US Consulate issues warning on Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
In the wake of the recent killing of two Canadian visitors in an outdoor dining area at a five-star hotel in Playa del Carmen on Jan. 21 and the fatal shooting of a bar manager days later at Mamita’s Beach Club six miles away, the U.S. Consulate General in Merida has issued a security alert for U.S. citizens traveling in the region.
Sign up for our daily newsletter for more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox.
“In light of recent security incidents and criminal activity in popular tourist destinations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise increased caution when traveling to the state of Quintana Roo,” reads the notice on the U.S. Embassy and Consulate for Mexico’s website. “Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, including areas frequented by U.S. citizen visitors.”
The notice suggests U.S. visitors take the following actions:
- Monitor the local news for updates, follow directions from local officials, and in case of emergency, call 911.
- Avoid crowds.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Review your personal security plans.
- Contact the U.S. Consulate or Embassy if you need assistance.
The alert, posted online on Jan. 25, 2022, does not specifically mention the shooting that occurred Jan. 21 at the Hotel Xcaret in Playa del Carmen, about 45 miles south of Cancun. The gunfire took place near an outdoor dining area, leaving guests scrambling for cover.
The two deceased men had criminal records including drug trafficking charges, according to the Quintana Roo state prosecutor’s office. There have reportedly been arrests in the case.
Located on the Caribbean side of Mexico, Quintana Roo has generally been considered safe for tourists, though there have been several incidents of violence linked to drug groups in recent months. In October, two tourists were killed, and three others injured, in gunfire at a restaurant in Tulum. In November, visitors at the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos scrambled to avoid gunfire during a shootout on the beach.
The Mexican government deployed National Guard troops around the region in an effort to deter such incidents.
Featured image of Cancun by SVongpra/Shutterstock.com.
Sign-up Successful!
Welcome to The Points Guy!
WELCOME OFFER: 80,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION*: $1,600
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 3X points on dining and 2x points on travel, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
*Bonus value is an estimated value calculated by TPG and not the card issuer. View our latest valuations here.
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Enjoy benefits such as a $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining and 2x on all other travel purchases, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 80,000 points are worth $1,000 toward travel.
- With Pay Yourself Back℠, your points are worth 25% more during the current offer when you redeem them for statement credits against existing purchases in select, rotating categories
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.