Acapulco de Juárez grew from a pre-Hispanic port into the glamorous Pacific gateway for Hollywood stars, with sunlit beaches curving around a dramatic bay. The city’s signature spectacle—La Quebrada’s cliff divers leaping from 30+ meters into surging surf—remains one of Mexico’s most thrilling traditions.

Beyond the bay, Acapulco offers biodiversity-rich lagoons, soft-sand beaches, and calmer coves perfect for families. Explore the 17th‑century Fuerte de San Diego, gaze out from the hilltop Chapel of Peace, and ferry to Isla La Roqueta for snorkeling above rocky reefs and schools of brightly colored fish.

Practical notes: Fly into ACA (Acapulco International). Stick to authorized taxis and reputable drivers, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Sun is intense—bring reef-safe sunscreen and hydrate. Expect superb seafood (try pescado a la talla), coconut shrimp at Barra Vieja, and fine-dining with sweeping bay views in the hills.

Acapulco de Juárez

Acapulco is a study in coastal contrasts: vintage glamour, cliffside vistas, vibrant markets, and a string of beaches from lively Condesa to wild, wave-crashing Revolcadero. It’s easy to spend days toggling between hammock and adventure.

• Don’t miss: La Quebrada cliff divers, Isla La Roqueta, Fuerte de San Diego, Chapel of Peace, Coyuca Lagoon, Pie de la Cuesta sunset.
• Food & drink: From humble cevicherías and taco stands to chef-driven temples like Zibu and hillside Linda Vista, you’ll eat exceedingly well. Seek pescado a la talla (butterflied, chile-rubbed fish) and coconut shrimp along Barra Vieja.
• Fun fact: La Quebrada’s high dives date to 1934—divers time their leaps with the incoming swell, a feat of precision and nerve.

Where to stay (browse neighborhoods: Zona Dorada, Tradicional/Caleta, Zona Diamante):

• Find vacation homes and condos on VRBO Acapulco.
• Compare hotels by zone and budget on Hotels.com Acapulco.

How to get there: Fly to ACA (Acapulco International). From Mexico City, nonstop flights are ~1 hr (typical one-way $50–$120 USD). Many U.S. departures connect via MEX; roundtrips often range $200–$450 depending on season. Search options on Trip.com Flights and Kiwi.com. Airport to Zona Dorada is ~30–45 min by authorized taxi (approx 350–600 MXN, traffic-dependent).

Day 1: Arrival, Bay Orientation, and Cliffside Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive, check in, and get your bearings along the Costera Miguel Alemán. For an easy first meal, grab fresh juices, fruit bowls, and chicken enchiladas at 100% Natural (local chain, great for vegetarians too). Stroll the Malecón and watch fishermen unload the last of the day’s catch.

Evening: Head to Sinfonía del Mar amphitheater for a panoramic sunset over the Pacific. Dinner choices: El Amigo Miguel (local favorite for seafood cocktails, tangy ceviche, and garlic shrimp) or Becco al Mare (refined Italian-seafood and a terrace with glittering bay views—reserve ahead). Cap the night with a paleta from La Michoacana on the Costera.

Day 2: Highlights Tour, Diego Rivera Mural, and La Quebrada Divers

Morning: Get oriented with a small-group city overview—this hits the essential viewpoints and history without the guesswork.

Recommended tour: Acapulco Highlights City Sightseeing Tour

This typically includes the Chapel of Peace lookout, the main avenue viewpoints, and time for photos. Expect ~4 hours door to door.

Afternoon: Visit the Diego Rivera mosaic mural at Casa de los Vientos in La Pinzona—an astonishing tile tableau of serpents and mythic figures. Then tour the Fuerte de San Diego, a star-shaped 1600s fortress turned museum (allow 60–90 minutes; entry commonly ~70–90 MXN). Lunch nearby at La Playita Santa Lucía for fish tacos and aguachile with a sea breeze.

Evening: Book the iconic cliff-diver show at La Quebrada timed for sunset (dive times vary; there are usually multiple shows including an illuminated night jump). Choose a simple viewing terrace (around 60–100 MXN) or pair it with dinner and reserved seating.

Recommended experience: DeLuxe Cliff Divers+Sunset Exhibition byNight w/Different Options

Day 3: Beach Day in the Zona Dorada and Viewpoints Above the Bay

Morning: Ease into the day on Playa Condesa—lively, central, and close to cafés. Try chilaquiles verdes and café de olla at La Casa de los Abuelos (breakfast specialists), then rent loungers and a parasol. If you want calm water, taxi to Caleta/Caletilla instead.

