Cancun Joins Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, and More as Unrest Shakes Mexico’s Iconic Tourist Destinations: You Need to Know

Published on February 24, 2026

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Violence and escalating security operations across Mexico have caused widespread disruption, with Cancun now added to the list of affected tourist destinations, including Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Mazatlan. These popular hotspots, renowned for their stunning beaches, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, are now grappling with criminal activity and heightened security measures that are impacting local life and tourism.

In Cancun, the unrest has led to flight cancellations, roadblocks, and the closure of businesses as security forces intensify their operations in response to growing violence. The situation has severely disrupted travel, with ride-sharing services suspended and some local businesses forced to shut down temporarily for safety reasons. This upheaval has prompted the U.S. Department of State to issue a security alert, advising American citizens to shelter in place and monitor official updates as the crisis unfolds. The instability continues to shake some of Mexico’s most iconic tourist destinations, causing travelers to reassess their plans.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico has urged U.S. citizens in affected regions to take immediate precautions, citing ongoing security operations, road blockages, and increased criminal activity. While airports remain operational, the violence has resulted in canceled flights, particularly in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. Ride-sharing services in Puerto Vallarta have been suspended, and numerous local businesses have temporarily closed, reflecting the serious nature of the situation.

Affected Areas

The violence has spread to multiple states across Mexico, including those that are popular with tourists. These areas include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Jalisco State: This state includes key tourist destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Chapala, and Guadalajara. Puerto Vallarta, in particular, has been heavily affected by the ongoing unrest, causing disruptions to travel plans.
• Baja California State: Tijuana, Tecate, and Ensenada, all major cities in Baja California, have been impacted by the unrest.
• Quintana Roo State: The tourist hotspots of Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum in this region are also experiencing instability, with some travel disruptions and heightened security.
• Nayarit State: The Nuevo Nayarit/Nuevo Vallarta area near Puerto Vallarta is among the regions facing significant security challenges.
• Sinaloa State: Mazatlan, a popular beach destination, has seen violence due to ongoing clashes.
• Other affected states: In addition to these key regions, violence has spread across various other states, including Colima, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Estado de Mexico, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretaro, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Zacatecas.

This wide-ranging impact is causing major disruptions, especially in tourist-heavy areas, which are typically frequented by U.S. citizens.

Impact on Airports and Flights

Despite no official closures of airports, the violence has led to significant disruptions in air travel. The U.S. Department of State reported that roadblocks have caused delays and cancellations, especially at airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta. These cancellations have affected both domestic and international flights, making travel plans uncertain.

Travelers attempting to depart from these airports are advised to stay informed about the status of their flights, as roadblock-related disruptions continue to impact airline operations. At the time of the most recent update, officials indicated that flights could potentially resume by February 23 or 24, although this timeline remains subject to change depending on the evolving security situation.

Additionally, several toll roads have been temporarily suspended due to roadblocks, further complicating travel within the country. U.S. citizens are strongly advised to check for the latest road status updates via the official @CAPUFE social media accounts and avoid unnecessary travel in affected regions.

Safety Recommendations for U.S. Citizens

Given the volatile security situation in several parts of Mexico, the U.S. Embassy has provided the following guidance for U.S. citizens currently in the country:

• Seek shelter: U.S. citizens are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movements, especially in areas affected by the violence.
• Avoid high-risk areas: Stay away from areas experiencing heavy law enforcement activity or security operations. These areas may become dangerous and unpredictable.
• Monitor local updates: Keep up with the latest news through local media channels and the official social media accounts of Mexican authorities for real-time updates on the security situation.
• Check road closures: Use @CAPUFE on social media to stay informed about any road closures, especially toll roads, as several routes in affected regions have been temporarily suspended.
• Stay in touch: Keep family and friends updated about your whereabouts and safety through phone, text, and social media. It is crucial to stay connected to ensure that loved ones are aware of your status in case of emergency.
• Follow local authority guidance: Pay close attention to the directions and instructions provided by local law enforcement and government officials. In case of an emergency, call 911 for immediate assistance.

The U.S. Department of State advises U.S. citizens to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) before traveling abroad. This free service provides crucial updates on security conditions in destination countries and ensures the U.S. government can contact citizens in case of an emergency.

What to Expect Moving Forward

As the situation in Mexico continues to develop, U.S. citizens are encouraged to remain vigilant and flexible with their travel plans. The Mexican government is actively addressing the violence, but the unpredictable nature of the unrest means that further disruptions may occur. Travelers should keep informed and exercise caution when navigating areas where security forces are actively engaged in operations.

While the current situation is concerning, most major tourist destinations remain open, albeit under heightened security. However, the evolving nature of the violence underscores the importance of following safety guidelines and staying updated with official travel alerts.

Cancun has now joined Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Mazatlan, and other popular tourist destinations as unrest and security operations disrupt travel, daily life, and business operations across Mexico’s iconic hotspots.

In conclusion, the ongoing violence and heightened security measures in key tourist destinations across Mexico, including Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara, and others, have significantly disrupted travel and daily life. With roadblocks, flight cancellations, and business closures, the unrest has raised serious safety concerns for both locals and tourists. As the situation evolves, U.S. citizens are advised to stay informed, shelter in place where necessary, and follow the guidance of local authorities. Travelers planning to visit these regions should carefully reconsider their plans and monitor updates closely to ensure their safety.