TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Cancun - Isla Mujeres - Mexico New travel warnings for Cancun

The US State Department has issued a new Level 2 travel warning for Cancun. Eight bodies were found in the last few days, they were unidentified. Use extreme caution in the area for increased violent crimes. Read in The Points Guy.com

30,000 reported murders last year. How many unreported?
I'm not going to Chicago or Baltimore either.

This is a level 2 travel advisory for all areas of Mexico* advising heightened caution. There is crime, and as always using common sense when traveling anywhere is advised. Note - France, Germany and Antarctica have Level 2 advisories...

*Level 3 (Reconsider travel), and Level 4 (Do not travel) are in place for the areas of Mexico deemed more dangerous...

Not new.

Corrections & Clarifications: An earlier version incorrectly identified the area of Mexico the travel advisory was issued.

The State Department issued a travel advisory Wednesday warning American citizens headed to Mexico to use caution in several states.
"The State Department travel advisory for Mexico does not include any tourist or beach areas and reaffirms that all major tourist destinations in Mexico are safe," a spokesperson for the Quintana Roo Tourism Board said in a statement.

USA Today Story

Of course the Q Roo Tourism Board will make that statement. And USA Today apparently published it even though it is also inaccurate...?

The initial USA Today article linking the 8 bodies found in Cancun with the August 22 update to the travel advisory was definitely inaccurate (what’s new?). The August travel advisory update was issued for Ciudad Juarez and not Q Roo, which has been at level 2 for some time.

But the Q Roo tourism board statement is also very inaccurate and misleading, as the “major tourist destinations...” of Cancun and Playa Del Carmen have seen several violent murders IN the tourist areas. Most of these are considered cartel slayings, but the potential danger to innocent bystanders cannot be ignored.

But the media has once again contributed (either in the pursuit of sales using hype or just plain lack of basic research) to uncertainty in the minds of those considering travel to Q Roo, especially new visitors. There are several posts on other travel forums from folks canceling trips to Q Roo based on the USA Today article...a shame...

So to clarify, the actual travel warning for Q Roo has not changed. This is the Level 2 advisory for Q Roo from the US State Department:

Quintana Roo state – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred.

There are no restrictions on U.S. government employees for travel in Quintana Roo state, which includes tourist areas such as: Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya.

Entire Acapulco police force disarmed due to links to drug gangs. Great place to vacation!

https://nypost.com/2018/09/26/mexico-disarms-entire-acapulco-police-force-over-link-to-drug-gangs/

Work for us, or we'll kill your family. Not sure how many of us would be squeaky clean in that scenario. God's blessings, and protection for all who are affected down there.

Very alarming report indeed.

The distance from Acapulco to Cancun is about the same as Orlando Florida to Portland Maine.

Very true indeed...

Another murder in Playa this week. Guy was mugged and stabbed. He was founnd with crack and two transvestites.
Not judging. That's what the news here said.


https://www.riviera-maya-news.com/c...rcation-while-partying-in-park/2018.html

Hmmm, said he was from Canada but worked there in a hotel. Then it corrects that and said he lives in California. This whole story seems fishy.

The initial al report said he was a Canadian tourist, and when more details emerged he was described as a worker living here and reputed to be involved with drugs. Too many trolls (many of whom are on TA and have no experiences in Mexico) thrive on posting negative “news” and don’t wait for the facts.
The main point is this was apparently not a random threat toward a tourist but a drug-related local event...

Just back from an AI in Playa del Carmen. I encountered a security issue. I had a croissant on my plate on the beach and a creature all in black swooped in, stole it and quickly departed, so fast it was almost like it had wings. Hotel security was no help in helping ID this criminal, there only response was to send a waiter with another. Definitely avoid this area.

As a side Note, Happy Shuttle provided great service to and from the airport, we have a regular driver. Henrry (with 2 rs).

[quote][/quote]
Happens to my fries all the time.

Similar transgression in Cancun, we were visiting the RIU Caribe for the day and about to enjoy lunch on the oceanfront deck when a winged raptor-like creature made a sortie into the deck and was off with my burger - ALL of it - before I could even take a bite!
Cunning little devil, and my wife swears the other fliers were laughing as we just sat there...

https://www.breitbart.com/border/2018/12/28/graphic-cancun-wraps-2018-with-at-least-540-homicides/

Attached is an article showing Cancun finishing 2018 with 540 homicides.

