Historical Background

Imagine an unspoiled paradise, on the coasts of the Pacific, where only a few animal species live, the sun, the sea and the vegetation making up a green and ochre landscape. Thus was Acapulco Bay over 3000 years ago. The first inhabitants of this area were the Nahuas, a tribe that was a predecessor to the Aztecs, according to archaeological findings dating back to over 2000 years ago.

In 1521, Francisco Chico, by order of Hernán Cortés acting on behalf of the Spanish Crown, arrived in this area, the first foreigner ever to step on Mexican territory, and named it Santa Lucía. The newly founded city quickly became an important trading center between Asia and America, with ships constantly coming and going to and from the East, and which brought, among many other goods, spices into America. As a result of the economic boom, the population increased threefold and its wealth attracted the attention of legendary pirates such as Sir Francis Drake, Morgan and Cavendish.

In order to defend the port from the frequent pirate attacks, a castle was built: San Diego Fort, which would later fall prey to an earthquake in the 18th Century, and would be destroyed as a result. Acapulco is, after all, one of the most earthquake-prone areas in the country.

At the beginning of the 19th Century, King Charles IV declared Acapulco a Ciudad Oficial and it became an essential part of the Spanish Crown. In 1810, José María Morelos attacked and burnt down the city during the War of Independence.

Acapulco recovered its importance during the Gold Rush. Many of the ships stopped in the port on their way to Panama, and more than a few of the passengers were so taken by the natural beauty of its beaches that they decided to settle there.

In 1920, Acapulco started its voyage towards becoming an important tourist destination, with the visit of the Prince of Wales and future King Edward VIII. Acapulco's charm had captivated the royalty and they soon recommended the place all around Europe. The idea to create a hotel and trading infrastructure came from a Texan businessman named Pullen, responsible for the construction of what is now known as Old Acapulco. Years later, President Miguel Alemán radically transformed the port, installing electricity, drainage systems, pavements, and building the first road from Mexico DF to the port, which brought much more tourism to the area of Guerrero.

The economy grew and foreign investment increased with it. 1950 marked the beginning of the golden age of Acapulco. It became the "in" place among millionaires and Hollywood stars. Elizabeth Taylor chose Acapulco for one of her weddings; Sinatra, Eddie Fisher, John F. Kennedy and Brigitte Bardot were regular faces on Acapulco´s beaches.

During the 1960s and 1970s, new hotel resorts were built, and accommodation and transport were made cheaper. It was no longer necessary to be a millionaire to spend a holiday in Acapulco, the foreign and Mexican middle class could now afford to travel to the beautiful city.

During the 1990s, the road known as the Ruta del Sol was built, crossing the mountains between Mexico City and Acapulco. The journey only takes about three and a half hours, making Acapulco a favorite weekend destination for Mexico City inhabitants.

Acapulco is still expanding and its infrastructures constantly improving with ever-growing foreign investment. No doubt it is worth visiting this Mexican destination, where the landscape and sunset are still the same as they were when Nahuas admired them from the deserted beaches so many years ago.

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