Why I ignored a travel warning and went to Acapulco, Mexico

Yahoo Canada
A man flies in a water parachute in Acapulco, Mexico, on Jan. 5, 2019. Despite being called Mexico’s murder capital, more than three-quarters of hotels were reportedly occupied over the holidays in Acapulco. Photo from Getty Images.
A man flies in a water parachute in Acapulco, Mexico, on Jan. 5, 2019. Despite being called Mexico’s murder capital, more than three-quarters of hotels were reportedly occupied over the holidays in Acapulco. Photo from Getty Images.

Sun, sand and sea; it’s the perfect combination for those seeking to escape the bitter cold of winter.

As nice as it sounds to fly somewhere warm, it’s not always an ideal situation. Some of the world’s most desired travel destinations have some of the biggest issues. The Mexican oceanside resort city of Acapulco is no exception.

The 20th century was a time of growth for Mexico’s “pearl of the Pacific.” It quickly became the preferred destination for many A-list celebrities. Elizabeth Taylor and John F. Kennedy had their honeymoons there, and Ronald Reagan and John Wayne vacationed in the city. Elvis Presley starred in the 1963 movie “Fun in Acapulco,” and Frank Sinatra’s “Come Fly With Me” is all about the picturesque Acapulco Bay.

A lot has changed since Hollywood’s most glamorous flocked to Acapulco. A quick search online brings up some frightening headlines. The city is often described as Mexico’s “murder capital” and “most dangerous city” thanks to increased violence and cartel activity over the years.

The Canadian government cautions against non-essential travel to parts of Mexico due to “high levels of criminal activity,” demonstrations, protests and occasional illegal roadblocks. There are exceptions for Mazaltan and Ixtapa, but not for Acapulco.

The state of Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, has been given a Level 4 “do not travel” advisory by the U.S. government. Five out of 31 Mexican states were given that status by the U.S., putting them on the same list as Iraq, Iran, South Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Mali, Libya, Yemen, the Central African Republic and North Korea.

Despite having the world’s third-highest homicide rate in 2017, Acapulco remains a popular tourist destination. So why would anyone willingly go somewhere like that? Like the old saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. Here’s why I spend my holidays in Acapulco, and why I’ll likely continue to.

Tourists are generally safe

In my four trips to Acapulco, I’ve never felt unsafe. While seeing military trucks carrying soldiers with guns may make some people feel weak-kneed, it never bothered me. Tourists are told the troops are there for their protection, and their presence implies a sense of security.

The officers carry fully-loaded rifles, but I’ve never seen the weapons being pointed or used. I’ve been to other countries where there’s a strong military presence and it was never an issue there, either.

Mexico attracts tens of millions of tourists annually, and 2018 was expected to be a record year for the country. These visitors generate a lot of money for Mexico, and protecting them helps protect that revenue stream.


Getting there is convenient

Despite the warnings, Canadian airlines have continued nonstop flights to Acapulco. There are direct flights with Sunwing from Toronto and from Montreal on Air Transat. In the U.S., Houston has long been a major hub for flights to Mexico, including service to Acapulco. Airlines don’t seem phased by the travel advisories. Based on how few empty seats I see on flights to Mexico, it appears that airlines are responding to consumer demand for air service.

And it’s not just tourists flying there. The city still draws visitors for events, including the Mexican Open tennis tournament, which attracts some of the sport’s biggest stars every year. Last year, U.S. tennis player Kevin King told AFP he felt “100 per cent safe” in Acapulco, adding other players told him the same thing.

Mexican media cites tourism officials in reports saying the hotel occupancy rate eclipsed 76 per cent this past holiday season, proving that ongoing violence isn’t keeping visitors away.

A Mexican soldier holds his loaded rifle outside a kindergarten in Acapulco, Mexico, in August 2018. Military troops are known to patrol the streets of the city as violence continues to plague the state of Guerrero. Photo from Getty Images.
A Mexican soldier holds his loaded rifle outside a kindergarten in Acapulco, Mexico, in August 2018. Military troops are known to patrol the streets of the city as violence continues to plague the state of Guerrero. Photo from Getty Images.
Captivating natural beauty

Before it gained a reputation for violence, Acapulco had one for its scenic views and tropical vibe. The city is nestled between the deep, semi-circular Acapulco Bay and the towering Sierra Madre del Sur mountain range. Sunsets over the Pacific are something you must see in person to appreciate. The mercury hits 30 degrees Celsius on a regular basis over the holidays, making make most days feel quite comfortable and pleasant.

The weather is warm and so are the people. Many taxi drivers are eager to chat and restaurant staff are mostly happy to serve. Of course, there are always exceptions, but I’ve generally found the city’s rough reputation is softened by the kindness of the Mexican people. Even the relentless beach vendors are quick to share a smile, and you often feel appreciated for choosing Acapulco.

Danger exists everywhere

The reality is a person can get in trouble anywhere. The risks may seem higher in Mexico, but there are ways to minimize them. The websites that warn against travel to Acapulco also have useful advice for how to avoid problems.

Don’t wear flashy clothing or jewelry and leave your valuable belongings at home. Stay away from clubs late at night and never buy illicit drugs. Yes, there’s a chance people will offer you drugs, but if you say no, there’s usually no issues.

For the most part, if you are aware of your surroundings and treat people with respect, you are unlikely to run into problems in Mexico.

Elizabeth Taylor is photographed with her husband, Mike Todd, during their Acapulco honeymoon in 1957. Many Hollywood stars travelled to the city in the ’50s and ’60s before other destinations began welcoming tourists. Photo from Getty Images.
Elizabeth Taylor is photographed with her husband, Mike Todd, during their Acapulco honeymoon in 1957. Many Hollywood stars travelled to the city in the ’50s and ’60s before other destinations began welcoming tourists. Photo from Getty Images.

At the end of the day, there’s a chance of terrible things happening anywhere in the world. Yes, there are cartels and gang violence in Acapulco. There are reports of extortions and killings. But with all of the negatives, people tend to overlook the positives.

There’s so much to love and appreciate about Mexico. If you’re a smart traveller who exercises caution and common sense, you may find yourself in love with one of the world’s most dangerous cities.

Editor’s note: The author of this article has chosen to remain anonymous.