Local Homicide Cases Per Year

2018 — 540 (as of December 28)

2017 — 227

2016 — 61

2015 — 37

2014 — 21

That is way more than double last year and 25 times increase in 5 years.


The trend is worth taking note and indicates the general area is far more unsafe than in recent years. I agree it is probably ok to get to your resort and park it. Not sure id wander around and/or get in a cheap local bus ride down the coast to Tulum.

We live here 6 months of the year.

I can assure you there are no banditos robbing people (on busses) on the Carretera Federal.

bugmbilias--I really don't know much about this topic, but I wonder why you are rolling on the floor laughing, as you deny there are people robbing busses? But more importantly, do you dispute the 'facts' stated in that piece, about the number of homicides in Cancun? I 'get' that these are supposedly drug related homicides, but that is an AWFUL lot of homicides, and collateral damage can happen, when crime is widespread.

There’s a lot of homicide in Chicago as well. I am sure the Lincoln Park crowd could care less as well until no one wants to live there.

The characterization of “cheap local busses” being somehow related to homicides is absurd.

I did not dispute the rise in crime or the accuracy of the article. This area (Caribbean Mexico) has for several times been the fastest growing region in the entire hemisphere. There has been a rise in everything, pizza shops, ATM machines, taxis, developments and correspondingly more gangsters doing gangster stuff.

Context is important.
I’m trying to provide that. In our daily life, shopping, golfing, driving our car up and down the coast from Cancun to Tulum, and pretty much doing all the activities necessary I can assure you this is not a war zone but a pleasantly friendly, increasingly convenient place to vacation and live with hard working, normal, happy people.

I’m wondering why you’re confused. Is this not a forum to share first hand information and experience? Otherwise all we need is news reports.

You’re right, I guess what I meant to say is I wouldn’t go cheap on a shore excursion by taking unfamiliar public transportation blending with the locals. Like I try to do sometimes.
I’d stay on the beaten tourist path. Obviously someone like yourself knows your way around.

The numbers in the article are stunning. If they told me 500 5 years ago I’d say , oh normal.....but they don’t so I think more caution is advised not to end up in the wrong pizza shop on the wrong street.

[img]http://https://goo.gl/images/TP4SWA[/img]

Here’s the local bus transportation

I guess that means that you don't dispute the murder statistics. I personally haven't been to Cancun in several years, but this very rapid increase in murder rates would not be calculated to make me want to go any time soon.

I’m not familiar with this publication nor do I know if the statistics are accurate or where they were sourced. Certain other news outlets do tend to sensationalize this topic with inflated numbers and unfounded data, and I’m not saying this is one of those. I am aware of the rise in gang-related, turf war activities, I would just need to seek out coraborating sources as usual.

But bugambilias is right on - our daily life in the Riviera Maya is as he states, and context is important to really understand this. We enjoy life here and the people are wonderful! Usually this type of post is by a couple of trolls we know of who have never visited Mexico and never will, but thrive on sharing negative news about the area for some reason. I’m not accusing the OP of that at all, but yes, context is all important when sharing this kind of information for newbies to rely on.

bugambilias--somehow I missed your last response in this thread. Sorry.

I didnt start the thread and I am wanting and planning a trip within the year to Riviera Maya. I am not worried about getting from airport to resort. I did add onto this thread when I read those statistics because they are significant in their acceleration. Traveling folks should be aware, everywhere they go in the world.

Your first hand views temper my distantly collected statistics and are reassuring.

You are right, this thread was started by another poster with misinformation and that just makes it so confusing for anyone interested in traveling to this area of Mexico. And yes, the numbers reported are disturbing to be sure. But I hope you can continue with your plans and enjoy whatever area you choose to visit.

We have favorite AI resorts (adults-only and family-friendly to the north and south of Playa, as well as boutique hotels and condos in and around the Playa area and a resort in Cancun. Now that we have a home here we spend most of our time enjoying different beaches, Mayan sites, natural wonders, and golfing. Just a great area to retire to! The sargassum has been the one thing we’ve all been talking about, and that finally seems to be improving.

Enjoy your planning!

I am the original OP of this post and I resent your comment on my leading with misinformation. My information was from the US Dept. and I only posted as every one else does to forward information. You all have your head in the sand. Safe?? You can love your Riviera. You try to encourage US residents to go to Mexico? You can keep trying to tell us it is a safe destination but statistics are proving you wrong. End of discussion, we are tired of hearing how safe you all are while many are still being murdered (for whatever reason). By the way, I have been to Mexico 4 times so don't comment that I don't know what I am talking about.

