Sights in Acapulco
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Fuerte de San Diego
This beautifully restored pentagonal fort was built in 1616. Its mission was to protect the Spanish naos (galleons) that conducted trade between the Philippines and Mexico from marauding Dutch and English buccaneers. It must have been effective because this trade route lasted until the early 19th century.
After a 1776 earthquake damaged most of Acapulco, the fort had to be rebuilt. It remains basically unchanged today, having been recently restored to top condition by the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH). The panorama of Acapulco you'll get from the fort is free and alone worth the trip.
The fort is now home to the Museo Histórico de Acapulco, which h…
reviewed
-
B
La Quebrada Cliff Divers
The famous clavadistas (cliff divers) of La Quebrada have been dazzling audiences since 1934, swan diving with graceful finesse from heights of 25-35m (82-115ft) into the narrow ocean cove below. Understandably, the divers pray at a small shrine before leaping over the edge, as did Elvis Presley in the 1963 flick Fun in Acapulco.
At least three divers perform each time, and you're allowed to stay for more than one show. For a view from below the jump-off point, walk up Calle La Quebrada from the zócalo then climb down about 60 steps to the viewing platform. Be sure to tip the divers when they come through the crowd.
reviewed
-
C
Palma Sola Archaeological Site
Located deep in a forest high above Acapulco, the Palma Sola Archaeological site is one of 12 known petroglyphs sites in the Acapulco area. Palma Sola is the most accessible and contains 18 petroglyphs dating from 200 BC to AD 600. Little is known about the people who created the drawings, which range from simple stick figures to elaborate scenes of ancient life in Acapulco.
A steep, sturdy trail winds 400m uphill past the petroglyphs, all marked by Spanish and English signs, and ending at a rewarding view of Acapulco Bay. Bring good hiking shoes and water.
reviewed
-
D
Caletilla
A small beach blending into Playas Caleta in a cove on the south side of Península de las Playas. Both beaches are backed by a solid line of seafood palapa restaurants. The area is popular with families who have small children, as the water is very calm. All buses marked 'Caleta' heading down La Costera arrive here. The Mágico Mundo Marino aquarium sits on an islet just offshore, forming the imaginary line between the two beaches; boats go regularly from the islet to Isla de la Roqueta.
reviewed
-
E
Playas Caleta
A small, protected beach blending into Caletilla beach in a cove on the south side of Península de las Playas. Both beaches are backed by a solid line of seafood palapa restaurants. The area is popular with families, as the water is very calm. All buses marked 'Caleta' heading down La Costera arrive here. The Mágico Mundo Marino aquarium sits on an islet just offshore, forming the imaginary line between the two beaches; boats go regularly from the islet to Isla de la Roqueta.
reviewed
-
F
La Capilla de la Paz
Perched on a hilltop high above Acapulco, La Capilla de la Paz is a beautiful, quiet spot for reflection and meditation. The minimalist, open-air chapel features cascading water, gardens and benches to savor the beautiful aerial view of Acapulco. The chapel’s giant white cross is visible from miles across the bay. Sunset is the best time to visit, when tourists jockey for positions to capture the sun setting within the sculpture of clasped hands. Silence is golden here.
reviewed
-
G
Isla de la Roqueta
This island has a popular (crowded) beach, and snorkeling and diving possibilities. You can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks and other water-sports equipment on the beach. Boats make the short trip every 20 minutes or so. A glass-bottomed boat makes a circuitous trip to the island, departing from the same beaches but traveling via La Virgen de los Mares (the Virgin of the Seas), a submerged bronze statue of the Virgen of Guadalupe.
reviewed
-
La Quebrada
Acapulco’s most popular tourist attraction, the famous cliff divers of La Quebrada have been dazzling audiences since 1934, diving with fearless finesse from heights of 25m to 35m into the narrow ocean cove below. The last show usually features divers making the plunge holding torches. Tip the divers when they come through the crowd.
reviewed
-
H
Casa de la Máscara
This enchanting mask museum is near the fort on the pedestrian portion of Morelos. It has an amazing collection of masks from around Mexico, including some by Afro-Mestizos from the Costa Chica, as well as masks from Cuba, Italy and Africa. A central room displays modern creations. The scant signage is in Spanish.
reviewed
-
I
Bahía Puerto Marqués
The beaches on Bahía Puerto Marqués, are very popular, and its calm waters are good for waterskiing and sailing. You get a magnificent view of Bahía de Acapulco as the Carretera Escénica climbs south out of the city. Frequent 'Puerto Marqués' buses run along La Costera every 10 minutes from 05:00 to 21:00.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
J
Parque Papagayo
This large, shaded children’s park, between Morín and El Cano near Playa Hornitos, is popular with Mexican families. Attractions include a lake with paddleboats, a children’s train, a bar-restaurant, an aviary, a small zoo and a petting zoo. The 1.2km circuit trail is a good place for a morning jog.
reviewed
-
K
Playa Revolcadero
Playa Revolcadero is a long, straight beach that has seen a recent explosion in luxury tourism and residential development. Waves are large and surfing is popular here, especially in summer, but a strong undertow makes swimming dangerous; heed lifeguards' instructions. Horseback riding along the beach is popular.
reviewed
-
L
Jardín Botánico de Acapulco
Located on the campus of Loyola del Pacífico University, the Jardín Botánico de Acapulco houses an impressive collection of flora and fauna. The well-marked footpath climbs from 204m to 411m above sea level through a shaded tropical forest, with plenty of benches to stop and smell the flowers.
reviewed
-
M
Centro de Convenciones
Acapulco's convention center is a huge complex with a permanent crafts gallery (galería de artesanías), temporary special exhibitions, a large plaza, theaters and concert halls. A Fiesta Mexicana is held several evenings each week. Call the center to ask about current offerings.
reviewed
-
N
Playa La Angosta
Playa La Angosta is in a tiny, protected cove on the west side of the peninsula. From the zócalo it takes about 20 minutes to walk here. Or you can take any 'Caleta' bus and get off near Hotel Avenida, on La Costera, just one short block from the beach.
reviewed
-
O
Zócalo
Every night, Acapulco's old town Zócalo comes alive with street performers, mariachis, sidewalk cafes and occasional festivals. It's especially popular on Sunday nights with multiple generations of Mexican families.
reviewed
-
P
Mágico Mundo Marino
This aquarium stands on a small islet off Playas Caleta and Caletilla. Highlights include a sea lion show, swimming pools, water slides and crocodile, turtle and piranha feedings.
reviewed
-
Q
Museo Histórico de Acapulco
The Fuerte de San Diego is home to the Museo Histórico de Acapulco, which has fascinating exhibits detailing the city’s history, with Spanish and English captions.
reviewed
-
R
Sinfonía del Mar
The magical Sinfonía del Mar is an outdoor stepped plaza that occasionally hosts concerts, but mainly serves as an amazing place to view sunsets.
reviewed
-
S
Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Cathedral
The Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Cathedral built in 1930 dominates the square and is unusual for its blue-domed, Byzantine architecture.
reviewed
Advertisement
