Welcome to Acapulco
Acapulco was once Mexico’s premier beach resort, and American presidents and Hollywood film stars populated its golden sands. Its popularity dwindled as Cancun and Playa del Carmen catapulted to fame, but today, the Pearl of the Pacific is on the cusp of a renaissance. Beaches lapped by turquoise waves are still a top draw, but you’ll find intriguing cultural attractions, too, from the Fort of San Diego (El Fuerte de San Diego) and the Mural Diego Rivera to the Zocalo, the central plaza that’s the beating heart of Acapulco. If you can tear yourself away from the coast to explore via a guided tour, it’s worth it—this is your chance to experience Acapulco’s wildlife and natural habitats. Take a day trip to the Coyuca Lagoon (featured in movies such as Rambo and Tarzan), watch baby turtles scurry back to the ocean at Vallarino Turtle Camp, snorkel with tropical marine life at La Roqueta Island, or take a tour of the Municipal Market followed by a Mexican cooking class. Acapulco really comes to life after dark, with a wealth of evening activities that accentuate the bold local culture. Take in a gourmet meal as you watch the fearless La Quebrada Cliff Divers plunging into the Pacific, or feast on tacos and sip cold beer while viewing a lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) match.