Overview
Acapulco is Mexico's original Pacific resort: a sweep of golden bays below green mountains on the Guerrero coast, famous since the 1950s for its glamour and the cliff divers of La Quebrada. Today it offers warm sea, seafood palapas and lively evenings along the Costera. The city has been rebuilding since Hurricane Otis in October 2023, so check the latest picture with us before booking. Use the price charts on this page to find cheap flights to Acapulco.
Best time to fly to Acapulco
Acapulco is warm all year, with highs around 31–33°C. The dry season, December to April, is the most reliable for sun and calm seas but also the busiest and dearest, especially over Christmas and Easter. May to October is hotter and wetter, with the eastern Pacific hurricane season running roughly June to November. November or early December often balances good weather with lower fares – see the When to book chart above.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Acapulco from the UK. The usual routing is London Heathrow to Mexico City with British Airways or Aeroméxico (about 11 hours 30 minutes), then a short Aeroméxico domestic hop of just over an hour. Iberia, Air France and KLM also serve Mexico City from their European hubs; American, United and Delta can connect you via the US, which needs an ESTA. Allow 16–20 hours door to door.
Things to do in Acapulco
Balance beach days with a little history and a boat trip.
- La Quebrada cliff divers: divers plunging from 35-metre cliffs into a narrow channel, best at the floodlit evening shows.
- Fuerte de San Diego: a star-shaped 18th-century fort with a museum on the city's galleon-trade past.
- Acapulco Bay beaches: calm Caleta and Caletilla for families, or the busier Playa Condesa.
- Isla de la Roqueta: a short boat ride to a laid-back island with snorkelling and glass-bottom boats.
- Pie de la Cuesta: famous for Pacific sunsets and trips on the freshwater Coyuca Lagoon.
At Acapulco International Airport (ACA)
General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport is about 25 km south-east of the traditional bay, a 30–45 minute drive; the Diamante hotel zone is closer, around 15 minutes. Buy onward travel at the fixed-price desks inside the terminal – a shared colectivo van or a private taxi, priced by zone. Many hotels arrange transfers if you book ahead, and pre-booking beats arranging a ride on the street.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Acapulco
- Book peak dates early: for December–April, Christmas and Easter, reserve three to six months ahead.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually beat weekend prices.
- Stay flexible: shifting your dates or travelling off-peak often helps – use the price charts on this page.
- Compare routings: weigh the Mexico City connection against European and US hubs, as the cheapest option changes by season.
Travel essentials
British passport holders don't need a visa for tourism; on arrival an immigration officer grants a stay of up to 180 days and usually stamps your passport rather than issuing the old paper tourist card. Keep your passport valid for your whole stay. The currency is the Mexican peso; pounds exchange easily and cards work in hotels and larger restaurants, but carry cash for taxis and tips. No vaccinations are required – check NHS Fit for Travel and the FCDO's Guerrero guidance before booking.
