The Fort of San Diego is the most relevant historic monument in Acapulco and was the most important Spanish fortress along the pacific cost. Located on a hill in the heart of downtown Acapulco, the fort is an integral part of the landscape that stands out because of its singular geometric design in the shape of a five point star. This important building houses Acapulco's History Museum.

Through its 15 exhibition rooms or halls, the museum tries to show the most relevant moments in Acapulco's history and the important role the fortress has played in the local dwellers lives. For the general public, the museum offers information on events related with this significant place, the old fortress gives an account of its rich past, the culture of the first inhabitants of the region, the conquest of the Southern Seas, commerce with the Orient, piracy in the Pacific Ocean, the Mexican war of independence and other aspects relevant to the place itself.

The archaeological and historic objects that we can admire in the permanent exhibition rooms belong to the museum's own collection, and they are enriched with loans from other institutions such as the Viceregal National Museum as well as from private collections among which stands out that of the antiquarian Rodrigo Rivero Lake.

These objects conform a notable heritage, since they speak about far away worlds that were brought together for more than two centuries through a commercial trade route, as well as speak about the region of the State of Guerrero with its interesting archaeological cultures such as the culture of Mezcala, integrated with Mayan and Olmec influences, mixed with local groups, that achieved to create ceremonial centers and a complex of figurines and masks with strong geometric traces known as Mezcala style.

The Mezcala Style has been defined by the portable sculptures or figurines and flattened masks made with thick rims, lines and hollows distributed with a great plastic sense and symmetrically spread within a rectangular or trapezoidal face, around a rim in the form of a T that constitutes the eyebrows and nose. Numerous representations of animals, utensils, architectural models and representations of ball game constructions have also been found.

The Museum counts with services such as a ticket counter, store, auditorium, an educational services department that offers guided tours of the exhibition rooms as well as of the fortress itself, a temporary exhibitions room, ample parking space, gardens that show the visitor the species peculiar to tropical forests and, above all, a magnificent view of the port and the incomparable Bay of Santa Lucía.

Acapulco represents the entrance door of all the merchandise and influences of cultures native of various continents, it is a crossroad of races and peoples, home to the famous Manila Galleon and of its fairs. The Museum safe keeps the most distinguished part of this history.

The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 AM until 6:30 PM.
Tuesday through Saturday, in 2003, admission is $30.00 pesos per person.
Sundays admission is free or at least it was in 2003.
Free admittance to students with school I.D. For more information go to

The photographs of the Fort were taken by myself, however the information came from Tours of the San Diego Fort

Convention Center
Called the Acapulco International Center, this is an impressive complex of 34 acres with prehispanic reminiscences in its extensive interior. It is home to several theatres such as the Nezahualcoyotl, the Juan Ruiz de Alarcon; the impressive Teotihuacán Hall; the Aztec Plaza where the fabulous show of the... Called the Acapulco International Center, this is an impressive complex of 34 acres with prehispanic reminiscences in its extensive interior. It is home to several theatres such as the Nezahualcoyotl, the Juan Ruiz de Alarcon; the impressive Teotihuacán Hall; the Aztec Plaza where the fabulous show of the Flyers of Papantla is presented, along with several restaurants, meeting rooms and even a discotheque.

At both the international and national levels, this Convention Center has been witness to great and famous events, exhibitions, concerts of all types of music, seminars and hundredths of fairs and expositions. All of these activities have made this spot one of the most important attractions in Acapulco. A busy place where conventions take place, large television shows are staged and taped, this is the home of the Acapulco Symphonic Orchestra and the famous Acapulco Music Festival. The vast garden areas boast a large variety of tropical plants and palms.

The entrance has an attractive water fountain display and there is a tourist assistance office on the premises. There is a wonderful Mexican Fiesta Folklore Show here that includes a marvellous display of regional dancers, lively music and fascinating Indian shows.

The famous cliff divers of La Quebrada have been amazing visitors since the 1930s with their graceful finesse as they dive from the seemingly suicidal height of 45m (148ft) into a narrow crevasse, which appears to contain only enough water to wash their feet. Not surprisingly, the divers pray at a small shrine before flinging themselves into the void. You can get a great view of the divers from the bar of the El Mirador Hotel.

For generations, brave young men from Acapulco have hurled themselves off the majestic cliffs jutting out over the Pacific Ocean. These fearless fellows dive into a narrow inlet where huge waves enter and crash over the rocks. The timing of their dives is crucial and must be perfectly executed due to the dangerous water conditions below.

The Chapel stands 1250 ft above sea level. The cross is a steal structure covered with concrete and a height of 128 ft. and is calculated to resists winds up to 165 mph. Then Cross has been illuminated with special quarts reflectors since December 24th 1970, and the Chapel of Peace has been open to the public since 1971.

One of my reason to go there is of course to take photographs not only of the Cross but also of the magnificent view of Acapulco. From the top of the mountain you can see all of Acapulco bay as well as La Roqueta island, a truly breathtaking view.

The Cross at La Paz Chapel (Chapel of Peace) has been seen by almost every person coming to Acapulco. This structure was completed in 1970 as a tribute to the sons of Mr. And Mrs. Trouyet whose two sons died in air accident while returning from Mexico City in 1967. A notice on the chapel states "The Chapel of Peace is interdenominational, thus open to all mankind regardless of religion or creed.

Today any minister, whatever his faith, may officiate here". This Chapel is truly a place of serenity and peace. Situated in the Las Brisas neighbourhood its views of Acapulco Bay and city are truly wonderful. A feeling of tranquility overcomes the visitor to this chapel.

The main public plaza in town. This is a center of family activity and strolling about especially on Sundays. You may find a band concert at the music gazebo on Sunday afternoons and the traditional balloon man is always a hit with the kids. This charming plaza is surrounded by stores and small restaurants and the Acapulco Garden Club has done a beautiful job with the landscaping.

The zócalo or town square is a peaceful area, shaded by giant rubber and mango trees, near the hectic center of Acapulco. The zócalo is lined ice cream stands and sidewalk cafes. Here you can mingle with the locals as they go about their daily business. The daily routine around the zócalo is pretty much the same as it has been for years. One end of the zócalo is dominated the cathedral which was built in 1930 originally for use as a movie set. When the film crews moved out in they left the building, which was later altered into its present state.

This church is a perfect example of Acapulco's rich history with Spanish, Moorish and native influences. Its distinctive sky blue domes dominate the downtown plaza. Step inside this cool and quiet church and admire the collection of religious statues. Saturdays are a good day to peek in on local weddings and baptisms as these events are a window into Mexican life.

Next door to the cathedral is a small shop selling religious artifacts. Across from the plaza, near the waterfront, stands a monument to Mexico's leading national heroes: Guerrero, Morelos, Hidalgo, Juárez and Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor. It is a favorite spot for taking pictures.