Acapulco Travel Safety

Acapulco, on Mexico's Pacific coast, offers stunning beaches and wild nightlife that attracts Spring Breakers in scores, but recent headlines about drug violence have many wondering: is Acapulco safe?

Drug cartels fighting over smuggling routes in Acapulco have led to several deaths and Mexico's federal government has sent in troops of military and federal police to curb the problems. Tourists have not been targeted but, as in the case of two Canadian tourists, are sometimes caught in the crossfire.

If you plan on visiting Acapulco in the next few months, you should keep in mind that there is a strong military and police presence in the city as part of the federal government's crackdown on drug crime. There are check-points on the highways into the city, so you should be prepared to show a passport or other identification. As always when traveling in Mexico, exercise basic safety precautions, stick close to your travel companions and remember to be particularly cautious when consuming alcohol.

Drug violence may make for big headlines, but Acapulco's crazy traffic, which leads to fairly frequent motor accidents, and the strong undertow on many of Acapulco's beaches can actually be greater dangers for tourists. Ultimately, there are dangers associated with travel (staying home isn't without hazards either!). Assess the situation by getting information from a variety of sources, and take steps to decrease your risk while you're traveling. If fears of violence will inhibit your fun on your holiday, consider a different destination. Mexico is a big country, and there are lots of choices.

_{Photo of the Acapulco bay at night by Nadine Markova, courtesy of the Mexican Tourism Board}