Travel Safety · Mexico
Is Acapulco Safe in 2026? Why the U.S. Says Do Not Travel, and Where to Go Instead
Acapulco was once Mexico’s most glamorous beach resort. Today the U.S. government tells Americans not to go. Here is what the advisory actually says, what has changed in the city, and the Mexican beach towns to book instead.
For decades, Acapulco was the place to be. Hollywood stars honeymooned in its cliffside villas, cliff divers leapt from La Quebrada, and the bay glittered with jet-set glamour; the city’s golden age even inspired Apple TV+’s hit comedy ‘Acapulco.’ But the Acapulco of today is a very different place, and for now, the U.S. government’s advice is simple: don’t go.
This guide explains why, using the official advisory, and points you to five Mexican destinations where you can still have the sun-soaked trip you were dreaming of.
The Acapulco of today is a very different place.
What the travel advisory says
The U.S. State Department’s Mexico travel advisory rates each Mexican state separately. Mexico overall sits at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, but Guerrero, home to Acapulco, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco, is Level 4: Do Not Travel, the department’s most serious warning, in place because of crime. U.S. government employees may not travel to any part of Guerrero, including Acapulco, which also means the U.S. government has limited ability to help citizens who run into trouble there. Advisories are reissued periodically, so always check the live page before you plan.
Crime and organized crime
The advisory’s core concern is crime. Acapulco has struggled for years with violent crime linked to rival criminal groups competing for territory, and violence has at times reached areas visitors use. Extortion of local businesses is a persistent problem, and the resulting climate has weighed heavily on a city whose economy depends on tourism.
A city still rebuilding
Acapulco has also endured a run of natural disasters. In October 2023, Hurricane Otis intensified with startling speed and struck the city as a Category 5 storm, damaging or destroying many hotels, homes and businesses. Less than a year later, Hurricane John brought severe flooding to the region in September 2024. Recovery has been ongoing, and some hotels, restaurants and services that travelers remember may be closed, rebuilt or operating differently.
If you’re still considering a trip
A Level 4 advisory is the government’s strongest recommendation against travel. If you are weighing a trip to Guerrero for any reason, read the full advisory, enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, confirm that your travel insurance covers a Level 4 destination and medical evacuation, and talk to your hotel and tour operators about current conditions before you commit.
Where to go instead: 5 safer Mexican getaways
The good news is that Mexico is full of beautiful beach towns and cultural cities with lower advisory levels. Check each state’s current rating before you book.
1. Puerto Vallarta
The Pacific resort town where Apple TV+’s ‘Acapulco’ is actually filmed. See our trip guide to the real ‘Acapulco’ in Puerto Vallarta.
2. Riviera Nayarit and Punta Mita
Luxury resorts and quiet beaches just north of Puerto Vallarta. Dine at Carolina at The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.
3. Mérida and the Yucatán
Colonial cities, cenotes and Mexico’s lowest advisory level.
4. Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Tulum
Caribbean beaches and resorts on the Riviera Maya.
5. Oaxaca
Food, markets and culture in one of Mexico’s great cultural capitals.
Fell for Acapulco on TV? Go where it was filmed
If Apple TV+’s ‘Acapulco’ is why the city is on your list, you are in luck: the series was never filmed there. Its pink Las Colinas resort, jungle-backed beaches and sunset strolls were shot in Puerto Vallarta. See where ‘Acapulco’ is filmed, season by season, then plan your visit with our Puerto Vallarta trip guide to the show’s filming locations.
Acapulco Safety — At a Glance
- State
- Guerrero, Mexico
- U.S. advisory
- Level 4: Do Not Travel (Mexico overall: Level 2)
- Main concern
- Crime, including violent and organized crime
- U.S. personnel
- Not permitted to travel anywhere in Guerrero
- Recent storms
- Hurricane Otis (2023), Hurricane John (2024)
- Go instead
- Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, the Yucatán, the Riviera Maya, Oaxaca
Plan a Safer Mexico Beach Trip
Trade Acapulco for Puerto Vallarta, where the same Pacific sunsets come with a far easier trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acapulco safe to visit in 2026?
The U.S. State Department advises Americans not to travel to the state of Guerrero, which includes Acapulco. Guerrero carries the department’s highest warning, Level 4: Do Not Travel, because of crime, including violent crime and organized crime activity.
What is the travel advisory level for Acapulco?
Acapulco is in Guerrero, which the U.S. State Department rates Level 4: Do Not Travel. Mexico as a whole is rated Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, but the department assigns levels state by state, and Guerrero is among the highest-risk states.
Can U.S. government employees travel to Acapulco?
No. Under the State Department’s advisory, U.S. government employees are not permitted to travel to any area of Guerrero, including Acapulco, which also limits the help the U.S. government can provide to citizens there.
Did hurricanes damage Acapulco?
Yes. Hurricane Otis struck Acapulco as a Category 5 storm in October 2023, causing widespread destruction to hotels, homes and infrastructure, and Hurricane John brought severe flooding to the region in September 2024. Recovery has been ongoing.
Where should I go in Mexico instead of Acapulco?
Popular alternatives include Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit on the same Pacific coast, Mérida and the Yucatán, the Riviera Maya around Cancún and Tulum, and Oaxaca. Check the State Department’s advisory for each state before you book.
Where was the TV show ‘Acapulco’ filmed?
Apple TV+’s ‘Acapulco’ was filmed in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, not in Acapulco. The fictional Las Colinas resort was played by Barceló Puerto Vallarta near Mismaloya Beach in season one.
How can I check whether a Mexican destination is safe?
Read the U.S. State Department’s Mexico travel advisory, which lists a risk level and specific restrictions for each state, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, and buy travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
This article may contain sponsored or partner content and affiliate links; see our Editorial Policy & Advertiser Disclosure. Travel advisories change; always check the current U.S. State Department advisory before you travel.
