Since the 17th century Acapulco has been one of the most important harbour towns of Mexico. The city with its approximate 2 mio. inhabitants is situated directly by the sea and consists of 3 centres: the old part of the city with the famous Quebrada rock canyon on the west end of the bay, the hotel zone on the coastal road and the newer part with hotels and tourist infrastructure on the eastern part of the bay. Acapulco is a large and lively city which attracts Mexican as well as foreign tourists.