First Time in Acapulco

Our Local Expert Says:

This is where the rich go to play…but you can go and visit this impressive area even if you are on a budget…The beautiful people are here!

Description:

The Diamante Area in Acapulco is the newest part of town. This is where the luxury hotels and mansions are to be found. However, there are also some of the most beautiful beaches and places to visit, such as Capilla de la Paz, a church of remarkable beauty located at the top of a hill. From here, you can see the whole of the bay and port of Acapulco and the most exclusive residential area of Las Brisas. The attractions also include restaurants such as Los Pavorreales for a delicious Mexican breakfast, or Beto Godoy and Cevichería Linda for a seafood lunch. And for a wide range of cocktails, stop off at any of the luxury hotels such as Mayan Palace, Pierre Marqués or Quinta Real, to enjoy a drink at their lobby bars, with live music, a distinguished ambience and excellent service. The best discos in town are also here. The Diamante Area is the place for tasteful entertainment, places of interest and natural beauty.

Our Local Expert Says:

Spectacular views. Well worth the trip for photos. The cross measure 42 meters high and can be seen from the city centre.

Description:

Spectacular views. Well worth the trip for photos. The cross measures 42 meters high and can be seen from the city centre.

Our Local Expert Says:

The most beautiful sunsets in Acapulco.

Description:

World famous for its spectacular and wonderful sunsets, Playa Pie de la Cuesta is located in a small fishing village, only 15 kilometers north of downtown Acapulco. An ideal destination for a relaxing day trip, it has a good selection of restaurants and beach clubs, such as Tres Marías and Villa Rubí. Because this is open sea, the surf is strong and not recommended for swimming. Though the sand is white and fine, which provides the ideal atmosphere for a moonlit evening camping out.

Our Local Expert Says:

Excellent for pozole...but they don't take credit cards.

Description:

If there is something for which Acapulco is known, it's the traditional green pozole, a mixture of chicken broth, corn, pork rinds, fresh cheese and onion, accompanied by delicious snacks like tacos, fried and filled with potatoes, avocado and tostadas. You will find these delicacies in the Mansión Bohemia, a restaurant property of Alicia Marino, a singer from Acapulco who entertains lunchtime visitors with beautiful songs from the state of Guerrero. There is also a trio who will be happy to play any song you request. All of this fun and flavor is on a terrace with a swimming pool and tropical atmosphere.

Our Local Expert Says:

Another blast from the past, this hotel is possibly the best in Acapulco, with understated glamor, unrivaled elegance and a sublime cocktail bar.

Description:

Built by millionaire J. Paul Getty in the fifties with gardens designed by Barragan, logo by Spratling and furnishings by Clara Porset, the Pierre Marqués was a landmark in hostelry worldwide, as well as the first hotel to glory Revolcadero beach. Impeccable service at both pools make it a place to spend the day, with family, a lover, or on your own with your laptop. Guests can chose from their own "casita" or a room and can count on absolute discretion. Anthony Hopkins has been seen here, while presidents and pop stars roll in for the golf. Boutique service from all staff, from the maid to the golf-pro, concierge and wine expert. If you want a taste of what it feels like to be royalty on holiday, make "the Pierre" your first stop.

Our Local Expert Says:

Take a glass bottom boat from Playa Caleta to see this underwater statue of the Virgin Mary 30 feet underwater.

Description:

Take a glass bottom boat from Playa Caleta to see this underwater statue of the Virgin Mary 30 feet underwater.

Description:

Enjoy a relaxing day in the sun snorkeling from the stunning La Roqueta Island, one of Acapulco's main attractions. With plenty on offer including a range of restaurants, secluded spots and colorful marine life, La Roqueta Island is sure to be a hit with the entire the family.

Depart Acapulco and cruise across the beautiful ocean waters to snorkel off one of the nine gorgeous island beaches of La Roqueta, which is just off the coast of Las Playas.

Take advantage of sun, sand and sea of La Roqueta Island. Relax on the beach, explore diverse tropical aquatic life and enjoy lunch at one of the many local restaurants before allowing us to return you to your Acapulco hotel.

Our Local Expert Says:

The only place in town where you can hear a real kookaburra bird laughing while you dine. In fact, originally there was a pair chuckling away in the large cage to the right of the entrance, but it is said one died after an inebriated patron blew cigar smoke in its face (in the days before the smoking ban).

Description:

For a long time this was the best restaurant in Acapulco for romantic atmosphere, style, sea views and cuisine and it still is among the top in the Las Brisas area. Decor is white and fresh, with natural materials (wood and thatch, stone and pebbles) without being rustic. It tends to be business lunches at around 2 to 4 pm and more romantic dining or larger groups in the evenings, when the place flickers with candles. It is a favorite with Acapulco's political and business classes, so you can rest assured its dishes (mostly international fare, with a touch of Mediterranean) and prices are not just aimed at tourists. The starters are very good and of the main courses the fish and seafood dishes tend to be the best options. Dress on the formal side.

Our Local Expert Says:

Another blast from the past, this hotel is possibly the best in Acapulco, with understated glamor, unrivaled elegance and a sublime cocktail bar.

Description:

Built by millionaire J. Paul Getty in the fifties with gardens designed by Barragan, logo by Spratling and furnishings by Clara Porset, the Pierre Marqués was a landmark in hostelry worldwide, as well as the first hotel to glory Revolcadero beach. Impeccable service at both pools make it a place to spend the day, with family, a lover, or on your own with your laptop. Guests can chose from their own "casita" or a room and can count on absolute discretion. Anthony Hopkins has been seen here, while presidents and pop stars roll in for the golf. Boutique service from all staff, from the maid to the golf-pro, concierge and wine expert. If you want a taste of what it feels like to be royalty on holiday, make "the Pierre" your first stop.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the heart of the old central neighborhood of Acapulco. While catering to tourists it also retains local authenticity, and is a showcase for some of the town's elderly characters of the "popular classes," as they are called here.

