Tourists describe hunkering down as cartel violence erupts in Mexico

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Tourists in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, during cartel violence
American tourists were told to shelter in place as cartel violence erupted in Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Mexico.

REUTERS

Puerto Vallarta became a favorite escape for Americans. Now, some are thinking twice.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A young damily sits on a couch, a dog on their lap.
Hannah Donovan and her family.

Courtesy of Talie Boyle

I flew to Puerto Vallarta to escape the blizzard in New Jersey. Now I'm sheltering from cartel violence.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Smiling at the camera, a man stands on a balcony overlooking a beach, turquoise water, anchored boats, and a white sail-shaped pier.
Brian Thompson, 75, arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday and is sheltering in place.

Courtesy of Brian Thompson

I've spent the last 10 winters in Puerto Vallarta. I've always felt safer in Mexico than I do in the US.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Puerto Vallarta with smoke
Branden James and his husband have spent the last 10 winters in Puerto Vallarta

Courtesy of Branden James

Satellite images show fires, roadblocks, and cars burning in a Costco parking lot after cartel violence in Mexico

Tech Insider : Business
Cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, on February 22.
Cars on fire along a coastal road in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday.

Satellite image ©2026 Vantor.

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