Acapulco , Mexico tours

[PC Skier]

It has been a few years since we have been to Acapulco. The last time we were there just outside the port there were personal guides. Does anyone know if that is still available and what would the cost be for 4 people? Thanks in advance.  

[oakridger]

Guides to where? What activities?  Makes a huge difference!   Check TripAdvisor, Viator and other sites for Acapulco tours online to get an idea of what tours are costing these days.

 

What cruises stop in Acapulco these days? 

 

Best Tours by Local Guides in Acapulco | ToursByLocals

 

THE TOP 10 Acapulco Tours & Excursions - Trips To Acapulco 2024 & 2025 (viator.com)

 

THE 15 BEST Acapulco Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices) (tripadvisor.com)

 

 

[Hlitner]

I really like Mexico, live there for 10 weeks a year, and would never consider bad mouthing the country that we call home for part of the year.  That being said, the Mexican State of Guerrero (this includes Acapulco) has many issues related to personal crime.  Most, but not all, cruise lines no longer use Acapulco as a port of call, and the crime problem is a major contributor to that decision.

 

Perhaps a reading the current US Department of State warning, for Acapulco, is the best way to speak to the issue:

 

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

U.S. government employees may not travel to any area in the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.

 

Given these warnings, if we were to be in Acapulco on a port day, we would likely stay in the tourist zone located very close to the port.   Others might agree.

 

Can you find decent local tour guides, outside of the port?  Of course.  Will those guides be able to guarantee your safety?  I have no clue but would not want to be the guinea pig.  Come visit Mexico, but there is probably a lot of wisdom to sticking to the many parts of Mexico where crime is not such a big problem.

 

Hank

 

 

[kchys]

7 hours ago, Hlitner said:

I really like Mexico, live there for 10 weeks a year, and would never consider bad mouthing the country that we call home for part of the year.  That being said, the Mexican State of Guerrero (this includes Acapulco) has many issues related to personal crime.  Most, but not all, cruise lines no longer use Acapulco as a port of call, and the crime problem is a major contributor to that decision.

 

Perhaps a reading the current US Department of State warning, for Acapulco, is the best way to speak to the issue:

 

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

U.S. government employees may not travel to any area in the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa.

 

Given these warnings, if we were to be in Acapulco on a port day, we would likely stay in the tourist zone located very close to the port.   Others might agree.

 

Can you find decent local tour guides, outside of the port?  Of course.  Will those guides be able to guarantee your safety?  I have no clue but would not want to be the guinea pig.  Come visit Mexico, but there is probably a lot of wisdom to sticking to the many parts of Mexico where crime is not such a big problem.

 

Hank

 

 

Hi Hank,

 

Given what you said above, it is save to walk around on my own near the port and there are things to see or visit near the port?

[Hlitner]

17 minutes ago, kchys said:

Hi Hank,

 

Given what you said above, it is save to walk around on my own near the port and there are things to see or visit near the port?

It has been years since we last visited Acapulco, and we did not spend any time near the port.  In those old days many of us headed over to see the cliff divers, walked along the Malecon (sea wall) near the port, and explored the so-called Golden Zone.  I do not know the current situation for these popular tourist areas.  Perhaps some recent visitors will spot this thread and add their expertise.  You can do some online research on Acapulco and reach your own conclusion.  Your cruise ship may also have some advice since it is in their own interests to keep everyone safe.

 

We live in Puerto Vallarta during the winter months and have always felt very safe in that city (although we do have a growing problem with pickpockets).  Having lived in Mexico for the past 18 winters, we have often found that the news media ops for sensationism rather than the truth.  But when it comes to Acapulco, we have heard few positive comments from friends that spend a lot more time in Mexico then we do, and routinely travel around the country.   I do know that when 3 tourists were shot dead, on an Aculpulco beach in the tourist zone, the government flooded the area with soldiers and police.   Mexico has recently elected a new President, and it will be interesting to see if she takes further measures to provide security in places like Acapulco.   It is a darn shame, that what was once a fantastic tourist destination has been undermined by local gang warfare as well as cartel violence.

 

Hank