Mexico - Mexico City & Acapulco next weekend?

I'm thinking of taking a short 5 or 6 day trip with a buddy, next weekend to hit up Mexico City & Acapulco.

Would probably fly into MEX and ride one of the comfier buses to Acapulco for probably 2 nights, then fly back out of MEX. Or, maybe we will just spend the whole time in Mexico City if there is enough to do.

This is just one of those last-minute, random kind of trips to somewhere nearby, to destinations we wouldn't normally choose (that we haven't, and don't really want to research ahead of time at all), but we're in that kind of mood to go to a place with little expectation of what to expect... and given the short distance involved from DFW, I can finally burn those LAN miles on AA for a direct flight before they expire.

So my only question is, the safety issue and-- how it will affect our fun factor, and not whether or not we will get kidnapped or shot?

(perhaps another question too-- is if there is enough to do in MEX to fill up 5 days?)

I have been to enough, so-called dangerous places (In Central & South America) to know how to keep a low profile, and dress down, and be aware of my surroundings, etc....

But certain cities I've been to in the past in Central America, though the city was kind of cool, the danger factor kind of killed the fun as we couldn't walk around too many places during the day (like in San Pedro Sula, Honduras), and especially at night. And i'm not sure from my readings if Mexico City is one of those places where you can't really walk around at all at night or even some spots during the day? or just one of those places where you need to be aware and not do stupid stuff like wear a real nice watch or flash money. B/c if it is that dangerous where you can't really do anything, then we may choose a different destination.

So is it safe enough to walk the streets at night? Go to a bar or two at night. Walk around most all places during the day?

I'd prefer responses from people who have been there very recently, or those who live there now..., -and not links to CNN articles on brutal killings, which can happen anywhere- from people who have never actually even been there. That's why i didn't mix this question in the other "Mexico Violence" thread. I'm more worried about how it will effect out trip, and not whether we will make it back from out trip. Thanks
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PS- Given that we are using a limited amount of LAN miles out of DFW , our back up is either Cancun (or Mazatlan) or Vegas, but we have been to Vegas so many times that i already know how the trip will end up (though i'm sure we would have fun), and Cancun & Mazatlan i'm sure will have little of that culture we are looking for, and we really don't want to veg on a beach all day. Another possibility is Belize City, but i'm thinking somewhere in Mexico would be more interesting.

What do you like to do??

Pretty much anything.

My favorite thing to do is just explore (walk over 15 miles a day exploring a new city for the first few days to get to know it well and get my orientation) eat good local food--definitely including great street food, soak in the culture--make new friends, go to a few bars at night after walking all day, see some good shows or music events/festivals if they have that kind of stuff going on while we are there,... at the beach we prefer outdoor activities, and hiking good beach trails or water sports or surfing. We're pretty much game for anything, no set plan for what we are looking to do, just whatever presents itself. I don't usually do organized tours but i may do one or two if there are any good side trips. I know spanish, not fluently but pretty well, and am half spanish so hopefully that will help.

Having lived in Mexico for some years and been back last year for tourism, I never felt in danger in Mexico City or in Acapulco. Violence exists and always existed, but it's not targeted against tourists. By using the usual precautions you should be perfectly safe in either of the 2 places. However, I would not walk around at night, except at the touristic part of the Malecon in Acapulco. During daytime, I see no problem exploring as long as you don't show a camera or any other fancy accesories which make you seen as a tourist from a mile. Within the city of Mexico you can also take the subway, which outside of rushhour is a good mean of transportation.

To your question, if there are activities for 5 days in Mexico City. Definitively yes. The city itself has different parts which are worthwile to explore (centro historico, Coyoacan, Reforma, Chapultepec, ...), that should keep you busy for at least 3 days and there are numerous nearby attractions you can do as day trips (e.g. pyramids). You can take a bus or just rent a taxi by the hour (or for a full day). In terms of food, both places have many many good restaurants, but generally they are quite expensive. In Mexico City walk around Polanco, where you find a large variety of different eating places.

Being from Mexico City and having lived there for plenty of years, I can tell you that walking around is possible, depending on where you stay, as it is in all cities in the world. If you are in the Polanco-Reforma-Lomas corridor, you are totally safe. You can walk during the day and also at night.

