Violence in Puerto Vallarta following the murder of cartel leader Rubén Oseguera Cervantes has led to the cancellation of popular LGBTQ+ spots.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico? See what our experts say.
USA TODAY’s Eve Chen spoke with former CIA officials and security experts about the current situation in Mexico after the death of “El Mencho.”
- Violence erupts in Puerto Vallarta after a powerful cartel leader was killed in a Mexican military operation.
- The violence caused local businesses dependent on tourism to suspend or cancel trips.
- Puerto Vallarta is a popular and welcoming destination for the LGBTQ+ community.
Danyol Leon woke up over the weekend to witnessing a fire in Puerto Vallarta.
He said that by February 23, the day after violence erupted in Mexico’s Jalisco state following the killing of a powerful cartel leader, burnt-out cars and buses had been removed. But Leon’s day cruise business, Tamale’s Tours, which bills itself as “for everyone and every body,” including LGBTQ+ people, has already had five cancellations (along with some rescheduling) from travelers who didn’t feel safe visiting.
“And I can only support that, because if they’re not safe, I don’t want them coming here,” the 56-year-old, who also goes by his former drag name Tamale Ringwald, told USA TODAY. Still, about half of the customers are tourists.
“PV is very strong, especially the queer community, which is very strong and dependent on tourism,” Leon said.
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” led the Jalisco Nueva Generación cartel and was killed during a military operation in Mexico. Riots then broke out, disrupting flights and forcing tourists and locals to evacuate.
“If you travel to Mexico this week, you’re taking a higher risk than if you went six months ago, because it’s out of your control,” said Doug Patterson, a former CIA officer and current intelligence advisor and instructor. “For those who canceled their trips, I don’t criticize them for canceling. For those who did, I don’t criticize them for going. Everyone needs to do their own decision calculations about how much risk they’re willing to take at a time when the potential risks are increasing.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said in a press conference on February 23 that the situation was “calming down,” but the weekend’s events raised questions about the impact on travel to the country’s Pacific coast cities and their role as havens among LGBTQ+ travelers.
Why is Puerto Vallarta an LGBTQ+ destination?
Nick Guillory was in Puerto Vallarta when the incident occurred. The 39-year-old, who runs the blog Black Gay Boy Abroad, said Feb. 22 had been a “very, very sad” day for him, but he had been in his apartment for the entirety of it, but said he had generally felt safe since his first visit here three years ago.
“I’ve been to major cities in the United States as a gay black man and I never felt safe,” he said. “I don’t feel welcome. I don’t feel safe… and I’ve never felt that kind of energy here.” He noted that residents often greet him with smiles and laugh together.
Leon, who has lived in Puerto Vallarta for six and a half years, added that Puerto Vallarta has long been a destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, reportedly sparked by a visit by actress and widely known gay icon Elizabeth Taylor. “It’s been very welcoming,” he said. “There’s a reason they call you Amigo, because let’s be honest, when they first meet you, you’re their friend.”
Puerto Vallarta’s official tourist guide has an entire section dedicated to LGBTQ+ visitors. “For more than 60 years, (the city) has established itself as one of the LGBT community’s favorite destinations,” the website says. The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board did not respond to a request for comment.
“Puerto Vallarta is perhaps the most popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting Mexico,” the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) said on its website. “The city’s Romantic Zone is a popular spot for LGBTQ+ people during the day with its panoramic sunset views over the bay. After sunset, you can enjoy a vibrant nightlife almost every night at the many popular bars and clubs where both locals and tourists mingle.”
Roann Halden, IGLTA’s vice president of communications, told USA TODAY that the city’s “popularity is rooted in its core.”
“This is a city that has spent decades building a reputation as a place where communities and local governments work together to make everyone feel welcome,” she said in an email. “A visible, collective commitment to prioritizing inclusivity creates a strong sense of belonging that keeps LGBTQ+ travelers coming back year after year.”
“This city is very strong.”
The potential impact on the local travel economy, including for LGBTQ+ tourists, is not yet clear.
“Obviously we don’t want to affect tourism, but it will probably be affected a little bit,” said Leon, who also co-owns the Tunnel Bar in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica. He felt some of what he saw on the news and social media was being sensationalized and encouraged travelers to seek out government resources, trusted news outlets or contact local businesses directly.
Haldane echoed this sentiment, urging travelers to consult local tourism authorities for the latest information and “cross-reference social media and official briefings to accurately reflect the local situation.”
Guillory noted that now may be too early to visit. “But when the time is right, come here and open your wallet and spend your money and support businesses, because they need it,” he said. IGLTA produces travel guides that include Mexico and include a list of recommended businesses, from hotels to cruise lines.
“We expect the warning period to continue as the region stabilizes,” Haldane said. “However, the long-term ties between the LGBTQ+ community and this region are incredibly strong.”
Leon’s cruise business operates on Fridays from November to May, and is scheduled to sail later in the week as scheduled.
He noted that drug-related violence in the region has made international news before. “And that affected tourism for a while,” he said. But he added: “This city is very strong and will bounce back.”
Contributor: Eve Chen, USA TODAY
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. Please contact us at ndiller@usatoday.com.
