Acapulco On Your Own

The 10 Top Things to do in Acapulco

There's lots to do in Acapulco, whether you're a first timer or a veteran visitor to the city.

1. Watch the Cliff Divers at La Quebrada. Perhaps the most iconic thing to do in Acapulco.


2. Enjoy the cuisine at a legendary Acapulco restaurant. Whether you're looking for a fine dining experience, something casual or an al fresco beachside lunch, Acapulco's restaurants will fit your bill.


3. Visit Fort San Diego. This was once the largest Spanish fortress on the Pacific Coast of New Spain; now it houses the Acapulco History Museum.


4. See the archeological sites of Acapulco. The native peoples of the area left their mark on Acapulco. Now you can see their Petroglyphs, and take in a great view of Acapulco as well.


5. Do the Spa thing. Traveling is terribly stressful, but the Sap at the Acapulco Princess can work out all your kinks.


6. Go Sportsfishing. Hey, in Acapulco you're on vacation not far legendary fishing grounds. Why not spend some time at sea testing your angling skills?


7. Relax on La Roqueta island. Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to nearby Isla La Roqueta, where you can sun, hike and enjoy a beachside meal or adult beverage.


8. Buy a day pass at the Acapulco Princess Hotel. Get away from the crowds and splurge on a day pass at a luxe Acapulco beachside resort.


9. Shop for jewelry, folk art or artwork. An essential part of the concept of "vacation."


10. Take a day trip to Taxco. A trip back in time awaits you in Taxco, a preserved colonial village that was once home to Mexico's most prolific silver mines.

Getting Around

Orientation

Acapulco has the distinction of being the only embarkation/ disembarkation port in Mexico. It is also a port visited by ships visiting from San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Your ship will dock at the Acapulco Cruise Terminal at the north end of the bay, just across from Fort San Diego and adjacent to the Zocalo and the old downtown area.

If you're embarking or debarking your ship in Acapulco, it is strongly recommended to stay overnight before you begin your trip, or particularly on the day you disembark your ship. Why? Because the airport can be a zoo accommodating all of the departing passengers, as all baggage is physically searched, not scanned by X-Rays. Just getting through the baggage check area can take up to 6 hours (and there's no air conditioning in the baggage check area).

Acapulco International Airport is located about 16 miles south of downtown Acapulco. Count on it taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour to get to your hotel in Acapulco from the airport. If you're staying in the Acapulco Diamante area (also located south of Acapulco), it'll take about 15 to 25 minutes to get to your hotel from the airport.

Taxis Taxis are available throughout the city. There are three kinds of cabs: the hotel cabs, which feature nicer, newer vehicles and more expensive; the street cabs, with lights on their roofs; and the VW bug taxis, which are the cheapest and the most abundant. All are unmetered, so you should set a price beforehand. Tipping is optional unless the cabbie helps you with your luggage (give him about $1USD per bag).

Notes on Transportation On land, most visitors opt for rental cars or taxis, but the city's public bus system is reliable. If your plans include cruising the bay and nearby islands, there's an entire fleet of charter boats available.

Suggested "On Your Own" Itineraries

If you've been in Acapulco before and are looking for some new and unique experiences to be had in Acapulco and the surrounding regions, or you're into something different to do in Mexico's premier resort, here's a few suggestions for fun and different "On Your Own" itineraries:

• Take a Day Trip to Taxco. OK, you'll spend maybe 12 hours on the trip, and eight of those are spent in the car or van, but those four hours in Taxco will make it worth it! The trip ain' t cheap, but think of the money you'll save on silver jewelry...
• Buy a Day Pass at the Acapulco Princess Hotel. Decadent Acapulco resort ambiance in one of it's finest luxury resorts...
• Enjoy some Sportsfishing. Acapulco is one of the best ports in the Mexican Riviera to fish for Dorado, yellowfin tuna, marlin and sailfish. Haven't ever gone deep sea fishing? Here's your chance to talk about the big one that got away...
• Indulge yourself in a Spa and Shopping Expedition. Acapulco long ago cemented its reputation as Mexico's premier resort and shopping mecca. So take advantage of one of the best spas in the country, and then shop till you drop...
• Treat your taste buds to a Retro Hollywood Culinary Adventure, as you sample the local Guerrero cuisine. Whether it's chowing down on the fish at La Cabana de Caleta, or tippling the country's finest beers at the iconic Los Flamingos hotel, Acapulco provides a great backdrop for a tasty gustatory extravaganza...
• Go back in time for an Archaeological Exploration of Acapulco and the surrounding regions. Begin by checking out the petroglyphs at Palma Sola, then take an hour-long drive to Tehuacalco, where you'll see the ruins of the Yope civilization, which thrived in the Sierra Madre Sur over a millennia ago...
• When all else fails, or you lost too much last night at the tables, or you just enjoy squeezing pennies, do Acapulco on the Cheap. It can be done for less than $20, and you'll experience a lot of the city...

