank! Also, Senor Frogs & Carlos n' Charlies give kick ass exchange rates too.

QUICK TIP: Write down on a small piece of paper PROPINA and put it under clear ash tray by the phone. Propina means Tip in Mexico, you might as well get used to this fast. $1 USD per day per room per person is an ABSOLUTE MUST, it will a.) make your room super clean b.) facilitate you getting extra towels, called Toyas (spelled here as you would speak it) - it means towels. And c.) the maids not railing all of your stuff in your room while you are away! People who don't tip can get robbed! Think about it..if you guys are tipping, and the other rooms are not, who's shit are going to rail, yours, or theirs? That's an easy one. Mexicans are generally very honest, but if theft is problematic at the lower, non-American hotel chains.

While we understand your need for a "romantic" spring break walk at night, "just say no" because..if you happened to be boinking on the beach at night, the locals can a.) rob you b.) rape you or c.) the damn hotel security will threaten to take you to jail (they can't by the way, the beach IS federal property, not the hotels, but anyway)..so..you're naked, the locals take your clothes (which might have your money in it) and off they go. So, stay off of it at night.

Stay in groups. Be realistic..people hook up on spring break, it happens (wow, are you surprised)..just have one person you are with as a buddy that knows where you are going. We know people lie because they don't want others to know that they are hooking up, but seriously...just have one person that you trust to tell. If you ARE the buddy, don't make moral judgements that might cause your hooking up friend to lie to you. However, if someone is so intoxicated that they don't know what's up..help them please.

Are expensive..expect about 60 Pesos or $7.00 USD per way per cab. Girls, DO NOT TAKE CABS ALONE under any circumstances.

Geography - Mexico is the third largest nation in Latin America (after Brazil and Argentina) covering 1,972,550 square kilometers. The country has a wide variety of terrain, from high rugged mountains and low coastal plains, to rainforests, high plateaus and desert. Various massive mountain ranges include the Sierra Madre Occidental in the west, the Sierra Madre Oriental in the east, the Cordillera Neovolcanica in the center and the Sierra Madre del Sur in the south. Lowlands are largely along the coasts and the Yucatan Peninsula. The interior country is high plateau. There are many rivers in Mexico, though few are navigable. Most are short and run from the mountain ranges to the coast. Acapulco is located about 3/4 of the way down the coast of Mexico, on the Pacific ocean. It is about 4.5 hours from Mexico City, south of Mazatlan, Ixtapa, and Puerto Vallarta.

Money - The official currency of Mexico is the Mexican Peso. The rate of exchange against the US dollar fluctuates daily. Most hotels have a currency exchange desk, but you will get the best rates at banks and exchange houses. Mexican banks are generally open from 9am to 2:30pm weekdays. Exchange houses are open longer and provide faster service. Banks will give cash advances in pesos, for a fee, if you have a major credit card. Most restaurants, bars and shops accept major credit cards. You may want to notify your credit card company in advance to be sure you are set up to access your card outside the country. ATM machines are available and most bank cards with Cirrus or Visa/Mastercard status can be used; check with your bank before you leave to be sure. Keep in mind the machines will dispense Mexican Pesos, not U.S. Dollars.

Language - Spanish is the official language of Mexico, spoken by nearly all. About 8% of the population speaks an indigenous language; most of these people speak Spanish as a second language. Knowledge of the English language is increasing rapidly, especially among business people, the middle class, returned emigrants, and the young. In major travel destinations, such as Acapulco, English is spoken in most shops, restaurants, and public places.

Documents - U.S. Citizens may use one of the following for entry into Mexico:

• Valid Passport: This is the most recommended document - secure and convenient.
• Certified Birth Certificate: (hospital certificate is not acceptable). A birth certificate must include your given name and surname, date and place of birth, date the birth record was filed, and seal or other certification of the official custodian of such records (usually the Department of Health Services in the city where you were born) along with a valid, state-issued photo ID.
• Very strict regulations govern international travel by minors into Mexico. Every minor must have a tourist card, proof of citizenship and sometimes other documents listed below.
• Minors travelling with both legal parents or guardians: nothing else is needed.
• Minors travelling unaccompanied or with anyone other than their legal parents or guardians: they must obtain an original notarised letter of permission signed by both parents.
• Minors travelling with only one parent: must have notarised written permission from the other parent.

