States of Mexico | Real Acapulco

1. Aguascalientes Aguascalientes is a small but vibrant state located in central Mexico, known for its colonial architecture, hot springs, and the famous San Marcos Fair. The state's capital, Aguascalientes City, hosts one of the most important cultural festivals in Mexico. It has a population of about 1.4 million people and is an industrial hub, with a focus on manufacturing and agriculture. The distance from Acapulco is around 600 miles (965 km), making it a considerable but feasible trip by car.
2. Baja California Baja California offers breathtaking desert landscapes and the stunning coastlines of the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. Tourists flock to cities like Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada for their beaches, lively culture, and world-class wineries. With a population of around 3.7 million, Baja California has a strong economy based on tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The distance from Acapulco is approximately 1,200 miles (1,930 km).
3. Baja California Sur Known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, Baja California Sur is home to luxury resorts and famous natural landmarks like the Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Popular for whale watching, marine life, and desert landscapes, it attracts adventure seekers and those looking for a relaxing beach vacation. The state has about 798,000 residents and a thriving tourism sector. From Acapulco, it’s about 1,100 miles (1,770 km) away by road.
4. Campeche The colonial city of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage site, draws visitors for its well-preserved forts, colorful streets, and vibrant culture. With a population of approximately 928,000, Campeche is a key player in the oil and natural gas industries. It’s located on the Gulf of Mexico and is about 650 miles (1,045 km) from Acapulco, making it a great option for cultural tourism.
5. Chiapas Chiapas is a state rich in indigenous culture, history, and natural beauty. The magical town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, the Sumidero Canyon, and the Mayan ruins of Palenque are major attractions. Chiapas has a population of about 5.5 million people, and its economy is primarily based on agriculture, especially coffee and corn. Chiapas is approximately 430 miles (690 km) away from Acapulco, making it accessible for travelers looking for a cultural experience.
6. Chihuahua Chihuahua is home to the Copper Canyon, one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Mexico. The state is also known for its Tarahumara indigenous community and its rugged mountainous terrain, ideal for hiking and exploring. With a population of about 3.7 million, Chihuahua’s economy relies on agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. The state is roughly 1,000 miles (1,610 km) from Acapulco.
7. Coahuila Coahuila boasts desert landscapes, historic towns, and wine regions in areas like Parras de la Fuente. Torreón, its largest city, is an industrial hub, and the state has a population of about 3.2 million. Known for its mining industry, Coahuila also has a growing tourism sector. The distance from Acapulco is around 750 miles (1,200 km).
8. Colima One of Mexico's smallest states, Colima is famous for its active volcano, the Volcán de Colima, and the beautiful beaches of Manzanillo. This coastal state attracts visitors for its relaxed atmosphere and water activities. With a population of around 750,000, Colima's economy is primarily driven by trade and tourism. It’s located about 350 miles (560 km) from Acapulco.
9. Durango Durango offers a blend of colonial history and outdoor adventure, with activities like horseback riding and exploring the Sierra Madre mountains. Durango has a population of approximately 730,000 and is known for its mining industry and agriculture. From Acapulco, it is about 770 miles (1,240 km) away.
10. Guanajuato Guanajuato, with its UNESCO-listed colonial architecture and colorful streets, is one of Mexico’s most picturesque states. Popular attractions include the underground streets of Guanajuato City and the historic silver mining town of San Miguel de Allende. With a population of 1.9 million, Guanajuato’s economy is based on mining, agriculture, and tourism. The state is about 340 miles (550 km) from Acapulco.
11. Guerrero Guerrero is known for its stunning coastline, including the famous beach destinations of Acapulco and Zihuatanejo. The state also offers a rich cultural experience with its indigenous populations and vibrant festivals. Guerrero’s economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. With a population of around 6.5 million, Guerrero is an essential tourist destination in Mexico. Acapulco, one of its most famous cities, is only 190 miles (305 km) from the state capital, Chilpancingo.
12. Hidalgo Hidalgo, located in central Mexico, is known for its stunning natural parks, waterfalls, and historical towns like Pachuca, which is famous for its mining heritage. With a population of about 3.6 million, the state’s economy is driven by mining, agriculture, and textiles. The distance from Acapulco is roughly 300 miles (480 km).
13. Jalisco Jalisco is one of Mexico’s most popular tourist destinations, known for its tequila production, mariachi music, and charming towns like Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. With a population of about 8.4 million, Jalisco has a diverse economy driven by agriculture, industry, and tourism. The distance from Acapulco is around 400 miles (645 km).
14. México (State of Mexico) The State of Mexico surrounds Mexico City and offers access to cultural sites like the Teotihuacan pyramids and the charming town of Valle de Bravo. The state has a population of 17 million and is known for its proximity to the capital, contributing to its industrial and commercial economy. Acapulco is approximately 190 miles (305 km) away.
