Acapulco is practically a household name when daydreaming about tropical vacation spots. This easily recognizable resort name rolls off the tongue, known as the hangout of Frank Sinatra, Brigitte Bardo and Elizabeth Taylor in the mid-20th century. But, did you know that there are death-defying divers who plunge fearlessly down a 100+ foot cliff each day, to the vicarious thrill of onlookers who can’t quite believe what they are seeing? These are the famous La Quebrada Cliff Divers of Acapulco, a local tradition since the 1930s and a must-see if you’re vacationing in the area. Here’s what you need to know about La Quebrada, as well as other Acapulco attractions you won’t want to miss.
What Is La Quebrada?
Spanish for “gulch” or “ravine,” La Quebrada has been attracting courageous divers or decades. They come to watch the spine-tingling performance of the La Quebrada Cliff Divers, who entertain onlookers with their brave cliff jumping from as high as 135 feet above the ocean. Like Jalisco is famous for mariachi music and Guadalajara is known for its tequila, Acapulco is famed for its cliff divers. Here’s what you need to know about visiting La Quebrada, as well as other top Acapulco attractions.
What Is the History of La Quebrada?
The La Quebrada Cliff Divers made history in the 1960s and 1970s when the world became aware of their masterful diving skills. The tradition actually began in the 1930s by local fishermen and today those who dive are considered expert divers. Two fishermen are said to have challenged each other back in 1934 to jump off La Quebrada Cliff. The diving “trade” begins at age five and only passes on through generations of family.
In the 1960s, Elvis Presley featured the divers in “Fun in Acapulco.” Later, between late 1960 and the 1970s, ABC’s Wide World of Sports featured the divers – the US High Diving Team even competed with the La Quebrada Cliff Divers during the local Christmas festival.
What Happens at La Quebrada?
The diving performances that happen at La Quebrada each day are jaw-dropping. The divers must study each incoming wave and time their dive perfectly, so as to avoid injury or death on the rocks below. The jumps take place at high tide, when the water is 13 feet deep. There’s even a little altar to the Virgin of Guadalupe atop the cliff, where many will say a quick prayer before their dive.
To get the top of the cliff, the diver must scale the steep 135-foot rock with their bare hands. From there, every consideration goes into the imminent dive, including the wind and water conditions, bathing suit choice, even haircuts. Today’s La Quebrada Cliff Divers comprise about 60 men and women ranging in ages from 15 to 70.
When Can I See a La Quebrada Cliff Divers Performance?
There are several dive performances per day, each lasting about 30 minutes. There is usually a show at 1 PM and in the evening at 7:30 PM, with performances every hour until the last one at 10:30 PM. During this last dive of the night, the divers leap with a lit torch in hand.
The best place to watch is from the Observation Deck (entrance fee is $3 and includes a drink). The divers will come over to the deck to greet the onlookers after their performance (tips are appreciated). You can also see the Cliff Divers from the La Perla restaurant at Hotel Mirador. Another option is the quiet outdoor amphitheater of Sinfonia del Mar.
What Else Should I See in Acapulco?
Once you’ve had your fill of fearless dive performances, visit these other top Acapulco destinations:
Fort San Diego: This is the area’s top historical monument, a star-shaped fort built in 1617 to thwart pirate attacks and to protect the Manila galleons, a fleet of ships that sailed the Pacific trade route from Acapulco to Manila in the Philippines. After being reconstructed after an earthquake, the fort saw action during the Mexican War of Independence and during the French Intervention in Mexico in the 1860s.
Learn more about Acapulco’s history, the Manila galleons, and farther back in time, to the pre-Hispanic Mezcala culture, at the on-site Acapulco History Museum.
Diego Rivera Mural
See the mark Rivera left on Acapulco while living here in 1956. The famous 20th-century Mexican artist adorned the exterior walls of art patron Dolores Olmedo’s home with an eye-catching mural, rich in pre-Hispanic symbols. Look for Thaloc, the Aztec god of rain, lighting and thunder and Xoloitzcuintli, a hairless dog, as well as two feathered serpents of Quetzalcoatl.
Barra Vieja
Sharing the same beachfront as popular Punta Diamante, Barra Vieja is a quieter stretch of beach where you’ll find more room to spread out. The water is shallow with a gentle grade, making it lovely for swimming even when the waves are strong. During the high season, you can usually order fresh seafood straight from a beach hut.
Playa Pie de la Cuesta
For an even calmer beach atmosphere, head northwest of Acapulco about 7 miles along twisting coastal roads to Pie de la Cuesta. The four-mile beach is quite serene, though the waves can be too powerful for safe swimming. Sit with a cocktail or fresh seafood lunch and enjoy the view, particularly stunning at sunset.
Isa La Roqueta
Take a day trip out to Isla La Roqueta, an undeveloped island south of Las Playas. Hop on the tourist boat from Playa Caleta or take a ferry. Once on the lush island, you can swim and snorkel – the top sights include the submerged image of the Virgin Mary and the coral reefs of Piedra de Elefante and Piedra de Hierbabuena.
Our Lady of Solitude Cathedral
Take time to admire the varied architectural designs of Acapulco’s cathedral, built in the 1940s and 1950s. Look for Art Deco, Moorish and Byzantine styles, two domes capped with colorful mosaic-laden domes and interior apses lined with blue and gold tiles.