Acapulco

Mexico's classic Pacific resort city – La Quebrada cliff divers, Fort San Diego and the bay lit up at night – gradually rebuilding after recent hurricanes.

Acapulco lies on the Pacific coast of Guerrero, Mexico, where the curving Acapulco Bay is ringed by mountains. It was Mexico's first international beach resort; in the 1950s and '60s it drew Hollywood stars and politicians, and its cliff divers, glittering bay at night and nightlife made it world-famous. The city has three main areas: to the west, "Traditional Acapulco" (Acapulco Tradicional), with the old town square, the cathedral, Fort San Diego, La Quebrada cliffs and Caleta beach; in the middle, the "Golden Zone" (Zona Dorada), with hotels, restaurants and Condesa beach lining the waterfront boulevard, Costera Miguel Alemán; and to the southeast, the "Diamond Zone" (Acapulco Diamante), with newer resorts at Puerto Marqués and the long Revolcadero beach. Northwest of the city, the beach at Pie de la Cuesta and Coyuca Lagoon are known for sunsets and lagoon boat trips, while Barra Vieja to the southeast is famous for its beach-grilled fish, pescado a la talla. The climate is hot: Nov–Apr, the dry season, is best; Jun–Oct is the rainy season, with hurricanes peaking Aug–Oct. Important: Hurricane Otis in October 2023 and Hurricane John in September 2024 caused severe damage, and hotels and facilities are reopening in stages, so confirm before you go. Guerrero also has significant security problems, and several governments have issued high-level travel warnings for the state; stay in tourist areas, use licensed taxis or hotel cars, and avoid leaving the main areas at night. Getting there: Acapulco International Airport is in the Diamond Zone, about 30 minutes by car from the Golden Zone; from Mexico City it's about 4–5 hours by highway, with frequent comfortable buses. Plan on 3–4 days.

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