2024: Visiting Dangerous Acapulco in Guerrero as an American: Our Experience Post-Hurricane Otis
📸 All photos in this post are original and taken during my travels - Alan
Arrival and Initial Impressions
Guerrero, where Acapulco is located, is known for some of the worst violence in Mexico, especially in the rural areas, even before Hurricane Otis hit.
Entering our van from Mexico City to Acapulco
Our van ride from Mexico City to Acapulco started a bit uneasy but turned out to be comfortable and budget-friendly.
Hurricane Otis Aftermath from window of our van
We saw the aftermath of Hurricane Otis—worn-down buildings, scattered debris,
Police presence while trying to grab a taxi
and a noticeable police presence.
Us trying to find a reliable taxi after Uber and DIdi were unavailable
After the van dropped us off, we couldn’t secure an Uber or Didi, so we went with a seemingly questionable taxi. With the help of my Mexican girlfriend, we managed to get a fair deal at $100 pesos for a 20-30 minute ride to the hotel.
Arriving at the hotel
Looking out our window from our hotel called Casa Blanca Grand
When we arrived at the well-maintained hotel (Casa Blanca Grand) around 5-6 pm, our concerns eased.
Exploring the Zocalo
Locals and foreigners enjoying a meal in the Zocalo
We decided to walk down to the Zocalo for a meal. Despite the hurricane’s impact on the surroundings, the lively atmosphere was reassuring.
Lively atmosphere
Children were playing, families and foreigners were enjoying themselves, and there were vibrant food vendors.
Vibrant food vendors
A Pleasant Surprise
The next day, after failing to reach our previous taxi driver, we took a surprisingly pleasant bus ride from the Zocalo to the tourist area for just 12 pesos.
Pleasant bus ride from the Zocalo to the tourist area for just 12 pesos
In the tourist area we saw a mix of hurricane damage and restored beauty.
In the tourist area which showed both hurricane damage and restored beauty
Me sitting under an umbrella and enjoying refreshments
We rented umbrellas and chairs that ranged from 100 to 200 pesos and saved money by buying refreshments from nearby stores.
Us walking along the bustling beach
The daytime beach was bustling with activity and loud music but turned quiet and romantic in the evening.
Us walking along the beach during the evening
We took the bus back to the Zocalo, which was quite different from the quieter daytime version.
Waiting in line to get on the busy bus at night
Final Thoughts
Back at the hotel, we rested and woke up the next morning to enjoy our last day in Acapulco with a morning swim.
Me spin diving and enjoying a pleasant swim at Casa Blanca Grand
The friendly guests and attentive hotel security made our stay even better.
Several of the many police officers around the tourist area
If you can get past the police presence with huge rifles, ongoing hurricane recovery efforts,
Empty yet beautiful bar along the beach
and know how to speak Spanish or have someone who does, your Acapulco experience can be as safe and enjoyable as ours.
Walking through the Mercado in Acapulco tourist area
Here are more helpful tips:
➡️ 1. If you booked a hotel outside the main tourist area, take the bus that says "BASE" on it; this bus will transport you to the tourist area.
➡️ 2. One of the cheapest ways to reach Acapulco from Mexico City is by van booked through BlaBlaCar. It's surprisingly comfortable. Direct message me for more information.
➡️ 3. If you're seeking a place with many foreigners, this might not be the ideal destination. Unfortunately, the locals have informed me that tourism significantly declined after the hurricane.
➡️ 4. You'll notice numerous police officers carrying large rifles as you walk around. If this makes you uneasy, Acapulco may not be the right place for you. Personally, I didn't mind it as it made me feel safer.
➡️ 5. While strolling through Acapulco, you can clearly see that there is much work to be done to restore it to its former state. If you're looking for a picture-perfect destination, this may not be it. However, if you simply need a cost-effective beach destination that's close, Acapulco might be worth a try, especially if you've been living in Mexico City for a while.
➡️ 6. If you go to Acapulco now, post-Hurricane Otis, the locals I've talked to have mentioned that they would love to have your support there.
Hello, I’m Alan!
I’m from California, slow traveling (slowmadding), staying productive, and exploring beyond the tourist spots—all on a budget.