Why is Acapulco not popular anymore?

Acapulco's popularity declined primarily due to a massive surge in cartel-related violence, high crime rates, and insecurity, turning it from a glamorous hotspot into one of Mexico's most dangerous cities, deterring international tourists and leading to travel warnings, though some Mexican tourists still visit, and efforts are ongoing to revitalize the area despite these challenges.

Is Acapulco on the do not travel list?

Both the Yucatán and Campeche are classified under a "Level 1" advisory, while others like Guerrero (where Acapulco is located) are under the highest "Level 4" warnings, telling Americans not to travel there.

Is Acapulco still a nice place to visit?

Acapulco is in a tough spot: it's reopening after major hurricane damage in 2023-2024, but faces significant ongoing safety concerns (Level 4 Do Not Travel warnings for Guerrero state) and visible post-hurricane reconstruction, making it a destination for resilient, budget-conscious travelers seeking its rustic charm and historic vibes, rather than a luxury, worry-free trip. While Mexican tourists still visit safer zones, it's a city rebuilding with evident decay and a need for an open mind, requiring extreme vigilance for crime and prioritizing safety in tourist areas.
 

Do cruise ships go to Acapulco anymore?

Yes, cruise ships still go to Acapulco, with major lines like Norwegian, Holland America, Oceania, and recently Carnival announcing return visits for 2025-2027, though itineraries can vary due to security advisories, making it a destination for repositioning or specialty cruises rather than regular Mexican Riviera stops.
 

Is Acapulco being rebuilt?

The city will be focused on rebuilding its infrastructure, restoring its economy, and helping its residents heal. It will be a challenging time, but the people of Acapulco are resilient. This will also be a time of opportunity. Rebuilding offers a chance to create a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive city.

Everyone told us NOT to come here (ACAPULCO)

When did tourists stop going to Acapulco?

Acapulco was once a popular tourist resort, but due to a massive upsurge in gang violence and homicide numbers since 2014, Acapulco no longer attracts many foreign tourists, and most now only come from within Mexico itself.

Is it safe to go to Acapulco now?

It's generally not recommended to travel to Acapulco right now, as the U.S. State Department has placed Guerrero state (where Acapulco is located) on its highest "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory due to high crime, kidnapping, and terrorism risks, with increased crime reported even in tourist zones after Hurricane Otis. While some parts of Mexico are safer, Acapulco faces significant gang violence and crime, making it risky, especially outside heavily guarded resorts, and requiring extreme caution for any travel. 

Why did Carnival stop sailing to Acapulco?

Due to inclement weather, Carnival Legend made an unscheduled stop in Acapulco, Mexico, its first visit in over 15 years, necessitating an itinerary change. Went to Acapulco 2 years ago. Maybe the cleanest place I've ever traveled.

What is the population of Acapulco in 2025?

Acapulco's population for 2025 is estimated around 1,046,710 by World Population Review, placing it as a significant Mexican city, though figures can vary slightly by source and definition (city vs. metro). Despite past challenges like hurricane recovery, Acapulco remains a key destination with ongoing efforts to rebuild, attracting millions of tourists annually.
 

What is the riskiest part of a cruise ship?

Areas such as the pool deck, dining room, and outer decks are particularly prone to hazards due to the destabilization of unsecured objects. Injuries such as slip and fall accidents, drowning, illness, theft, and sexual assault can happen on a cruise ship, and these incidents can be exacerbated by rough sea conditions.

What is the #1 safest city in Mexico?

Top 10 Safest Cities in Mexico

1. Merida. Merida is located in the north-west of the state of Yucatan, and it usually tops the national safety rankings. ...
2. Puerto Vallarta. ...
3. San Miguel de Allende. ...
4. Campeche. ...
5. Tulum (Town Center and Beach Zone) ...
6. La Paz. ...
7. Puebla City. ...
8. Queretaro.

What’s the safest way to get around Acapulco?

Taxis are the single most reliable, ubiquitous, and safe way to get around Acapulco and are highly recommended. You'll see three types of taxis here: the first is a blue Volkswagen taxi. The second is the familiar yellow and white taxi. Finally, you'll see tourist taxis that specialize in visitors.

