Acupulco, Mexico - Level 4 Security Threat or Peaceful Vacation Spot?

But Why Acapulco?!?

When I booked my last minute trip to Acapulco, Mexico, it was mainly because I got a great deal on both the flight and the hotel room. (For similar great deals, check out http://travellifeservicesllc.com/) For the next couple weeks, every time I mentioned that I was going to Acapulco, my friends and family all asked the same question, "Why?"

Personally, the answer seemed quite obvious. It's a beach resort town close enough to the equator to have wonderful sunshine and high temperatures throughout the year. I'd heard excellent things about the place, although I couldn't quite recall what they were, but I just knew that Acapulco was a thriving tourist destination.

In the days before my flight, I often pictured myself lounging in palm-roofed cabanas, sipping margaritas by the ocean, chowing down on the freshest of seafood, and letting the surf lull me into dreamy complacency. The day before my flight I opened my inbox to see an email from the US State Department.

The US State Department!

I at first thought it was spam, but it mentioned my upcoming trip so I gave it a quick glance. According to our government, travel to Acapulco was not at all advised, The entire state of Guerrerao was a LEVEL 4 SECURITY THREAT! Did this mean I needed to cancel my trip? I decided to investigate.

As it turns out, a level 4 security threat is akin to an active war zone. Other places with the same classification included Iran, Syria, and the Korean Peninsula. Government personnel were not allowed to travel to Acapulco. US Citizens were advised not to go either. What choice did I have? I had to investigate Acapulco for myself.

One of the most noticeable features of Acapulco upon arrival is the houses piling up the hillside. They are all little square boxes as seen from the road, in a variety of soft pastels and neutrals. They crowd the shoreline as if they are all waiting for the beach to open and let them in. Further up the hillsides, the houses are still present, just a little further apart and half-hidden by the jungle foliage.

Scary, really...

The sand on the beaches in the best indicator that Acapulco is a city in the midst of a level 4 threat zone. The coarse particles tear at fresh little toes, unaccustomed to the freedom that a beach provides. Before walking more than a quarter mile, your blisters will tell you that it is time to stop in one of the many cabanas strewn along the beach and have a refreshing drink to give you sustenance and courage for the rest of the journey.

We found the perfect spot down a leaf covered walkway, a slow descent to the beach and a completely different world than the crowded streets and beaches. It was time to explore the food of Acapulco. Being right on the ocean, I expected an epic seafood selection, and Beto Condesa did not disappoint. The shrimp cocktail was fresh, with a crisp texture and a newness that is difficult to describe. The cilantro mixed with the lime that tasted as if it had grown under only the most perfect conditions, been plucked by a tender, youthful hand, and then lovingly transported to the beach. It was as if the dish had asked to be created, just for our enjoyment.

Those Wiley Sea Creatures

Mermaid Island (I have no idea what it's really called) is one of the most beautiful spots to let your imagination wander. I pictured it as home to dozens of bawdy mermaids, calling out to the passing pirates of yesteryear. Poor pirates, they'd succumb to the wiles of the mermaids only to have their ships dashed to pieces on the rocks. The intrepid adventurer is sure to find many treasures scattered at the base of the small island in the cove. Beware of mermaids!

As for the threat of war...well, there was certainly enough of a military presence to wage a sizeable battle. The soldiers patrolled the beaches on foot, stood on the corners looking tough, and rode in the backs of trucks - armed and fierce - in the hot sun all day. In full uniform and with weapons at the ready, there was no doubt that they knew there was a war going on. I don't think anyone told the enemy though as they never peeked out from hiding.

At the end of the day, I definitely suggest going to Acapulco. It is beginning to regain its shine as the perfect place to vacation, and more people visiting and spreading the word will only help with that. All of my wishes were granted, including lounging in palm-roofed cabanas, sipping margaritas by the ocean, chowing down on the freshest of seafood, and letting the surf lull me into dreamy complacency.

For more information on how to book your own great deal to the beach, check out http://travellifeservicesllc.com/.

As always, all pictures are my own, taken with my own permission, on my own camera. :-)