Things to do in  Guerrero

Puerto Vallarta’s mile-long (1.6 kilometer) El Malecon is a palm-lined, pedestrian-only promenade running along the Pacific coast through the heart of downtown. Dotted with bronze sculptures, and lined with shops, restaurants, and street performers, El Malecon is where most visits to Puerto Vallarta begin—especially at sunset when the boardwalk truly comes alive—and it offers a great introduction to the city.

High in the rugged mountains of the northern state of Guerrero, the city of Taxco de Alarcon was once an isolated Spanish stronghold. Today, it is known for its silver mines and the generations of artisans who create some of Mexico's most beautiful jewelry. In addition to the silver shops, take in the town’s architectural and natural attractions.

One of Acapulco's most popular attractions, La Quebrada Cliff Divers perform daily shows. Beginning in the 1930s, these brave young men and women began leaping over 100 feet (30 meters) past craggy rocks into an inlet crashing with waves that are just 13 feet (4 meters) deep. The daredevil acts continue to elicit oohs and ahs from the rapt audience.

The Diego Rivera Muralis a spectacular mosaic sculpture on the exterior of Exekatlkalli (La Casa de los Vientos), where the Mexican artist Diego Rivera once lived with his lover Dolores Olmedo. He spent the last years of his life with her here, and in 1956 created this mural featuring Quetzalcoatl, the Mesoamerican mythical serpent.

This pre-Columbian archaeological complex is among the stand-out sights on Mexico's Pacific coast. Excavated features include a Mesoamerican ball court, sacrificial altar, and clay pyramids, while the on-site museum showcases around 800 smaller artifacts, including an ancient town sign in the indigenous American language, Nahuatl.

An excellent example of classic Spanish defensive architecture, the Fort of San Diego (Fuerte de San Diego) was built in 1616 to fight off increasing attacks by British pirates on the trade port of Acapulco. Today the star-shaped fortress houses the Acapulco Historical Museum (Museo Histórico de Acapulco), with good displays on city history.

The heart of any Spanish Colonial city is the central plaza, or Zócalo, and the ancient Mexican port town of Acapulco—despite its modern facelifts—is no exception. The constant swirl of activity, live music on weekends, and vendors selling every sort of souvenir are all here, mixing and mingling with tourists and locals relaxing in the shade during the day.

North of Acapulco, freshwater Coyuca Lagoon, or Laguna de Coyuca in Spanish, spreads across some 28 square miles (72 square kilometers) and is particularly important for migrating birds. Several small islands along the coast act as sanctuaries for colonies of pelicans, herons, storks, and other species. The lagoon is also a popular destination for water sports.

Explore the underground wonderland of one of the world’s largest cave systems at Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, located in the south of the Sierra Madre mountains. The caves comprise more than 90 chambers, some with ceilings that tower more than 230 feet (70 meters) overhead, and are just a 45-minute drive from the silver city of Taxco.

Located off the coast of Acapulco and reachable by boat, La Roqueta Island (Isla de La Roqueta) is an ideal spot for travelers looking to relax. Visitors lounge on the golden sand beaches, snorkel and kayak at secluded coves, and hike a network of trails that lead to stunning scenic overlooks. The island also offers a handful of restaurants and a small zoo.

Magic World Aquatic Park is packed with splashy entertainment perfect for the whole family. With the action centered around a pirate ship and seven slides descending into a wading pool, children can embrace the fantasyland experience while the rest of the family enjoys a lazy river, a wave pool, and drinks.

Playa Las Gatas in Zihuatanejo is a beautiful, tranquil beach known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Visitors flock to this spot to go snorkeling and swimming, as well as to relax under the sun. Take a boat or a hike to this getaway, and you’ll be rewarded with views, calm waves and a laid-back atmosphere.

With a rich nautical history dating back to the 16th century, Acapulco has a lot to offer with its beautiful beaches, buzzing nightlife, and jungle-clad hills. This port in the Pearl of the Pacific—long a favored resort of the rich and famous—remains a frequent stop on cruise itineraries along Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Bahia de Zihuatanejo is a beautiful, sheltered bay on Mexico’s Pacific coast that’s known for its calm, turquoise waters and picturesque scenery. With beaches where you can go swimming and snorkeling, along with charming beachfront restaurants and a vibrant local culture, it’s a popular destination all around.

Waterslides and wave pools are just steps from a white-sand beach at El Rollo Acapulco, a water park that features a dolphin show as well as plenty of wild and wet fun. Grab a tube and fly down a 40-foot (12-meter) tower, zip down a 290-foot (88-meter) wavy slide, or relax as the kids enjoy Isla Infantil (Children’s Island).