(Airlines will also require the name, address and phone of the person meeting the unaccompanied minor upon arrival in Mexico.) In the case of deceased or divorced parents: legal proof must be carried to accept just one signature on the letter. This proof (death certificate, proof of sole custody etc.) can also be shown to a notary who can then notarise an Affidavit of Sole Custody form.

Non-US citizens should contact a Mexico Tourist office for more information.

Time Zone - Acapulco is on Central Standard Time, changing accordingly with the Daylight savings time.

Transportation - Government certified taxis have a license with a photo of the driver and a taxi number prominently displayed. Most of them have a meter, although, more often than not, it is broken. Always choose your taxi, don't let the taxi choose you. Never share a taxi with strangers nor allow the driver to pick up additional passengers. Agree upon a price before you get into the taxi. Many drivers will ask you what you want to pay to get a sense of how street-smart you are. The doorman or front desk personnel at your hotel can help you with acceptable fares. The local bus system is the cheapest way to get around; it only costs 5 pesos (50 cents US) Buses come along every so many minutes so there is never too long of a wait and during spring break, the bus is an excellent way to meet new people! Getting off the bus can be a bit confusing. Stop buttons are usally located at different intervals on the side of the buses, and once you press the button, the bus driver will let you off at the next available stop. You can also ask the bus driver to let you off at a certain place if you are not sure of the location or call out "ALTO"! (this means STOP in spanish!) when you are close to your destination. Ladies, do not take cabs home alone at night!

Weather - Some like it HOT! During the day, temperatures range from the mid to high 80s, but the light ocean breeze makes the climate quite enjoyable. A message to those who worship the sun - WEAR THAT SUNSCREEN! The evening weather is a bit cool; it's nature's way of keeping the hot clubs from catching fire! Rain is very rare for the spring break season!

Dress Code - Acapulco clubs are strict; guys must wear shirts, dress shoes and long pants into the clubs. We're not KIDDING...bring long pants, and not tennis shoes for the clubs at night, or you will NOT get in!

Electrical System - No worries, your blow dryers and clothes irons will work without adapters.

Tipping - Every dollar counts when you are a college student, but please don't forget to tip the people who are good to you: bartenders, waitresses, maids, bellboys.

Phone Calls - Collect phone calls to home are very expensive. The best way to call home is to purchase a Telmex calling card when you arrive. These cards are available at any convenience store or hotel shop; 30 pesos for 3 minutes; 50 pesos for 5 minutes; 100 pesos for 10 minutes. The cards can be used at the white Telmex pay phones by inserting the card. There is a language button on the phone that will allow you to receive instructions in English. If you are going to place a collect call, it is wise to check with the hotel operator before you call to verify what the charges will be. Calls made from the hotel can cost around $40 US for just a few minutes, so it is best to call people in the states from a pay phone and five them your number in Mexico. It is less expensive to call Mexico from the US. It's also best to have the hotel turn off your long distance priviledges so that you know that your hotel phone bill will not incur an unexpected charge at the end of the week. The cheapest and easiest way to contact home is by email. Ask your Inertia representative on location for the closest CyberCafe or Internet service provider. Or, call the number on your wristband to call home at a discount.

Prescription Drugs - Keep all medication with you at all times. Do not put it in with your checked luggage and keep it in the prescription bottle.

Vendors/Locals - Most stores are open from 10am to 10pm Monday thru Saturday. Some stores may close between 2pm and 4pm for the traditional siesta. Many convenience stores, including Wal-Mart stay open 24 hours as well. If you are bargain shopping, and you don't mind "haggling" for the best price, you will want to visit the Mexican Flea Markets. Be prepared to be bombarded, the locals will try to persuade you to look and buy their wares. Don't ever pay the first price they give you - They will try to rip you off! Bargain with the salesperson to get your best price.

Government - Mexico has a chief executive (president), a bicameral legislature, a judicial system with a Supreme Court, local and federal courts, and an administrative subdivision of 31 states and one federal district.