I'm an American sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta. I'm not scared, but I'm sad for the locals losing their wages.
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
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Linda Armijo, a 70-year-old American expat living in Puerto Vallarta for 25 years, shares her experience during recent cartel-related disturbances. Despite feeling safe in her condo building, she expresses deep concern for the local population, particularly those losing wages due to business closures and transportation disruptions. Her story highlights the emotional toll of the situation, focusing on empathy for the community rather than personal fear.
Armijo arrived in Puerto Vallarta on January 1st for a planned three-month stay. She and her husband enjoy the city’s culture, food, and activities but are currently sheltering in place due to cartel clashes that have blocked roads, burned vehicles, and disrupted services like public transportation. While their building remains secure, they face minor inconveniences such as water shortages and limited mobility. Armijo also encountered travelers stranded by flight cancellations, sharing resources with them despite the uncertainty.
The economic impact on locals is a major concern for Armijo. Workers in restaurants, buses, and other essential services are losing paychecks while businesses struggle to reopen after damage. Cruise ships scheduled to dock have canceled visits, further harming the tourism-dependent economy. Armijo emphasizes that fear isn’t necessary but acknowledges the broader implications for Puerto Vallarta’s stability.
Her perspective reflects a blend of resilience and empathy, focusing on the human cost of the conflict rather than personal danger. The situation underscores the vulnerability of high-tourism areas to external shocks, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions to protect both residents and visitors.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026