Acapulco

A man stands on a rock 35 meters above a narrow cove, waits for the right wave, and leaps: the cliff divers of La Quebrada have been the symbol of Acapulco for decades. If you're planning a trip to the Pacific coast of Guerrero today, you'll find a legendary bay that is rebuilding after severe hurricane damage.

From Galleon Port to Jet-Set Destination

During the colonial era, Acapulco was one of the most important ports of the Spanish empire. For centuries, the Manila galleons docked here, bringing silk, porcelain, and spices from Asia. To protect the harbor from pirates, the Spanish built the Fuerte de San Diego. Starting in the 1950s, Acapulco became a gathering place for Hollywood stars: Elizabeth Taylor got married here, and John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline spent their honeymoon here. Later, the city lost some of its glamour to new destinations like Cancún and to violence. In October 2023, Hurricane Otis struck the city with full force and destroyed large parts of its hotels and homes; Hurricane John followed in 2024. Since then, an extensive rebuilding effort has been under way.

Sights in Acapulco

The Clavadistas of La Quebrada perform their dives several times a day, in the evening sometimes with torches. The Fuerte de San Diego, a star-shaped fortress, houses a museum on the history of the port and the galleons. The old town, Acapulco Tradicional, around the Zócalo has its own charm, with a cathedral and street vendors. The beaches of the bay line up along the Costera Miguel Alemán. To the south lies Puerto Marqués, a small, quieter bay, and farther east the Zona Diamante with broad beaches such as Revolcadero, where the surf is strong. In the evening, it's worth heading up to the Capilla de la Paz on a hill above the bay: from the large white cross, you can watch the city lights come on all around the water.

Eating in Acapulco

The cuisine of Guerrero is rich in seafood. A classic is Ceviche acapulqueño, prepared with a tomato sauce, and pescado a la talla, a split fish brushed with red and green chili paste and grilled. On Thursdays, people in Guerrero traditionally eat pozole verde, a stew of hominy and pork with pumpkin seeds. On the beach, vendors sell coconuts, mangos on a stick, and fresh fish, and the restaurants in Pie de la Cuesta and Puerto Marqués grill right at the water's edge.

Getting Around, Safety, and When to Go

General Juan N. Álvarez Airport (ACA) lies east of the city and has connections to Mexico City. The Autopista del Sol connects Acapulco to the capital in about five hours. The Acabús bus rapid transit system runs along the Costera. Acapulco has had high crime rates for years; many countries advise extra caution in Guerrero. Visitors should stick to the tourist zones, avoid walking in quiet areas at night, and use registered taxis. The best time to visit is between November and April. One excursion takes you to Pie de la Cuesta, a narrow strip of land between the ocean and a lagoon, famous for its sunsets.