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On February 22, Mexican forces killed the powerful cartel boss known as “El Mencho,” setting off fires, roadblocks, and shelter-in-place alerts across more than a dozen states. Graphic videos of burning cars swamped social media. Within hours, travelers as far away as Cancun — more than a thousand miles from the epicenter — were calling to cancel their trips. But should they?
El Mencho’s Death Set Off Chaos
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. known as “El Mencho”, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. His death triggered retaliatory violence across more than a dozen states: highways blocked, cars torched, airports disrupted. The Mexican government deployed nearly 10,000 troops to restore order. President Claudia Sheinbaum declared the country “at peace.” Not everyone was convinced.
Cancun Sits Over 1,000 Miles From the Epicenter
Geography matters here. Cancun is located over 1,187 miles from Puerto Vallarta, roughly the same distance as Los Angeles to Chicago. The two cities sit on completely opposite sides of the country. Cancun’s home state, Quintana Roo, also sits well outside the Jalisco cartel’s historic territory. According to security analysts, the disruption there was minor compared to the Pacific coast.
Why Travelers Are “Freaking Out”
Elizabeth Urraza, a destination wedding planner based in Playa del Carmen, described her clients’ sudden panic. “They’re freaking out because the news in their homes is fresh,” she told USA TODAY. Many had just sent out save-the-dates for weddings in Cancun. But Urraza says what’s happening on the ground tells a very different story from the alarming social media posts.
‘One Incident in One City Doesn’t Mean the Whole Country Is in Shambles’
Mariana Lange, a Cancun resident since 2019, reported the city felt “completely calm” following El Mencho’s death. Kids were in school, businesses were open, and buses were running. “Unfortunately, all of Mexico is being deemed as a war zone,” she said. “One incident in one city doesn’t mean the whole country is in shambles.” Security experts largely agreed, though with caveats.
‘It Wouldn’t Make Sense to Attack Tourists’
Robert J. Bunker has studied Mexican cartels since the 1990s and written more than a dozen books on the subject. When asked whether tourists faced real danger, his assessment — widely cited — was direct: “It wouldn’t make sense to attack tourists.” He expected cartels to target authorities first, not visitors, and said he would not cancel a Cancun spring break trip.
Why Cancun’s Tourism Zone Works Like a Fortress
Jason Wright, founder of Paradise Weddings, put it simply: most visitors travel from one secure bubble to the next. “You go from the airport to the resort,” he said. “If you want excursions, that’s a different story.” Mexico’s government deploys extra security in tourist zones, and most resorts employ private guards. Protection that many travelers don’t even realize is in place.
Mexico’s Level 2 Advisory
Quintana Roo — home to Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen — carries a Level 2 advisory from the U.S. State Department: “exercise increased caution.” It is not a “do not travel” warning. States like Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas carry the stricter Level 4 designation. None of those are near Cancun. Understanding the difference matters before making any decisions about your trip.
Here’s How to Reduce Your Risk
Monitor the State Department’s advisory page closely. It can update by the hour during any fast-moving events. Enroll in the free STEP program to receive emergency alerts while traveling abroad. At your destination, use hotel-recommended transport rather than random taxis. Consider travel insurance with a “Cancel for Any Reason” upgrade. Experts recommend staying close to resort areas, especially after dark.
Cancun Isn’t Puerto Vallarta
Tourism brought Mexico $36.7 billion last year, with well over half flowing through Quintana Roo alone. The industry and the government have strong incentives to keep Cancun safe. That doesn’t mean risks don’t exist — it means travelers should decide with clear eyes, not panic. Read official advisories, skip the social media spiral, and make the call on your own terms.