Shopping

What's Special in Acapulco

Acapulco is both a Mexican and international tourist town, and its shops sell the gamut of arts, crafts and merchandise of the country's artisans. Look for handmade leather goods, local textiles, unique pieces of silver jewelry, native-made ceramics and paintings by local artists.

See our Map of Recommended Acapulco Shops for the locations of the shops listed below.

Jewelry

B & B Jewelers While B & B has a store in the Plaza Bahia Mall, the more interesting trip is to their workshop at Parque Papagayo. There you can choose from a wide selection of jewelry, including gold, silver, Mexican fire opals and other precious stones. Tell your taxi driver to take you to Parque Papagayo junta a la joyeria (next to the jeweler's shop). Once in the park, take your first right and you'll see the shop.

Shopping Malls

La Gran Plaza: Conveniently located at Costera Miguel Aleman 1632. The largest mall in Acapulco, similar to what you're used to at home. No bargains here, but it has a good movie theatre and a food court, if that's what you're looking for. Open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Galerias Diana: Not as big as La Gran Plaza, but it features better, more upscale shops. Has a Starbucks. Located at the La Diana traffic circle.

Plaza Bahia: Smaller than La Gran Plaza, has a larger selection of Mexican goods. Located at 125 Costera Miguel Aleman.

Souvenir Shopping

Artisans' Mall: This is the place to find inexpensive arts and crafts made in Mexico. But you've got to bargain, as nothing you'll see has a price tag. Start your bargaining at 50% of the asking price; if you end up agreeing on 60% of the original price, you're a good bargainer. It's much more common to come to 75% or 80% of the original offering price. Located across from the Plaza Bahia on the Costera.

Zocalo: The zocalo is Acapulco's old downtown, and you can find hundreds of shops here that sell a variety of gifts, crafts, jewelry and clothing. It's best to shop here during the daytime.

Art Galleries

Galeria de Arte Rudic
Acapulco's best selection of artwork by Mexico's most talented contemporary Mexican artists.
Vicente Yanez #9, near the Hotel Acapulco Continental
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Tel: (744) 484 4844

Sergio Bustamante Gallery
Sergio Bustamante is a prominent Mexican artist from Guadalajara. He creates imaginative papier mache sculptures and other works.
Costera Miguel Aleman 120-9
Open Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Tel: (744) 484 4992

Public Art

If you want to see one of Diego Rivera's most famous murals, check out his Exekatlkalli Mural just outside the Casa de Dolores Olmedo, located at Inalambrica #6, Cerro de la Pinzona.

Guerrero Cuisine

Guerrero cuisine is notable for the strong influence of indigenous cultures. Because Guerrero hugs the Pacific, seafood is an important feature of the regional cuisine.

Traditional Dishes of Guerrero

• Huaxmole: meat dish with pork ribs in a thick sauce of chili and guaje beans
• Relleno: suckling pig cooked all night stuffed with pineapple, olives, potatoes, carrots and bananas, accompanied by corn tortillas and rice
• Caldo de cabeza de pescado (found in coastal areas): fish-head soup
• Chile de Ciruela (found in the uplands region): pork with fresh plums and green chilies
• Aporreado: chunks of fried pork mixed with eggs in a broth of cilantro, cumin and garlic
• Barbacoa de Chivo: barbecued goat
• Morisqueta or Zambaripao (found in coastal areas): rice and beans
• Chapulines (found in the central uplands region): well seasoned and prepared grasshoppers

Regional Desserts of Guerrero

• Golleria (coastal): fried concoction of milk, vanilla, egg white, cinnamon sprinkled with sugar
• Jamoncillo de Pepita de Calabaza: finely ground pumpkin nuts prepared with milk and sugar
• Alegria: amaranth seeds toasted, popped, and sweetened
• Palanqueta de Cacahuate: crisp candy based on brown-sugar syrup and/or refined sugar, with toasted corn and peanuts

