Acapulco has numerous recreation and amusement parks that children can enjoy during their stay in the port city.

CICI Acapulco Magico - Located on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue, this modern aquatic park targets mostly children. Its main attractions include a pool with manmade waves, water slides and an air balloon that floats 30 meters (100 feet) high. Open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 to 6:00.

Parque Papagayo • Located on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue in front of Hornos Beach. Here, you’ll find rides and attractions, such as go-karts, a roller rink and many different games for children.

In Acapulco, you can visit a recently discovered archaeological site recently discovered. It has all the necessary services.

Palma Sola • Located six kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the city, on the grounds of the Acapulco Bay’s amphitheater, which is part of El Veladero National Park. Visiting hours are Monday through Sunday from 10:00 to 6:00. The main attraction are rocks with carvings of human figures dating back to the beginnings of our era, which documents that indigenous groups inhabited the region in pre-Hispanic times.

Acapulco offers a wide variety of crafts that come from many different parts of the nation, however most come from the state of Guerrero. In the port city, you can find many shops that sell seashells and conches, crafts made from coconut palms, traditional sweets, silver jewelry, ceramics, and handmade clothes.

If you want something with more local flavor, many small towns sell attractive and original crafts. For those looking for art, there are various dealers and galleries throughout the city.

Acapulco is one Mexico’s most important and famous beach resorts. It is located on the Pacific coast, 395 kilometers (245 miles) from Mexico City and 133 kilometers (83 miles) from Chilpancingo, the state capital of Guerrero. It has a warm, humid climate with temperatures ranging from 22º C (72º F) to 33º C (91º F) with sunny days throughout the year.

Among the port city’s many enticing qualities are: its beautiful bay, one of the best in the world; the calm waters of its beaches; the amenities offered by its well established hotel industry, which in recent years has undergone a major revamping, especially in the Punta Diamante neighborhood; and finally, the city’s unbeatable nightlife, which offers one of the hottest playgrounds among Mexican vacation destinations.

For those who have never visited Acapulco, we recommend that you visit la Isla de la Roqueta (Roqueta Island), an ideal island setting where you can either relax or enjoy some scuba diving. You’ll also want to check out the infamous   La Quebrada, where fearless cliff divers plunge into the ocean below. If you’re looking for a little excitement of your own, Acapulco offers bungee jumping and parasailing, where from high above you can admire the stunning panoramic views of the bay, the hotel zone and the surrounding mountains, in their utmost splendor.

Nearby Acapulco, you can visit the beach of Pie de la Cuesta, known for its spectacular sunsets, or Puerto Marques, with it beautiful bay and calm waters. Finally, don’t miss out on Barra Vieja, where you are sure to enjoy delicious seafood dishes prepared in traditional Mexican restaurants.

Acapulco has more than 20 kilometers (12 miles) of beaches. On them, from Barra Vieja to Pie de la Cuesta, you can do all sorts of activities: aquatic sports, diving or simply basking in the sun on what many people consider Mexico’s most popular beaches.

Roqueta • This beach, located in front of Caleta and Caletilla, is on Roqueta Island and is protected by the Mexican Navy. To arrive at this beautiful destination, you can take a boat that leaves from Caleta Beach.You can do aquatic sports thanks to its small waves. We recommend you visit the lighthouse and the zoo, which are located on the same island as this beach.

Puerto Marques • Located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) southeast of Acapulco, you can arrive at the Puerto Marques Bay by driving down a panoramic highway and taking a turnoff toward the port. This beach is a favorite among locals. You can find several places to enjoy delicious fish and seafood dishes.

Caleta and Caletilla • Known for its calm waters and gorgeous scenery, these beaches are located on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue, in front of Roqueta Island. You can arrive there on foot or on public transportation. Two of Acapulco’s most traditional beaches where you’ll find Magico Mundo Marino amusement park, which offers lodging on park grounds, as well as swimming pools, water slides, restaurants and aquatic sport rentals..

