Acapulco

Acapulco lies on the Pacific shore, spreading around a crescent-shaped bay enclosed by mountains and dense tropical vegetation. The resort has several beach sections, each with a different character, ranging from calm coves to wide open coastlines with stronger waves.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the harbor served as a main link between Spanish colonies in Asia and Europe, with galleons regularly carrying goods across the Pacific. In the 1950s, the town transformed into an international vacation destination, triggering the construction of hotels and infrastructure along the coast.

Local families gather on the beaches in the early evening, setting up chairs and sharing food while children play in the shallow water. Musicians move between the beach restaurants at night, performing traditional Mexican songs for diners eating seafood at tables set up in the sand.

The international airport sits southeast of town and offers direct connections to several Mexican cities. Taxis and buses run throughout the city, with most hotels and beaches easily reached by either option.

Fort San Diego was built in 1616 with a pentagon shape and now holds a museum showing the maritime past of the region. The cliffs of La Quebrada rise 35 meters (115 feet) above the ocean, and divers must watch the incoming waves carefully to catch the right depth for their jump.

Location: Acapulco de Juárez Municipality

Inception: 1520

Elevation above the sea: 18 m

Website: https://acapulco.gob.mx

GPS coordinates: 16.86805,-99.89402

Latest update: December 3, 2025 09:01