Guerrero is a Pacific coast state in southern Mexico best known for the resort city of Acapulco, the colonial silver town of Taxco de Alarcón, and the twin beach towns of Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. The state pairs dramatic coastline and mountain scenery with a serious, well-documented security situation that shapes how and where visitors should travel.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Guerrero.
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1
La Quebrada Cliff Divers, Acapulco
Divers leap from cliffs roughly 35 meters above a narrow ocean inlet at La Quebrada, timing each dive to the incoming swell in a tradition that has continued since the 1930s, with a public viewing platform and several restaurant terraces overlooking the cove.
Tip: Arrive 30-45 minutes before evening shows to secure a spot on the public platform · The midday show around 1:00PM has better natural light for photos than the torch-lit evening shows · Restaurant terrace seating costs more but guarantees an unobstructed view with a table · Bring cash for the public platform admission and any tips for the divers afterward · Evening shows draw the largest and most atmospheric crowds
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2
Fuerte de San Diego, Acapulco
This star-shaped stone fortress was built in 1616 to defend Acapulco's harbor from pirate raids on the Manila galleon trade and rebuilt in its current form after a 1776 earthquake, and now houses the Museo Histórico de Acapulco, tracing the city's role in transpacific trade between New Spain and the Philippines.
Tip: Visit in the morning before the stone courtyard and ramparts heat up · No advance tickets are needed; admission is paid at the entrance · Free entry applies to children under 13 and INAPAM-registered seniors · Combine the visit with a walk through the nearby Zócalo, about 10 minutes away · Wear comfortable shoes for the uneven stone surfaces on the ramparts
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3
Playa Icacos, Acapulco
A wide, calm stretch of sand at the eastern end of Acapulco Bay near the naval base, generally quieter than the beaches fronting the main hotel strip and popular with families for its gentle, protected water.
Tip: Visit in the morning for the calmest water before afternoon boat traffic picks up · Chair and umbrella rentals are available at palapa restaurants along the beach · Bring cash, as most beachfront vendors and small restaurants do not accept cards · Free public access means no admission fee, only optional food and rental charges
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4
Playa Condesa, Acapulco
The liveliest beach along Acapulco's central hotel strip, lined with beach clubs, restaurants, and water-sport rental stands, drawing a mixed local and international crowd throughout the day.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for a calmer, sunset-focused atmosphere over the bay · Negotiate water-sport rental prices with vendors before starting, as rates are not fixed · Beach club chairs typically require a minimum food or drink purchase · Expect the busiest crowds during winter high season and Mexican holiday weekends · Watch belongings closely, as the beach is busy and crowded at peak times
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5
Isla la Roqueta, Acapulco
A small rocky island at the mouth of Acapulco Bay reached by short boat rides or glass-bottom tours, with a lighthouse, a modest beach, and snorkeling spots around its sheltered coves.
Tip: Take an early boat for the calmest crossing and clearest snorkeling visibility · Glass-bottom boat tours cost more than a standard round-trip crossing but include narrated stops · Bring cash for the boat fare, snorkel gear rental, and any food on the island · Wear water shoes, as the coves have rocky entry points rather than soft sand · Confirm the last return boat time before heading out, since departures thin out later in the afternoon
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6
Pie de la Cuesta and Laguna de Coyuca
A narrow sand spit separates the open Pacific surf from the calm, mangrove-lined Laguna de Coyuca, where small boats carry visitors past bird colonies and coconut palms, and the beach side is known regionally for some of the best sunset views near Acapulco.
Tip: Avoid swimming on the ocean side, where strong currents and heavy shore-break make conditions dangerous · Book a lagoon boat tour through a beachfront operator rather than in advance, as most are informal and walk-up · Arrive by late afternoon to combine a boat tour with sunset views over the Pacific · Visit on a weekday for a quieter experience than the busier weekend crowds · Bring cash for boat tours and lagoon-side restaurants, as card acceptance is limited
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7
Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Acapulco
Distinguished by its blue-and-white Byzantine-influenced domes rather than typical colonial cathedral architecture, this church anchors Acapulco's shaded downtown Zócalo, which is ringed by laurel trees, cafés, and shoeshine stands.
Tip: Visit in the morning for the quietest experience before the surrounding Zócalo fills with foot traffic · Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as it remains an active place of worship · Combine the visit with a walk through the Zócalo's cafés and shoeshine stands · Check for Mass times if visiting on a Sunday, when tourist access may be more limited · The domes are best photographed from across the plaza rather than close up
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8
Petrograbados de Palma Sola, Acapulco
Over a dozen boulders scattered across a dry hillside carry pre-Hispanic carvings depicting human figures, animals, and abstract designs attributed to groups who occupied the Acapulco area before Spanish contact, connected by a signed walking path.
