Acapulco Introduction Walking Tour I (Self Guided), Acapulco

The Acapulco History Museum is located in one of the most relevant historical buildings of the city - the Fort of San Diego. The fort features a pentagonal shape and dates back to the 17th century. It was opened to the public as a museum in 1986. The museum is dedicated to the history of Acapulco, offers 15 exhibition rooms, and its exhibits include archaeological remains from the Mezcala culture and artifacts relating to the Manila galleons, piracy, the Mexican War of Independence as well as exhibits about the fort itself.

Why You Should Visit:
Fantastic displays of early success with trade partners from the East going back to 1450 to 1600.
The signs are in both Spanish and English and there is plenty of information on all the boards.
Air-conditioned, inexpensive, well-kept, and in a great location, this is a wonderful museum.

Casa de las Mascaras, translated into English as "House of the Masks," is a splendid Mexican styled home, which eventually converted into a museum. The House of the Masks houses an enormous collection of unique artistic expression conveyed brilliantly into masks. The collection includes more than 500 pieces of art, each mask different from the other.

One of the most relevant historical buildings of Acapulco is the Fort of San Diego, which displays a pentagonal shape and dates back to the 17th century. Initially built to protect the port and the cargo of arriving ships, the fort was once the most important Spanish fortress on the coast. Despite the fort's existence, a Dutch fleet invaded Acapulco in 1615, destroying much of the town and fort before being driven off. The fort was destroyed by an earthquake in 1776 and was rebuilt in 1783. Today, the Fort of San Diego is the home of the city's History Museum as well as a couple of crafts shops.

Why You Should Visit:
Right by the ocean and very inexpensive.
You can go on a boat tour, jet skiing and snorkeling.
All areas of the fort easily accessible & display rooms are air-conditioned.
However, its privileged views are what makes the fort a landmark of the Acapulco Bay.

Tip:
Bring a pair of sunglasses and an umbrella!

Zocalo is a charming plaza, situated on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue. The plaza is shaded, thanks to a plethora of multi-branched trees and plants. Zocalo is the town's main public square and attracts both locals and tourists. Acapulco’s Cathedral is located on the plaza along with a couple of nice fountains, as well as crafts and souvenir shops.

Why You Should Visit:
Traditional, beautiful, with excellent atmosphere; not necessarily the definitive classic party & clubbing hotspot but still fun.
Good place to take snapshots, buy souvenirs, try out shops and restaurants or just sit and people-watch.
Friday evenings from 6-8pm there is a live orchestra with ballroom dancing and the cutest elderly dancers around.

Tip:
Don't forget to visit the boardwalk!

Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Soledad is the most famous and popular church of Acapulco. A bizarre structure built in 1930, the cathedral served as a film set in the beginning. Later on it was changed into a place of worship. Its design is a result of Moorish, Spanish, and native influences. The cathedral has a distinguishable blue dome and Byzantine towers similar to the ones of mesquites. The interior is decorated with glazed tiles and the floor is covered with golden mosaics. You can also see an extensive collection of religious items.

Why You Should Visit:
Located in the heart of the Zocalo square and very picturesque, with splendid valuable metals and artwork inside.

Tip:
They have an excellent vocal choir on Sundays, should you wish to attend the Eucharistic celebration.

Enjoy dinner at the restaurant in the cliff wall and watch the La Quebrada Cliff Divers, a group of professional high divers, who perform daily shows for the public, which involve diving 35 metres (125 ft) from the cliffs of La Quebrada into the sea below. They have to identify the right moment and wait for a wave in order to avoid serious injuries. The depth of water in the "Gulch" can vary from 6 to 16 feet depending on the waves, with an average depth of 12 feet. You can also have fun watching pelicans diving for fish. La Quebrada means “gulch” from Spanish, it began in 1934 and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Acapulco.

The 1963 Elvis Presley film "Fun in Acapulco" brought the cliffs to worldwide attention.

Tip:
You can join hundreds of people who watch the diving from the roadside, or you can pay a few dollars to view the clavadistas from a lower platform, or you can pay a pretty handsome amount at La Perla restaurant to get a better view.
There is a dive session during the day plus one at night.

Sinfonia del Mar is an old amphitheater, situated on a hill, that provides a fantastic view of the ocean. The atmosphere at Sinfonia del Mar is both historically significant as well as romantic. Performances are held occasionally, but the best and most memorable show is the sunset each night. Sinfonia del Mar is not so far from the famous La Quebrada Cliffs.

Tip:
Both the seating and the sunset are free. It is best to arrive here about an hour before sunset so that you can enjoy the cliffs as well.