Acapulco

Avenida Costera Miguel Alemán hugs the Bahía de Acapulco from the Carretera Escénica (Scenic Highway) in the east to Playa Caleta (Caleta Beach) in the southwest—a distance of about 8 km (5 miles). Most of the major beaches, shopping malls, and hotels are along or off this avenue, and locals refer to its most exclusive stretch—from El Presidente hotel to Las Brisas—simply as "the Costera." Since many addresses are listed as only "Costera Miguel Alemán," you'll need good directions from a major landmark to find specific shops and hotels.

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  • 1. Cliff Divers at La Quebrada

    Old Acapulco

    Although it is an undeniably touristy activity, the shows the cliff divers put on at La Quebrada have been going strong for more than eight decades, and have kept the crowds coming back. The iconic image that most people conjure when they think of Acapulco is its cliff divers (clavadistas, in Spanish), who make a living tempting death; fortunately, all have come out victors in that fight. Four times a day (at 12:45 pm, 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, and 9:30 pm), the men swan dive into La Quebrada (“the gorge”) from a 130-foot perch on the cliffs above on the peninsula of the same name. They have to time their plunges carefully, coordinating jumps with the waves. The water below is only 12 feet deep. The practice of cliff diving began with local fishermen, who were known to dive from high up on the rocky cliffs in order to propel themselves deep enough into the water to free snagged lines. With the advent of tourism in the 1930s, however, the divers soon discovered that their sensational skills could earn them tips. The winding roads of La Quebrada peninsula make the site difficult to find on your own. A taxi is a good choice for getting here, or, better yet, a tour operator. Admission to the observation area costs $3. You’ll also be “charged” a bit of physical exertion in the form of a 70 step climb to get to the observation deck. Taking in the spectacle from the vantage point of La Perla restaurant at the nearby Hotel Mirador Acapulco (744/483--1260, www.miradoracapulco.com) makes a far more comfortable option. The Mirador offers three packages: one drink ($7); two drinks ($11), or full dinner ($26) while you enjoy the show. Some cruise lines’ shore excursions take in the spectacle from the vantage point of a yacht, as do a few local tour operators. The night shows, where the divers carry torches, are very popular, especially on weekends. No matter where you watch the show, expect to be approached by divers afterward asking for a tip. Most visitors offer $2 to $5; skew toward the higher amount if one of them poses for a photo with you. Beyond the cliff divers, La Quebrada peninsula has remnants of Acapulco's golden era of the early- to mid-20th century. Although now past its prime, this mostly residential area is being revitalized; the reopening of the trendy Boca Chica Hotel has led the way. You’ll also still find inexpensive hotels that are popular with travelers who want good deals and a slower pace than the main resort areas.

    La Quebrada Peninsula, Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $3
  • 2. Casa de la Cultura

    Costera

    The city's cultural center has first-class regional and Mexican handicrafts for sale, the Ixcateopan art gallery, and a small sports hall of fame with photos of local athletes. The center also sponsors folk dancing and theater productions, as well as language workshops.

    Av. Costera Miguel Alemán 4834, Acapulco, Guerrero, 39300, Mexico
    744-484–2390

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: Free
  • 3. El Rollo Acapulco

    Costera

    A water park for children, El Rollo has dolphin shows, a freshwater pool with a wave machine, a waterslide, the Sky Coaster (a safe, low-key bungee jump for kids), and other fun attractions. If you book an hour-long swim with the dolphins, the folks here can have you picked up at your hotel (it's easy to catch a cab for the return trip).

    Acapulco, Guerrero, 39850, Mexico
    744-484–1970

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $12
  • 4. Fuerte de San Diego

    Old Acapulco

    With all of its modern resort hotels, you might never guess that Acapulco was Mexico's most important port during colonial times. The city's fort was built in 1616 to protect its lucrative harbor and wealthy citizens from pirate attacks. Although it was badly damaged by an earthquake in 1776, it was entirely restored within seven years. Today the fort houses the excellent Museo Histórico de Acapulco (Acapulco History Museum), where bilingual videos and text explain exhibits tracing the city's history from the first pre-Hispanic settlements 3,000 years ago through the exploits of pirates like Sir Francis Drake, the era of the missionaries, and up to Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821. There are also displays of precious silks, Talavera tiles, exquisitely hand-tooled wooden furniture, and delicate china. A visit to the fort is a wonderful way to learn about and appreciate the history of this old port city.

    Calle Hornitos and Calle Morelos, Acapulco, Guerrero, 39300, Mexico
    744-482–3828

    Sight Details

    Rate Includes: $3.50, Closed Mon.
  • 5. Playa Caleta and Playa Caletilla

    Beach

    On the southern peninsula in Old Acapulco, this beach and smaller Playa Caletilla (Little Caleta) to the south once rivaled La Quebrada as the main tourist areas, and were quite popular with the early Hollywood crowd Today their snug little bays and calm waters make them a favorite with Mexican families, and the newly renovated Boca Chica, one of Acapulco’s original hotels, keeps the glamour alive. Caletilla also has many small family-run restaurants serving good, cheap food. On both beaches vendors sell everything from seashells to peeled mangos; boats depart from both to Isla de Roqueta. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise.

    Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
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  • 6. Playa Condesa

    Beach

    Referred to as "the strip," this stretch of sand facing the middle of Bahía de Acapulco has more than its share of visitors, especially singles. While the swimming here isn't the best, it's lined with fun restaurants and bars. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; walking.

    Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
  • 7. Playa Hornitos and Playa Hornos

    Beach

    Running from the Avalon Excalibur in the west to Las Hamacas, Hornitos (Little Hornos) and adjacent Playa Hornos are packed with locals and visitors on weekends. Graceful palms shade the sand, and there are plenty of casual eateries on the beach, especially on Playa Hornos. A slice of Playa Hornos and Playa Hornitos marks the beginning of the hotel zone to the east. The swimming is generally very safe in this area. Although tourist police officers patrol all beaches, their command post is here. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunset; swimming; walking; windsurfing.

    Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
  • 8. Playa Icacos

    Beach

    Stretching from the naval base to El Presidente Hotel, away from the famous strip, this beach is less populated than others on the Costera. The morning surf is especially calm. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

    Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
  • 9. Playa Puerto Marqués

    Beach

    Tucked below the airport highway, this protected strand is popular with Mexican tourists, so it tends to get crowded on weekends. Beach shacks here sell fresh fish, and vendors sell silver and other wares. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: sunset; surfing; walking.

    Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
  • 10. Playa Revolcadero

    Beach

    This sprawling beach fronts the two Mundo Imperial hotels, the Pierre and the Princess, and has become the strand of sand in Acapulco for you to see and be seen. People often come here to surf and ride horses. The water is shallow, but the waves can be rough and the rip current can be strong, so be careful while swimming. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; water sports. Best for: partiers; sunset; swimming; walking.

    Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico

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