Things to do in Acapulco
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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…
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Hawaiano
Various boats and yachts offer cruises, most of which depart from around Playa Tlacopanocha or Playa Manzanillo near the zócalo. Cruises – from M$120 for 1½ hours to over M$250 for four hours – are available day and night. They range from glass-bottomed boats to multilevel craft (with blaring salsa music and open bars) to yachts offering quiet sunset cruises around the bay. The Victoria , Hawaiano , Fiesta and Bonanza cruise operations are all popular; you can make reservations directly from the eager captains at the marina or through travel agencies and most hotels.
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Bonanza
Various boats and yachts offer cruises, most of which depart from around Playa Tlacopanocha or Playa Manzanillo near the zócalo. Cruises – from M$120 for 1½ hours to over M$250 for four hours – are available day and night. They range from glass-bottomed boats to multilevel craft (with blaring salsa music and open bars) to yachts offering quiet sunset cruises around the bay. The Victoria , Hawaiano , Fiesta and Bonanza cruise operations are all popular; you can make reservations directly from the eager captains at the marina or through travel agencies and most hotels.
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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.
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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.
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El Fogón
Red-checked tablecloths, an airy dining room facing La Costera and neon lights blazing out the names of Mexican specialties all create a welcoming atmosphere at this eatery popular with local families. If you’re hungry, try the house special, molcajete acapulqueño : enough steak, pork, ranchero cheese, grilled nopales (cactus), avocado slices and freshly made tortillas to feed two people! There is another branch as the corner of La Costera and Alaminos ( [tel] 484-50-79; open 8am to midnight Sunday to Wednesday, 8am to 3am Thursday to Saturday).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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CICI
The family water-sports park, CICI, is on the east side of Acapulco. Dolphins perform daily at 2pm (admission M$10), and humans occasionally give diving exhibitions. You can also swim with dolphins yourself (M$1350 per hour) or enjoy an 80m-long water toboggan (tube rental per person M$30), a pool with artificial waves or the Sky Coaster (per person M$150) giant swing ride. Any local bus marked ‘CICI, ’ ‘Base’ or ‘Puerto Marqués’ will take you here.
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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.
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Baikal
Baikal is not just a restaurant: it’s an experience for all five senses. Step down the unusual spiral staircase entrance and you emerge into a cliffside wonderland with stunning views over Bahía de Acapulco. The cuisine is a fusion of French, Asian and Mediterranean, and is presented like a masterpiece while live jazz is played in the background. This is Acapulco’s place to see and be seen. Reservations are mandatory.
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Mercado de Artesanías
Bargaining is the standard at this 400-stall mercado, especially as sellers often find suckers among the many cruise-ship passengers. The market is located between Avenida Cuauhtémoc and Velásquez de León and is Acapulco’s main craft market. It’s paved and pleasant, and an OK place to get better deals on everything that you see in the hotel shops including hammocks, jewelry, clothing and T-shirts.
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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.
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Palladium
Hailed by many as the best disco in town, Palladium attracts a 20- to 30-something crowd with its fabulous views from floor-to-ceiling windows. DJs pump out hip-hop, house, trance and techno from an ultraluxe sound system. Around 3am the famous ‘Silver Aztec’ entertains the screaming crowd with fire and dance. Dress up, and expect to wait in line.
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El Cabrito
A local tradition since 1963, this reader-recommended restaurant has some of the city’s finest traditional Mexican food, such as Oaxaca-style black mole made of 32 ingredients. For those who like a dare, the house specialty is cabecita de cabrito – broiled head of baby goat. The outdoor tables offer prime people-watching.
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Die Bratwurst
When you tire of tacos, head for this traditional German restaurant where the motto is ‘real German food made the Mexican way.’ Owner Wilde Hilde came from the Bavarian village of Garmisch-Partenkirchen for a vacation 35 years ago and never left. She serves up great sausage with sauerkraut, potatoes, salad, bread and flan, all for M$70.
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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.
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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.
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100% Natural, Magallanes
This health-conscious chain has several branches along La Costera and elsewhere in town, all with a mellow ambience and good, friendly service. The food is consistently good, mostly vegetarian fare, including wholegrain breads and rolls and a large variety of fruit and vegie juices and shakes. Some locations are open 24 hours.
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100% Natural, Zócalo
This health-conscious chain has several branches along La Costera and elsewhere in town, all with a mellow ambience and good, friendly service. The food is consistently good, mostly vegetarian fare, including wholegrain breads and rolls and a large variety of fruit and vegie juices and shakes. Some locations are open 24 hours.
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Galerías Diana
Shop until you drop at this mammoth mall with American and European brand shops such as Zara, Nine West, Puma and, yes, Starbucks. This mall also has a casino, a video arcade and the Cinepolis VIP movie theater featuring bartender service and comfy leather lounge chairs; most flicks are in English with Spanish subtitles.
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Fish-R-Us
Sportfishing is very popular in Acapulco. Fish-R-Us offers half-day fishing trips starting around M$6000 for a six-person boat, including gear and bait. The captain can often combine individuals into a group large enough to cover the cost of the boat, for M$1000 to M$1200 per person.
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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.
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Fersato's
Opposite the Centro Cultural, this long-standing family establishment features good Mexican food served amid mock-hacienda decor. Taco varieties include dorados (lightly fried) and de albañil (literally 'bricklayer's tacos,' containing crispy fried pork skin, avocado, onion, tomato and chili).
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