Tip: Visit in the morning for the softest light on the carved stone panels and cooler walking conditions · Wear sturdy, closed shoes for the uneven, rocky hillside path · Bring water, as there is little shade along the walking route · Free entry applies to children under 13 · Combine the visit with a taxi round trip, since public transit access is limited
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9
Parque Papagayo, Acapulco
A large public park across from the beach with a small lake, an aviary, playgrounds, and a roller-skating rink, functioning as Acapulco's main green space and a popular gathering spot for local families in the late afternoon and evening.
Tip: Visit in the late afternoon or evening for the liveliest local atmosphere · Bring small bills for individual attraction fees like boat and skate rentals · Weekends draw larger crowds and more food vendors than weekdays · Wear comfortable shoes, as the park covers a large area of pathways · Free general admission means only individual activities carry a cost
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10
Acapulco Sportfishing Fleet, Malecón
Charter boats leave Acapulco's downtown malecón for half- and full-day sportfishing trips targeting sailfish, dorado, and tuna in the deep water beyond the bay, with operators ranging from small shared pangas to larger private cruisers.
Tip: Book charters a day ahead during the November-May high season for the best boat selection · Bring motion-sickness medication if prone to seasickness, as open water beyond the bay can be choppy · Confirm whether rods, tackle, and bait are included in the charter price before booking · Pack sun protection and water, since full-day trips offer little shade on smaller boats · Ask about catch-and-release policies for sailfish before the trip departs
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Nature
History
Museum
Culture
Adventure
Family
Transportation
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Getting Around
- Acapulco's beachfront Costera Miguel Alemán is served by frequent local buses and taxis, while Taxco's hillside streets are best explored on foot or by the town's white VW-beetle taxis; reaching Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa from Acapulco requires either a domestic flight into Zihuatanejo's airport or a long coastal drive/bus ride of 5-6 hours, and Grutas de Cacahuamilpa is most easily reached by car or organized tour from Taxco.
- Best Season
- November through April brings the driest, sunniest weather across Guerrero's coast and highlands, while the June-October rainy season brings afternoon downpours and higher humidity, though the landscape turns greener around Taxco and the interior.
- Money
- Most museums and archaeological sites charge modest entry fees in the MXN 30-95 range and are cash-only; larger attractions like the Taxco teleférico and organized boat tours accept cards, but carrying cash is advisable throughout the state.
- Safety Note
- Tourist zones in Acapulco (the Costera and Diamante areas), Taxco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa see regular visitor traffic and a police presence, but parts of Guerrero's interior have experienced periods of instability; checking current travel advisories before venturing beyond established tourist areas is worthwhile.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book Grutas de Cacahuamilpa's guided cave walk in advance during weekends and holiday periods, when tour slots fill quickly
Carry small-denomination pesos for entry fees at archaeological and cultural sites, as card readers are inconsistent outside major hotels
Visit Taxco's Santa Prisca and silver markets in the morning before tour buses arrive from Mexico City and Cuernavaca
Time La Quebrada's cliff-diving show for the evening performance, when the divers use torches for the descent
Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for Isla la Roqueta and Isla Ixtapa, where rocky entry points are common
Frequently asked questions
How many days are needed to see Guerrero's main attractions?
A minimum of 5-6 days allows time for Acapulco's beaches and historic fort, a day trip to Taxco and the Cacahuamilpa caves, and a stay in Zihuatanejo or Ixtapa; splitting the coastal towns from the silver-mining highlands generally requires a flight or a long drive.
Is it safe to visit Taxco and Acapulco?
Taxco's compact hillside center and Acapulco's main tourist zones along the Costera and in the Diamante district see steady visitor traffic and are generally treated as safe for typical tourist activity, though travelers should stay within established tourist areas and check current advisories before exploring further afield.
Do I need a car to see Guerrero's attractions?
Acapulco, Taxco, and Zihuatanejo's town centers are walkable or served by local taxis and buses, but a car or organized tour is the most practical way to reach Grutas de Cacahuamilpa, Isla Ixtapa's boat launch, and Pie de la Cuesta's lagoon.
What is the best time of year to visit Guerrero's beaches?
November through April gives the calmest seas and least rainfall for Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa's beaches, while the June-October rainy season brings warmer water and dramatic afternoon storms that typically clear by evening.