What parts of Mexico have a level 4 travel advisory?

The State Department currently lists six Mexican states as “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” zones. They are Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas.

Is Acapulco still a vacation spot?

Yes, people still go to Acapulco, but tourism has shifted significantly, with most visitors now being domestic (Mexican tourists) rather than international, due to ongoing safety concerns from gang violence, although the city is working on recovery after recent hurricanes and infrastructure damage. While some international travel advisories (like the U.S. Level 4) warn against travel to the region due to severe crime, there are signs of rebuilding and efforts to revive tourism with lower prices and focus on classic attractions like the cliff divers, but caution is advised.
 

Where not to travel in Mexico right now?

Michoacan state due to crime and kidnapping. Sinaloa state due to crime and kidnapping Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping. Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping. Reconsider Travel To: Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.

What countries are on a level 4 advisory?

The Travel Advisories for the following countries are Level 4 - Do Not Travel: ⛔Afghanistan ⛔Bangladesh ⛔Belarus ⛔Burkina Faso ⛔Burma ⛔Central African Republic ⛔Haiti ⛔Iran ⛔Iraq ⛔Lebanon ⛔Libya ⛔Mali ⛔North Korea ⛔Russia ⛔Somalia ⛔South Sudan ⛔Sudan ⛔Syria ⛔Ukraine ⛔Venezuela ⛔Yemen Read the full Advisories at travel.

Why don't cruise ships go to Acapulco anymore?

Acapulco and areas inland in the Pacific coast state of Guerrero have been plagued by high levels of crime and drug gang killings. A few other cruise lines continue to make port calls in Acapulco, but the business began to fall off steeply around 2010.

What is the leading cause of death in Mexico?

The leading causes of death in Mexico are consistently non-communicable diseases, primarily heart disease, followed by diabetes mellitus, and cancer (malignant tumors), which together account for a large portion of mortality, though COVID-19 was the top cause during the pandemic years (2020-2021). External causes like homicides and accidents are significant, especially among younger populations, with homicide being a leading cause for children and adolescents. 

What is the poverty rate in Acapulco?

Acapulco is found in the Mexican state of Guerrero, and Guerrero is the second most marginalized state in Mexico: 64% of its population lives in poverty and 23% in extreme poverty. The poorest municipality in Mexico is Cochoapa el Grande, an indigenous region in Guerrero.

How many Acapulco restaurants are left?

The restaurant chain is owned by Xperience Restaurant Group which is headquartered in Cypress, California. There are currently four restaurants, all of which are located in Southern California.

Do any cruise ships go to Acapulco?

Yes, cruise ships do go to Acapulco, Mexico, though visits became less frequent due to safety concerns and a major hurricane, but major lines like Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America, Azamara, Oceania, and Regent are returning or have scheduled calls, especially on repositioning cruises, highlighting its famous cliff divers and history as a Mexican Riviera destination.
 

Is it safe to get off a cruise ship in Acapulco?

For example, the State of Guerrero, which is home to Acapulco, is under heightened risk and listed as the most severe “Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory” due to “terroism and crime.” “There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.

What is the safest city in Mexico right now?

Mérida in the state of Yucatán is widely recognized as the safest city in Mexico. It ranks high in public safety surveys and is known for its peaceful environment, clean streets, and strong local governance.

What language do they speak in Acapulco?

The primary language in Acapulco, Mexico, is Spanish, as it's the official language of the country, but many locals, especially in tourist areas, also speak some English; the name Acapulco itself comes from the Nahuatl language, meaning "place where reeds were destroyed". You'll hear Spanish in daily life, with a distinct Mexican accent and regional phrases.
 

Is Acapulco expensive to visit?

Acapulco can be very affordable, especially for budget travelers and Mexican domestic tourists, with cheap local transport (10 peso buses) and inexpensive food, but it's crucial to note the current U.S. travel advisories (Level 4: Do Not Travel) due to severe gang violence, making it generally not recommended for international tourists, especially Americans, despite potential cost savings.