02/26/2026
Social media sensationalism
Versus
Boots on the ground
Okay. Time to weigh in here...
Headlines screaming all kinds of things
Costco Burning
Cozumel Closed Down
Americans Killed
Those are the most flagrant violations of malpractice here.
Other headlines offer more truth.
Unrest After Drug Kingpin Killed
Violent Response in Parts of Mexico
Americans Told to Shelter in Place
Airport Closed as a Precaution
Yes, Sunday was not a good day for both Mexican citizens and tourists, particularly in Puerto Vallarta. Yes, a cartel leader was killed and predictably violence followed. But the violence was not everywhere because like violent outbursts anywhere, it was localized.
There were isolated incidents in other parts of the country, most notably in Guadalajara. A few cars were set on fire in other areas in solidarity, but no Americans were harmed.
Then the fallout. Hundreds of people canceling trips to Cancun, some not occurring until the fall. Why? What they read social media without context or vetting.
Context:
Puerto Vallarta is on the west coast of Mexico. It is a 20 hour drive from Tucson, the nearest American city, and a 30 hour drive to Cancun, located at the eastermost point of Mexico. Flights are about 6 hours long, like going from NY to LA.
Cartels are a thing in Mexico. But like other organized crime, they work in territories and not in the entire country. The territory that the cartel leader who was killed was the western Mexican area including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara. That's why the violence was there. Context matters.
Vetting:
Costco didn't burn down
Cozumel never closed down
No Americans were killed
Boots on the ground
I have two friends who live in Puerto Vallarta. Yes, they were scared in Sunday as I would have been. They also indicated today that things, while tense, are much less tenuous.
I have three friends who live in the Cancun area as well as several travel agent colleagues who are visiting NOW! They have all reported the following:
More police and Mexican Army
That's it. Otherwise no changes in protocols or security or anything else.
Full disclaimer: I will never guarantee safety to ANYONE going anywhere, even myself going to the mailbox attached to my house. That said, no matter where in the world you are, you need to exercise caution to the degree you are comfortable. If your gut tells you no, then I get it and I won't make a judgement. I will simply suggest another destination.
But I ask a simple ask. Can you please step away from the noise and talk with someone who has unbiased information?
I am not sending you to Iran, North Korea, Russia, Ukraine or any country with a State Department level 4 alert status and I will hesitate to send you to a level 3 destination. Most of Mexico is at a level 2, the same as Antarctia. I have almost 12 years under my belt and so far, so good.
Thanks for reading this. Book a trip by Sunday with me, mention this post and I will give you a $25 gift card to the store of your choice.
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