Is Acapulco close to Puerto Vallarta? The Ultimate Travel Guide

Everything You Need to Know About Mexico‘s Two Top Resort Cities

Imagine crystal blue waters lapping at miles of pristine golden sand. Picture yourself sipping a margarita while watching the sun sink into the ocean. For decades, both Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta have lured travelers with these visions of an idyllic Mexican escape.

But which resort city should you choose for your next getaway? And how easy is it to travel between the two destinations? Use this comprehensive guide to find out everything you need to know about the distance, transportation, attractions, and differences between Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta.

How Far is it Between Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta?

Situated on opposite coasts of Mexico, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta are actually quite far apart. The distance between them is approximately 480 kilometers (298 miles) overland.

Driving from Acapulco to Puerto Vallarta takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic and stops. You‘ll need to take Highway 15D to Highway 80 north. The fastest route sticks to the highways, but for a more scenic coastal trip, take Highway 200 hugging the Pacific Ocean.

Either way, prepare for a good half-day‘s journey on the road. The two cities are separated by the states of Michoacán, Colima and Nayarit. So you might want to break up the trip by stopping over along the way.

Where Exactly are Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta Located?

To understand how far apart they are, let‘s look at the geography:

Acapulco

• Located on the Pacific Coast in the state of Guerrero
• Famous for its stunning bay, lined with golden sandy beaches
• Backed by the Sierra Madre del Sur mountains
• Approx. 200 miles southeast of Mexico City

Puerto Vallarta

• Situated in the state of Jalisco on Banderas Bay
• Stretches around the beaches lining the bay
• Framed by the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains
• Approx. 190 miles northwest of Guadalajara

So in summary, Acapulco sits to the southeast, in Guerrero state. Meanwhile, Puerto Vallarta lies to the northwest, in Jalisco state. There are nearly 600 miles separating the two cities.

How Do These Top Resort Cities Compare?

Both Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta shot to fame as glamorous beach destinations. But over the decades, their personalities evolved to attract different types of travelers:

Acapulco

• Remains renowned for its stunning golden sand beaches and turquoise waters.

• Became a jetset destination in the 1950s-60s, attracting Hollywood stars with its luxurious hotels, yachts and pulsating nightlife.

• Still glitzy today, with major resorts, golf courses, high-end shops and restaurants.

• Famous for unique attractions like cliff divers at La Quebrada.

• Favored by younger crowds for its vibrant bars and nightclubs.

Puerto Vallarta

• Boasts beautiful beaches, but also charming cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.

• Known for its laidback ambiance and artsy vibe.

• Galleries, boutiques and gourmet restaurants have sprouted up around Old Town.

• Backdrop of mountains and lush jungles adds to the natural beauty.

• Popular with families and older travelers seeking relaxation.

So in summary, Acapulco dazzles with its golden sands and glitzy, high-energy attractions, while Puerto Vallarta allures with its blend of culture, cuisine and natural scenery. Each has their own special magnetism!

Is Acapulco Still a Top Tourist Destination?

As one of Mexico‘s oldest resort towns, Acapulco remains a popular vacation spot. But in recent years, safety concerns have resulted in tourist numbers declining.

Tourism Statistics

• Acapulco still draws over 2.5 million visitors annually
• At its peak in the 1960s-70s, it attracted over 3 million tourists per year
• Foreign visitor numbers dropped from over 1 million to around 500,000 by 2018

The State Department has issued travel advisories for Guerrero, due to high crime rates. Gang violence is a risk after dark, so tourists stick to guarded areas.

Still the area around Acapulco‘s beaches and attractions remains well secured. Over a million foreign tourists happily soak up the sun each year. But it pays to take precautions.

Is Acapulco Safe for Tourists?

The downtown tourist zones and resorts have heavy security. Exercise caution by:

• Staying in guarded hotel areas rather than city outskirts
• Avoiding deserted beaches and poorly lit areas at night
• Not hailing unregulated taxis on the street
• Avoiding flashy displays of wealth

With sensible precautions, millions safely enjoy Acapulco‘s charms yearly. But the days of freely roaming the entire city are past.

What Made Acapulco so Famous?

Acapulco enchanted the world with its gorgeous natural setting. The deep blue bay dotted with rocky outcrops provides a stunning backdrop.

Ringing the shoreline, golden sand beaches stretch for miles. Lush mountains loom behind the city. This idyllic landscape first put Acapulco on the map in the 1920s.

In the 1950s, its reputation exploded as Hollywood stars like Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley and Judy Garland came to play in paradise.

Luxurious hotels like Las Brisas sprang up, catering to the rich and famous. John F. Kennedy honeymooned here. Acapulco cemented its status as an exotic yet glamorous party playground.

Glittering nightlife, fancy yacht clubs and celebrity visitors added to the allure. No wonder Acapulco became synonymous worldwide with gorgeous beaches and fun in the sun!

Where was the TV Show Acapulco Filmed?

The 1980s TV series Acapulco starring James Coburn centered around a beach resort hotel. The show was filmed on location at the iconic Acapulco Princess, now called Acapulco Beach Resort.