Ok, the idea would be for you to stay close to Polanco-Reforma (Intercontinental-JW Marriott-Nikko-W Hotels). From there, you can walk Reforma Avenue all the way to Chapultepec Castle and Antropologia Museum. Also, you can also walk to Presidente Masarik Avenue and enjoy the thousands of different restaurants with tons of different cousines and never finish!!! while looking at the fancy boutique stores from top designers. Also, staying at other Reforma Hotels closer to Down Town, you will be besides the tall buildings that house the Mexican Headquarters of many Fortune 500 Companies.

A short cab ride from there, and you can be in down town (Zocalo) in a few minutes (beware of doing it during week days, because if you get in the middle of a "manifestación", it will take you hours). Zocalo and Reforma are the favorite place for Mexicans to walk in groups (closing car access) through the streets to ask the government for something. Other than that, enjoy Mexico and if you have time, take a private bus (from all hotels in Reforma corridor) to the Aztec Pyramids (Sun and Moon)!!!

Ahh, forgot about it, Buses to Acapulco depart from Tasqueña Station, which is far away from this turist corridor. I usually fly (Viva Aerobus or Interjet) a Low Cost Carrier or drive, although I would recomend to also visit Taxco City, in the same state as Acapulco, if you are taking a bus.

Enjoy your trip and do not worry, just stay in normal places and you will be able to walk and take the "Turibus", which is a bus that takes you around the mayor atractions in Mexico City departing from Reforma.

You say that you've been to many "dangerous places" in Central and South America. Given those points of reference, it might help to know that Mexico City is one of the safest big cities in Latin America. There are still many areas where you shouldn't be walking around at night, but the same holds true for most big cities around the world.

The main thing to watch out for is the fact that there are many poor, marginally dangerous neighborhoods scattered around the center of the city (Colonias Buenos Aires, Morelos, Guerrero, Doctores, Tepito...) Some of these neighborhoods are near the nice tourist areas where you'll be visiting. Get some advice from your hotel or a good guidebook (I recommend the Moon Mexico City guidebook) and avoid those areas. I did note that you enjoy walking and exploring, so staying away from some of these neighborhoods would be a special concern for you. The guidebook that I recommended does a very good job of explaining where you should go and where you shouldn't. The subway is the easiest way to get around, and safe if you keep your eyes open for pickpockets and other petty rip-offs.

Many tourists enjoy visiting the pyramids of Teotihuacan in the north of the city. You can independently reach these pyramids by public bus, which actually might be faster than a hotel-operated tour because the tour guide won't be wasting time.

If you do go to Acapulco, I recommend going by bus, which has a much more flexible schedule than the plane would. However, be warned that the security situation in Acapulco has gotten very serious -- I haven't been there in the last 4 years, but I'm hearing from longtime travelers who have abandoned the destination because they no longer feel safe there.

Go to Mex City and have a great time. My family returned a couple of weeks ago and we loved it. We have been there before. If you really only have five days I would simply stay put in DF. The trek to ACA for a day or two is not much worth the effort.

Yes, you can walk most everywhere you would want to go. Taxis are plentiful and cheap, use a sitio cab or radio cab. The streets are crowded, day and night in the touristy neighborhoods (including Polanco, Condesa, Coyoacan, etec) and the people couldn't be friendlier. Lots to see and do, good artisan shopping, the museums, the churches, the pyramids, the fairs, the markets. Have fun.

Five or six days is pretty short for two places, and as others have said, Mexico City has lots to do. As far as tourist beach areas, Acapulco would be the last of the tourist areas on my list, but if you want to go there, the best bus service is http://www.estrelladeoro.com.mx. All their classes are good, but Diamante is the best. If I remember correctly, it is five and a half hours from Mexico Sur bus station to Acaplulco.

Great tips so far. I'm thinking we will not do Acapulco too since it is will take up half a day, for two days, with the transportation time...and as some here have suggested there seems to be plenty to do in Mexico City itself.

Ahh....I've always wanted to check it out. We are thinking of staying in the Reforma area since that is where the nicer and yet very affordable hotels seem to be. Carlitos suggested it is a good launching point for long city walks too, thanks.

