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Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego) Tours and Activities
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An excellent example of classic Spanish defensive architecture, the Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego) was built in 1616 to fight off increasing attacks by British pirates on the trade port of Acapulco. Today the star-shaped fortress houses the Acapulco Historical Museum (Museo Histórico de Acapulco), with good displays on city history.
The Basics
It’s impossible to miss the Fort of San Diego, and many guided tours of Acapulco include a stop here. Its stone fortifications stretch across the strategically important point at the end of Playa Hornos, where it guarded the deep natural port that today hosts enormous cruise ships. Its five turret-topped stone arms once protected galleons that connected the Americas to Asian ports. Today, they house the Acapulco Historical Museum, with objects from that era through the Mexican War of Independence and good signage in Spanish and English. On-site guides are available, although you may want to call ahead first to make sure.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
The Fort of San Diego is located on the west end of Acapulco Bay. Since navigating the roads and dealing with Acapulco’s heavy traffic can be frustrating, the easiest way to visit the Fort of San Diego is as part of a guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. Otherwise, take the bus (there is a bus stop in front of the fort) or grab a cab, which are readily available.
When to Get There
To beat the afternoon heat, you should plan to explore the Fort of San Diego in the morning hours, though the museum’s air-conditioned rooms offer relief from the sun. Overall, Acapulco’s peak season is in the winter months, from December to March, so expect the biggest crowds then.
House of Masks (Casa de la Mascaras)
Located right outside the fort, the House of Masks makes for a quick and easy additional sightseeing stop. Browse the impressive assortment of hand-carved masks on display, which range from simple and bare to oversize and ornate. Housed in a former residence, the museum is free to enter.
The Basics
It’s impossible to miss the Fort of San Diego, and many guided tours of Acapulco include a stop here. Its stone fortifications stretch across the strategically important point at the end of Playa Hornos, where it guarded the deep natural port that today hosts enormous cruise ships. Its five turret-topped stone arms once protected galleons that connected the Americas to Asian ports. Today, they house the Acapulco Historical Museum, with objects from that era through the Mexican War of Independence and good signage in Spanish and English. On-site guides are available, although you may want to call ahead first to make sure.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the Fort of San Diego is free on Sundays.
- Plan to spend 1–2 hours exploring the museum exhibits.
- Restrooms are available on-site.
How to Get There
The Fort of San Diego is located on the west end of Acapulco Bay. Since navigating the roads and dealing with Acapulco’s heavy traffic can be frustrating, the easiest way to visit the Fort of San Diego is as part of a guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off. Otherwise, take the bus (there is a bus stop in front of the fort) or grab a cab, which are readily available.
When to Get There
To beat the afternoon heat, you should plan to explore the Fort of San Diego in the morning hours, though the museum’s air-conditioned rooms offer relief from the sun. Overall, Acapulco’s peak season is in the winter months, from December to March, so expect the biggest crowds then.
House of Masks (Casa de la Mascaras)
Located right outside the fort, the House of Masks makes for a quick and easy additional sightseeing stop. Browse the impressive assortment of hand-carved masks on display, which range from simple and bare to oversize and ornate. Housed in a former residence, the museum is free to enter.
Address: Hornitos s/n, Centro, Acapulco, Pacific Coast 39300, Mexico
Admission: Varies
11 Tours and Activities to Experience Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego)
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Acapulco Historical Full-Day Tour With Fort of San Diego and Divers Show 6 Hrs
5
Explore Acapulco with a guide on a full-day tour that includes a diving show. Ride in an air-conditioned van to landmarks including the Fort of San Diego, the Exekatlikalli House (House of Winds), the historic Los Flamingos hotel, and Our Lady of the Solitude Cathedral in the Zocalo (main square). You'll also watch the cliff divers splashing into the ocean and have time for souvenir shopping before returning to your hotel. Includes entrance fees, transportation, guide, drinks, and hotel pick-up and drop-off.
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From
US$56.52
US$2.98 savings
Price varies by group size
From
US$56.52
US$2.98 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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4Hr Cliff Divers Main Square San Diego Fort Museum Walking Tour With Lunch
4
Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Acapulco with a local guide. Visit the Acapulco Historical Museum, Nuestra Señora de la Soledad Cathedral, and other architectural and significant highlights downtown. Climb a hillside to see the famous cliff divers, and relax over drinks at the end of the tour.
