Acapulco
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Things to do in Acapulco

Things to do in  Acapulco

Welcome to Acapulco

Acapulco was once Mexico’s premier beach resort, and American presidents and Hollywood film stars populated its golden sands. Its popularity dwindled as Cancun and Playa del Carmen catapulted to fame, but today, the Pearl of the Pacific is on the cusp of a renaissance. Beaches lapped by turquoise waves are still a top draw, but you’ll find intriguing cultural attractions, too, from the Fort of San Diego (El Fuerte de San Diego) and the Mural Diego Rivera to the Zocalo, the central plaza that’s the beating heart of Acapulco. If you can tear yourself away from the coast to explore via a guided tour, it’s worth it—this is your chance to experience Acapulco’s wildlife and natural habitats. Take a day trip to the Coyuca Lagoon (featured in movies such as Rambo and Tarzan), watch baby turtles scurry back to the ocean at Vallarino Turtle Camp, snorkel with tropical marine life at La Roqueta Island, or take a tour of the Municipal Market followed by a Mexican cooking class. Acapulco really comes to life after dark, with a wealth of evening activities that accentuate the bold local culture. Take in a gourmet meal as you watch the fearless La Quebrada Cliff Divers plunging into the Pacific, or feast on tacos and sip cold beer while viewing a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) match.

Top 8 attractions in Acapulco

La Quebrada Cliff Divers

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Acapulco's iconic attraction, made famous in Elvis flicks, Ray Austen stunts, and every cheerfully scrawled holiday postcard sent home ever since, are La Quebrada Cliff Divers. Beginning in the 1920s, these brave young men and women began leaping for the crowds some 45 craggy meters (150 terrifying feet) into a wave-crashed inlet just 4 meters (13 feet) deep. And that's if they time it just right.The ritual begins with a prayer at the shrine to La Virgen de Guadalupe, carved into the cliff-top platform. Then, the divers carefully calculate when their target will have enough water to soften their fall. Finally, they leap. First in the afternoon, and as the sun sets, again. The final dive of the night plunges past torches into a sea of fire (lit with flaming gasoline), no easy feat.More

Diego Rivera Mural (Exekatlkalli)

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The Diego Rivera Muralis a spectacular mosaic sculpture on the exterior of Exekatlkalli (La Casa de los Vientos), where the Mexican artist Diego Rivera once lived with his lover Dolores Olmedo. He spent the last years of his life with her here, and in 1956 created this mural featuring Quetzalcoatl, the Mesoamerican mythical serpent.More

La Roqueta Island (Isla de La Roqueta)

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Located off the coast of Acapulco and reachable by boat, La Roqueta Island (Isla de La Roqueta) is an ideal spot for travelers looking to relax. Visitors lounge on the golden sand beaches, snorkel and kayak at secluded coves, and hike a network of trails that lead to stunning scenic overlooks. The island also offers a handful of restaurants and a small zoo.More

Zocalo

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The heart of any Spanish Colonial city is the central plaza, or Zócalo, and the ancient Mexican port town of Acapulco—despite its modern facelifts—is no exception. The constant swirl of activity, live music on weekends, and vendors selling every sort of souvenir are all here, mixing and mingling with tourists and locals relaxing in the shade during the day.More

Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego)

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An excellent example of classic Spanish defensive architecture, the Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego) was built in 1616 to fight off increasing attacks by British pirates on the trade port of Acapulco. Today the star-shaped fortress houses the Acapulco Historical Museum (Museo Histórico de Acapulco), with good displays on city history.More

Coyuca Lagoon (Laguna de Coyuca)

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North of Acapulco, freshwater Coyuca Lagoon, or Laguna de Coyuca in Spanish, spreads across some 28 square miles (72 square kilometers) and is particularly important for migrating birds. Several small islands along the coast act as sanctuaries for colonies of pelicans, herons, storks, and other species. The lagoon is also a popular destination for water sports.More
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El Rollo Acapulco

El Rollo Acapulco

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Waterslides and wave pools are just steps from a white-sand beach at El Rollo Acapulco, a water park that features a dolphin show as well as plenty of wild and wet fun. Grab a tube and fly down a 40-foot (12-meter) tower, zip down a 290-foot (88-meter) wavy slide, or relax as the kids enjoy Isla Infantil (Children’s Island).More
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Acapulco Cruise Port (Terminal Maritima)

Acapulco Cruise Port (Terminal Maritima)

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With a rich nautical history dating back to the 16th century, Acapulco has a lot to offer with its beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife, and jungle-clad hills. This port in the Pearl of the Pacific—long a favored resort of the rich and famous—remains a frequent stop on cruise itineraries along Mexico’s Pacific coast.More

Top activities in Acapulco

Acapulco Cliff Divers at Night

Acapulco Cliff Divers at Night

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27
From
USD70.00
*Cliff Divers De Luxe Dinner at "La Perla" Night Club La Quebrada in Acapulco
Special Offer
City Sightseeing Tour

City Sightseeing Tour

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97
From
USD50.00
*6Hr Cruise & Hotels City Tour-Divers-Baby Turtles-Peace Chapel ALL Attractions
Special Offer
Acarey Boat in Acapulco
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Acarey Boat in Acapulco

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3
From
USD48.00
*Lagoon Boat Ride-Lunch AfroMex Village Baby Turtle Release & Croc Farm Visit
Special Offer
Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet

Kayaks Tour to El Morro Islet

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11
From
USD17.40
Acapulco Airport Transfer

Acapulco Airport Transfer

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USD9.00
Acapulco Snorkeling Tour

Acapulco Snorkeling Tour

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18
From
USD55.00
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

People Also Ask

What is Acapulco known for?

With its golden beaches, party atmosphere, and vistas, Acapulco is renowned as a relaxing vacation spot. Starting in the 1940s, Acapulco became known as an exclusive playground for Hollywood celebrities. Today vacationers flock to Acapulco to enjoy fun-filled days at the beach or watch the iconic La Quebrada cliff divers.

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What made Acapulco a tourist attraction?

Acapulco, once an exclusive port of the Spanish empire, has been a top tourist destination for decades. The city’s laid-back atmosphere and beaches boast natural beauty and activities that attract vacationers. This idyllic Mexican paradise has many reasons for being one of Mexico’s top tourist attractions.

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What should I wear to Acapulco?

Vibrant Acapulco is known for its Mediterranean climate, so when it comes to what to wear, comfortable clothes that can endure warm days and hot nights are key. Opt for light fabrics, choose bright colors that will match Acapulco’s colorful beauty, and don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

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Why do people visit Acapulco?

People are drawn to Acapulco’s picturesque sunsets and its cuisine that emphasizes seafood, Mexican flavors, and tropical fruits. Many use it as a jumping-off point to explore the nearby city of Taxco or the ghost town of La Quebrada to go deeper into Mexico’s rich culture and history.

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Can you swim in Acapulco?

Yes, Acapulco offers a multitude of ways to get in the water. Thanks to the high saturation of saltwater, swimmers float effortlessly with barely any effort. Experienced beachgoers will find plenty in Acapulco’s marine life to enjoy: Sea urchins, manta rays, eels, and sometimes whales can be spotted.

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Is it safe to travel to Acapulco, Mexico right now?

Acapulco is a popular tourist destination, but there are major safety factors to consider. The surrounding state of Guerrero typically has high crime levels, so consult the US State Department travel advisories. If visiting, consider traveling with a companion, avoiding secluded areas at night, and keeping personal belongings close.

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Acapulco information

Number of Attractions

8

Number of Tours

161

Number of Reviews

1,531

Currency

MXN
Frequently Asked Questions
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