Acapulco

Acapulco

Santa Lucía Bay, the La Quebrada cliff divers and nightlife that runs late: Mexico's classic Pacific port, a short hop from Mexico City.

Plan your Acapulco getaway

Acapulco hotel deals

Live rates for 3 nights and 2 adults across the Golden Zone, Diamante and the old bay.

Acapulco must-sees

From old-town Caleta to the lagoons of Pie de la Cuesta, these are the places that define the port.

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  • Nov–AprDry season, the best time to go
  • ≈28 °CAverage year-round temperature
  • ≈1 hFlight from Mexico City
  • ≈4.5–5 hDrive from Mexico City on the Autopista del Sol

Acapulco in pictures

The bay by day and by night, its city beaches and the island guarding the harbor entrance.

  • Acapulco Bay at night with the lights of the shoreline and hotel towers on the right
    The bay lit up at night · Mizael Contreras (CC BY-SA 4.0)
  • Panorama of Santa Lucía Bay with waterfront buildings and green mountains, framed by palm fronds
    Santa Lucía Bay from above · Sally from Willamette Valley - Oregon, USA (CC BY 2.0)
  • Apartment towers above an Acapulco beach with small boats on the calm water of the bay
    Towers and beach along the Costera · Thank You (21 Millions+) views from Los Angeles, USA (CC BY 2.0)
  • La Quebrada cliffs with palm trees and stepped terraces where crowds watch the divers plunge into the sea
    The cliffs of La Quebrada · Prayitno from Los Angeles, USA (CC BY 2.0)
  • Aerial view of the Golden Zone beach with waterfront hotels and a rocky islet in the bay
    Condesa Beach and the Costera · Comisión Mexicana de Filmaciones from México D. F., México (CC BY-SA 2.0)
  • Forested La Roqueta Island seen across the water, with small boats in Acapulco Bay
    La Roqueta Island · James Huckaby (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Acapulco FAQs

What to know before you go: seasons, neighborhoods, getting around and how the port is doing today.

When is the best time to visit Acapulco?
November through April: it barely rains, the sea is usually calm and highs sit around 28–32 °C. June to October is the rainy season, and the Pacific hurricane season runs from mid-May to November. Holy Week, summer and the year-end holidays are the busiest and priciest; for a quieter trip, pick weekends outside school vacations.
How is Acapulco doing after Hurricanes Otis and John?
Hurricane Otis (October 2023) and John (September 2024) caused serious damage. Since then much of the hotel supply has reopened and the port has posted solid occupancy in recent high seasons, though some hotels and buildings are still being rebuilt. Before booking, look at recent photos and reviews of your hotel and confirm which amenities are open.
How do I get to Acapulco?
Fly into Acapulco International Airport (ACA) in the Diamante zone; the ride to the Golden Zone takes about 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Flights from Mexico City take around an hour. Many Mexican travelers drive: the Autopista del Sol toll road links Mexico City and Acapulco in roughly 4.5–5 hours.
Which part of Acapulco should I stay in?
The Golden Zone (Zona Dorada) along Costera Miguel Alemán, around Condesa and Icacos, puts restaurants, bars and the beach within walking distance. Diamante, between Puerto Marqués and Revolcadero, has larger, quieter resorts near the airport. Old Acapulco around Caleta, Caletilla and the Zócalo is more budget-friendly and close to La Quebrada and the La Roqueta boats.
How many days do I need in Acapulco?
A long weekend of 3–4 nights covers beach time, an evening at La Quebrada, a trip to La Roqueta and a sunset at Pie de la Cuesta. With five days or more you can add Barra Vieja, Coyuca Lagoon and the Fort of San Diego at an easy pace.
What is there to do in Acapulco besides the beach?
Watch the La Quebrada divers leap from about 35 meters; take a glass-bottom boat from Caleta to La Roqueta Island; tour the Fort of San Diego, now the Acapulco History Museum; catch the sunset and a boat ride on Coyuca Lagoon at Pie de la Cuesta; and head out at night along the Costera.
What local food should I try in Acapulco?
Green pozole, traditionally eaten on Thursdays across Guerrero; Acapulco-style ceviche with a tomato-based sauce; and pescado a la talla, fish brushed with chile adobo and grilled over coals, a Barra Vieja specialty. Wash it down with fresh coconut water on the beach.
Can you swim at every beach in Acapulco?
Inside the bay, beaches like Condesa, Caleta and Caletilla usually have moderate waves. Pie de la Cuesta and Revolcadero face the open ocean, with heavy surf and rip currents, so stay near the shore there. Always follow the flags and the lifeguards.
How do I get around Acapulco, and what precautions should I take?
The Costera Miguel Alemán links most of the city, with taxis, city buses and ride-hailing apps. At night, use taxis from a stand or an app rather than hailing one on the street, stick to busy tourist areas and check current travel advisories before you go.
How will I receive my booking confirmation?
Your confirmation is sent by email once you complete your purchase. Change and cancellation terms depend on each fare and hotel, and they are shown before you pay.

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