In Acapulco, one of several transportation-options for travelers is to hire an English-speaking (often-bilingual) driver. Some services available include airport (or cruise-terminal) pick-up & drop-off, transportation around town or point-to-point (e.g. going out to dinner), city tours, and short trips to points-of-interest on the outskirts of the city proper. When arranging for these types of services, (1) be specific as to what your needs are, (2) ask about the type of vehicle(s) you'll be transported in, (3) tell the driver, in advance, if you want/expect an "air-conditioned" ride, and (4) don't hesitate to seek out, compare, and bargain for the best possible rate (although, to some extent, you get what you pay for). Most drivers do, of course, speak Spanish as well - if that's your language of choice.
Some, though not all, drivers and guides may actually be "certified tour guides." Please note that a driver's listing on this page does not imply that he or she is licensed or certified in any way. Certified tour guides, who are typically bilingual and can easily converse with English-speaking travelers, have been certified and bonded by the Department of Tourism. If a driver/guide is claiming to be certified and bonded, feel free to ask to see their documentation - issued by the "Secretaria de Turismo" (Secretary of Tourism) and entitled "Credencial Authoriza para Prestar Servicies de Guia de Turistas Especializado" (Authorized Credential to Serve as Specialized Guide of Tourists). Their documentation will also include a photo; and the license, which must be renewed every 4 years, should be current. [FYI: Dates in Mexico have a day/month/year format.] It should also be noted that some tour-guides have a permanent license, due to their tenure in the industry.
It's important to note that it can be very difficult to ascertain whether a driver is in fact certified until you actually get to Mexico and can review their documentation. It should also be stated that, with rare exceptions (if any), no Certified Tour-Guide will expect (or ask for) any type of deposit or payment ... until after services have been rendered. Travelers should always feel free to make their own choices and decisions, never feel pressured, and be able to cancel any pre-arranged services (without explanation or hassle) at any time before the services commence. * (see footnote)
In Acapulco, a very large and "very Mexican" city, there's much to see and do - and many unique places to visit (in both the main-bay area and in the outlying sections north and south of the city proper). City tours can be pre-arranged if you like, via email - or you may do so after your arrival (subject, of course, to an individual's availability); and although a typical city-tour might run from 3-to-5 hours, most tour-guides will be glad to customize it to your own individual needs. Costs may vary from one guide to another (and may also be influenced by the time of year), so it's wise to solicit quotes from more than one tour-guide - while keeping in mind that "more-expensive" doesn't necessarily mean "better" ... nor does "less-expensive" equal "inferior". Some of the more-popular attractions and sites often included in the tour are ... La Capilla de la Paz (the Chapel of Peace - in the Las Brias hills), La Quebrada (in Old Acapulco - where you'll stop for one of the cliff-divers' performances), a drive-by or stop at the Central Market, a visit to the legendary Hotel Los Flamingos, am introduction to and view of the Puerto Marques Bay, a ride out to Playas Caleta y Caletilla, a walk through El Fuerte de San Diego, and a stop at the zocalo & malecon in the old section of the city (to see La Catedral de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad and the boardwalk from which most fishing-charters depart & return). A tour-guide might also recommend and/or introduce you to a few of the city's eateries & restaurants - as well as places to shop for souvenirs or jewlery; but travelers should never feel pressured or swayed to stop, eat, or shop at any particular business - and a simple "no, gracias" should prompt your guide to move on with your tour. [It is, after all, your money - your time - and your vacation; so don't be afraid to speak up.]
Concerning "tours", try to be as specific as possible in regard to what you'd like to see and do. As has been mentioned above, don't allow your tour-guide to take you places in which you have no interest - especially flea-markets, stores & shops, and restaurants. Be aware that some may try - and it's up to you to object. A "good" Acapulco tour is one which will not only familiarize you with the city and all that it has to offer - but also creates lasting memories of your vacation. You should, in the end, be able to say that it was money well-spent.
In addition to the drivers listed below (in no particular order), there are hundreds of cab-drivers who move about the city in assorted vehicles - many in older VW "Beetles", others in small sedans, and some in larger (more comfortable) 4-door "hotel" cabs. Generally speaking, it's not necessary to hire a private driver (or make advance arrangements) for getting around the city, though some travelers may feel more at ease having this option - and several names from which to pick & choose.
CAUTION: This section of TA was started to present a list of drivers who had received multiple personal recommendations posted to the Acapulco forum. However, that is no longer true and it appears that drivers are listing themselves or having others do that - without persons having used the services confirming their abilities or safety. Therefore, be careful and cautious when relying upon this list and seek verification on the Acapulco forum.
Arturo Cruz
guiasacapulco@hotmail.com
044-744-108-4001
Jose Carlos J.R.
044-744-153-9572
Anselmo Carranza Guzmán
orion_1934@hotmail.com
044-744-113-3466
> also speaks French
Oscar Javier Morales
Hector
angel_herrera77@hotmail.com
Larry (Hilario) Silva - and son, Larry Jr.
aca_larry@hotmail.com
Edel Genchi
Ines Maria
Olga Olmedo de Escuen
pinkladyolga-aca@hotmail.com
Rosie
dew_days@hotmail.com
Dany Carranza
taxidany@hotmail.com
Arturo
Pepe Pipa
044-744-133-5283
Cesar
c_olea_santos@yahoo.com
Sebastian Hernandez
eskp_rsh@hotmail.com
044-744-168-3086
Benjamin Alcaron
Roberto Alarcon
robertoalrey@yahoo.com.mx
044-744 -421-9608
Roman F. Zarate
roman@acaguide.com.mx
044-744-439-7176
044-744-151-1653
Home-Phone: 406-0693
www.acaguide.com.mx
Arturo Solis and family
zx3_14@hotmail.com
044-744-449-4790
Oscar Andres Gomex Perez
margo_gope@hotmail.com OR margoorganizacion@prodigy.net.mx
044-714-185-3531
Home-Phone: 466-3715
NexTel: 62*15*523705
RODOLFO "Rudy" FREGOSO
English & French
info@tourbyvan.com or renteunavan@yahoo.com
0115217441539916
011527441104324
011527444401542
011527444842200
Toll Free Number: 1 866 473 4432
Nextel: 62*274015*1
Silverio Chavez Valencia
744-154-2496
Email: aca-taxi@hotmail.com
Web Site : http://aca-taxi.com
Max Valenzo
011-52-7441294026
Roberto Hernandez Safe Taxi
011-52-7441852847
NOTES:
1. Be certain to include the "underscore" ( _ ) in email-addresses which have one. (Copy exactly as shown.)
2. Be patient when emailing drivers, as it may take a day or two for them to respond. (Typically, you should hear back within 48 hours; if not, draw your own conclusions.)
3. Phone numbers above are shown as would be dialed direct from within Acapulco; and, unless otherwise noted, are drivers' cel-phone numbers. To call direct from the U.S., first dial 011-52-1 ... and then the number. To dial a home-phone direct from the U.S., first dial 011-52-744 ... then the number.
4. Bear in mind that email-addresses and phone-numbers may be subject to change.
* Footnote: Aca-Taxi does require a deposit as his time books quickly and he can't afford to wait at the pier for a no show.
