For most of us, a trip to sunny Acapulco is more than just an excuse to spend your days sipping margaritas from the veranda of luxury rentals – it's a chance to explore a new culture. While there are many historical sites in the region that can provide a lot of background on how the area came to be, travelers looking to experience some of Acapulco's uniquely local flavor will want to head to the stunning cliffside known as La Quebrada.

Rising 35 meters (125 feet) above the warm waters of the Atlantic, La Quebrada offers a magnificent vantage point from which to spy migrating whales and dolphins playing off the shore, or catch Acapulco's most famous entertainment attraction – the cliff divers of Quebrada.

Since the 1920s, the cliff has been the base of operations for a select group of intrepid athletes who leap from the peaks into the shallow pools below. This tradition continues today, with divers plunging into the water five times a day. Divers performing the final show of each day (held at 10:30 p.m.) bear a more daring responsibility, as they actually make their descent while holding a burning torch.

The events (which also run at 1:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.) typically last around 25-30 minutes and tend to draw rather large crowds, so guests hoping to catch one of these death-defying feats would be advised to arrive roughly 30 minutes before their performance in order to stake out a good vantage point from which to view the dive.  One of the cliff walls even boasts a footpath that leads to a small restaurant/café, where guests can take a seat and enjoy a cool beverage while watching these daredevils gracefully overcome fear (and gravity).

After this thrilling experience, travelers will want to return to accommodations that will help them unwind and relax. Fortunately, many villas in Mexico boast several stunning amenities that make for the ultimate in luxury lodging.  The Vista Grande, for example, is a stellar five-bedroom villa that boasts one of the best views in the country, as well as a comfortably decadent pool area that is perfect for lounging. The clean and opalescent interior harkens back to minimalist chic, and with a kitchen and housekeeping staff on hand, guests will never be left for wanting at this luxury rental.