Favorite Dishes of Acapulco

• White or Green Pozole: A soup made with hominy, beef broth, pork and chicken, traditionally served on Thursdays in many restaurants
  
• Enchiladas Suizas: Enchiladas covered with a special green salsa and sour cream
  
• Sopes or Chalupas: Flat cakes made with tortilla dough, refried beans, cabbage, and cream
  
• Sincronizadas: A Mexican version of a grilled ham and cheese sandwich
  
• Torta: A sandwich prepared with refried beans, guacamole, ham lettuce, and cheese
  
• Mole Poblano: A complex sauce made with more than 30 ingredientes, including unsweetened chocolate, typically spread over chicken
  
• Tostadas guerrerenses: Guerrero-style tostadas
  
• Tamales in banana leaves (dumpling typically made with pork fat and meat wrapped in a banana leaf)
  
• Vuelve a la Vida (Return To Life): A hangover cure, made with a mixture of fish, shrimp, snails, octopus and clams, marinated in lime juice
• A la Talla Fish: grilled fish Acapulco-style, in a chili, garlic, onion and mayonnaise sauce grilled over a charcoal fire

Restaurants

Many of Mexico's finest chefs work in Acapulco, drawn by the lucrative tourist market and a desire for international recognition. If you like fine food, Acapulco won't disappoint.

See our Recommended Acapulco Restaurants Map for the locations of the restaurants listed below.

Recommended Restaurants in Acapulco

La Cabana de Caleta
Seafood
This local favorite is located on the shore of Caleta beach. Enjoy beach dining al fresco as you sample their seafood favorites. Try the ceviche, paella or baby shark tacos. Full Bar.
Playa Caleta next to Playa Oriente
Open daily 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tel: (744) 469 8553

La Langosta Loca
Seafood
This seaside restaurant specializes in seafood dishes, including the eponymous Crazy Lobster, grilled with butter and garlic and served with cheese sauce, sauteed vegetables and rice. Good service. A romantic place for dinner al fresco in Acapulco.
Costera Miguel Aleman, on Playa Condesa
Open daily
Tel: (744) 484 5974

El Zorrito
Mexican food
Inexpensive but good Mexican food in a bohemian atmosphere, complete with live music. Try a steak with onions or quesadillas accompanied by a cold cervesa. Good Service. Open daily, from 9:00 am to closing (which means late, in Acapulco). Accepts American Express, Visa and MasterCard.
Costera Miguel Aleman 186, at the corner of Anton de Alamitos
Tel: (744) 485 3735

El Mandil Verde
Local Mexican Cuisine
El Mandil Verde is popular with both the locals and tourists alike. The pozole, served on Thursdays, is a big draw. Another favorite is Tampiquena served with enchiladas, frijoles, and guacamole with totopos (tortilla chips). Their home-made tortillas are delicious. Accepts Visa & MasterCard.
Costera Miguel Aleman and Fragata Yucatan.
Tel: (744) 484 3175

La Vela
Fish and seafood
Located in the Camino Real hotel, you'll enjoy their fish and seafood specialties as you dine under a Mediterranean-style parasol. Recommend dishes include marinated squid sopes and the fish fillet cooked in butter. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
Camino Real Acapulco Hotel, Carretera Escenica km 14, Fracc. Pichilingue
Tel: (744) 435 1010

El Olvido
International cuisine and seafood
El Olvido offers a wonderful fusion of European and Mexican cuisine. Specialties include octopus salad in mango dressing and filet of Huachinango fish prepared in butter and citrus juices. The restaurant is located in a modern terrace on the edge of the beach with a view of the bay.
Costera Miguel Aleman, Marbella Plaza
Open daily from 6:00 pm to midnight
Tel: (744) 481-0203

Madeiras
International cuisine and seafood
This elegant restaurant features dining on a terrace with a wonderful view of the sea. The menu varies daily, with several choices of entrees and side dishes. Try their margaritas; they also offer a full bar. Proper attire for men: long slacks (no jeans) and formal shoes.
Carretera Escenica 33, Las Brisas
Open daily, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Tel: (744) 446 5636

Coyuca 22
International cuisine and seafood
Located in the residential area of "Old Acapulco," Coyuca 22 offers its guests a panoramic view of Acapulco. Favorites include lobster and prime rib. A favorite of romantics. Accepts Amex, Visa and MasterCard.
Avenida Coyuca 22
Open 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm during the winter season only, from November 1. to April 30.
Tel: (744) 482 3468

