What Happened to Acapulco de Juárez?

Acapulco de Juárez, commonly known as Acapulco, boasts a rich history, transitioning from a crucial colonial trading port to a world-renowned tourist destination. Founded by Spanish conquistadors in the 1530s, its strategically advantageous bay on the Pacific coast quickly established it as a key seaport. From 1565, Acapulco became the Asian-American nexus of the 'Manila Galleon' trade route, connecting Asia with the Americas and Europe for over 200 years, making it one of the wealthiest ports in the New World.

The city experienced its 'Golden Age' in the mid-20th century, particularly the 1950s, attracting Hollywood stars, millionaires, and politicians, including John and Jacqueline Kennedy. This era was fueled by improved connectivity, such as the construction of highways from Mexico City in 1927 and 1945, and the development of luxury hotels. However, by the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Acapulco began to face a decline in its international glamour, grappling with increasing competition from newer resorts and a growing reputation for insecurity and organized crime in the state of Guerrero.

A critical turning point occurred in October 2023 when Hurricane Otis, a Category 5 storm, rapidly intensified and made landfall near Acapulco, causing unprecedented devastation. It was the strongest recorded hurricane to strike Mexico's Pacific coast, with damages estimated between $12 billion and $16 billion. The storm destroyed an estimated 51,000 homes and damaged four-fifths of the city's hotels, leading to at least 52 confirmed deaths and 32 missing persons. Less than a year later, in September 2024, Hurricane John delivered another significant blow, further hindering recovery efforts.

In the aftermath, the Mexican government launched extensive recovery plans, including a $3.4 billion plan announced in November 2023 and an additional 8 billion pesos (US $386 million) investment in January 2025 under President Claudia Sheinbaum's 'Transforming Acapulco with You' initiative. These efforts focus on infrastructure renovation, tourism revival, and rehabilitation of the bay. By Spring 2026, approximately 17,000 hotel rooms were back in service, largely catering to the domestic Mexican market.

As of May 2026, Acapulco is actively working to regain its footing. The city successfully hosted the 50th edition of Tianguis Turístico from April 27-30, 2026, Mexico's most important tourism business event, which reported over 1 billion pesos in sales and 64,000 business appointments, signaling a strong push for recovery and investment. Despite these positive developments, the U.S. State Department maintains a 'Do Not Travel' advisory for the state of Guerrero, including Acapulco, due to high crime rates and the presence of armed groups, though the 'Acapulco Diamante' area is often considered a more secure zone. The city continues to host international events like the Mexican Open (tennis), demonstrating its resilience and ongoing efforts to attract visitors.