Icacos • Located in the Zona Dorada in the southern portion of the bay, is one of Acapulco’s biggest and longest beaches. The waves are generally moderate at this beach. This beach is located in the hotel zone and is ideal for doing all kinds of water sports that require rentals. Here you’ll find the CICI aquatic park, which has dolphin and seal shows. It also offers water slides, swimming pools, and small aquariums, among other attractions.

Pie de la Cuesta • Located 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of the Acapulco Bay, this beach is known for its strong surf, so be careful when swimming. You can arrive by taking the Pie de la Cuesta highway until you reach the four-kilometer mark in Barra de Coyuca. On this small beach of powdery sand, where you can look out onto the open sea, there are various restaurants offering delicious fish and seafood dishes. You can also relax in the sun or shade on a hammock or take a boat ride to Coyuca Lagoon.

Revolcadero • You’ll find Revolcadero four kilometers (2.5 miles) east of Puerto Marques. The waves and undertow are strong so be careful in the water.This is a huge beach where you can do various water sports like surfing, jet skiing, or you can simply soak up the sun while you enjoy a snack or tasty meal in one of the restaurants.

Punta Diamante • Located five kilometers southeast of Puerto Marques. This beach is famous for its powdery sand beaches and strong surf. This beach on the open sea, where some of the most important tourist resorts are located, is a beautiful place to do water sports, however you should be very careful, as the surf can be rough.

Condesa • Located in the Zona Dorada area along Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue, you will find one of Acapulco’s most popular beaches. You’ll find restaurants and shopping malls at this beach. You can also do water sports and bungee jumping from 50 meters (165 feet) high.

Tamarindo, Hornos and Hornitos • These three beaches are located along Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue and are known for their finely textured sand and small waves. On these beaches you can do all kinds of water sports as well as taking in some sun on a hammock.

Pichilingue • Located in the Punta Diamante zone about 15 minutes from the airport. This area is famous for its luxurious villas, which have proven popular to celebrities.

Barra Vieja • The beach is 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) south of Acapulco, where the waters of the Papagayo River and Tres Palos Lagoon meet with the Pacific Ocean. On this beach, you can go on a long horseback ride surrounded by lovely scenery. You can arrive at the beach in public or private transportation. Don’t forget to try the pescado a la talla (the grilled catch of the day).

For extreme sports enthusiasts, Acapulco offers a wide variety of both safe and thrilling options: on most beaches, you can rent waverunners that accommodate two or more people, hire a boat for water-skiing, or soar high above on a parasail. You can even take the adrenaline fueled plunge on a bungee jump or swing from a perch on the beach’s famous Skycoaster. If you’re looking for a high-speed adventure, we recommend a speedboat tour of the bay or a nearby lagoon.

Zona Dorada. Located in the heart of Acapulco, where you can look out onto the entire bay, at this spot you can ride a waverunner, a jet ski, or do some water-skiing. You can also take a parasailing tour of the bay as you soar 20 meters (66 feet) high, or you can freefall on a 50-meter (165-foot) bungee jump. In Acapulco, you can go on the Skycoaster, a thrilling ride that swings you back and forth like a human pendulum. Or you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the bay and the surrounding mountains on an air balloon ride, one of Acapulco’s newest attractions.

Rio Papagayo. About 45 minutes from Acapulco and six kilometers (about four miles) south of Tierra Colorada on route 95. Considered one of the region’s most important river valleys, this amazing river runs through the jungle of Guerrero in the Sierras. You can see birds flying above the canyon in their beautiful natural habitat. Here you can live the excitement of a high-speed boat ride down the river, as it makes wild 360º spins and skillfully maneuvers between jutting rocks and the shoreline. It’s an experience like none other. Agencies and guides see to it that the tours are safe and fun.

