La Quebrada

La Quebrada is high above downtown Acapulco; from the cathedral, take Calle La Quebrada about 4 blks. w. Watching cliff divers (clavadistas) plunge from atop this natural rock wall into a narrow cove bordered by treacherous rocks some 135 feet below is perhaps the signature Acapulco experience. These fearless young men (after saying a prayer at a small shrine on the cliffs) stand on a ledge illuminated by a spotlight and then perform a dive that relies on split-second timing; the tide fills the cove with swirling surf and then recedes quickly, leaving the water level as low as 12 feet for a brief period.

You can watch the divers from a public observation deck next to the El Mirador Acapulco hotel; arrive early for the best views. The hotel's La Perla restaurant also offers meal seatings for the evening performances.

Food is available.