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Mexico after El Mencho: is the Riviera Maya safe for tourists?

23/02/2026 2 520 views
Mexico after El Mencho: is the Riviera Maya safe for tourists?

The death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes sparked a wave of violence in several Mexican states, with roadblocks and vehicles set on fire. However, large seaside resorts, particularly on the Riviera Maya, remain open, even if tourists are urged to be extra vigilant.

Don't panic, but stay cautious: despite the violence linked to the death of drug lord "El Mencho", Mexican tourist areas remain open and highly secure. By following a few simple rules, you can continue to enjoy your stay in good conditions.

Since the military operation that killed the leader of the Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) cartel, Mexico has faced retaliation in several regions, including roadblocks, arson and clashes with law enforcement. This situation is naturally worrying for travelers already in the country or about to leave it, especially those heading to the Riviera Maya, the heart of Mexican seaside tourism.

However, airports, large hotels and most tourist services continue to operate, with increased security. The challenge for tourists is not to flee hastily, but to adapt their behavior and travel plans to a more tense environment than usual.

Current situation for tourists

In tourist areas such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum and Cozumel, reported incidents mainly involve the burning of vehicles and a few stores, without directly targeting foreign visitors. All-inclusive resorts, hotel chains and large tourist facilities remain open and organized excursions continue, sometimes with changes to schedules or itineraries.

The police, military and National Guard presence is more visible, with patrols on main roads and increased checks around airports and hotel areas. Foreign authorities are calling for caution but are not, at this stage, calling for a general evacuation of travelers from coastal areas.

Riviera Maya: what's really happening

In the Riviera Maya, incidents were concentrated in certain areas: cars set on fire on the road between Cancun and Puerto Morelos, cars burned in Tulum, arson attacks near a shopping center in Playa del Carmen and attacks targeting specific businesses. 

These actions are part of a confrontation between criminal groups and law enforcement, rather than a strategy targeting tourists.

In large hotel zones (Cancun hotel zone, isolated resorts between Playa del Carmen and Tulum), security has been further strengthened, with access controls and increased surveillance of beaches and resort entrances. For visitors, this means more controls, but also better protection of the places where they stay.

Schools, daily life and risk perception

In Jalisco state and other affected regions, authorities have suspended classes in public and private schools, sometimes statewide, to limit the movement of students and teachers during the lockdowns. Some universities have opted for distance learning, and banks and businesses have temporarily closed their doors in the most exposed areas.

These measures show a country in “protection” mode: the aim is to minimize traffic on the streets during security operations or retaliation by criminal groups. For tourists, this sometimes creates a contrast between seaside life that seems almost normal and images of inland towns much more affected by blockades.

Practical tips for traveling safely

For travelers, the goal is to enjoy their stay while exercising increased caution.

◉ Stay in recognized tourist areas (Cancun hotel zone, Riviera Maya resorts, clearly identified tourist centers) and avoid less frequented peripheral areas.

◉ Limit night-time travel, particularly on secondary roads; use hotel shuttles, pre-booked private transfers and official taxis.

◉ Follow the instructions from your hotel or tour operator carefully, as they may adapt excursions and outings according to the local situation.

◉ Regularly check advice and updates from your embassy or consulate, as well as local alerts, before planning a long trip.

◉ Avoid any contact with illegal markets (drugs, weapons, contraband), which are directly linked to rivalries between cartels.

◉ By keeping a low profile (no ostentation, discreet use of social networks in real time) and remaining attentive to official recommendations, most tourists can continue their stay without major incident.

Put in perspective: from the fall of El Chapo to the death of El Mencho

The arrest of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán in 2014, followed by his recapture in 2016 and his subsequent extradition, had already illustrated a paradoxical phenomenon: the elimination of a major leader of the cartel can, initially, increase violence. The fragmentation of the Sinaloa cartel and wars of succession have led to an increase in homicides in several states, without causing a collapse in beach tourism.

The death of El Mencho appears to follow a similar pattern, but on a larger scale, as the CJNG has expanded to many states and various criminal markets. For tourists, this means that the main risk remains linked to internal struggles between criminal groups, while the State focuses significant resources on the protection of strategic tourist areas like the Riviera Maya.