Acapulco Practical information

Health & safety

Dangers & annoyances

Acapulco has suffered unprecedented levels of violence in recent years, mainly related to the illicit drug trade, and now ranks fifth among Mexican cities for the number of crimes committed per capita, surpassing Mexico City. Rival cartels have been battling for the area’s lucrative drug corridor; smugglers use the Guerrero coast as a drop point for Colombian cocaine, which then passes through Acapulco on its way to the United States.

In 2006, things went from bad to worse when the rival Sinaloa and Gulf cartels turned Acapulco into their battleground, carrying out grisly, high-profile murders, including the decapitation of several policemen; one head infamously washed up on Playa Condesa. In 2007 the violence spilled over into the tourist district. Two Canadian visitors were grazed by bullets when they were caught in a crossfire outside their hotel lobby. In Spring 2007, Mexico’s new president Felipe Calderón declared war on the drug cartels, deploying more than 7000 soldiers to crime-ridden cities, including Acapulco. For now, the military campaign appears to be working. Violence has subsided, and heavily-armed soldiers and police now regularly patrol the city in Humvees and on foot.

Petty crime is more common. The Casa Consular receives many reports from visitors who have suffered theft from their hotel rooms. Petty thieves trawl the beaches, looking for unattended items. Secure your valuables at all times!

All that said, tourists who avoid Acapulco’s inland neighborhoods probably have more to fear from the rough surf at Playa Revolcadero, crazy drivers and crowds. More than one million people now live in the region, and sometimes it can seem as if they are all on the beach at the same time. It’s almost impossible to relax on the downtown beaches due to the roar of Jet skis and the endless parade of hawkers selling shells, tamales, hair braids and temporary tattoos. A simple ‘no, gracias’ and smile works wonders.

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While you're there

Medical services

Hospital Magallanes (485-61-94; Massieu 2) A well-established private hospital with English-speaking doctors and staff, offering a wide range of medical services.

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