Acapulco would be a mistake, because tourism is down, clubs are dead except on Saturday night - tbut the beaches are excellent. It would depend on what kind of experience you're looking for.

Mexico City is an exciting city to visit, but unless you speak some Spanish you and your companions might find meeting people a bit of a challenge. There are many fine touristy things to do, though.

While Mexico City isn't experiencing the terrorism seen in many other parts of the country, the crime rate in many areas is high and it's considered a high-crime destination.

Basing yourself along Paseo de la Reforma makes sense. Staying in either Colonia Roma or Colonia Condesa, or if you could afford it - Colonia Polanco - might be better, though.

I'm not clear on when you'll be in Mexico City, but if it's the week leading to Easter things may be very quiet and some businesses and clubs may be closed as many city residents leave town on vacation.

Have a great trip!

I'm not clear on when you'll be in Mexico City, but if it's the week leading to Easter things may be very quiet and some businesses and clubs may be closed as many city residents leave town on vacation.

Have a great trip!

Thanks! I'll be there from April 21st-27th, so right in the middle of Easter. We had to push our dates back a bit due to a scheduling conflict. Looking forward to this trip!!!

Mexico City will be "dead" - the nightlife scene - during that period. But it's a good time to move about the city without having to deal with the typical congestion. Museums and other attractions will be open, but some stores, restaurants, etc. will close for vacation.

Acapulco would be a good place to be from the 20th through the 24th- if you could find accommodations. The city fills to the brim for Semana Santa and it can be an exciting, and congested, time to be there.

The busy days for the holiday this year - at any of the beach resort cities/towns - will be April 21st through 24th.

Finding a hotel room in Mexico City, at a favorable price, should be easy - throughout the period of your visit.

Acapulco would be a good place to be from the 20th through the 24th- if you could find accommodations. The city fills to the brim for Semana Santa and it can be an exciting, and congested, time to be there.

The busy days for the holiday this year - at any of the beach resort cities/towns - will be April 21st through 24th.



Oh, great. I briefly looked into it, and it looks really cool. Now we may have to include Acapulco after all. Semana Santa looks like a great time to be there. I wonder if we will have the time though.

Do you think we would have any problems buying round trip bus tickets the day of departure at the bus station, to go to Acapulco and back to mexico city? Or are they likely to sell out given that it is a major vacation destination at that time?

Do you think i should do :

April 21: plane lands in MEX at 2:45 pm, stay in MEX that night.
April22: Bus to Acapulco on 22nd morning (arrive toward the evening), and stay until morning of 25th.
April 25: Bus back to MEX and stay there 25-26th
April 27: Fly back home out of MEX

That would give me 3 nights in each place, but the bus transport would really make in 2 1/2 days in each place.

or should i just do-

April 21-27: Just stay in Mexico City the entire time?



--
I'd hate to miss this festival in Acapulco (I love me a festival!), but that is a lot of transport time for such a short trip. what to do....

Some of the bus companies sell advance tix on line, IIRC.

You suggest going to Acapulco on Good Friday and I doubt you'll find much in the way of acommodations. What may be available will either be at the high-end, luxury places or at the bottom-end, rooms which likely won't meet your standards. But, if you find something offered online and pay a deposit and have your confirmation in-hand when you arrive ... why not go?

Bus companies add many additional departures during the vacation/holiday period. But walking up to the counter on the day of departure you may not get on-board the next couple or several departures, but you will get there the same day. Estrella de Oro is the most popularly used bus company for the trip, but company Estrella Blanca offers similar service. Both companies have websites, but the Estrella Blanca site sometimes malfunctions. Trip time from Mexico City to Acapulco is normally 4.5 hours, but for the holiday figure 5.5 hours because of more congestion on the highway.

3 and 3 seems good to me. But if you stay in Mexico City just be prepared for a more relaxed environment than the city is generally known for. Many of the middle to upper class folks who can afford it will have left for one of the beach resorts.

After a few PMs, and upon researching Acapulco & Semana Santa a bit more, we decided to pass.

We will just stay in Mexico City and do one or two of the short day trips to a more nearby area to the City.There seem to be several interesting day trip options. I appreciate all the tips and making this last minute trip much easier to plan.