Description:

The Zócalo was the heart of Spanish Acapulco, founded on December 13, 1521, when Fernando Chico sailed into Acapulco Bay, and remains the most traditional section of the entire city. The busy neighborhood's vital center is a pretty tree-lined plaza between the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and the bay front avenue, La Costera. The church, built only in 1930, is unusual in Mexico: onion-shaped twin towers covered in blue and yellow tiles resemble those of a Russian Orthodox church.

The plaza's arcades contain restaurants and ice cream stores and if you explore the surrounding side streets you will find decent prices for souvenirs. The cruise ship terminal is within walking distance of the Zócalo and the sidewalks are frequently packed with passengers enjoying a day in port. Walk up the hill behind the church to La Quebrada and watch the cliff divers.

Description:

Located to the East of Acapulco Bay, and very close to the airport, this is a fresh water lagoon of extraordinary natural beauty, which also houses a great variety of wild fauna. Jet-skis are available for rental and many visitors visit the canals that have been formed with marine vegetation. Among these canals, birds care for their young in nests. There are also a few restaurants here, and all of them have access to the lagoon and rent jet-skis and boats. Try Los Pavorreales!

Our Local Expert Says:

This famous elegant restaurant with spectacular décor has been visited by heads of state of many different countries as well as celebrities and the rich and famous. Reservations required. If possible request an outside table by the edge.

Description:

Madeiras serves absolutely lovely dinners along with a great view of the famous Acapulco bay. Served different menus are servied each day of the week in a classy atmosphere. All the table have a great view of the bay and the service is flawless. Each menu is four courses for a fixed price. The specialties include lobster, red snapper, chicken, and steak. There is a dress code: no shorts, tennis shoes, or bathing suits. They also have an impressive list of imported wine and liquors, as well as great margaritas. Dinner only; reservations are recommended.

Our Local Expert Says:

Another blast from the past, this hotel is possibly the best in Acapulco, with understated glamor, unrivaled elegance and a sublime cocktail bar.

Description:

Built by millionaire J. Paul Getty in the fifties with gardens designed by Barragan, logo by Spratling and furnishings by Clara Porset, the Pierre Marqués was a landmark in hostelry worldwide, as well as the first hotel to glory Revolcadero beach. Impeccable service at both pools make it a place to spend the day, with family, a lover, or on your own with your laptop. Guests can chose from their own "casita" or a room and can count on absolute discretion. Anthony Hopkins has been seen here, while presidents and pop stars roll in for the golf. Boutique service from all staff, from the maid to the golf-pro, concierge and wine expert. If you want a taste of what it feels like to be royalty on holiday, make "the Pierre" your first stop.

Description:

Longtime Acapulco scuba operator Swiss Divers Association offers novice divers and snorkelers the chance to gain experience in pool sessions or the shallow waters of Playa Caletilla and Isla Roqueta. More experienced divers visiting Mexico can choose from boat, wreck, and nitrox dives in deep Acapulco Bay or in the Pacific Ocean. Visibility varies daily but is usually from between 15 and 45 feet and sea life like octopus, turtles, stingrays, and dolphins are regularly spotted.

Boats sail in the morning and afternoon; one interesting dive visits the submerged bronze statue of the Virgin of the Seas in Boca Chica channel. The friendly staff takes your safety seriously and also speaks English, Spanish, and German. The company also rents, sells, and repairs diving equipment, and makes souvenir photos and videos of your dive. Swiss Divers Association offers free transportation to and from hotels, including Las Brisas and Casa Condesa.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the most famous pozole house in Acapulco. The walls are covered in photos of famous stars.

Description:

If you are in Acapulco on a Thursday – and please try to be – you are in for a treat: on Thursdays, restaurants all over the city serve pozole, the traditional Mexican hearty stew of hominy and meat. The strangest but most delightful twist on Pozole Thursday can be experienced only at Pozoleria Los Cazadores where the entertainment is provided by lip-syncing local drag queens. The pozole is authentic and grandmothers and teenagers sing along to Shakira! Start your meal off with a selection of appetizers then decide what kind of pozole you would like: verde, blanco, or rojo (green, white, or red) just like the colors in Mexico's flag. Beer comes served in buckets, six bottles at a time kept cool in crushed ice. The décor must be seen to be believed; moth-eaten stuffed lions stand in corners and leopard skins hang from the walls, souvenirs from some long-ago safari.
Prices: MX$50/US$5 – MX$200/US$20
Payment: Visa, MasterCard, Cash
Parking: limited street parking, valet parking
Services: restaurant, bar, entertainment, restrooms
Additional Information: Owner David Cuevas also operates Eclipse, a reception hall in Col. Centro.

Our Local Expert Says:

Another blast from the past, this hotel is possibly the best in Acapulco, with understated glamor, unrivaled elegance and a sublime cocktail bar.

Description:

Built by millionaire J. Paul Getty in the fifties with gardens designed by Barragan, logo by Spratling and furnishings by Clara Porset, the Pierre Marqués was a landmark in hostelry worldwide, as well as the first hotel to glory Revolcadero beach. Impeccable service at both pools make it a place to spend the day, with family, a lover, or on your own with your laptop. Guests can chose from their own "casita" or a room and can count on absolute discretion. Anthony Hopkins has been seen here, while presidents and pop stars roll in for the golf. Boutique service from all staff, from the maid to the golf-pro, concierge and wine expert. If you want a taste of what it feels like to be royalty on holiday, make "the Pierre" your first stop.