Great Side Trips

Taxco

Taxco has got to be one of Mexico's most unique cities.  Famous everywhere, Taxco is known as the silver capital of the world. This easy drive of less than four hours (slightly more by bus) on a modern, well kept toll road will take you back in time.  Taxco is one of those quaint, picture perfect towns that never seem to age.  If it weren't for the hordes of taxis and electric poles, you could easily imagine you had jumped into a time machine and gone back a century or two.  The huge church dominates the landscape and the narrow, winding cobblestone streets are seemingly from a different era.  There are quaint inns and B&B's, many with incredible views, so you may want to schedule an over night trip.  

The zocalo, or town square, is a great starting point from which to explore Taxco.  The square is located directly across from the church and is surrounded by shops and cafes which allow you to enjoy all of Taxco's daily activity.  If you are shopping for silver, in any shape or form, you will not likely find a better place to shop.  Taxco is home to so many silver shops, you will find it impossible 
to visit all of them.  There are other crafts, from all over Mexico for sale here, but you can probably do better in Acapulco where there is more competition.  Be aware that the competition to sell all types of silver in Taxco is fierce and you can usually strike a bargain on the listed price, or at least you can try.

Taxco also has a nearby golf course.  Perhaps the women can shop while the men take in a round of golf.  This seems to be a great incentive to get the men to take their spouses shopping.

Pie de la Cuesta & Coyuca Lagoon

Although Pie de La Cuesta and Coyuca Lagoon are very close to Acapulco, less than 10 miles north, the feeling is that of a completely different world.  A world that has not accepted the hectic, modern way of life.  Yes, there is electricity and telephones are common, but the pace of life here is much more relaxed than in the city.  Except for weekends, when this peaceful area is invaded by Acapulqueños, you will find only a few other tourists here.  Your visit to this area should be about relaxing, eating, drinking, taking in the sun and also the magnificent sunsets and perhaps a tour of the lagoon.  You will find hammocks, fresh sea food and cold Cerveza in abundance at the all of the restaurants.  Enjoy!

Pie de la Cuesta is a 20-mile long stretch of Pacific beach famous for incredible sunsets, and the many palapa style restaurants and somewhat funky motels that line the beach.  This is a great beach for surfers, but swim here only if you are an excellent swimmer.  A very kicked back atmosphere prevails here, unlike Acapulco which always seems to be going too fast for it's own
good.

Coyuca Lagoon, on the other side of the peninsula, is a natural fresh water lagoon, covering 28 square miles.  Coyuca Lagoon mixes as a haven for water skiers, with it's constantly glassy waters and an eco-tourism paradise for bird (over 250 varieties) and nature lovers.  These characteristics normally seem to oppose each other, here they seem to easily blend together.  It's tropical landscape and exotic islands have been the backdrop for numerous adventure movies.  Go fishing, water-skiing, sailing, take a sightseeing cruise or just relax along the shore.  Lining the shore are  many ski clubs and restaurants, some with swimming pools.  Each restaurant seems to have it's own special recipe for the different varieties of seafood they serve, each a special treat.

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