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Things to do in Acapulco

Things to do in  Acapulco

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.

Top 8 attractions in Acapulco

La Quebrada Cliff Divers

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Acapulco's iconic attraction, made famous in Elvis flicks, Ray Austen stunts, and every cheerfully scrawled holiday postcard sent home ever since, are La Quebrada Cliff Divers. Beginning in the 1920s, these brave young men and women began leaping for the crowds some 45 craggy meters (150 terrifying feet) into a wave-crashed inlet just 4 meters (13 feet) deep. And that's if they time it just right.The ritual begins with a prayer at the shrine to La Virgen de Guadalupe, carved into the cliff-top platform. Then, the divers carefully calculate when their target will have enough water to soften their fall. Finally, they leap. First in the afternoon, and as the sun sets, again. The final dive of the night plunges past torches into a sea of fire (lit with flaming gasoline), no easy feat.More

Diego Rivera Mural (Exekatlkalli)

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The Diego Rivera Muralis a spectacular mosaic sculpture on the exterior of Exekatlkalli (La Casa de los Vientos), where the Mexican artist Diego Rivera once lived with his lover Dolores Olmedo. He spent the last years of his life with her here, and in 1956 created this mural featuring Quetzalcoatl, the Mesoamerican mythical serpent.More

La Roqueta Island (Isla de La Roqueta)

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Located off the coast of Acapulco and reachable by boat, La Roqueta Island (Isla de La Roqueta) is an ideal spot for travelers looking to relax. Visitors lounge on the golden sand beaches, snorkel and kayak at secluded coves, and hike a network of trails that lead to stunning scenic overlooks. The island also offers a handful of restaurants and a small zoo.More

Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego)

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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.More

Zocalo

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The heart of any Spanish Colonial city is the central plaza, or Zócalo, and the ancient Mexican port town of Acapulco—despite its modern facelifts—is no exception. The constant swirl of activity, live music on weekends, and vendors selling every sort of souvenir are all here, mixing and mingling with tourists and locals relaxing in the shade during the day.More

Coyuca Lagoon (Laguna de Coyuca)

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North of Acapulco, freshwater Coyuca Lagoon, or Laguna de Coyuca in Spanish, spreads across some 28 square miles (72 square kilometers) and is particularly important for migrating birds. Several small islands along the coast act as sanctuaries for colonies of pelicans, herons, storks, and other species. The lagoon is also a popular destination for water sports.More
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El Rollo Acapulco

El Rollo Acapulco

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Waterslides and wave pools are just steps from a white-sand beach at El Rollo Acapulco, a water park that features a dolphin show as well as plenty of wild and wet fun. Grab a tube and fly down a 40-foot (12-meter) tower, zip down a 290-foot (88-meter) wavy slide, or relax as the kids enjoy Isla Infantil (Children’s Island).More
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Acapulco Cruise Port (Terminal Maritima)

Acapulco Cruise Port (Terminal Maritima)

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A one-time favorite of Hollywood actors, Acapulco still retains some of its old-world glamor and the Acapulco Cruise Port (Terminal Maritima) is a popular point of access for international visitors. Thanks to its privileged location just steps from downtown, it’s easy for travelers to make the most of even a short stop in this port city.More

Top activities in Acapulco

Acapulco Cliff Divers at Night

Acapulco Cliff Divers at Night

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26
From
US$70.00
.4hr Cruise or Hotel Sightseeing Tour Experience Cliff Diver Peace Chapel &Mural
Special Offer
Private Sightseeing Tour

Private Sightseeing Tour

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92
From
US$65.00
Tailor-made Tour

Tailor-made Tour

From
US$208.00
per group
.AfroMexican Village Experience-Horseback Ride-Turtle Hatch&Crocs
Special Offer

.AfroMexican Village Experience-Horseback Ride-Turtle Hatch&Crocs

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28
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US$67.92
US$71.50  US$3.58 savings
Acapulco Snorkeling Tour

Acapulco Snorkeling Tour

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US$55.00
.DeLuxe High Cliff Divers Exhibition by Night w/Different Options
Special Offer

.DeLuxe High Cliff Divers Exhibition by Night w/Different Options

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44
From
US$57.94
US$60.99  US$3.05 savings
Acapulco Airport Shuttle & Economic Ground Transportation
Special Offer

Acapulco Airport Shuttle & Economic Ground Transportation

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From
US$5.60
US$7.00  US$1.40 savings
.Countryside Drive & Boat Ride Beach-Horseback Ride Turtle release-Crocs & Lunch
Special Offer
Mezcal Factory Tour

Mezcal Factory Tour

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9
From
US$90.00
.6Hrs City Tour Cruise or Hotel -All in One Turtle Nesting - High Divers, Market
Special Offer
Private Airport Transfer

Private Airport Transfer

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62
From
US$9.00
Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