Laguna de Coyuca. Located in Pie de la Cuesta, 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Acapulco. It has 30 square kilometers of freshwater shoreline. Located southeast of Acapulco, at the 32 kilometer-mark along the Acapulco-Zihuatanejo highway, this area is known as "la puerta de oro de la costa grande" (the golden gateway of the big coast). Water-skiing and fishing are popular activities at this spot, where the salt water of the Pacific Ocean meets the fresh water of the lagoon. You can also take a so-called jungle tour through a mangrove swamp and admire the lush vegetation an ideal backdrop for bird watching.

Acapulco is one of the most popular destinations for sportfishing. You can inquire about a fishing tour at any of the rental shops or tour agencies which offer services such as marlin or swordfish outings. If your tour happens to include the mangrove swamps, you’ll be amazed by the large quantity of water lilies, heron, pelicans and Black-throated Divers that surround and accompany you while you fish.

Laguna de Chautengo • Also known as Laguna de Nexpan, this lagoon is 117 kilometers (72 miles) from Acapulco. It is 12 kilometers (seven miles) wide from east to west and has a warm climate year-round. The Nexpan and Copala rivers empty into this lagoon, making it the ideal place for fishing thanks to its many species of freshwater fish.

Laguna de Tecomate • Also known as Laguna de San Marcos, the lagoon is located 68 kilometers (42 miles) east of Acapulco. It has dozens of mangrove swamps, which attract hundreds of bird species that feed in the waters. You can take a boat to the center of the lagoon and spend hours of enjoyable time there appreciating the beautiful surroundings as you catch freshwater fish.

Puerto Marques • Located 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) southeast of Acapulco, you can arrive at the Puerto Marques Bay by driving down a panoramic highway and taking a turnoff toward the port.This place is ideal for fishing, as it’s possible to catch swordfish, bass and fiddler crabs, amongst others.

Laguna de Coyuca • Located in Pie de la Cuesta, 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of Acapulco. It has 30 square kilometers of freshwater shoreline. A good place for catching various species. Boats can take you out to two islands: la Isla de los Pajaros and la Isla del Hombre de las Siete Esposas.

Golf is a sport with great tradition in Acapulco, and you would expect nothing less from a top-notch tourist destination. For golf enthusiasts, the port city has four professional, world-class 18-hole courses set in a warm, tropical environment which is ideal for this sport. In all of these clubs, you’ll find the comfort, service and exclusivity that golfers have come to expect.

Club de Golf Acapulco • This course is nine holes and has an ocean view. It’s located on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue in the Club Deportivo neighborhood. Tels. (744) 484-0781 or (744) 484-6583

Mayan Palace Acapulco (Vidafel) • This course is 18 holes with a par 71. It’s located at 1121 De Las Palmas Avenue in the Playa Diamante neighborhood. Tel. (744) 469-6000

The Fairmont Acapulco Princess • An 18-hole course. Located at Playa Revolcadero in the Granjas del Marques neighborhood. Tel. (744) 469-1000

The Fairmont Pierre Marques • An 18-hole course. Located at Playa del Sol in the Granjes del Marques neighborhood. Tel. (744) 469-1000

Tres Vidas Country Club • This course is 18 holes. Located on the Barra Vieja highway. Tel. (744) 444-5138

For those who like kayaking, you can also experience the excitement and adrenaline rush of the rapids of the Papagayo River.

Rio Papagayo. About 45 minutes from Acapulco and six kilometers (about four miles) south of Tierra Colorada on route 95. Considered one of the region’s most important river valleys, this amazing river runs through the jungle of Guerrero in the Sierras. You can see birds flying above the canyon in their beautiful natural habitat. Is ideal for a kayaking adventure, as it has organized tours and expert guides that guarantee a safe and fun experience down the fast-moving river.

Nearby Acapulco, you can find various rock formations, part of the Sierras, which offer ideal conditions for hiking and nature observing.

Rio Papagayo • About 45 minutes from Acapulco and six kilometers (about four miles) south of Tierra Colorada on route 95. Considered one of the region’s most important river valleys, this amazing river runs through the jungle of Guerrero in the Sierras. You can see birds flying above the canyon in their beautiful natural habitat.

