Puerto Vallarta Recovers After Cartel Violence, ‘El Mencho’s’ Death

PUERTO VALLARTA (Azat TV) – The popular Mexican tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta is steadily returning to normalcy following a period of intense cartel violence that gripped the region and at least 20 Mexican states, triggered by the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Days after the unrest led to widespread disruptions, including mass flight cancellations and shelter-in-place orders for American travelers, businesses are reopening, and tourists are once again venturing out, signaling a cautious recovery for the city.

Puerto Vallarta Rebounds Amidst Heightened Security

The immediate aftermath of El Mencho’s death saw significant upheaval across Mexico, with Puerto Vallarta experiencing torched businesses, particularly OXXO convenience stores, and a palpable sense of anxiety. However, by Tuesday, February 25, 2026, the situation in the city had noticeably improved. ABC7 Eyewitness News Producer Juan Carlos Guerrero, who was stranded in Puerto Vallarta during the unrest, observed a stark contrast from the previous days when tourists were ordered to shelter in their hotels. The city’s popular Zona Romántica now sees tourists walking, enjoying beaches, and dining at seaside restaurants.

Visible signs of enhanced security have also contributed to the returning sense of calm. A military helicopter has been observed flying overhead, and the Mexican Navy has docked a massive warship near the port, providing reassurance to both residents and visitors. Nancy Bott, a Washington resident who lives part-time in Puerto Vallarta, told Guerrero, “The military helicopter was going over and sort of creating a sense of security that things are safe but I have no fear at all.”

Tourist Confidence and Lingering Concerns

While many tourists express renewed confidence, a degree of caution persists. Dan, a Canadian tourist, stated, “We don’t feel scared but we are also not staying out late at night, not walking out far from this place. We are sticking close to home.” This sentiment reflects a careful balance between enjoying the destination and acknowledging the recent events. Several travelers, including those commenting on a New York Times Facebook post, echoed similar feelings, with some like Terri Zike Thomas, a 13-year resident of Puerto Vallarta, stating she feels “much safer than when I lived in the City on North side of Chicago.”

However, not all locals share this optimism. A taxi driver interviewed by Guerrero expressed fear that the current calm might be a precursor to further violence as cartels potentially vie for power in the vacuum left by El Mencho’s demise. Despite these underlying concerns, the city’s infrastructure is actively being restored, with burnt buses removed and damaged palm branches being cut down.

Impact of ‘El Mencho’s’ Death on Mexico

The death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, “El Mencho,” marked a significant development in Mexico’s ongoing struggle against organized crime. As the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations, his demise led to immediate and widespread repercussions. The violence that followed impacted not only tourist hubs like Puerto Vallarta but also extended across numerous states, leading to a high death toll in attempts to capture him and the subsequent violent aftermath. While specific figures for the total number of casualties in the broader unrest were not immediately clear, reports indicated over 70 people were killed in operations related to his capture and the ensuing violence.

For Puerto Vallarta, an important point of relief is that no tourists or local residents were reported killed in the violence that specifically affected the city. The focus of the destruction was primarily on businesses, suggesting a targeted display of force rather than indiscriminate attacks on the public.

Recovery Efforts and Travel Resumption

Efforts to restore normalcy extend to air travel, which was severely impacted during the peak of the unrest. Flights are now departing from Puerto Vallarta airport with increased frequency. While many travelers whose flights were canceled still face delays, with some unable to secure new bookings until the following weekend, the overall trend indicates a gradual return to regular operations. Tourists like Jim Rysewyk from New York, who has visited Puerto Vallarta for 20 years, expressed hope that the incident would not deter future tourism, stating, “I don’t want my visiting here to end because of this and I don’t think it will.”

The swift return to normalcy in Puerto Vallarta, supported by visible security and a resilient tourism sector, underscores the Mexican government’s efforts to mitigate the economic and reputational damage of cartel violence, even as the broader implications of a power vacuum within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel remain a complex challenge for regional stability.