15. Michoacán Michoacán is famous for its colonial architecture, the Monarch butterfly sanctuary, and the lakeside town of Pátzcuaro. With a population of about 4.8 million, Michoacán’s economy is centered around agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The state is about 350 miles (560 km) from Acapulco.
16. Morelos Morelos, a small state located near Mexico City, offers visitors tranquil towns like Cuernavaca and a warm climate perfect for year-round tourism. The state has a population of around 900,000 and an economy based on agriculture, including sugar cane and flowers. It’s about 230 miles (370 km) from Acapulco.
17. Nayarit Nayarit is renowned for its pristine beaches, including Punta Mita and Sayulita, which are becoming increasingly popular with tourists. The state has a population of around 1.3 million and an economy that is based largely on tourism, agriculture, and fishing. From Acapulco, it is about 1,000 miles (1,610 km) away.
18. Nuevo León Nuevo León, home to Monterrey, Mexico's third-largest city, is known for its vibrant culture, business-friendly environment, and natural beauty. The state has a population of around 5.3 million and is a leader in industries like steel, cement, and high-tech. The distance from Acapulco is about 680 miles (1,095 km).
19. Oaxaca Oaxaca is famous for its rich cultural heritage, colorful festivals, and indigenous communities. The state is known for its unique cuisine, particularly mole and mezcal. Oaxaca has a population of about 4.1 million, and its economy relies on agriculture, tourism, and arts. Acapulco is roughly 320 miles (515 km) away by road.
20. Puebla Puebla is a state rich in history and architecture, with UNESCO sites like the city of Puebla and Cholula’s Great Pyramid. Known for its delicious cuisine, particularly mole poblano, Puebla has a population of about 6 million. The distance from Acapulco is about 220 miles (350 km).
21. Querétaro Querétaro is famous for its colonial architecture and rapidly growing industries in areas like aerospace and technology. The state has a population of around 2.5 million. It is about 350 miles (560 km) from Acapulco.
22. Quintana Roo Quintana Roo is home to Mexico's most famous beach destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. The state is known for its Mayan ruins, coral reefs, and vibrant nightlife. Quintana Roo’s economy is driven by tourism, with a population of around 5 million. The state is approximately 1,100 miles (1,770 km) from Acapulco.
23. San Luis Potosí San Luis Potosí offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Popular attractions include the Huasteca Potosina region with its waterfalls and caves. The state has a population of around 2.8 million and an economy based on agriculture, mining, and tourism. It is located about 600 miles (970 km) from Acapulco.
24. Sinaloa Sinaloa, known for its agriculture, especially corn and tomatoes, has a rich cultural tradition. Culiacán is the state's largest city and the center of the agricultural industry. Sinaloa has a population of around 4 million. The distance from Acapulco is about 850 miles (1,365 km).
25. Sonora Sonora is famous for its deserts, beaches, and unique cuisine, including its famous Sonoran hot dog. With a population of around 3 million, the state’s economy is based on mining, agriculture, and tourism. The distance from Acapulco is about 1,100 miles (1,770 km).
26. Tabasco Tabasco is known for its lush landscapes, rivers, and vibrant culture. Villahermosa, the state capital, is an industrial and cultural hub. With a population of about 2.4 million, the economy revolves around oil, agriculture, and tourism. Acapulco is approximately 500 miles (805 km) away.
27. Tamaulipas Tamaulipas is located on the border with the United States and has a strong economy based on agriculture, oil, and manufacturing. The state has a population of around 3.5 million and is known for its beaches and historic towns. The distance from Acapulco is approximately 950 miles (1,530 km).
28. Tlaxcala Tlaxcala, the smallest state in Mexico, is known for its colonial architecture and vibrant traditions. With a population of around 1.3 million, the state is known for its agricultural output, particularly corn and tomatoes. It is located about 240 miles (380 km) from Acapulco.
29. Veracruz Veracruz, located along the Gulf of Mexico, is a state known for its beaches, tropical climate, and cultural heritage. The state has a population of around 8 million and is an important port and tourism destination. Veracruz is approximately 600 miles (970 km) from Acapulco.
30. Yucatán Yucatán is known for its Mayan ruins, including Chichen Itzá, and its stunning colonial cities like Mérida. With a population of around 2.3 million, Yucatán’s economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and textiles. The distance from Acapulco is approximately 800 miles (1,290 km).
31. Zacatecas Zacatecas is known for its colonial architecture and silver mining history. The state capital, also called Zacatecas, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a population of about 3.1 million, Zacatecas' economy focuses on mining, agriculture, and tourism. The state is about 700 miles (1,125 km) from Acapulco.
32. Ciudad de México (Mexico City) Mexico City, the capital of the country, is a vibrant, bustling metropolis known for its cultural richness, museums, and historic landmarks like Chapultepec Castle and the Zócalo. The city is home to over 9 million people, making it the largest city in Mexico. Its economy is diverse, with key sectors in manufacturing, services, and tourism. Mexico City is located about 200 miles (320 km) from Acapulco.