Can't drink the water or the alcohol...…...

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news...orts-after-tourists-blackouts/513563001/

https://www.jsonline.com/story/news...s-blackouts-tourists-continue/733401002/


If Mexico is so lovely, why is over 10% of it's population living in the U.S. with millions more trying to get here?

Here's your post in Cancun-Isla Mujeres-Mexico from 23 December 2018



What happened since then to change your mind?

I am the original OP of this post and I resent your comment on my leading with misinformation. My information was from the US Dept. and I only posted as every one else does to forward information. You all have your head in the sand. Safe?? You can love your Riviera. You try to encourage US residents to go to Mexico? You can keep trying to tell us it is a safe destination but statistics are proving you wrong. End of discussion, we are tired of hearing how safe you all are while many are still being murdered (for whatever reason). By the way, I have been to Mexico 4 times so don't comment that I don't know what I am talking about.


Your title and your first statement was incorrect:
“The US State Department has issued a new Level 2 travel warning for Cancun...”

The Level II warning was not new for this area at all, the increased warning level was for Juarez. This statement created much confusion for those newer to the area seeking information about the Riviera Maya and it needed to be clarified. Obviously there has been violence, esp in the Cancun city area, and we are not disputing that.

We do not “try to encourage US residents to go to Mexico”, but we do share our experiences in Mexico and elsewhere and try to provide balanced information. I’m glad you were able to make 4 visits to Mexico, and I hoe you can return. I didn’t say you don’t know what you are talking about, just that your statement was inaccurate.

I’m sorry you are tired of hearing how safe we all are, but there have been so many exaggerated and misleading articles from some of the US rags and other sources - such as those that 2fingers felt compelled to share - that some balance is needed, IMHO....

Here's your post in Cancun-Isla Mujeres-Mexico from 23 December 2018



What happened since then to change your mind?

[/quote]

Duh: Nothing changed my mind. I was in Isla 10 years ago and the locals were great. By the way, so was the food.

Hey don't shoot the messenger! I didn't write the article, the US State Dept. did. Write to them and tell them people misinterpreted the article. It was not Cancun because Cancun is safe.

The State Dept warning was fine...
The title of this thread is the problem...
No worries!

Duh: Nothing changed my mind. I was in Isla 10 years ago and the locals were great. By the way, so was the food.[/quote]

Okay! I understand. “Are great” and “were great” are interchangeable in your world?

Maybe we should tell that traveler you advised that he’s liable to be murdered and beheaded instead of being completely clueless and expecting great locals.

A thread worthy of extinction if ever there was one...very unfortunate it was dredged up again...

Please, I am done here. I refuse to spend my New Years Eve defending a useless post I wrote back in August! You guys can keep your Riviera Maya and all that goes with it. Now where did I hide that bottle of Tequila to toast in the New Year???

A little bit of acknowledgment about it back then would have gone a long way, but hey...

Happy New Year!

My wife and I recently returned from a trip to Hidden Beach Resort in Mexico. It's about an hour's drive from Cancun Airport. We had no concerns about our safety at any time during our trip. We're primarily going for the sunshine, and don't have much interest in sightseeing, visiting ruins, etc. I'd never rent a car there, as the local drivers are rather erratic, and the roads are somewhat unpredictable. But the people generally seem friendly and OK. We're going back in November!

Many sunny holiday destinations have high crime rates, and high murder rates. Tourist crime is largely avoidable; if you wander around covered in jewels and expensive watches, don't be surprised if someone relieves you of the burden. Murders tend to be of locals, by locals, and are usually gang-related or drug-related. It's interesting to look at murder rates (ie the number of murders per 100,000 population). Mexico has an almost gentle figure of 19.26 which is much lower than Trinidad & Tobago (30.88) or Jamaica (47.01 - more than double the rate in Mexico!). Yet most of us are quite happy to visit Jamaica. My wife & I visited Tobago a few years ago, hired a car, had a wander around, drank in local bars, no problems at all.

In contrast, Dominican Republic has a murder rate of only 15.18 yet this is one of the few places we'd never ever return to! The resort we stayed in had armed guards at night. We were ambushed in our taxi on the way back to the airport by an armed gang of renegade cops and soldiers, who extracted money from the cab driver. So murders aren't necessarily the real indicator of risk.

