Ranked by world travelers as one of the five most beautiful harbors in the world, Acapulco is almost landlocked, making it a safe haven for shipping against all storms. Overlooking the harbor, Fort San Diego has provided another kind of protection since the 17th century. Green and yellow hills rise to 3,500 feet directly behind Acapulco. The central part of the beach strip is lined with modern luxury hotels, the main beach and the busy shopping areas.

Almost everyone has heard of La Quebrada, home of the famous cliff divers. These jagged cliffs have become famous for the daredevil youngsters who dive 134 feet into a narrow tongue of foaming sea. The boys have their own association (union) and work together, deciding amongst themselves who dives when, and at what time an apprentice has become skilled enough to dive from the highest cliff.