In Acapulco, a very large and "very Mexican" city, there's much to see and do - and many unique places to visit (in both the main-bay area and in the outlying sections north and south of the city proper). Some visitors, though not all, want to enjoy the experience of a private "tour" with a licensed individual - many of whom were born & raised in Acapulco and are intimately familiar with the city's attractions, sites, history, and culture. City tours can be pre-arranged if you like, via email - or you may do so after your arrival (subject, of course, to an individual's availability); and although a typical city-tour might run from 3-to-5 hours, most tour-guides will be glad to customize it to your own individual needs. Costs may vary from one guide to another (and may also be influenced by the time of year), so it's wise to solicit quotes from more than one tour-guide - while keeping in mind that "more-expensive" doesn't necessarily mean "better" ... nor does "less-expensive" equal "inferior". Some of the more-popular attractions and sites often included in the tour are ... La Capilla de la Paz (the Chapel of Peace - in the Las Brias hills), La Quebrada (in Old Acapulco - where you'll stop for one of the cliff-divers' performances), a drive-by or stop at the Central Market, a visit to the legendary Hotel Los Flamingos, am introduction to and view of the Puerto Marques Bay, a ride out to Playas Caleta y Caletilla, a walk through El Fuerte de San Diego, and a stop at the zocalo & malecon in the old section of the city (to see La Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and the boardwalk from which most fishing-charters depart & return). A tour-guide might also recommend and/or introduce you to a few of the city's eateries & restaurants - as well as places to shop for souvenirs or jewlery; but travelers should never feel pressured or swayed to stop, eat, or shop at any particular business - and a simple "no, gracias" should prompt your guide to move on with your tour. [It is, after all, your money - your time - and your vacation; so don't be afraid to speak up.]
It's likely that your tour will be much more informative and enjoyable if the person you choose to hire is more than just a taxi-driver ... someone who actually specializes in "city tours" and caters to those who seek them out. These drivers, who are typically bilingual and can easily converse with English-speaking travelers, have been certified and bonded by the Department of Tourism. If a driver/guide is claiming to be certified and bonded, feel free to ask to see their documentation - issued by the "Secretaria de Turismo" (Secretary of Tourism) and entitled "Credencial Authoriza para Prestar Servicies de Guia de Turistas Especializado" (Authorized Credential to Serve as Specialized Guide of Tourists). Their papers will also include a photo; and the license, which must be renewed every 4 years, should be current. [FYI: Dates in Mexico have a day/month/year format.] It should also be noted that some tour-guides have a permanent license, due to their tenure in the industry.
Elsewhere in TripAdvisor's "Acapulco Overview" section is a listing of other drivers who may also come highly recommended by travelers who have used their services; but some are not certified and bonded. That's not to say that the services they offer and provide are inferior; but it's advisable that you exercise some caution in making your selection - and perhaps do some additional reading and research on your own.
Concerning "tours", try to be as specific as possible in regard to what you'd like to see and do. As has been mentioned above >>> don't allow your tour-guide to take you places in which you have no interest - especially flea-markets, stores & shops, and restaurants. Be aware that some may try - and it's up to you to object. A "good" Acapulco tour is one which will not only familiarize you with the city and all that it has to offer - but also creates lasting memories of your vacation. You should, in the end, be able to say that it was money well-spent.
A list of Certified Acapulco Tour-Guides (though certainly not all inclusive - and in no particular order):
Pepe Pipa (Jose Luis Peralta)
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-(133-5283 or 141-9969)
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-(133-5283 or 141-9969)
Sebastian Hernandez
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-168-3086
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-168-3086
Email: eskp_rsh@hotmail.com
[Be sure to include the underscore ( _ ) between "eskp" and "rsh".]
Ismael Silva
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-101-3550
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-101-3550
Email: ismael_silva1772@yahoo.com
[Be sure to include the underscore ( _ ) between "ismael" and "silva".]
Oliver Baños
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-440-9618
In Acapulco - dial 440-9618
Email: mirymarolie@hotmail.com
Maria Inés Carranza Sánchez
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-148-7685
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-148-7685
NexTel - 1103390
Email: queenmary_1955@hotmail.com
[Be sure to include the underscore ( _ ) between "queenmary" and "1955".]
Oscar Javier Morales
Email: moreofoscar@hotmail.com
Olga Olmedo de Escuén
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-419-6236
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-419-6236
Email: oescuen@hotmail.com
Larry or Larry Jr. (Hilario Silva & son)
Email: aca_larry@hotmail.com
[Be sure to include the underscore ( _ ) between "aca" and "larry".]
Arturo Cruz
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-108-4001
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-108-2001
Home: from the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-744-481-2020
in Acapulco - dial 481-2020
Email: guiasacapulco@hotmail.com
Anselmo Carranza Guzman
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-113-3466
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-113-3466
Email: orion_1934@hotmail.com
[Be sure to include the underscore ( _ ) between "orion" and "1934".]
> also speaks French
Sara Fuentes
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-159-0625
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-159-0625
Email: acatours@prodigy.net.mx
Dany Carranza
Email: taxidany@hotmail.com
Alejandro Sanchez
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-448-0743
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-448-0743
Mary Soberanis Rios
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-(153-7201 or 122-9703)
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-(153-7201 or 122-9703)
Email: mary_tours@yahoo.com.mx
[Be sure to include the underscore ( _ ) between "mary" and "tours".]
Emilio A. Carranza Muñoz
emialmu@hotmail.com
In Acapulco dial: 100 94 59
From U:S; dial direct 011-52-1-744 487 1444
Cel phone 011-52-1-744 175 2057
Roberto Alarcon
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-421-9608
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-421-9608
Email: robertoalrey@yahoo.com.mx
Roman F. Zarate
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-(151-1653 or 439-7176)
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-(151-1653 or 439-7176)
Home: from the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-744-406-0693
in Acapulco - dial 406-0693
Email: roman@acaguide.com.mx
www.acaguide.com.mx
Issi Radilla
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-744-(100-9679 or 449-5073)
In Acapulco - dial 100-9679
Email: info@acapulcolimos.com
www.acapulcolimos.com
Rudy Fregoso
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-153-9916
In Acapulco - dial 110-4324
NexTel - 62*2774015*1
Email: info@tourbyvan.com
or rodolfofregoso54@yahoo.com
or info@renteunavan.com
Oscar Andres Gomez Perez
From the U.S. - dial direct 011-52-1-744-185-3531
In Acapulco - dial 044-744-185-3531
NexTel - 1006335 (ID: 62*15*53705)
Email: margoorganizacion@prodigy.net.mx
or margo_gope@hotmail.com
[Be sure to include the underscore ( _ ) between "margo" and "gope".]
The Pink Ladies in Acapulco
Email: pinkladies@hotmail.com
Please Note:
It is assumed that the above-named persons are, in fact, "certified" tour-guides ... based on honesty and (in some cases) personal and/or reliable third-party knowledge; but travelers might be well-advised to do some additional research and/or conduct their own investigation/inquiries ... prior to reserving the services of any individual.
It should also be stated that, with rare exceptions (if any), no Certified Tour-Guide will expect (or ask for) any type of deposit or payment ... until after services have been rendered. Travelers should always feel free to make their own choices and decisions, never feel pressured, and be able to cancel any pre-arranged services (without explanation or hassle) at any time before the services commence.