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From
US$45.59
US$2.40 savings
Price varies by group size
From
US$45.59
US$2.40 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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5 to 6 hrs Historical & Cultural Tour in Acapulco With or Without LUNCH INCLUDED
22
Dive into Acapulco's history and heritage with a local guide who shares the highlights of the city. See the Fort of San Diego, The Cathedral, Diego Rivera's mosaic mural, and check out the shopping options at the municipal market (Mercado Municipal). You'll also watch the cliff divers jump from dizzying heights at La Quebrada, stop at the Flamingo Hotel—historically popular with Hollywood stars, and have time to purchase lunch at a charming restaurant on the beach. Includes guide, entrance fees, and hotel or port pickup and drop-off.
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From
US$53.19
US$2.80 savings
Price varies by group size
From
US$53.19
US$2.80 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Half-Day Acapulco Walking Tour with Fort of San Diego
4
Get a feel for the history of Acapulco with this walking tour. Take the opportunity to explore the Fort of San Diego with a guide to teach you about the history and artifacts in the museum. Next, walk to the Zócalo and see the domed Cathedral and shops surrounding it. From there, enjoy a trek up to the cliffs of La Quebrada to see the famous cliff divers before returning home.
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From
US$24.15
US$10.35 savings
Price varies by group size
From
US$24.15
US$10.35 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Best Culture Tour-Museums Municipal Fruit-Flower & Witch Doctor Markets W/LUNCH
A unique way of "diving" into the local culture. Get to know and enjoy always in company of your personal Professional and Knowledgeable tour guide the different cultural aspects this City is got to offer to those willing to unveil its most intimate secrets...
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From
US$41.43
US$7.32 savings
Price varies by group size
From
US$41.43
US$7.32 savings
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
The Museums Of Acapulco And More...
THE HISTORY OF ACAPULCO WILL TAKE YOU BACK IN TIME, THE FORT HAS SO MANY THINGS TO SAY.
EACH OF THE MUSEUMS IS A JEWRLY OF HISTORY.
THE MASKS TELL YOU THE CULTURE AND TRADITIONS OF OUR NATIVES
OF COURSE, YOU WILL END THIS ADVENTURE WATCHING THE DIVERS SHOW AT LA QUEBRADA
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From
US$34.14
From
US$34.14
Acapulco Historical Tour with Divers Show
4
Delve into the heritage of Acapulco on this 5-hour guided tour. Visit the Fort of San Diego, built by the Spanish for protection against pirates; a Diego Rivera mural; the Chapel of Peace; and more. Along the way, learn about the city’s history and culture. At La Quebrada, watch divers leap off cliffs. Cap off the tour with shopping for silver before you’re returned to your hotel.
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From
US$62.15
From
US$62.15
Cultural Tour
Travel through the history of Acapulco and discover the relevance that Acapulco had in the history of Mexico. A visit to the fortress will take you back to the battles between pirates and the Mexican army. Visit the museum of the masks of the 7 regions of the state of Guerrero and enjoy a visit to the Diego Rivera Mural finishing your tour in La Quebrada watching the divers show
The history of Mexico is fascinating and Acapulco was a fundamental part of it, especially during the Mexican Revolution. The Fort of San Diego is a clear example of the Spanish influence in the port but also of the importance it had for the heroes of the Mexican Revolution, the fort is currently a museum that brings a lot of history to the visitor
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From
US$85.50
Price varies by group size
From
US$85.50
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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Acapulco Historical Tour with Cliff Divers Show
2
Learn the secrets of Acapulco on a small-group tour with convenient round-trip transport from the doorstep of your hotel. In addition to navigating for you, your guide offers little-known stories about the city’s history, from the chambers of the San Diego Fortress to the death-defying cliff divers of La Quebrada. Light refreshments and admission tickets are included for your convenience.
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From
US$50.00
Price varies by group size
From
US$50.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Acapulco Half-Day Orientation City Tour
2
If this is your first trip to Acapulco, or if you only have a short time but want to see a lot, this is the tour for you! This tour hits the highlights of the city. See the famous cliff divers, the mosaic mural by Diego Rivera, Peace Chapel, and San Diego Fort. There will also be time for some shopping at the market outside the main cathedral.
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From
US$53.34
From
US$53.34
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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Acapulco Historical & Cultural Tour
Visit the San Diego fort, home of the History Museum of Acapulco. You will have time to stroll in the grounds and enjoy a refreshment. Then it’s on to Las Brisas overlooking Acapulco Bay for a visit to the Chapel of Peace. Here you’ll have time to watch the artisans at work and browse for souvenirs before returning to your hotel or ship.
Inclusions: Entrance to Museum, soft drink in Flamingos Hotel and English speaking
Guide.
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From
US$55.00
From
US$55.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
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