Kookaburra
Mexican food
One of Acapulco's most exclusive and romantic restaurants. Located in the Las Brisas area, the palm-fringed eatery offers a great view and candle-lit dining. Full bar. Accepts Visa and MasterCard
Carretera Escenica, local 3, Fracc. Marina Las Brisas
Open daily, noon to 5:00 pm, and from 6:00 pm to midnight
Tel: (744) 446 6039

Dino's
Italian
Offering a view of the coastline, Dino's serves large portions of delicious pasta specialties. The locals recommend the spinach lasagna.
Costera Miguel Aleman #137
Open daily 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Tel: (744) 484 0037

Le Rendez Vous Canadiense
Canadian food
This very popular eatery is the only restaurant in Acapulco serving Canadian specialties. Pleasant atmosphere and quick service. Accepts Visa and MasterCard
Costera Miguel Aleman #145, at Playa Condesa
Open daily
Tel: (744) 484 1761

Tres Marias
Seafood
Located between the beautiful Coyuca Lagoon and the beach at Pie de la Cuesta, this restaurant offers beautiful views and specializes in seafood. Favorite dishes include fish quesadillas, ceviche and the mojarra with spicy shrimp.
375 Avenida Fuerza Aerea, Pie de la Cuesta
Open 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Tel: (744) 460 0013

Hotels

Recommended Hotels in Acapulco

If you're staying overnight before departing on your cruise from Acapulco, or if you're sticking around for a day or so after your cruise, you can choose to stay in either Acapulco's Golden Zone, or in Acapulco Diamante, which is located between the airport and the city. Acapulco Diamante is a newer area, with hotel amenities--such as golf courses, large grounds and prime beachfronts--that the hotels in Acapulco proper just can't match. On the other hand, Acapulco itself offers greater access to nightlife and the city's excellent restaurants, plus views of beautiful Acapulco bay.

Hotels in Acapulco Diamante

Expensive (more than $200/night)

Fairmont Acapulco Princess
Revolcadero Beach
Acapulco Diamante
Tel: (744) 469-1000
Reservations: (800) 441-1414

Recognized as one of the top 500 hotels in the world as well as in the top 25 resorts in Latin America by Travel & Leisure, the Fairmont Acapulco Princess is set among over 480 acres of legendary Mexican scenery. The facility's main building is a 15-story structure shaped like an Aztec pyramid. It is surrounded by lush gardens, sparkling pools, two golf courses, tennis courts, a health club, fine dining restaurants, a full-service spa and more. The upscale resort is located on Revolcadero Beach, approximately ten minutes from the Acapulco Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Acapulco. All rooms have air-conditioning, clock radios, cable TV with in-room pay movies, dressing areas and vanity sinks, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards and safes.

Fairmont Pierre Marques
Revolcadero Beach
Acapulco Diamante
Tel: (744) 435-2600
Reservations: (800) 441-1414

Once the private hideaway of J. Paul Getty, the Fairmont Pierre Marques is set in a beautiful location on Acapulco Diamante's Revolcadero Beach, with the Sierra Madre on the east and the Pacific on the west. Resort amenities include tropical gardens and three pools. Guests can also enjoy the amenities of the sister resort next door at The Fairmont Acapulco Princess, including tennis, golf, spa treatments and nine restaurants. The upscale resort is located approximately ten minutes from the Acapulco Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Acapulco. Recently redecorated, all rooms have air-conditioning with individual climate controls, clock radios, cable TV, purified water, safety deposit boxes, telephones with voicemail, work desks, and internet access.

Quinta Real Acapulco
Paseo de la Quinta Lote No. 6
Revolcadero Beach
Acapulco Diamante
Tel: (744) 469-1500
Reservations: (312) 913-0400

The Quinta Real Acapulco hotel is a luxury boutique all-suite hotel, featuring 74 rooms on 5 floors. Hotel amenities include two swimming pools (and one children's pool), 24-hour medical service, laundry and dry cleaning, Facial-SPA Design, restaurant, bar, beach club, and meeting rooms. Quinta Real Acapulco is approximately three miles from Acapulco Airport and six miles from the Golden Zone. It's one mile from the Tres Vidas Golf Course and three miles from Tres Vidas freshwater lagoon. All rooms feature ocean views, air-conditioning, minibars, satellite TV, telephones and wake-up call systems.

