ACAPULCO DE JUÁREZ

Largest city of Mexico’s southwestern state of Guerrero. Acapulco is situated on a narrow strip of land lying between shoreline and the hills, which almost surround its bay. It is Mexico’s main Pacific Ocean port and one of the world’s finest natural harbors. The city is the trade for produce of Guerrero. Exports include copra, maize, sesame, sugar cane, cotton, fruits, hides and woods. Among its industries are food and fish processing, cotton ginning and metal working. Its main industry is tourism. Acapulco is a world-famous resort with scores of ultramodern hotels. Most are built on the surrounding hills with magnificent views of the bay, coves, bathing beaches and rocky cliffs. The climate is agreeable with average winter temperatures of 78° F. and in summer 82° F. Fishing for swordfish, marlin, and sailfish is an important tourist attraction. Settled about 1530, Acapulco from 1565 until 1815 was Spain’s main gateway to the riches of the Philippines and the Orient. It was also the New World terminal for the treasure-laden Manila galleons. Pop., 49,149.