Explore Mexico on $430, Part 2: Acapulco!
Posted on : Feb-09-2010 | By : Barbie | In : Traveling In Mexico
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In my previous post, Explore Mexico on $430, I shared my latest Mexico cruise experience with you.
Like I said, cruises are a great way to explore the coastal cities of Mexico without going out of your comfort-zone because you always have a place (the ship) to go back to when you’re done exploring for the day.
So as promised, here are some pictures from our first stop in Acapulco! You can click on the pictures to enlarge them. Now let me tell you about Acapulco.
Most of the natives live in apartments in Acapulco and the surrounding area. A house may go for $150,000, and a very nice condo may be had for around $120,000, but condos on the beach average between $300,000 and $500,000 and up.
Acapulco has a population of about 2 million. It’s about a 10 hour drive from Guadalajara and around 4 hours from Mexico City (one of the largest cities in the world with a population of approximately 23 million).
Acapulco is famous for its nightlife and still attracts many vacationers, although most visitors are natives of Mexico. Acapulco’s number one economic factor is tourism (number two is agriculture.)
Like most coastal cities, Acapulco has a “golden zone” which caters to tourists with many resorts, shops, services which cater exclusively to tourists in general.
Acapulco is located on a deep, semi-circular bay and has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history. It is a port of call for shipping and cruising lines running between Panama and San Francisco, California, United States.
The tourist resort city of Acapulco is the largest city in the state, far larger than the state capital Chilpancingo.
The resort area of Acapulco is divided into two. The north end of the bay is the “traditional” area, where the famous in the mid 20th century vacationed and the south end is dominated by newer luxury high rise hotels that cater to every whim and dream with the most ornate architecture, luxury first-class services complete with all of the shops and stores you would expect to find in a luxury hotel.
Yet despite this, if you shop around you can always find great deals on hotels to make your dollars stretch. Afterall, my husband, Dick, and I bought our cruise tickets for just $430. Quite a bargain if you know your cruise prices. So do shop around. Don’t ever pay full price.
By the way, Acapulco also has the questionable honor of being named as one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Mexico! Yet, despite that, it’s still one of Mexico’s most popular destinations.
How does Acapulco fair as a retirement destination? Well, it’s primarily a tourist trap, but like I mentioned before, expats do live there. You will find such conveniences as Costco, Baskin Robins, Burger King, Dominos, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Walmart, Home Depot and Block Buster!
All of these help make the small number of North American Expats there feel right at home.
Do you have a question about Acapulco or retiring to Mexico?
Just ask me! If you don’t see the “write a comment” section below, click on Read Full Article and scroll down. Share your thoughts and concerns with me. I will always reply to you personally.
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HiBarbie, best places to retire in Mexico as far as costs and safety? For many years I planned to retire in Mexico and have visited many times. I am now considering Belize and Panama because of the safety factor I live in Houston so Mexico is a natural, also I am single. Please give me a comparison. I read your blogs wherever I find them. Thanks Terry.
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Barbie Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 6:53 pm
Panama ranks higher in a Quality of Life index than does Mexico. Panama and Mexico rank almost the same as far as Cost of Living…with Belize a bit lower. Mexico ranked highest as far as healthcare, and Mexico ranked highest as far as Climate…but – all in all, the three rank pretty close for everything. Just depends on your desires. Belize is not that easy to reach, and Panama is quite a distance too. When we retired, you’ll see in my book, Retire In Luxury, Mexico placed #1 as the best place to retire, with Panama coming in at #5, and Belize at #6. These ratings do change from time to time.
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Thanks Barbie for your very informative article about Acapulco. Having just retired to our home in San Felipe, Baja, my husband and I do hope to explore other parts of Mexico over the next few years and cruising is one of our favorite means of travel.
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Barbie Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 6:40 pm
You’re welcome. Enjoy!
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Barbie, thanks for keeping us informed. I have a question, we are still wanting to move to the Cabo area, is their a book or pamphlet we can acquire alerting us to scorpions, snakes etc which can be encountered and what should we know to be prepared in the event we are stung, bitten etc. Thanks, David.
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Barbie Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Hi David start at http://www.cabodoc.com/ScorpionStings.htm and shoes are always suggested, but always check your shoes before putting you tootsies in them :) Barbie
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Can we have more info on Mazatlan Properties. Apartments or places around Angela Peralta?
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Barbie Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 6:33 pm
Hi, Margaret:
I don’t have any information on rentals, but I will see what I can find. Mostly I focus on houses for sale because the information stays relatively current. With regard to rentals, prices and availability usually fluctuate, so it’s hard to write about that.
But I will se what I can do! The next time I come across rental information, I will post it!
Best regards,
Barbie
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hello.
i’m heading to acapulco in 8 days.
i’ve returned to college, so money is tight, i’m living off student loans. i am in need of an apartment for 2-5 months. do you have any connections that may assist me in this task.
also, do you know of an inexpensive place to stay until i find an apt. ?
i appreciate your help.
sincerely and God bless you.
joey beebe
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Barbie Reply:
February 17th, 2010 at 7:50 pm
Hi Joey,
Tight money, student loans, and you’re headed where? for how long? Why? I know I’m sounding like a Grandma – but, that’s what I am. Things have changed – my kids used student loans to pay off college expenses – is Acapulco pertinent to your schooling? Maybe it is. Now, off my preaching podium – Joey, I hesitate to suggest places for people, ’cause one person’s “nice” is another’s “ugg”. Perhaps you can get on a good chatline and ask some expats living there if they know of any apartments or rooms. Usually, word of mouth info will get you the best deals. Best to you, Barbie – and good luck in your education pursuit. Barbie
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Barbie,
I am retired now in Florida but the cost is getting high. I am planning to fly down to Mazatkan in May to look around. I would like to find a place to stay for a week. I am not pickie cleen is nice.
Thanks for any help.
Richard
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Barbie Reply:
February 19th, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Hi Richard – I very seldom suggest any place to stay – people have different expectations, but, I just found this deal… Now, remember, I haven’t been in to check it out – but, location, etc., seems good. And the rates are great! http://www.sandsarenas.com/index_in.html
Let me know how it turns out.
Best to you, Barbie
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I have a question regarding pets (dogs and a cat).
What is required to bring them into Mexico and what is required to return them back into the U.S.?
Charles
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Barbie Reply:
March 7th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
Hi Charles – that’s found on page 19 of my book, Retire In Luxury
You can order straight from my site – it’s an ebook, so you will receive it immediately – no waiting! Barbie
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