Moderate (less than $200/night)

Camino Real Acapulco Diamante
Carr. Escenica Km. 14 Baja Catita
Acapulco Diamante
Tel: (744) 435-1010
Reservations: (800) 722-6466

Tucked into the steep mountainside that overlooks the scenic bay of Puerto Marques is where you'll find the Camino Real Acapulco Diamante, an architectural development that seems to be sculpted in the rock. The golden tones of its walls harmonize with the turquoise blue of the sea and the diverse green hues of the lush vegetation that surrounds the property. All of the Camino REal Acapulco's 156 exquisitely decorated rooms and suites have a scenic view of Puerto Marques Bay. The hotel is located just 15 minutes north of the Acapulco Airport, and is just 15 minutes from Acapulco's Golden Zone.

Hotels in Acapulco's Golden Zone/Las Brisas

Expensive (more than $200/night)

Las Brisas Acapulco
Carretera Escenica 5255
Las Brisas
Tel: (744) 469-6900
Reservations: (866) 221-2961

One of the world's most exclusive and storied hostelries, the Las Brisas Acapulco is hidden away among 40 acres of lush hibiscus gardens on a hillside high above Acapulco Bay. The views of the bay and the city from the hotel's Casitas (bungalow style rooms) and public areas are spectacular. The Las Brisas features 263 charming Casitas which have both a private or shared pool. Hotel amenities include spa services and beauty salon (featuring stylist, massage, sauna, and whirlpool services), the private La Concha Beach Club (with watersports) and five lighted tennis courts. On-site dining is available at Bellavista, La Concha and the deli shop. The Sunset Bar is also on site and opens only at Sunset. Jeeps transport guests throughout the property and to La Concha Beach Club. All rooms include free in room continental breakfast, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, minibars, hairdryers, data ports and safes.

Moderate (less than $150/night)

Emporio Acapulco
Costera Miguel Aleman 121
Acapulco Golden Zone
Tel: (744) 469- 0505
Reservations: (800) 800-6161

Located just north of the Diana traffic circle, the Hotel Emporio Acapulco is a property known for its contemporary and minimalist architectural style. One of the plusses of this facility is its location at the north end of the Golden Zone, which is the city's main shopping and entertainment zone. The Emporio Acapulco has the largest swimming pool among the bayside hotels, and offers direct access to the sea as well as completely renovated facilities. Hotel amenities include babysitting, business center, concierge, 24-hour front desk, express check-out, parking, room service, spa and safe deposit boxes. All of the hotel's 419 rooms offer either ocean or mountain views, and feature private balconies or terraces, in-room safe deposit boxes, flat screen remote control Cable TVs, direct-dial telephones, bathtubs, digital A/C systems and security locks.

Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco
Ave. Costera Miguel Aleman 97
Acapulco Golden Zone
Tel: (744) 435-1600
Reservations: (800) 343-7821

Fiesta Americana Villas Acapulco sits above Condesa Beach, east and up the hill from the Diana traffic circle. The hotel's location--approximately 12 miles from the airport, at the north end of the Golden Zone--puts its guests in the middle of Acapulco's best restaurants, discos and shopping centers. Hotel amenities include an adults-only hilltop pool with ocean views, a kid's pool, sundeck, and three dining venues offering international fare, Italian cuisine and seafood. All rooms have marble floors, private terraces or balconies with ocean views, purified tap water, minibars, cable TV, hairdryers, air-conditioning and coffee makers. Other offerings include babysitting, children's programs, concierge, fitness center, parking, beauty salon, gift shop, tour desk, laundry service, and a pharmacy.

Grand Hotel Acapulco
Costera Miguel Aleman 1
Acapulco Golden Zone
Tel: (744) 469-1234
Reservations: (866) 961-2774

The Grand Hotel Acapulco, formerly known as the Hyatt Regency Acapulco, is a property from the 1960s that is currently undergoing room renovation. It is the first hotel you encounter as you make your way north from the Acapulco Airport into Acapulco proper. It's located approximately 12 miles from the Acapulco Airport. Hotel amenities include the sunset views over Acapulco Bay, two outdoor pools set in a landscaped gardens and the Alory Spa with massage rooms, sauna, steam bath and Jacuzzi. Tennis and golf facilities are only five minutes from the hotel. All of the facility's rooms are large, with marble bathrooms with bathtubs and showers, hairdryers, closets, digital telephones with voicemail, individual air-conditioning controls and satellite TV. The property is located a short distance from the Acapulco Wal Mart, where you can take the opportunity to stock up on supplies before debarking on your cruise.

