Caleta and Caletilla: Gentle Waves and Great Prices

(Acapulco, AN 29 December) The beaches of Caleta and Caletilla continue to be favorites of visiting tourists during all of the vacation seasons because of the calm waves and the variety of products and services that can be purchased there. Tourism experts explain that this area is especially popular with families who travel with a limited budget. Yesterday, there was hardly any room for another sunbather or swimmer; the beach umbrellas were spread out in six rows along Caleta beach, and in the commercial area, the place was swarming with bargain hunters. The twenty-four restaurants along Caletilla were running at full capacity. Beach vendors, as expected, arrived in great numbers to sell food, drink and souvenirs to the crowd. Technically, vendors are required to have a city vendor license; many actually possessed such a document. On the bridge to Magico Mundo Marino visitors could buy jewelry, onyx, shell art, fruits, bathing suits, ceramics, hammocks, and much more. Oysters fresh from the sea were selling at $60 pesos (US$5) per dozen.

From nearby docks tourists could take a boat ride, rent a jet ski or take a ride on the “banana.” Inflatable floats were renting at $30 pesos for the day. Overall, a sense of complete safety and tranquility prevailed, in spite of the throng of visitors. Employees of the city government were posted around the area to hand out leaflets, answer questions and provide other tourist services.

One tourist who was interviewed said that she loves to come to Acapulco (from Mexico City) and visit various beaches. “In my three-day visit I have gone to Revolcadero and Puerto Marqués, but I always wind up at Caleta because what I like most about this beach is that it is clean and peaceful, and everything here is less expensive by comparison. And you can eat right here on the beach, and very well.”