Come, Explore the Beauty of Acapulco

Acapulco is known predominantly as a port-of-call for cruise ships plying the southern Pacific waters. But, there’s a great deal more to experience once you get past the shops and restaurants. Nature lovers will rejoice in the chance to discover these five gems:

Acapulco Botanical Garden

Open daily from dawn till dusk (Sundays are free), it’s a must-see for anyone wanting to learn more about the area’s native vegetation. Flowering trees and shrubs, fruit trees and bromeliads can all be found there, along with examples of the Palo Morado Peltogyne Mexicana, a hardwood in danger of extinction.

The gardens are also home to a wide variety of birds, including parrots and fisher eagles, as well as more than a few mammals and reptiles.

La Quebrada

Visitors to Acapulco would be remiss if they didn’t make a pilgrimage to La Quebrada to see the famous cliff divers. Five times a day, brave divers hurl themselves off 100-foot cliffs into the pounding surf below, each dive timed to align with the incoming waves. The spectacle is even more dramatic at night when the cliffs are lit by torches.

Pie de la Cuesta

Looking for a more rustic experience? Head to the seaside town of Pie de la Cuesta. The town is famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views, but its long beach makes the rest of the day pretty striking as well.

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Isla La Roqueta

This ecological reserve is beautiful in its own right. Its welcoming beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling and, if you feel adventurous, a hike up to the lighthouse. Taking a glass-bottom boat tour from Playa Caleta bumps the journey up a notch, as you can observe sea life on the way over, as well as catch a glimpse of the submerged statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

Sunset from Hotel Los Flamingos

Sometimes there’s no better way to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings than from a comfortable seat atop a cliff with a classic cocktail in hand.

If that’s your idea of discovering nature, then head to Hotel Los Flamingos. Back in the 50s, a group known as the Hollywood Gang, which included such big names as John Wayne, Johnny Weissmuller, Erroll Flynn and Cary Grant, purchased the hotel.

The original owners may have gone, but they left behind a hotel with arguably one of the best views of Acapulco Bay and Isla la Roqueta.