Afternoon: Snack on mango with chile and lime from a beach vendor or order pescado a la talla at a beachfront palapa. Mid-afternoon, grab a taxi up to the Chapel of Peace for sweeping bay views and a quiet garden stroll. On the way down, stop at a hilltop mirador for photos.

Evening: Dinner at Linda Vista (classic hillside spot with sunset-facing terraces; think grilled octopus, lobster pasta, and well-made margaritas). If you’re up for a nightcap, find a mellow mezcalito along the Costera and toast the lights around the bay.

Day 4: Coyuca Lagoon Day—Wildlife, Beach, and Coconut Shrimp

Spend the day north of the city where the Coyuca Lagoon meets a long sandbar and the open Pacific. Expect boat rides through mangroves, birdwatching (egrets, herons, kingfishers), and time to lounge in a hammock at a rustic restaurant-palapa. Seasonal turtle releases sometimes occur on nearby beaches.

Recommended tour: Coyuca Lagoon Tour in Acapulco

Lunch is often included or arranged on-site—order coconut shrimp and a cold coco frío. Return to town by late afternoon and keep dinner light with tostadas de ceviche or a shrimp cocktail near the Malecón.

Day 5: Isla La Roqueta—Snorkeling, Trails, and Beach Time

Hop a glass-bottom boat from Caleta to Isla La Roqueta (boats generally run every 15–20 minutes; roundtrip commonly ~120–200 MXN). The island’s coves are ideal for beginning snorkelers—expect sergeant majors and angelfish around rocks. Between swims, follow the lighthouse trail for views back to the city.

Recommended experience: Snorkeling & Beach Brake With Different Options

Refuel on the island with pescado a la talla or garlic fish at a palapa. Back in town, dinner at El Amigo Miguel or try tacos al pastor and suadero at Los Tarascos (fast, delicious, and open late).

Day 6: Puerto Marqués & Diamante—Zipline, Surf, and Skyline Dining

Morning: Head to Puerto Marqués for calmer water and an easygoing beach morning; order huevos rancheros and fresh-squeezed OJ at a seaside spot. If you crave waves, relocate to Playa Revolcadero (strong currents—swim with caution).

Afternoon: Thrill-seekers can ride Xtasea, the mile-long zip line over Puerto Marqués (weight/age limits apply; prices often ~1,000–1,900 MXN; check schedule). Otherwise, indulge in a long lunch at Barra Vieja—Beto Godoy is a local institution for whole grilled fish and hand-pressed tortillas.

Evening: Splurge dinner at Zibu, blending Thai techniques with Guerrero produce (order shrimp with tamarind-chile glaze or the green curry with local fish). For nightlife, Palladium’s glass wall over the bay is unforgettable—check dress code and opening nights, or keep it low-key with a cocktail at a beachfront lounge.

Day 7: Markets, Souvenirs, and a Farewell Swim

Morning: Coffee and conchas at a neighborhood panadería, then browse the Mercado de Artesanías for handwoven hammocks, embroidered blouses, and shell crafts. Bargain politely; cash is handy.

Afternoon: Last swim back at your favorite beach or a hotel pool session before checkout. Grab a quick lunch—shrimp empanadas or a grilled-fish torta—then head to the airport (plan ~1 hr including security).

Evening (if you have extra time): Early dinner with a view and one final sunset over the bay—you’ll be plotting your return by dessert.

Optional: Compact City + Divers in One Go

If you prefer to combine the city’s landmarks with the cliff divers in a single sweep, consider:

City Tour & Sunset High Cliff Divers by Night w/Different Choices

This is handy if your time is tight or you want roundtrip transfers bundled.

Safety & practical tips: Swim where lifeguards are present and heed flags (Revolcadero can be rough). Use authorized taxis or reputable drivers; avoid carrying valuables to the beach. Sun protection is essential—reapply reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat, and hydrate.

Bookable roundups:

• Flights: Trip.com Flights | Kiwi.com
• Stays: VRBO Acapulco | Hotels.com Acapulco

In seven days, Acapulco reveals its full spectrum—heritage forts and cliff divers, island coves and lagoon wildlife, beachside palapas and sky-high restaurants. It’s the kind of Pacific escape that balances lazy, barefoot hours with a few cinematic thrills.

Pack light, respect the ocean, and leave room for second helpings of pescado a la talla—you’ll depart with sun-kissed memories and plans to return.