Must-see attractions in Central Pacific Coast

This island offers a popular (crowded) beach, and snorkeling and diving possibilities on the far side. You can rent snorkeling gear, kayaks and more. From…

The cliff-hugging road south of San Juan de Alima climbs above the coast, offering gorgeous views of desolate sandy beaches below. The tiny white strand…

Ixtapa's longest (2.5km) and broadest stretch of blond sand is overrun by parasailing and jet-skiing concessions. The sea takes on an aquamarine sheen in…

About 12km south of Zihuatanejo, just before the airport, Playa Larga has big surf, beachfront restaurants and horseback riding. This is where Andy…

Perched on a hilltop high above Acapulco is this quiet spot for reflection, an airy '70s A-frame chapel surrounded by lovely gardens and providing…

This beautifully restored pentagonal fort was built in 1616 atop a hill east of the zócalo. Its mission was to protect the Spanish naos (galleons)…

Located on the campus of a Jesuit university, these botanical gardens house an impressive collection of flora and fauna. The well-marked footpath climbs…

A dying Diego Rivera spent the final two years of his life at this villa with his muse and lover, Mexican art collector Dolores 'Lola' Olmedo. Rivera…

Accessible only via guided tour, this botanic garden is home to a staggering 300 types of butterflies, abundant birdlife and equally abundant insect life …

This tiny distillery is the only one of its kind, specializing in brewing up mango liquors, which can be sampled here in their pure form or as part of a…

This small museum on the plaza focuses on pre-Hispanic civilizations that once inhabited the region, such as the Aztátlan, and there's a modest collection…

The beaches on Bahía Puerto Marqués, about 18km southeast of the zócalo, are very popular, and its calm waters are good for waterskiing and sailing. You…

Near the archaeological site of Xihuacan, a museum houses three rooms full of Spanish-language displays, which place the local archaeological finds in a…

This nature center rehabilitates injured wildlife, breeds butterflies and parrots, and contributes to environmental education in the area. The grounds are…

At the Mazatlán peninsula’s southern end, a prominent rocky outcrop is the base for this lighthouse, which is 135m above sea level. Join the locals either…

Beyond the Puerto Marqués turnoff and before the airport, Playa Revolcadero is a long, straight beach that has seen a recent explosion in luxury tourism…

On the palm-fringed Bahía Tenacatita, Playa Tenacatita has clear snorkeling waters and a large mangrove lagoon with good bird-watching. There is a land…

On the river, this crocodile nursery rears toothy reptiles that later get released into the wild as part of a repopulation program. There are also some…

Although not as famous nor as spectacular as Acapulco's cliff divers, local clavadistas cast their bodies from a couple of platforms at the eponymous…

A long stretch of greyish sand, Playa Linda is popular with locals, though the water towards the north end can be murky thanks to the nearby rivers and…