The series was created by Austin Winsberg, Eduardo Cisneros, and Jason Shuman, drawing inspiration from the 2017 film How to Be a Latin Lover.

Apple gave a series order for Acapulco in December 2020, with Austin Winsberg serving as showrunner alongside Chris Harris.

Gaz Alazraki was originally set to executive produce and direct the pilot episode, but in March 2021 it was reported that Richard Shepard would direct the pilot instead.

Eugenio Derbez was announced as the headlining star when the series was ordered in December 2020, with the rest of the main cast, including Enrique Arrizon, Damián Alcázar and Camila Perez, joining in March and April 2021.

Filming for the first season began on April 7, 2021, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and wrapped on June 20, 2021.

To promote the second season's renewal, Apple Music released an official soundtrack that included the song 'Sombrero,' performed by Mexican Dubwiser and written by David Asante.

On Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 15 critics' reviews of the series are positive, with an average rating of 7.4/10, and the critical consensus praises its talented ensemble and 'sweetly nostalgic' charm.