Acapulco

No reviews yetCity Guerrero, Mexico

Divers have leapt into the narrow inlet at La Quebrada since 1934, Acapulco, Guerrero

The Zócalo is the shaded town square of old Acapulco, beside the cathedral, Guerrero

The Fort of San Diego was built to defend the harbor and was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1776, Acapulco, Guerrero

Caleta and Caletilla are small calm beaches on the traditional side of the bay, Acapulco, Guerrero

About Acapulco

Acapulco is a port city on Mexico's Pacific coast in Guerrero, wrapped around a deep, sheltered bay backed by steep hills. In colonial times it was the Mexican end of the Manila galleon trade with Asia, and in the mid-twentieth century it became one of the world's most glamorous beach resorts. Hurricane Otis caused severe damage in 2023, and recovery has been uneven.

The cliff divers of La Quebrada remain the city's signature sight, plunging from high rocks into a narrow inlet as the waves surge in. Old Acapulco centers on the Zócalo and its unusual cathedral, while the star-shaped Fuerte de San Diego houses a history museum on the galleon era. Families favor Caleta and Caletilla beaches, where boats cross to Isla de la Roqueta. The Costera Miguel Alemán runs along the bay through the hotel strip of the Zona Dorada, past Parque Papagayo. To the southeast, Puerto Marqués and the Diamante area offer calmer bays and newer resorts.

Acapulco suits travelers wanting beaches, seafood and nightlife within reach of Mexico City. Pie de la Cuesta, west of the city, is known for sunsets and a lagoon. Checking current conditions and safety advisories before traveling is wise.

Best seasonNovember to April brings dry, sunny weather; summer and early fall are rainy and humid.

Ideal stayThree to five days allows beaches, La Quebrada and a trip to Pie de la Cuesta.

ArrivingTravelers fly into Acapulco's international airport or drive the toll highway from Mexico City.

WiserMap travel guideAcapulco Mexico La Quebrada Cliff Divers and Classic BeachesPlan a trip to Acapulco in Guerrero with La Quebrada cliff divers, Fuerte de San Diego, Isla de la Roqueta, Puerto Marqués, local seafood, stays and timing.Read the guide

12 Things You Shouldn't Miss in Acapulco

Landmarks 3

La Quebrada Cliff Divers

Acapulco's most famous spectacle takes place at La Quebrada, a narrow rocky inlet in the old town where the clavadistas dive from...

Zócalo de Acapulco and the Cathedral

The main square of old Acapulco, officially Plaza Álvarez after the independence-era general Juan N. Álvarez, is shaded by large o...

Capilla de la Paz

The Ecumenical Chapel of Peace stands high on the Las Brisas hillside above the bay, built by the Trouyet family in memory of rela...

History 1

Fuerte de San Diego

Built in 1617 to defend the port where the Manila galleons unloaded silk, porcelain and spices from Asia, the Fort of San Diego gu...

Arts 1

Casa de los Vientos

On a hillside near La Quebrada, the House of the Winds belonged to Dolores Olmedo, a close friend and patron of Diego Rivera, who...

Beaches 3

Caleta and Caletilla beaches

These two small twin beaches sit side by side in a sheltered cove on the peninsula south of the old town, separated by a little is...

Puerto Marqués

Southeast of the main bay, the smaller Bay of Puerto Marqués is a calm, horseshoe-shaped inlet with a beach lined by palapa restau...

Pie de la Cuesta

A short drive northwest of the city, Pie de la Cuesta is a narrow strip of land between the open Pacific and the freshwater Laguna...

Nature 1

Isla de la Roqueta

La Roqueta is a wooded island just off Caleta beach, protected as a natural area and reached in a few minutes by water taxi or gla...

Parks 1

Parque Papagayo

Parque Papagayo is a large green park along the Costera Miguel Alemán near Hornos beach, one of the few big open spaces in the den...

Neighborhoods 2

Costera Miguel Alemán and the Zona Dorada

The Costera Miguel Alemán is the long avenue that follows the curve of Acapulco Bay, and the stretch known as the Zona Dorada is t...

Acapulco Diamante

Acapulco Diamante is the newer resort area stretching southeast from Puerto Marqués toward Barra Vieja, home to luxury hotels, gol...

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