Located 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from Tierra Colorado and 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Acapulco. Before emptying into the Pacific Ocean, this river passes through a rugged canyon with some inclines rising 60 meters (200 feet) high.

The port of Acapulco has interesting museums that invite you to learn about the history of the region. You can learn about an old fort built by the Spaniards in 1616. Exhibited there are aging navigation and mapmaking instruments, reproductions of boats that used to sail to Asia, and some of the objects that sailors brought back to New Spain when Acapulco was the most important port in the world.

You can also visit the old house of Dolores Olmedo, friend of various artists and intellectuals such as Diego Rivera. In the museum, you’ll find some of Rivera’s pieces. But if you are interested in archaeology, we recommend that you visit the museum that displays the region’s pre-Hispanic vestiges.

Museo Historico de Acapulco • Located inside the Fuerte de San Diego at 1 Hornitos in the Colonia Centro. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 to 6:30. Free admission on Sunday. Tel. (744) 482-3828

Museo de Arqueologia Miguel Aleman • Located at 4834 Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue in the Costa Azul neighborhood. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 6:00. Tel. (744) 484-3414
 
Galeria Dolores Olmedo • Located at 4455 Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue in the Costa Azul neighborhood. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Tel. (744) 484-7046

If you would like to visit places rich in spiritual traditions, we recommend the following:

La Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad • An important local landmark, this cathedral is one of the best examples of the religious architecture that predominates the region.

La Capilla Ecumenica de la Paz • This modern chapel has a lookout where you can take in a view of the entire bay. Located in the Las Brisas neighborhood.

Acapulco has an important harbor that receives boats, yachts and cruise liners year-round. At this terminal, you’ll find money exchange and long-distance telephone services, taxis, tourist guides, clothing, jewelry and crafts stores. You can also buy tobacco, alcohol, and equipment for your camera.

Cruise ship dock - Located on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue in the Colonia Centro neighborhood, Malecon Fiscal. Tels. (744) 483-4441 or (744) 483-4445

Acapulco has various world-class spas that offer activities and complete services for the care of your skin, mind, body, and soul. Some use age-old treatments like temazcal herbal steam baths. Others apply treatments with herbal and seaweed body wraps or use more modern techniques, depending on each person’s health needs. The holistic and peaceful atmosphere will take each person on a heavenly journey to the center of the mind. Acapulco’s top hotels offer these services.

Alory Spa • Located on the first floor of the Hyatt Regency Acapulco Hotel. At this facility, you’ll find the latest in spa equipment: alphajet, presojet and bionalysis. The services, which include mud or eucalyptus treatments and aromatherapy, to mention just a few, will become a true source of pleasure and good health. Located at 1 Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue. Tel. (744) 469-1234
 
Villa Vera Spa & Racquetball Club • Considered one of Mexico’s biggest and most advanced spas, it offers deep-cleansing facials, eye-lifting treatments and different kinds of massages. It also has a beauty salon, temazcal steam baths, a gymnasium and other top-notch services. Treatments can last from one day to a week, depending on your needs. Located at 35 Lomas del Mar in the Club Deportivo neighborhood. Tel. 01-800-710-9300

Bambuddha • A tasteful and down-to-earth place that offers temazcal steam baths, yoga, meditation sessions, and health food and ghee in the mornings, as well as a wide variety of detoxifying juices to make the treatment complete. Located on the Barra Vieja highway at the 37.5- kilometer mark in the San Andres neighborhood. Tel. 01-744-444-6406

Acapulco has an important harbor that receives boats, yachts and cruise liners year-round. At this terminal, you’ll find money exchange and long-distance telephone services, taxis, tourist guides, clothing, jewelry and crafts stores. You can also buy tobacco, alcohol, and equipment for your camera.

Cruise ship dock - Located on Costera Miguel Aleman Avenue in the Colonia Centro neighborhood, Malecon Fiscal. Tels. (744) 483-4441 or (744) 483-4445