About the Acapulco Beach Resort

• Opened in 1979, remains one of Acapulco‘s top attractions
• Features over 700 rooms and suites with ocean views
• Massive pool plus small zoo, mini-golf, multiple restaurants
• Direct beach access with water sports and amenities

With its postcard-perfect setting and endless amenities, this storied resort continues to wow guests today. No wonder it was perfect as the set for a TV show bringing the glamour of Acapulco into living rooms!

Do Cruise Ships Make Stops in Acapulco?

Yes, Acapulco remains a popular port of call for major cruise lines. According to the Acapulco Port Authority, in 2022 over 150 cruise ships docked here, bringing around 350,000 passengers.

Cruise lines that include Acapulco on their Mexican Riviera itineraries:

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Regent Seven Seas
• Crystal Cruises

Given security concerns, most ships remain docked only during daylight. But cruisers can still enjoy attractions like:

• Beaches, pools and water sports
• Cliff divers at La Quebrada
• Shopping at luxury malls and markets
• Golf, dolphin shows, horseback riding and more

Or take organized onshore tours to sights outside the city. Cruising provides a convenient way to safely experience Acapulco‘s beauty!

Flying in and out of Acapulco

The General Juan N. Álvarez International Airport (ACA) serves Acapulco. It lies around 4 miles southwest of the city center.

In 2021, the airport handled over 2.1 million passengers. It offers flights to domestic destinations across Mexico plus international routes.

Airlines Flying into Acapulco

• Aeromexico
• Volaris
• VivaAerobus
• Interjet
• Magnicharters
• American Airlines

You can also connect on flights from the USA, Canada or Europe via hubs like Mexico City International Airport.

How Long are Sample Flight Times to Acapulco?

To give you an idea of flight durations, here are some sample times from major airports:

• From Mexico City – 1 hour
• From Tijuana – 1 hour 45 minutes (direct)
• From Cancun – 4 hours 30 minutes (connecting)
• From Los Angeles – approx. 4 hours (with stop)
• From Dallas/Ft. Worth – 5 hours (with stop)
• From London – 15+ hours depending on connections

So while getting to Acapulco directly from North America or Europe is easiest by connecting through a hub like Mexico City, some carriers do offer direct flights.

Should You Visit Acapulco in 2024?

Is Acapulco safe for tourists? Here‘s an honest look at the current pros and cons:

Why Visit Acapulco

• Gorgeous beaches – Acapulco‘s #1 asset!
• Vibrant nightlife and entertainment
• Famous attractions like cliff divers at La Quebrada
• Luxurious resorts and hotels
• Championship golf courses
• Great shopping, dining and more

Cautions to Consider

• Violent crime occurs mostly after dark away from tourist areas
• Avoid deserted areas and be vigilant at nightclubs
• Only use regulated taxis, not informal street cabs
• Stay in guarded hotel zones rather than outskirts
• Follow State Department travel advisories

Over 2 million people safely enjoy Acapulco each year by using common sense precautions. But the days of freely wandering the entire city are past. Weigh the risks against the rewards.

Flying Direct from the UK to Acapulco

Are there direct flights from London or other British cities to Acapulco? Sadly no.

Currently no airlines offer direct service from UK airports to Acapulco. The only option is an indirect routing.

The most common route is to fly into Mexico City, then transfer to a short 1-hour domestic flight to Acapulco. Some sample journey times:

• London to Mexico City: 11 hours
• Manchester to Mexico City: 12 hours
• Mexico City to Acapulco: 1 hour

Total travel time works out to 15-18 hours typically, depending on layovers.

Some UK tour operators like TUI UK package Acapulco vacations including the flights and transfers. But be prepared for a long journey involving at least one connection when traveling from Britain.

Other Major International Airports in Mexico

To put Acapulco‘s airport in context, here are some of Mexico‘s other key airports:

Mexico City International Airport

• Busiest airport in Latin America (over 50 million passengers annually)
• Major hub for domestic and international flights
• Base for Aeromexico and Interjet

Cancún International Airport

• 2nd busiest in Mexico (over 25 million travelers in 2021)
• Key gateway for beach resort areas like Cancun, Riviera Maya

Monterrey International Airport

• Northern Mexico‘s largest airport
• Important hub for business and industrial traffic

Tijuana International Airport

• Very busy cross-border airport near San Diego
• Used heavily by Americans crossing into Mexico

Los Cabos International Airport

• Popular airport serving Los Cabos region
• Gateway to resorts like Cabo San Lucas

Acapulco provides vital air access to southwestern Mexico. But Mexico City reigns as the primary air travel hub for global visitors.

The Bottom Line

While Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta both offer sun, sand, andMexican coastal charm, they differ greatly in geography, personality and atmosphere.

Acapulco retains its glitzy, high-energy vibe, with golden beaches framing its stunning bay. Puerto Vallarta seduces with cobblestone streets, artistic flair and breezy sophistication.

Choosing between these two legends requires understanding your own travel preferences. But hopefully this guide has given you a sense of how far apart they are, how long it takes to travel between them, and the unique experience each provides.

Now that you know what sets them apart, you can decide whether Acapulco or Puerto Vallarta is the right destination for your upcoming Mexican escape!