Activities

Tour Operators

One of Mexico's most visited cities, the Acapulco tour market is served by a number of operators, including Acapulco.com, Gray Line Tours and Shore Trips. Each company operates tours of Acapulco and the surrounding regions.

Private Tour Operators

TourByVan can take you on private, tailor-made tours of Acapulco or the surrounding areas in their late-model fully air-conditioned 10-person Ford Econoline or Dodge Ram vans, or 8-person Chevy Suburbans. All tour guides speak English, their prices are reasonable, and TourByVan is government-authorized, reliable, fully-licensed and insured. You can book your tour over the internet, or contact Rudy Fregoso, TourByVan's genial spokesperson, directly. They'll meet you at the cruise terminal for your day's adventure.
Tel: (744) 484 2200

Turismo Acapulco is another private tour operator that provides custom, personalized guided tours of Acapulco. They also provide set tours of the city and the surrounding regions, including a city tour, cliff divers by night, day trips to Taxco and other fun things to do in Acapulco. They'll arrange to pick you up at the Cruise Terminal. Their vehicle fleet includes 3-seat sedans, 5-seat minivans, 8- and 14-seat vans and 42-seat motor coaches. All drivers are government-authorized, fully licensed and speak English. Payment is made through PayPal, and reservations can be made over the internet. You can reach them from the U.S. and Canada at (888) 800-9619, or in Acapulco at (744) 460-4730.

Beaches in Acapulco

The rhythms of Acapulco have people flooding to the beaches during the day and into the restaurants, nightclubs and discos in the evening. Acapulco offers some excellent beaches. From south to north, the beaches run:

Playa Revolcadero Just north of the Acapulco Airport and adjacent to the Acapulco Princess Hotel you'll find the beautiful and relatively private beach of Playa Revolcadero. Enjoy lunch at one of the beach cabanas.

Playa Puerto Marques fronts along the Puerto Marques bay. This beach is the favorite of the locals, and is very crowded on the weekends. The waves are usually calm, making it a good spot for swimming and water sports. The beach is lined with funky restaurants that dish up great plates of fresh seafood, cold cervasas and colorful tropical drinks.

Playa Icacos, located in front of the La Palapa Hotel in the southern end of the Golden Zone, is a favorite of touristas. The wave action is fairly calm here. If you're looking to take a parasailing trip or hop on a waverunner, you'll find these and other activities available right on the beach. Vendors here are less aggressive than on other beaches.

Playa Condesa, located in the center of Acapulco Bay, is one of the most popular beaches for both tourists and locals alike. You'll find a number of beachfront restaurants lining the sand, and beach vendors hassling you every few minutes. You'll know you're at Playa Condesa when you see the bungee jumping tower, known as Paradise Bungy. Bungee jumping here should be pursued only when you're completely sober and with your life insurance paid up.

Playa Caleta Located in the old part of the city and facing Isla La Roqueta, Caleta remains one of the best swimming beaches in the city. It's very popular with the locals, especially on weekends. Caleta is home to a number of beachfront restaurants that serve up some delicious fresh seafood at reasonable prices. However, the presence of vendors approaching you every few minutes diminishes the relaxation you generally expect to enjoy at a beach.

Playa Caletilla is just north of Playa Caleta, and the two beaches share the excellent swimming and beachfront restaurants serving up delicious fresh seafood at reasonable prices. But once again, you'll be hassled by the relentless vendors who approach you every few minutes.

Pie de la Cuesta is a Pacific-facing beach area located about 10 miles north of Acapulco. The beaches stretch for about 20 miles, and you'll find a number of palapa-style restaurants and motels lining the shoreline. The wave action makes Pie de la Cuesta great for surfers, but swimmers should avoid dipping their toes into the waters due to the undertow.

Coyuca Lagoon (Laguna de Coyuca), located just beyond Pie de La Cuesta, is a popular place for fishing, sailing and water skiing, while the freshwater Laguna de Coyuca also serves as bird sanctuary for over 250 species of avian life. The lagoon covers 28 square miles, surrounded on land by water hyacinths, coconut palms and a variety of tropical trees and flowering plants.

