About Acapulco
Acapulco de Juárez, commonly called Acapulco, is a city and major seaport in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific coast of Mexico, 380 kilometres (240 mi) south of Mexico City. Located on a deep, semicircular bay, Acapulco has been a port since the early colonial period in Mexico's history. It is a port of call for shipping and cruise lines running between Panama and San Francisco, California. The city of Acapulco is the largest in the state, larger than the state capital Chilpancingo. Acapulco is also Mexico's largest beach and balneario resort city. Acapulco de Juárez, Guerrero is the municipal seat of the municipality of Acapulco, Guerrero.
Places to visit in Acapulco
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La Quebrada Cliff Divers
EntertainmentDivers plunge from rocky cliffs about 35 meters high into a narrow ocean inlet, a tradition dating back decades. Arrive early for the evening shows to get a good spot on the public viewing platform.
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Fort of San Diego
HistoricA star-shaped Spanish fortress built to guard the port against pirates, now housing the Acapulco Historical Museum. Allow an hour or two for the exhibits on the Manila galleon trade and enjoy the harbor views from the walls.
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Acapulco Bay
BeachThe sweeping bay lined with beaches such as Condesa, Icacos and Caleta is the heart of the resort. Swim at the calmer beaches near Caleta, and watch for red flags on the more exposed stretches.
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Isla de la Roqueta
NatureA small wooded island just off Caleta Beach with quiet coves and snorkeling spots. Take a glass-bottom boat from Caleta, which usually passes the submerged bronze statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe on the way.
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Capilla de la Paz
ReligiousA hilltop chapel in the Las Brisas area marked by a huge white cross and peaceful gardens. Visit near sunset for sweeping views over the whole bay, and take a taxi since the road is steep.
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Pie de la Cuesta
Beach · 7 mi from centreA long, wild beach on a strip of land between the Pacific and Coyuca Lagoon, a short drive northwest of the city. The surf is too rough for swimming, so come for sunsets and lagoon boat trips.
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Zócalo of Acapulco
NeighborhoodThe old town square near the waterfront, shaded by trees and anchored by the unusual Nuestra Señora de la Soledad cathedral. Stop by in the evening when local families gather and street food stalls are busiest.
Things to do in Acapulco by type
12 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Outdoor activities & Adventure 6 experiences Ecological Tour -
Zoo, Aquarium & Nature 2 experiences Coyuca Lagoon -
Gastronomy & nightlife 2 experiences Catamaran Sunset Cruise
- Families 11
- Couples 11
- Youth 10
- Senior 9
Top experiences in Acapulco
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Roqueta Island Snorkelling Tour
From $64 per adult
Turtle Protection Tour with Turtle Release
From $53 per adult
City Tour with La Quebrada Cliff Divers Show
From $64 per adult
Catamaran Sunset Cruise
From $64 per adult
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour - with Transportation
From $53 per adult
La Quebrada Cliff Divers Show and Dinner
From $113 per adult
Colonial City of Taxco Tour
From $354 per adult
La Quebrada Cliff Divers Show - Express
From $43 per adult
Ecological Tour
From $135 per adult
Scuba Diving in Acapulco
From $142 per adult
Coyuca Lagoon
From $106 per adult
Historical and Cultural Tour of Acapulco
From $71 per adult
Where to stay in Acapulco
Popular hotels in Acapulco, out of 78 properties you can book.
