Safety concerns in Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco
Mexico Connect Forum Discussion Threads
Posted by seabreeze on Mayo 22, 2000
My parents (two senior citizens) and I are planning a trip to PV or Acapulco around the end of May, beginning of June...however, we've been reading recent articles in the USA Today and our local papers about kidnappings...thus, this is making us quite apprehensive in planning this trip...specifically we are worried about taking taxis or venturing out of the resort areas into town...Please Help! Are these safety concerns well-founded?...or do you think that PV and Acapulco are still safe places to visit?....Also, any info anyone can provide about shopping, hotels, vacation packages....please let us know...we want to make arrangements ASAP!...
Thanx for your help!!!
Posted by Bill on Mayo 23, 2000
Tensions will elevate in many parts of Mexico this summer because of the July 2 Presidential election. Mexico is not a country in which foreign tourists are targeted by anti-government sentiment. Kidnapping throughout Mexico has reached epidemic proportions and some foreigners have been targeted, but in most, if not all, of those instances, those targeted were long-term residents. The business moguls are not the primary targets of kidnappers in Mexico; it is the middle-class Mexican family and small business owners, and professional people, who have been affected the most.
In your case, I'd not worry too much about it. Guererro, in which Acapulco is located, is, historically, one of the most violent of Mexican states. But, this violence is more of an "inside sport" rather than random violence directed to tourists. Bus travel between the Federal District and Acapulco is best accomplished in daylight hours, because, there have been robberies of these buses during nighttime hours. These robberies (akin to train robberies during the days of the "Old West" in the U.S.) rarely result in any personal injury to passengers. Acapulco is one of my favorite towns to visit; it's been getting a bad "rap" by many, but it still remains the most popular beach resort for Mexicans and is incredibly economical to visit.
Acapulco has never been cleaner or more accommodating for the tourist. Taxis aren't a problem (as they are in the Federal District). As for your arrangements, you'd be best advised to consult a good travel agent. Enjoy your visit to Mexico!
Posted by David Eidell on Mayo 22, 2000
Kidnappers are big-league and throw us little fish back (just joking). They're after industrialists, bankers and other Scrooge McDuck types.
Posted by Richard Ferguson on Mayo 22, 2000
According to an article in El Publico newspaper, 20 April 2000, Mexico is number two worldwide in kidnapping, after Columbia. Columbia has more than half of the world’s kidnappings. According to Francisco Minjarez Ramirez, head of the anti-kidnapping police in Chihuahua, kidnapping now an industry, and is not just for the rich, it also includes the middle class. He says that you get less money from the middle class, but it is easy money. That said, kidnappers in Mexico do not generally target foreigners, so the risk for the casual traveler is minimal, probably much less than the risk of traffic accidents. For what it is worth, Acapulco is in the state of Guerrero, which has active guerilla groups and generally has more security problems and violence than Jalisco, which is the state in which Puerto Vallarta is located. My personal opinion is that Acapulco is reasonably safe, but I would be reluctant to travel off the beaten path in Guerrero, without asking a lot of questions and local advice. Richard
Posted by JR in PV on Mayo 22, 2000
No problem here in Vallarta, can't speak for Acapulco though.
Posted by Joseph on Mayo 24, 2000
In my home city, I NEVER walk around. I do not even feel safe walking in my neighborhood after dark, and I know everyone in a ten square block area. (Never know who may be driving through.) In PV and Acapulco, I always felt safe walking even after dark. I find I have met some very nice people by simply being polite and speaking to everyone I pass. You should enjoy either of these cities. Also, you are on the cusp of tourist seasons. The gringos have already gone north and the Mexican vacationers will not begin until school is out. Things should be fairly quiet. Remember Captain Kangaroo at all times (in Spanish and English) and always say, "Please" and "Thank you."
Posted by Dennis on Mayo 22, 2000
I spend 4 - 5 months out of the year in Puerto Vallarta (be there next week for a month). I'm 68 and have never had a problem in PV. Great town. They'll enjoy it immensely. Dennis
