Puerto Vallarta, a popular destination for Californian tourists, experienced a surge of unrest this weekend as cartel violence erupted following the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, Mexico’s most-wanted drug trafficker. Reports indicate widespread disruption, with tourists and expats advised to shelter in place as gunmen set vehicles ablaze and blocked key roadways. The situation prompted a scramble for safety among visitors, including many from California, who found themselves caught in the crossfire.
The unrest began Sunday, triggered by the security forces’ action against Cervantes, and quickly spread beyond Jalisco, impacting resort towns like Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Whereas Puerto Vallarta is generally considered one of the safer cities in Mexico for tourists, the sudden escalation of violence left many feeling vulnerable and seeking refuge. The events underscore the ongoing challenges of cartel activity in Mexico and the potential for disruptions to travel and daily life.
Carjacking and Shelter-in-Place Orders
Craig Chamberlain, a resident of Newport Beach, California, recounted a harrowing experience Sunday morning. He and his wife were driving towards Los Muertos beach when they spotted plumes of smoke rising from the city center, prompting them to turn back. Shortly after, they were stopped by an armed man wearing a black mask who demanded their Kia Sorento, according to Chamberlain. “He was particularly hyped up and agitated,” Chamberlain said. “When someone’s waving a gun in your face, you don’t really want to talk back too much.”
Following the carjacking, Chamberlain and his wife sought shelter in a local restaurant, joining approximately 15 others, including a man in his 80s and a mother with a one-year-ancient child. From the restaurant terrace, they witnessed further fires erupt across the city. At one point, a car was doused with gasoline and set alight just 200 feet from their location. Remarkably, Chamberlain observed a mother continuing to play with her baby even as the vehicle burned nearby, a scene he described as surreal.
The U.S. Embassy and Consulates issued updated security alerts advising U.S. Citizens to shelter in place in Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Ciudad Guzman, Tijuana, Chiapas, and Michoacan. As of Monday, the situation had calmed in many areas, but the shelter-in-place advisory remained in effect for several locations.
Stranded Tourists and Community Resilience
Wesley Eure, an actor and writer from Palm Springs, best known for his role as Michael Horton on Days of Our Lives, described a similar scene of escalating tension. He observed smoke billowing from the direction of his apartment in the Zona Romantica and witnessed fires breaking out blocks away. Eure reported that his local pharmacy was burned and looted, and a bus explosion near his bank and gym caused significant damage. His landlord advised him to remain inside.
Many tourists found themselves stranded, with flights canceled and transportation disrupted. Katy Holloman, a makeup artist from El Dorado Hills, California, was scheduled to return home Sunday but had her flight canceled twice, as she shared in a Facebook video. “At this point,” she said, “just really hoping that we make it back home safely very, very soon.”
A Community Pulls Together
Despite the chaos, residents and tourists alike highlighted the resilience and kindness of the local community. Chamberlain noted that the restaurant staff provided them with a complimentary lunch, a gesture he described as typical of Mexican hospitality. Elizabeth Shanahan, a California expat who has lived in Puerto Vallarta for two decades, observed that the damage appeared focused on buses and cars, and that civilians were not being specifically targeted. “They’re not looking to hurt civilians…,” she said. Shanahan, who runs a yacht service business, added, “I sense safer here than I would in Minneapolis right now.”
By Monday morning, Eure ventured outside to find a sense of normalcy returning. He described the scene as “like ‘The Wizard of Oz’ — walking out into a colored world,” with neighbors chatting on stoops and people jogging along the Malecón, the town’s oceanfront boardwalk. He and a friend found an open restaurant and enjoyed a meal, though grocery stores remained crowded. While charred buildings and “Peligro” (danger) warning tape were visible inland, the overall atmosphere was one of calm and reassurance.
The events in Puerto Vallarta serve as a stark reminder of the security challenges facing some areas of Mexico. While the situation has stabilized, travelers are urged to remain vigilant and heed the advice of local authorities and the U.S. Department of State. The long-term impact on tourism remains to be seen, but the community’s spirit of resilience offers a glimmer of hope for a swift recovery.
As authorities continue to assess the situation and restore order, travelers to Mexico are encouraged to stay informed about current conditions and exercise caution. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.