Well just read on the internet that 7 people (tourists?) were killed in a nightclub in PLAYA DEL CARMEN. last night. Anyone care to comment???

News article you refer to. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news...ican-resort-playa-del-carmen/2508372002/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2...shooting-bar-la-virginias-mexican-resort

Unfortunately That stuff happens everywhere these days.

Absolutely not tourists.
That is not a nightclub.
It’s a low income neighborhood miles from the beach and completely off the commercial area.
Still, any loss of life is a horrible thing.

“Well”...Glad you were again able to find something to cite incorrectly. Just unfortunate some folks thrive on sharing only negative news...

Sorry to read of this, certainly a horrible thing to happen, whatever the cause...

It is quite painful to know this type of news, however, tourists are not at risk because the vast majority of crimes occur around the city and not in the tourist area.

Get ready.

A recent shooting on Constituentes and Fifth will probably be in the news soon. Yes, right in the heart of the tourist zone.
Apparently the police were trying to apprehend a suspect when he began shooting at the officers. Rumor has it one Dutch bystander was struck by two stray bullets.

More to come.

When a country averages almost 3000 murders a month (reported, how many unreported?), I would guess one would probably make the news once in a while.

The incident I referenced above was not a murder. The story has it, the tourist's arm was grazed and took one in the shoulder.

My mistake. Still shocking considering Mexico's strict anti gun laws

If this is the same incident reported this week, the suspect was meeting an acquaintance who owed $$ (both locals), as the payee arrived he saw the suspect was holding and called the police. The suspect fled and police located his vehicle at Juarez y 30th (several blocks away from the tourist area). Shots were fired, he fled and was subsequently apprehended on Constituyentes y 20th. No bystanders were harmed according to the report.

Is this the same incident? Or has more information been published about this one?

Laws...

That's the one! Same. I heard it differently. Hope you are right!

Well I don't rely on many of the sources these reports are generated by because the preliminary info is often based on misinformation...so not sure...
I'm now hearing about another incident away from the tourist zone but details are fuzzy...

EJECUTAN A DUEÑO DE TAQUERÍA "RIBON" EN LA NUEVA CREACIÓN.

Un hombre, dueño de una taquería, fue asesinado a tiros esta noche en la colonia Nueva Creación de esta ciudad.

Rafael R. C., de 27 años de edad recibió disparos en la cabeza y tórax, al interior de su local, Tacos Ribón, en la avenida Misión del Carmen con Othón P. Blanco, quedando gravemente herido. Quienes estaban con él optaron por trasladarlo en su propio automóvil al Hospital General de la ciudad, dónde falleció, aunque no se descarta que el móvil pudiera ser el famoso "derecho de piso".

Autoridades policiacas acordonaron la escena del crimen, hallando tres cartuchos de bala.

Sorry, here is my attempt at translation

THE OWNER OF "RIBON" TACO STAND IN THE NEW CREATION NEIGHBORHOOD EXECUTED.

A man, owner of a Taco Stand, was shot and killed tonight in the New Creation area of Playa del Carmen

Rafael R. C., 27 years old, was shot in inside his store Tacos Ribon. He was hit it in the head and chest, near the intersection of Mission del Carmen Street and Othon P. Blanco Avenue , Because he was so seriously wounded, bystanders chose to move him in his own car to the General Hospital of the city, where he died. Investigators suspect that his cell phone could be the famous "right floor". ("LIteral translation", i think it means "motive" of the robbery)

Police authorities blocked off the crime scene and found three bullet casings.

And the beat goes on...……………………………………………..

LOL...that was a mistake bugambilias - he/she thinks this gives even more credence to the misinformation posted here...

I spent a bunch of time in Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta 20 years ago. They were the places to go in Mexico. Very safe and wonderful people. Things changed and tourism is dead there. It’s changing even faster now on the East coast of Mexico. Unless there are major changes that occur soon things will end up exactly like Acapulco if not worse. It’s safe now, in five years who knows.
G

Friend is going to Acapulco from here in Playa tomorrow. He is going for a Crypto Currency Convention. This is his third visit in 12 months. According to him, the beach area looks brand new and he says the hotels are filled with tourists.

There is the geographic factor. No real sense driving a tractor trailer full of cocaine onto a peninsula with only one real seaport. Quintana Roo is primarily a retail outlet not a major route.

We love Puerto Vallarta!