Once the jet-set playground of Hollywood stars and disco-loving travellers, Acapulco has traded much of its old-school glamour for a more contemporary vibe. Its dramatic bay and golden sunsets remain, but the city’s mid-century spirit—seen in aqua-blue open-weave chairs, vintage surfboards and celebrity lore—is now largely preserved inside the recently opened Museo Acuérdate de Acapulco (“Remembering Acapulco”) at the Amares hotel, formerly the iconic Calinda with its circular 26-storey tower.
There, photographs and memorabilia capture the Acapulco of decades past, offering a nostalgic counterpoint to today’s modern, diversified destination.
Across the city, resorts now lean into muted, elegant palettes, plush furnishings and stylish lounges. Public spaces, dining venues and activity offerings have also been refreshed, with adventure, culture and nature experiences gaining prominence—particularly in the surrounding hills.
The shift from retro glamour to modern comfort is intentional, reflecting a city that honours its history while embracing a renewed identity.
This evolution accelerated after Hurricane Otis in 2023, which severely damaged about 70% of the resort city’s 19,000 hotel rooms.
According to Ana Guillermina Camarena, Promotions Director of the Acapulco Tourism Board, the city’s inventory now sits closer to 16,000 rooms, as a few properties transitioned to private-condominium models. As for the rest? “Many used the reconstruction period to upgrade and elevate their facilities and guest experience,” Camarena tells Open Jaw.
Camarena is in Canada this week to spotlight Acapulco’s comeback, meeting with advisors in Toronto (04NOV), Montreal (05NOV)—where Air Transat launches weekly flights on 15DEC through late April—and Quebec City (06NOV).
Her visit comes ahead of major 2026 events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup (11–19JUN).
While Mexico City is the co-host, Acapulco—the nearest major beach destination—is positioning itself as the natural coastal add-on for travellers seeking downtime between matches and a chance to discover “the new Acapulco.”
“Whether travellers are staying in Acapulco or tacking it onto a Mexico City itinerary, we’re ready,” says Camarena.
New dining and entertainment options further reinforce the city’s reinvention. Beauport on the Sea, a historic 1960s ship now anchored in Acapulco Bay, offers guests a short boat ride to a floating restaurant filled with preserved nautical details and a rotating menu that may include carved tenderloin or baked haddock.
“You can even stay overnight in one of a handful of guest rooms,” Camarena notes. “It was in Cozumel but has recently relocated here. It’s a great new product for Acapulco.”
Beyond the shoreline, Acapulco’s hills and natural landscapes are stepping into the spotlight, signalling a shift from the city’s long-standing beach-and-nightlife image to more active, adventure-focused experiences.
“We’ve always had trails, but they weren’t very popular. Now it’s booming, with more than 10 routes just minutes from the city and accessible for hikers of all levels,” says Camarena. Upgraded access roads, signage and support facilities, along with experienced guides, are making these outings easier and safer than ever.
Acapulco is aiming to capture its share of Mexico’s tourism surge: in the first half of 2025, Mexico welcomed 23.4 million international visitors—up 7.3% year-on-year—including nearly 1.7 million Canadians who arrived by air, an 11.8% increase.
Coordinated efforts by federal, state and local officials are also underway to reinsert Acapulco into Mexican Pacific cruise itineraries. On 11OCT, Carnival Cruise Line made its first call to Acapulco in 15 years when Carnival Legend diverted to the port due to weather, marking the line’s first visit since 2010. Carnival has since added Acapulco as a port of call on a scheduled 16-day repositioning voyage in April 2027.
And on 28OCT, the port authority welcomed Norwegian Encore—one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships—with 3,730 passengers and 1,616 crew, bringing more than 5,000 visitors in a single call. A formal ceremony marked its arrival and reinforced the city’s gradual comeback.
Port-call schedules for 2026 also list a handful of additional visits from luxury and expedition vessels, indicating that Acapulco is slowly reappearing on cruise operators’ radar.
