Highlights

Fort of San Diego

The Fort of San Diego was erected in 1617 to protect the city from pirate attacks during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is located in the centre of Acapulco, in the old quarter of Petaquillas. It has the curious shape of a five-tip star.

Nowadays, the Fort shelters the History Museum but during the last centuries it was part of one of the most important harbours of the Pacific. It is divided into thirteen halls which display evidences of the most important historic moments of the State of Guerrero and the Fort. It also provides information about the deeds that took place in this building, the first settlers' culture, the conquest of the Pacific Ocean, pirates, the trade with the Orient, etc.

La Quebrada

La Quebrada is a 45-metre high crag from where the most experienced divers jump from the cliff. It is known all over the world for being the venue for the Cliff Diving World Championship. Incredible shows can be enjoyed here every afternoon and evening, and during the latter, the divers often carry torches.

As the tradition states, they must climb the rock and reach the altar of Our Lady of Guadalupe before jumping into the sea. The divers jump into a small inlet, trying to meet a big wave that protects them from the rocks.

Zócalo

The main square is the heart of the old district of Acapulco, a quiet place very close to the vibrant city centre where the locals’ life can be discovered. The Cathedral was erected beside the Zócalo in 1930, at first it was intended to serve as the scenenery for a film, but when the filming ended, it was remodelled and remained as it currently is.

There is a wide range of restaurants and ice-cream stalls and cafés on the streets. A very refreshing and traditional drink called "esquimo" can be tasted here.

Isle of La Roqueta

This small isle with lush vegetation located in the Bay of Acapulco can be reached in just thirty minutes from Playa Caleta. A nice way of reaching it is on glass-bottom boats where to dazzle whilst discovering the sea bottom with the tropical flora and fishes.

It is a protected natural area managed by the "Secretaría de Marina", in charge of guarding it. It is an incredible ecosystem that shelters iguanas and many indigenous species, and a zoo with a wide range of exotic animals.

Very close to the isle, the "Virgen de los Mares" (Our Lady of the Seas) is sunk beneath the surface. This image measures 2.45 metres (8 ft) high and was placed there by Apolonio Castillo, a sportsman from Acapulco. At the top of the isle hillock, there is a lighthouse that can be visited and from where outstanding views can be appreciated.

Pie de la Cuesta

Pie de Cuesta is a site that offers one of the most incredible sunsets in the world. It is located just 10 km (6.2 mi) away from Acapulco, almost parallel to the Lagoon of Coyuca Benítez. Due to its heavy surge, it is not a recommended place to swim, however it offers excellent restaurants and many options to practice water sports in the lagoon.

Every afternoon is extraordinary here, specially when the day has been cloudy, as the sky gets tinged with beautiful colour combinations that range from the golden to the dark red of the sand, and the spectacular shades of the surf. At the same time, the moonlight when appearing behind the mountains can be appreciated.

Caleta and Caletilla Beaches

These two adjacent beaches are within a bay facing the beautiful Isle of La Roqueta, and are the most popular ones in Acapulco. They offer a calm and soft surge which has attracted important personalities such as Capulina de Acapulco, Tin Tan, Dolores del Río and Frank Sinatra. There is a bullring with a capacity for 1,500 spectators, where there are shows every Sunday.

Barra Vieja

It is a protected area, a beach located just 7.5 km (4.7 mi) away from the city centre where nature, rides on horseback and long walks can be enjoyed. It is very close to Laguna Tres Palos, a vast fresh water lagoon that houses numerous flora and fauna species, such as turtles and iguanas, and it is also suitable for fishing.

Casa de las Máscaras (House of the Masks)

It is a few minutes away from the Fort of San Diego, at the "Corredor Cultural". Discover a world of colourful masks closely linked to the gods, religion and culture of the craftsmen of Guerrero. It is a way of getting to know their customs, as in many towns in the State of Guerrero, masks are related to their dances and traditions.

Puerto Marqués

Puerto Marqués is a small bay surrounded by lush and tropical vegetation and possessing calm water beaches of fine golden sand. On the seaboard, there are many restaurants where to delight in tasting delicious fried fish and seafood cocktails. Besides, it is a good place to practice water sports. A very interesting archaeological site is located close by.

Lagoon of Coyuca

This really beautiful fresh water natural lagoon is located some 20 km (12.4 mi) away from the north of Acapulco. Within this area, there are around 250 bird species such as ducks, seagulls, storks, herons and pelicans.

The lagoon shelters several islets with abundant vegetation, palms and mangroves, among other species. The Barra is a magical place where the lagoon, the ocean and the river meet. It was the scene of films such as Tarzan and Rambo II, a place chosen due to its spectacular tropical landscape. Tours on boats can be made in the lagoon.