Happy TravellerWelcome to Acapulco, a city and major seaport in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Located on a deep, semicircular bay, Acapulco has been a port since the early colonial period of Mexico’s history and is a port of call for shipping and cruise lines running between Panama and San Francisco, California, United States. This city is the largest in the state, far larger than the state capital Chilpancingo, and is also Mexico’s largest beach and balneario resort city. Acapulco de Juárez is the municipal seat of the municipality of Acapulco. The city is one of Mexico’s oldest beach resorts, coming into prominence in the 1940s through the 1960s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires.
Acapulco’s resort area is divided into three parts: the traditional area, which encompasses the area from Parque Papagayo through the Zócalo and onto the beaches of Caleta and Caletilla, the main part of the bay known as Zona Dorada (golden zone in Spanish), where the famous in the mid-20th century vacationed, and the south end, Diamante (diamond in Spanish), which is dominated by newer luxury high-rise hotels and condominiums. The city’s name comes from Nahuatl language Aca-pōl-co, and means where the reeds were destroyed or washed away or at the big reeds, which inspired the city’s seal, which is an Aztec-type glyph showing two hands breaking reeds.
However, 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 Mexico itself. It is both the sixth deadliest city in Mexico and the seventh-deadliest city in the world; the US government has warned its citizens not to travel there. In 2016 there were 918 murders, and the homicide rate was one of the highest in the world: 103 in every 100,000. In September 2018, the city’s entire police force was disarmed by the military, due to suspicions that it has been infiltrated by drug gangs.
Despite the recent issues, Acapulco remains a popular destination for Mexican tourists. It offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, delicious local cuisine, and a rich history. Visitors can explore the city’s colonial past by visiting the Fort of San Diego, built in the 17th century to protect the city from pirates and now a museum. The cliff divers of La Quebrada also continue to wow visitors with their daring dives from heights of up to 136 feet into the ocean below. Beachgoers can enjoy the many beaches along Acapulco Bay, including the popular Playa Condesa, which offers a lively atmosphere and a variety of water sports.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an exploration of Mexico’s history and culture, Acapulco has something for everyone. Come and discover the many treasures of this enchanting city.