Recent reviews from experiences in Acapulco

star-5
Great tour!
Joan_T, Dec 2022
°Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers
We have a whole new respect for Acapulco and look forward to visiting again.
star-5
Excellent 5-Star tour. Amazing how much they packed into this 6 hour tour.
Terrie_U, Dec 2022
.6Hrs City Tour Cruise or Hotel -All in One Turtle Nesting - High Divers, Market
poor, rich) Their English was very good and they explained EVERYTHING in so much detail.
star-5
A spectacular time you do not want to miss!
jd2usa, Dec 2022
*Cliff Divers De Luxe Dinner at "La Perla" Night Club La Quebrada in Acapulco
To see the cliff divers in person has been on my bucket list for over 50 years and it did not disappoint.
star-5
A memory for a life time!
Paul_H, Jul 2022
*6Hr Cruise & Hotels City Tour-Divers-Baby Turtles-Peace Chapel ALL Attractions
Not only did my wife and I see the attractions listed on your itinerary!
star-4
Good Value
Ram_B, Mar 2022
Acapulco Acarey Yacht Cruise
Overall a very good tour with an open bar and English narrations.
star-5
Amazing drive from the airport!
paul_c, Aug 2021
Acapulco Airport Roundtrip Transfers
The driver was friendly and professional and spoke good English.
star-5
Well worth it
Ross_H, May 2021
*4Hrs City Tour Exclusively for Hotels - Pick up & Dropp off Included.
I was chauffeured in a car by a friendly English speaking driver.
star-5
Acapulco must do
Shawn_Q, Feb 2021
°Small-Group or Private All Inclusive 4 Hours City Tour & Divers
This was a perfect tour to see Acapulco in a short time span.
star-5
Excellent Tour
Eddy_O, Jan 2020
4Hrs Small Group Half Day City Tour with Lunch at High Divers
Got to see all of Acapulco on this tour.
star-5
You absolutely can not beat this...
Bradley G, Mar 2017
Acapulco Highlights City Sightseeing Tour
The tour guide was great and spoke English very well.
star-4
They were simply attentive to...
Edith V, Nov 2016
*Customized Van Tour by the Hour With an English or French Speaking Local Guide
They were simply attentive to guests, speaks English well, professional, speaks highly about Acapulco's past and present social and economic state.
star-5
Very informative tour. You could...
Donna M, Feb 2017
Historical Cultural Full Day San Diego Fort Museum Divers wLunch
However, we had to leave to be in time to see the cliff divers.
star-5
My cousin and I took this tour the...
Lynette A, Nov 2014
Acapulco City Tour
The van was nice with good air conditioning and the guide was very nice and informative with good english skills.
star-5
Great Tour at a Reasonable Price
Ram_B, Mar 2022
*4 Hrs Exclusive Offer to Cruise Ship Sightseeing Experience Shore Excursion
Think about Tarzan, John Wayne, Diego Rivera, etc The best part of the tour is the in between anecdotes between the major attractions.
star-5
They can do anything
tom_h, Feb 2022
Historical Cultural Full Day San Diego Fort Museum Divers wLunch
We really enjoyed the attractions and the special stops, since it was just the two of us that booked.
star-5
Dec 2021 end of year family vacation
Bertha_V, Dec 2021
Private Airport Transfer
Carlos was very informative and was able to assist with information and tour activities all week long.
star-5
Excellent tour. You can see most important tourists attraction. Got English speaking guide as per our request..
Harshal_S, Dec 2021
Acapulco All Inclusive 6hrs Tour
Most importantly he speaks good English.
star-5
Ask for Jose Mario y Jesus.
Schizo_t, Nov 2021
.Out Off The Beaten Path Experience Everyday in Acapulco w/Lunch
These days Acapulco is often viewed as a spring break destination where parties break out on the beach and alcohol can flow until the sun rises.
star-5
Come to Acapulco
Deborah_L, Sep 2021
*6Hr Cruise & Hotels City Tour-Divers-Baby Turtles-Peace Chapel ALL Attractions
This was my first time visiting Acapulco but my third visit to Mexico this summer even during a pandemic.
star-5
Great experience
Joan_C, Jul 2021
Private Airport Transfer
He was very knowledgeable about the area and shared with us some great ideas for activities to do while in Acapulco.
We perform checks on reviews

People Also Ask

What is Acapulco known for?

With its golden beaches, party atmosphere, and vistas, Acapulco is renowned as a relaxing vacation spot. Starting in the 1940s, Acapulco became known as an exclusive playground for Hollywood celebrities. Today vacationers flock to Acapulco to enjoy fun-filled days at the beach or watch the iconic La Quebrada cliff divers.

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What made Acapulco a tourist attraction?

Acapulco, once an exclusive port of the Spanish empire, has been a top tourist destination for decades. The city’s laid-back atmosphere and beaches boast natural beauty and activities that attract vacationers. This idyllic Mexican paradise has many reasons for being one of Mexico’s top tourist attractions.

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What should I wear to Acapulco?

Vibrant Acapulco is known for its Mediterranean climate, so when it comes to what to wear, comfortable clothes that can endure warm days and hot nights are key. Opt for light fabrics, choose bright colors that will match Acapulco’s colorful beauty, and don’t forget sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen.

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Why do people visit Acapulco?

People are drawn to Acapulco’s picturesque sunsets and its cuisine that emphasizes seafood, Mexican flavors, and tropical fruits. Many use it as a jumping-off point to explore the nearby city of Taxco or the ghost town of La Quebrada to go deeper into Mexico’s rich culture and history.

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Can you swim in Acapulco?

Yes, Acapulco offers a multitude of ways to get in the water. Thanks to the high saturation of saltwater, swimmers float effortlessly with barely any effort. Experienced beachgoers will find plenty in Acapulco’s marine life to enjoy: Sea urchins, manta rays, eels, and sometimes whales can be spotted.

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Is it safe to travel to Acapulco, Mexico right now?

Acapulco is a popular tourist destination, but there are major safety factors to consider. The surrounding state of Guerrero typically has high crime levels, so consult the US State Department travel advisories. If visiting, consider traveling with a companion, avoiding secluded areas at night, and keeping personal belongings close.

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Acapulco information

Number of Attractions

8

Number of Tours

160

Number of Reviews

1,462

Currency

MXN
Frequently Asked Questions
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