About PM's - my experience has been that people who send them unsolicited tend to be unreliable and say things which are not truthful and that's why they do that out-of-sight of others. Mexico City is a great destination and there is a lot to see and do. There's really no wrong choice amongst the options you outlined. Lonely Planet sells an online version of the Mexico City and vicinity section of its popular guidebook for about US$5 (immediately downloadable) and if you don't already have a good guidebook to the city you might want to get that so you have something filled with ideas, etc. Come back after the trip to post a report about the experience, if you think of it.

About PM's - my experience has been that people who send them unsolicited tend to be unreliable and say things which are not truthful and that's why they do that out-of-sight of others. Mexico City is a great destination and there is a lot to see and do. There's really no wrong choice amongst the options you outlined. Lonely Planet sells an online version of the Mexico City and vicinity section of its popular guidebook for about US$5 (immediately downloadable) and if you don't already have a good guidebook to the city you might want to get that so you have something filled with ideas, etc. Come back after the trip to post a report about the experience, if you think of it.

The PMs weren't degrading Acapulco or Mexico City in any way, and had nothing to do with safety, they just gave a few extra tips on the crowds and activities during semana santa, and the transportation time, etc. I think I will pick up a guide book to read on the plane, so i don't miss out on any fund activities in Mexico City. thanks again! I will report back to share the experience!

I'm in the process of looking at hotel areas in Mexico City and having a hard time deciding on whether i should spend all 6 nights in the Zona Rosa area, or whether i should spend 4 in zona rosa and 2 right near Zocalo. Or if i should spend any nights in Polcano? Safe to walk at night, fun, tourist stuff is kind of what i'm looking for in a hotel zone.

As of now i'm think all 6 nights in Zona Rosa. What do MEX experts suggest?


EDIT: Eh...I got impatient and just booked it all within the Zona Rosa area

Zona Rosa is ideally located in the middle between historic center and Polanco, however I would stay in Polanco. From the Marriott, Presidente or Nikko it is safe to walk around and you have many good restaurant options nearby. Zona Rosa and Zocalo are not too safe at night. Zona Rosa is fine if you want some gentlemen clubs nearby, but in terms of restaurants not many options.

Zona Rosa is ideally located in the middle between historic center and Polanco, however I would stay in Polanco. From the Marriott, Presidente or Nikko it is safe to walk around and you have many good restaurant options nearby. Zona Rosa and Zocalo are not too safe at night. Zona Rosa is fine if you want some gentlemen clubs nearby, but in terms of restaurants not many options.

I wouldn't base myself in Polanco. But, if you're looking for the most expensive hotels and restaurants in the city it might be the place for you. There are some very upscale, top of the line and expensive clubs there as well.

The Zona Rosa is considered a safe neighborhood and it's a nightlife center in the city - featuring more clubs/restarants and bars with live entertainment than any other part of the city. It's a location tha offers a dozen or more hotels in varying price ranges. You'll find excellent restaurants there, lots of options. As far as "gentlemen clubs" there, you may find two or three in the entire area and maybe your group would enjoy a visit. A decade ago there were many, but most have been closed by local government.

Well, you might want to quickly develop a back-up plan for your visit to Mexico City. There have been heavy rains during the past week and during at least the next two days more downpours are predicted. Mexico City can be an unpleasant place to be when it rains. Damp, cool, standing water, etc. Spending time inside your hotel room for extended periods of time would be a bummer.

Well, you might want to quickly develop a back-up plan for your visit to Mexico City. There have been heavy rains during the past week and during at least the next two days more downpours are predicted. Mexico City can be an unpleasant place to be when it rains. Damp, cool, standing water, etc. Spending time inside your hotel room for extended periods of time would be a bummer.

Everything is already booked. Rain or snow we are going! I can handle a little flooding/rain. Was in SE Asia for 2 months during rainy season last year, so i guess i'm used to it now.

This has been a helpful thread for me, thanks.

I just got back from MEX a couple weeks ago. Spent 4 nights in MEX. Stayed at the Galleria Plaza in Zona Rosa. It was a nice centrally located hotel that was reasonably priced. Used the hopon\off tour bus to get an overview of the areas to visit

Then went to Veracruz for a couple nights. It too was nice. Stayed there at a Holiday Inn that had a Pointbreaks special.

