The Capilla de la Paz, or Chapel of Peace, sits high in the hills of Las Brisas above Acapulco bay and is known for its tall cross and its open, minimalist design. The cross stands about 42 metres high and can be seen from many points around the bay, which is why the chapel works as a visual landmark as well as a place to visit. The chapel is surrounded by gardens and has broad views over the water, the hotels along the coast and the hills behind them. It is a quiet counterpoint to the energy of the Costera and the cliff divers, and visitors tend to stay for a short, reflective visit and a few photographs rather than a long tour. Reviewers on tours describe it as one of the highest points in the city. The chapel is part of most Acapulco city tours, and it is easy to include in a half-day plan if you are staying in the Las Brisas or Guitarrón area.
What to expect
You arrive at a modern, uncluttered space that is more about light, sky and view than decoration. The gardens are well kept, the cross is the focal point and the views over the bay are the main reward. Take a moment inside as well as outside, and keep voices low because the chapel is a place of worship and people come to it for quiet reflection.
Planning
A recent Camino Real page for the chapel gives daily opening hours from ten in the morning to six in the evening, with a contact phone number for enquiries. Admission arrangements are not stated there, so check before you go and carry a little cash in case a small donation or fee applies. The hill roads are steep, so a taxi or a guided tour is the easiest way to reach it, and the chapel is one of the stops on the Acapulco city tour.
Make it a day
The chapel works best in the late morning or late afternoon when the light on the bay is softer and the heat is easier. Wear modest, comfortable clothes, sun protection and shoes you can walk in on slopes. Pair it with the Zócalo and the Fuerte de San Diego in the old town, or end the day at La Quebrada for the divers. If you are travelling with older family members, ask your driver to wait for the return.
What to expect
The experience
A short visit to a modern chapel and its gardens, with panoramic views of Acapulco bay from the hillside.
Best time
Late morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and the heat is milder.
How long
About thirty to forty-five minutes.
Tips
Dress modestly, keep voices low, check current hours and ask your driver to wait for the return.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a calm viewpoint and a photo of the bay.
- Families
- Short and easy, though keep children close because of the slopes.
- Couples
- A quiet, scenic stop before an evening at the cliffs.
- Pair with
- The Acapulco city tour, La Quebrada and the Zócalo.
- Time needed
- Under an hour.
Good questions
How tall is the cross?+
The cross at the Capilla de la Paz is about 42 metres high and can be seen from many places around the bay. It is the chapel's signature feature.
What are the opening hours?+
A recent page for the chapel gives daily hours from ten in the morning to six in the evening. Hours can change, so confirm before you go.
Is there an entry fee?+
The page for the chapel does not state admission arrangements. Check on the day and carry a little cash in case a donation or fee applies.
How do I get there?+
The chapel is in the hills of Las Brisas, and a taxi or a guided tour is the easiest way to reach it. Ask the driver to wait for the return.
Is it part of a city tour?+
Yes, the chapel is one of the stops on the small-group Acapulco city tour. That is a convenient option if you do not want to arrange transport.