Krystal Beach Acapulco
From $77 per night
Las Brisas Acapulco
From $161 per night
Emporio Acapulco
From $104 per night
HS HOTSSON Hotel Acapulco
From $73 per night
Hotel Amares Acapulco
From $91 per night
Acamar Beach Resort
From $94 per night
Real Bananas All Inclusive
From $251 per night
Alba Suites Acapulco
From $72 per night
Casa Lisa By B Acapulco
From $74 per night
Suites Jazmin
From $41 per night
Pierre Mundo Imperial Riviera Diamante Acapulco
From $125 per night
Ritz Acapulco All Inclusive
From $181 per night
Best time to visit Acapulco
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Acapulco is December to April, when average daytime highs are around 87–89°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Acapulco weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 88° 77° 90%
- Thu 22 Oct 89° 75° 78%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 75° 55%
- Sat 24 Oct 86° 76° 26%
- Sun 25 Oct 85° 72° 41%
- Mon 26 Oct 86° 73° 22%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Mexican peso (MXN)1 US dollar ≈ $18.4
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +52
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/Mexico_CityUTC−6
- Capital
- Mexico City
Upcoming public holidays in Mexico
- Revolution DayDía de la Revolución
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- Constitution DayDía de la Constitución
- Benito Juárez's birthdayNatalicio de Benito Juárez
- Labour DayDía del Trabajo
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Acapulco
These are the airports closest to central Acapulco. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- ACA General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport12 mi (19 km) from the city centre
Getting around Acapulco
Taxis are everywhere in Acapulco. Since they are unmetered, make sure that you agree on a fare before entering. Always negotiate; they can smell tourist money a mile away. The old Volkswagen beetle cabs are cheaper than newer air-conditioned cars. Shared cabs (usually white with yellow) run between major destinations and are very convenient. They usually display their destination in large letters and charge a flat fee of M$12, irrespective of distance.
By bus
Buses are worth experiencing even if you don't want to travel on them. Destinations are printed on the front window of each bus. There is no need to be at one of the regular bus stops in order to get on, except for AcaBus. Just wave your arm or look at the driver. He will stop and encourage you to get in. In fact, drivers will stop and try to get you to ride with them if you are even walking in the same direction that they are driving in.
By boat
The Mexican government began operating a new ferry service in Acapulco Bay in September 2025. Called Marinabus, the 90-passenger ferry boats will take passengers across the bay for a fare of M$60. The first route operates between Puerto Marquez and the Malecon. Additional routes will open as demand warrants.
Acapulco travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Acapulco?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Acapulco is December to April, when average daytime highs are around 87–89°F and rain falls on about 2 days a month.
What is the weather like in Acapulco?
May is usually the warmest month in Acapulco, with average highs of 90°F (32°C). September is the coolest, with average lows of 76°F (24°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 818 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Acapulco?
General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport (ACA) is the closest airport, about 12 miles (19 km) from the centre of Acapulco.
What currency is used in Acapulco?
Acapulco uses the Mexican peso (MXN). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $18.4.
What time zone is Acapulco in?
Acapulco uses the America/Mexico_City time zone (currently UTC−6). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Acapulco?
Taxis are everywhere in Acapulco. Since they are unmetered, make sure that you agree on a fare before entering. Always negotiate; they can smell tourist money a mile away. The old Volkswagen beetle cabs are cheaper than newer air-conditioned cars.
What are the best places to visit in Acapulco?
Top sights in Acapulco include La Quebrada Cliff Divers, Fort of San Diego, Acapulco Bay and Isla de la Roqueta. Divers plunge from rocky cliffs about 35 meters high into a narrow ocean inlet, a tradition dating back decades. Arrive early for the evening shows to get a good spot on the public viewing platform.
What are the top things to do in Acapulco?
Popular experiences you can book in Acapulco include Roqueta Island Snorkelling Tour, Turtle Protection Tour with Turtle Release and City Tour with La Quebrada Cliff Divers Show. Destina Holidays offers 12 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Acapulco?
The most popular types of experiences in Acapulco are outdoor activities & adventure (6), zoo, aquarium & nature (2), gastronomy & nightlife (2) and city tours (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Acapulco?
Popular areas for hotels in Acapulco include Bay and Diamond Zone. Well-reviewed options include Krystal Beach Acapulco and Las Brisas Acapulco.
How many hotels can I book in Acapulco?
Destina Holidays currently lists 78 properties in and around Acapulco, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