Last night was at Puebla. Could have stayed longer. The Zocalo is very nice. Everything nice and close to things to see, do, eat, and shop.

If you are looking for a day or two trip out of MEX, Puebla may be a nice idea. They also have an Airporter bus that runs very frequently from the two bus stations

I just got back from MEX a couple weeks ago. Spent 4 nights in MEX. Stayed at the Galleria Plaza in Zona Rosa. It was a nice centrally located hotel that was reasonably priced. Used the hopon\off tour bus to get an overview of the areas to visit

Then went to Veracruz for a couple nights. It too was nice. Stayed there at a Holiday Inn that had a Pointbreaks special.

Last night was at Puebla. Could have stayed longer. The Zocalo is very nice. Everything nice and close to things to see, do, eat, and shop.

If you are looking for a day or two trip out of MEX, Puebla may be a nice idea. They also have an Airporter bus that runs very frequently from the two bus stations

So Puebla was a nice sidetrip? Okay, i'll look into it. Did the hop on/off tour take you there? If not, how did you get there? I think we will probably do the hop on/off bus too for maybe 2 days.

Yes, the Zocalo area was very nice. Lots of sidewalk cafes and historical bulidings near by. I only got there around 4 pm and left early the next morning. I could have spent more time there The ADO tour bus I believe goes just after lunch, so I missed it. I don't think it is really hop on\off, but may be

I took a ADO Platino bus from MEX to Veracruz and then from Veracruz took ADO GL bus.

Buses are very good. There are at least four different classes of buses with varying amenities. Check ticketbus.com.mx for fares. I think ADO GL also has an English website

Wow, what a wonderful time i had in Mexico City!

I thought i would follow up this thread with my experience in Mexico City, so i hope those who visit have as good a time as i did.

We ended up skipping Acapulco, and i'm glad we did, as we barely had enough time to see everything we wanted to in Mexico city.

I met a local girl there the first day shortly after arrival, who took off work (she was a dentist there) to show me around for a full 6 days/nights. She also was off work a few days for the Holidays, but took off a few extra days to show me around. Saw all the wonderful sights, toured all the districts, spent 2 days/nights in Cuernavaca with her immediate and extended family for the holidays at a beautiful home they rented with a giant pool, tennis & racquetball courts, etc. Ahh, the food they cooked was to die for. Great family and they couldn't be more welcoming.


She lived in a nice neighborhood of DF called Amsterdam (i think). She took me to Coyocan on Sunday evening which was my favorite part of Mexico city, we went salsa dancing at a club called la rumba, we went to the pyramids outside the city, we toured Zocalo area, we went to the are where the colorful boat rides are (i can't remember what it is called, something that begins with the letter T), we did a private tour of Estadio Azteca, we went to the area where all the mariachis sing (like 100 mariachis there), where boyfriends pay to have them sing to their girlfriends (i was told it wasn't the safest area, i forgot what it was called but if you are local to mexico city you know the area i'm talking about, tons of mariachis- something pronounced like Gerabaldi), we ate Pozoles soup, tacos de pastor, etc. By the way if you don't know where to get the best Tacos in Mexico City i know the place to go-- there is a magnificent taco place at Av. SanFernando No. 556, Local A Col Pena Pobre, Deleg. Tlalpan Mexico, DF --I made sure to get the address for next time i go back to MEX

We didn't spend the entire time at too many tourist areas, she showed me local side about half the time and the tourist side of MEX the other half the time. I have a strong feeling that if i never met her there i wouldn't have enjoyed Mexico nearly as much, but thanks to her i had an incredible trip. The main downside to the trip was the pollution which was really bad, and the traffic which was terrible after people returned from the Holidays back to the city.

As far as the safety issue...the only time i felt slightly unsafe was when we got lost and ended up driving through Respito or Tepito (something like that) at about 1 in the morning, where the local girl driving seemed very nervous for our safety, and apologizing for getting lost there , other than that i felt pretty safe throughout the city, but i had a very generous local showing me around, so that was comforting.

deleted, ooops

sounds to me ike you might need more Mexico City sightseeing. lol. glad you had a great time. thanks for sharing ;)