Diego Rivera Mural (Exekatlkalli)

Many historical tours of Acapulco include a stop at the Diego Rivera Mural, which is located on a hillside street in a residential area. The house is privately owned, but the mural covering the exterior wall remains in public view. In addition to the colorful, winding Quetzalcoatl, other figures depicted in the mural include Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain; Xoloitzcuintle, a pre-Hispanic hairless dog; a frog, a reference to Olmedo’s pet name for Rivera; and a hammer and sickle, symbolizing Rivera’s continued commitment to communist ideals.

• The Diego Rivera Muralis a must-visit for art lovers.

• Since the mural is located directly along the road, be mindful of traffic when taking photos.

• A stop to see the mural only takes about 10 minutes and is worth the visit.

Casa Olmedo is located on Cerro La Pinzona, the cross-topped hill just west of town past the cruise ship terminal close to the Hotel Casablanca. It's about a 10-minute drive from the terminal and a 5-minute drive from Plaza Álvarez. Since it’s a difficult walk uphill, plan to get here by cab or with a guided tour.

Expect to encounter the most crowds at the mural when cruise ships are docked, resulting in an influx of visits by tour groups. Parking along the side of the road can be tricky, especially if traffic is heavy or there are bus tours. If you can, plan to stop by during off-peak times.

Typically, guided tours stop at the Diego Rivera Muralbefore continuing on to La Quebrada to watch Acapulco’s must-see cliff-diving show. A group of local men climb the impressive cliff, then dive from different heights into the waves below. Travelers can view the show from aboard a boat in the surrounding waters or from a viewing platform across from the cliff.