I've spent the last 10 winters in Puerto Vallarta. I've always felt safer in Mexico than I do in the US.
Business Insider
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A 47-year-old musician, Branden James, who has spent the past decade in Puerto Vallarta during winters, shared his harrowing experience of witnessing a drug cartel attack while staying in the city. Despite seeing cars burned and explosions from his apartment, James remained unafraid, noting that the violence targeted buildings and vehicles, not civilians. He emphasized feeling safer in Puerto Vallarta than in the U.S., where gun violence is more prevalent.
The incident occurred after the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, by Mexican authorities. James described how smoke-filled skies and chaotic scenes unfolded, including fires in shops and Molotov cocktails thrown into buildings. While the environment became tense, locals adapted resiliently, with many relying on small food supplies and limited外出. Airbnbs and hotels extended stays to displaced visitors.
James expressed concern for locals dependent on tourism, worried that the violence could damage Puerto Vallarta's reputation despite its historical safety. He noted that Americans' existing fears about Mexico might be reinforced, potentially harming the city’s economy. The incident highlights the delicate balance between drug-related conflicts and tourist safety in the region.
For business travelers and investors, this situation underscores the importance of understanding local security dynamics and their impact on travel destinations. While Puerto Vallarta remains a safe haven compared to other areas, such events can influence perceptions and affect tourism-dependent economies. James’s story serves as a reminder of both the risks and resilience often found in regions grappling with organized crime.
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/23/2026