City Attractions

La Quebrada
La Quebrada is perhaps Acapulco's most iconic attraction. Every day starting at 1:00 pm, the cliff divers (clavadistas) dive from La Quebrada's perilous cliffs, timing their leaps (from as high as 150 feet) to coincide with the incoming surf. The show is free, but you're encouraged to give them a tip. The bar at the El Mirador Hotel sells adult beverages as you watch the cliff diver's show. Get there via a taxi; the ride takes about 5 minutes from the Cruise Terminal.

Acapulco History Museum (Museo Historico de Acapulco)
Acapulco's History Museum is located in the Fuerta de San Diego (Fort San Diego), which the Spanish authorities built to ward off pirates who were drawn to plunder the Spanish galleons returning from Asian ports. The fort sits on a hill above the harbor, and is an attraction in itself.

Managed by the Anthropology Museum of Mexico City, the museum features educational exhibits on the history of Acapulco and the trade with Asian ports prior to independence in 1821. There is a good collection of artifacts from the period on display. Touring the Fort takes around 1-2 hours. Good for the family. It's located just across from the Cruise Terminal next to the Zocalo at the north end of Acapulco Bay. The entrance fee is $30 pesos/person; Sunday's are free.
Open daily Tuesday through Sunday 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.

Papagayo Park
This is one of the best municipal parks in Mexico, a 52 acre garden sprouting in downtown Acapulco. The park has a life-size replica of a Spanish galleon, a racetrack with Can Am cars, a replica of the Space Shuttle Columbia, a lagoon with bumper boats, a botanical garden and various rides, if you're into that sort of thing.

Zocalo
The main public square and center of the old (original) part of Acapulco is located adjacent to the Cruise Terminal building. There are plenty of places to eat and shop in the zocalo. Just be alert about your surroundings.

Isla La Roqueta
La Roqueta is a small island that faces Playa Caleta, which is located about 5 minutes from the Cruise Terminal. Access to the island is via boats that leave from Playa Caletilla. One fun option is to take the glass bottom boat; the boatmen dive into the water and feed the fish to ensure you've got plenty to look at. The boat ride takes about 10 minutes, and costs around US$5.00 round trip. La Roqueta features a fine sand beach, gentle surf, a hiking trail that you can follow to the top of the island (where you'll have great views of the city) and several beachside restaurants with bar service.

Activities in Acapulco

Shotover Jetboats Acapulco
Developed in New Zealand, Shotover Jetboats take you on a thrilling ride. The Acapulco branch, with offices on the Diana traffic circle, can whisk you away from the city to experience a thrilling ride on the Papagayo River. Costs around $650 pesos per person, including transportation from their offices to the river. Reservations should be made in advance, either by a toll free call from the US or Canada (1-800-509-5992) or on their web site. The transportation leaves at 1:00 pm from their offices on the Diana traffic circle.

Parasailing
Head to Condesa beach and look up. Rides should cost around US$20.

Water Sports
Acapulco offers a number of water sports activities. Through the above tour operators, you can arrange for whatever activity you wish: sailing, surfing, parasailing, water and jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing.

Cici Aquatic Park (Parque Aquatico Cici)
The Cici Aquatic park is Acapulco's local water park. They've got a wave pool, two water slides, dolphin and seal shows, diving and bird shows, a large aquarium and a private beach club where you can relax and eat. Located along the Costera near Costa Azul (next to Planet Hollywood and the Hard Rock Cafe).

Sportsfishing
Acapulco is one of the best big game fishing destinations on the Pacific; while dorado (mahi mahi), marlin and yellowfin tuna flourish in the waters, sailfish are Acapulco’s hallmark catch. Recommended charter operators include:

Blue Water Sportsfishing, owned and captained by Jesus (Chuy) Osorio, operates two boats: the 46-foot Aventura, and the 40-foot 3 Amigos. Blue Water provides a fishing experience tailored to your desires and budget, offering full-day and half-day fishing adventures, as well as 3-hour bay cruises. Contact Chuy at (744) 428-2279.

Fish-R-Us operates a fleet of some of the best equipped and best maintained yachts in Acapulco. Full day (5-hour) charters give you the option to choose from a variety of fishing excursions; departures are at 6:00 am and 12:30 pm. For reservations from the U.S. and Canada: (877) 334-7427; Tel: (744) 482-8282.