Just Outside the City of Acapulco

Laguna de Tres Palos
For a taste of true Mexican wilderness, visit the swamp around Laguna de Tres Palos. Once you get there, you will see why some of the early Tarzan films were made there. The huge freshwater lagoon, 32km (20mi) southeast of central Acapulco is home to many species of tropical vegetation and native fauna, and is a particular haven for nesting birds such as herons and other waterfowl. Here you can rent boats and row through the mangroves or try your hand at fishing with the locals.

Where the calm lagoon meets the crashing surf of the Pacific is Barra Vieja, a long stretch of clean, palm-fringed beach. There are several restaurants along the beachfront, and it's simply not possible to get seafood fresher than this. The specialty of the region is pescado a la talla (spit-roasted, spicy fish). While the beach is a great place to escape the tourists, on the weekends it is a preferred spot for the Mexican city dweller to escape.

Pie de la Cuesta
About 10km (6mi) northwest of Acapulco, Pie de la Cuesta is a narrow strip of land bordered by the beach and ocean on one side and the large, freshwater Laguna de Coyuca on the other. Compared to Acapulco, it's quieter, cleaner, closer to nature and much more peaceful. Swimming in the ocean at Pie de la Cuesta can be dangerous, however, due to a riptide and the shape of the waves. Laguna de Coyuca, three times as large as the Bahía de Acapulco, is better for swimming. Its smooth waters are also good for water-skiing; several clubs provide the equipment. Boat trips on the lagoon can take you to three islands, one of which is a bird sanctuary, or you can cross to the jungle where Sylvester Stallone filmed Rambo. Horse riding on the beach is also popular.

Pie de la Cuesta has many beachside restaurants specialising in seafood, and it's the traditional place for sunset-gazing (the name translates as 'foot of the sunset'). There's no nightlife, but the sunset atmosphere is a great precursor to an evening's partying back in Acapulco. Buses marked 'Pie de la Cuesta' leave regularly from La Costera.

Coyuca Lagoon
This beautiful, serene fresh water
lagoon is considered to be one of the best natural attractions of Acapulco.
Its tropical landscape is dense with
palm trees and an amazing variety of flora and tropical plants.

Pie de La Cuesta's clear blue waters
are the perfect setting for fishing,
sailing and water skiing.

Isla La Roqueta
This small island is located only 10 minutes away by boat from Caleta Beach. On the island is the unique and modern Aca Zoo with lions, alligators, leopards, giraffes, zebras as well as an aviary and a serpentarium. It has a children's playground, food court and swimming facilities. The island is also great for hiking and has beaches with gentle waters (suitable for children) and good snorkeling.
 
Acapulco Attraction Guide
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Acapulco Beaches
During the day Acapulco life concentrates on the beaches. Savor the sun enjoy any one of many magical beaches that appeal most to you in and around Acapulco . . . more

Bullfight Arena in Acapulco
if it's the kind of thing that takes your fancy, you can watch a bullfight, held every Sunday afternoon (during the bullfight season) at the Plaza de Toros. Whether you agree or not with the sport, the beautiful Hispanic pageantry is a sight to behold. Tour includes round trip transportation and seats in the shade section.

Centro de Convenciones
The convention centre is a massive complex on the east side of town. It is home to several theaters, restaurants, meeting rooms, a large plaza, craft gallery, concert halls and even a discotheque. The tourist assistance offices are also located here; Casa Consular and Locatel. A treat to take in is the Fiesta Mexicana, a Mexican Folklore Show is held several evenings each week, featuring regional dances from different locales of Mexico. The beautiful gardens are accented by a large and impressive fountain display.

Chapel of Peace
The Cross at La Paz Chapel (Chapel of Peace) has become a well known landmark on the landscape of Acapulco. This structure was completed in 1970 as a tribute to two sons who died in an air accident while returning from Mexico City in 1967. The interdenominational chapel is open to all, regardless of religion or creed.

The Chapel resides 1250 feet above sea level. The cross itself is constructed of a steal interior, covered with concrete, with an impressive height of 128 feet and is said to be able to withstand winds up to 165 miles per hour. Special quarts reflectors illuminate the cross for quite a spectacular image. From its place on the mountain top you are able to see the entire, breathtaking view of the bay.

CICI
The Centro Internacional de Convivencia Infantil (known as CICI) is a popular family water-sports park close to Centro de Convenciones. Dolphin, seal and diving shows are presented several times daily; there's also an 80m (260ft) water toboggan, a pool with artificial waves, a small tide pool aquarium and a Sky ride. A new attraction at CICI is Acapulco Mágico, offering swimming with dolphins. Any local bus marked 'CICI,' 'Base' or 'Puerto Marqués' will take you there.

Fuerte de San Diego
This pentagon shaped fort was built in 1616 atop a hill just east of the old town to fend off attacks by pirates and the theives that prowled the seas marauding treasure-laden vessels. The design of the structure allowed a strong defence in all directions. It was surrounded by a moat and was capable of housing many men with stores and provisions so they could remain under seige for a long time.

The fort had to be rebuilt after damage of an earthquake in 1776. It remains unchanged today, and offers a beautiful view of the bay and mountain vistas. The Historical Museum of Acapulco, also housed within its walls, displays native Mexican crafts and historical conquistador artefacts.

La Quebrada Divers
One of Acapulco's most famous spectacles, La Quebrada is notably the number one attraction. Every afternoon, brave (or maybe crazy) young men dive from La Quebrada's craggy rock cliffs. It is crucial that the jump concurs with the incoming waves that will lessen the impact of the dive and keeps the diver from landing in the shallows. The slightly insane drama unfolds as the clavadistas hurl themselves from heights of up to 45m (148ft) into a narrow abyss, timing their fall to meet the surf below. The divers first climb the cliff face, then proceed to a small shrine to feverently pray before jumping off. The exploit occurs five times a day with at least three divers at each event. Flaming torches are used during the last dive of the evening and make it appear even more surreal.

Mágico Mundo Marino
The Magico Mundo Marino ia an aquarium with both indoor and outdoor exhibits and shows of sea lions, crocodiles, piranhas and turtles. It also has swimming pools, two water slides and an oceanographic museum and is a great place to take children. There's also a restaurant, and you can take scuba lessons or hire snorkelling equipment. The aquarium is located between the beaches of Caleta and Caletilla. All buses marked 'Caleta' heading down La Costera will take you there.

Papagayo Park
This pleasant downtown municipal park has a garden area totaling 52 acres and a large aviary with exotic birds. Inside the park are restaurants, artificial lakes and various amusement rides. Entrance is free, but you pay to go on the rides. Costera Miguel Aleman (between Sebastian El Cano and Alvaro de Amezquita Streets)

Papagayo River
One of the newest activities in Acapulco is a high-speed boat ride down the Papagayo River aboard the Shotover Jet. This New Zealand import takes passengers aboard a jet boat. Set aside about four hours for the trip, including the 45 minutes it takes to get to the site.

Submarine Shrine of Guadeloupe
Glass-bottom boats leave from both the beach at Caleta and the docks in front of the zocalo. Most tours include a trip over a submerged bronze statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe while enroute to the Roqueta Island.

The Zocalo
This cathedral square is the center of the city's historical area and an important center for local family activities. On Sunday afternoons, there are often concerts and vendors of balloons. It is easily recognized by the onion-shaped, Byzantine-style domes of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Solitude (built in 1930). The other side of the square is a shoreline filled with fishing skiffs and tour boats.



 

 
 
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