Puerto Marques - Acapulco's Other Bay
Puerto Marqués is a beloved retreat for Acapulco locals, offering a relaxed and authentic seaside experience far from the tourist traps. With its informal, laid-back vibe and natural beauty, it feels more like a hidden gem than a bustling resort. Development in the area is minimal and unobtrusive, allowing the stunning scenery to take center stage. Mornings are lively, with families, couples, and friends enjoying the calm waters and sandy beaches, while the late afternoon sees the bay grow quieter as the tide rolls in and the day winds down. By evening, Puerto Marqués takes on a tranquil, almost serene atmosphere.
Puerto Marqués stands out for five key reasons:
- Lush Vegetation and Surrounding Mountains: The area’s verdant hills and pristine natural setting make it feel like you’ve stepped into an untouched paradise.
- Scenic Highway Lookouts: The Carretera Escénica, the scenic route leading from Acapulco proper, offers spectacular lookout points (miradores) with panoramic views of both the Golden Zone and Puerto Marqués.
- Calm Waters for Swimming: The gentle waves of the bay are perfect for swimming. Non-swimmers can rent an inner tube and float peacefully with the tide.
- Fresh Seafood on the Shore: Beachside restaurants serve some of the freshest seafood around, with tables so close to the water that your feet might get wet as the tide rises.
- A Glimpse of Real Acapulco: Puerto Marqués retains the charm of a simpler time, offering visitors a look at local life before the influx of large-scale real estate development. It’s not luxurious or flashy, but it’s authentic—and undeniably beautiful.
Getting There
Reaching Puerto Marqués is simple. Hop on a city bus marked "Pto. Marques," and it will drop you off close to the beach. If you disembark early, enjoy a leisurely walk through the village, where you can buy a fresh coconut ("coco") to drink its sweet milk—safe and refreshing. Once finished, vendors will open the coconut so you can savor the meat, often sprinkled with chili for an extra kick.
Returning to Acapulco
Heading back is straightforward, though slightly more involved if you don’t speak Spanish. Walk back through the village to the main road and catch any bus labeled "Acapulco." If you’re traveling to the traditional Acapulco area (e.g., Caleta), you may need to switch buses at “Hornos,” near the Comercial Mexicana.
Staying Overnight
For those wanting to extend their stay, Puerto Marqués offers several modest beachfront hotels. Alternatively, for a luxurious experience, the Camino Real Hotel provides a secluded escape at the opposite end of the cove, nestled within an exclusive gated community—a serene hideaway fit for the rich and famous.
