In Mexico, chaos unfolded in various tourist hotspots on Sunday as cartel factions reacted violently to an operation targeting Jalisco New Generation cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho.”
As a result, the U.S. State Department has issued a shelter-in-place directive, and several airlines have opted to suspend flights due to safety concerns.
Amidst the turmoil, TripAdvisor announced its 2026 Travelers’ Choice Awards, including its picks for the Best of the Best Beaches, ranking the top beaches in Mexico.
Isla Pasion Beach in Cozumel clinched the top position after the platform analyzed millions of traveler reviews from the previous year, with the announcement made on February 17th.
Described as a private island getaway, the beach boasts clear waters and opportunities for snorkeling and marine life encounters.
Travel guides suggest that the ideal time to visit is between November and April.
The beach’s unique attributes, including protected coral reefs and sites for sea turtle nesting, make it a prime choice for day trips.
Another notable beach in the top five is Elafonissi Beach on the Greek island of Crete, alongside Baros lagoon in Kissamos, Greece, Eagle Beach in Aruba, and Praia da Falesia in Portugal’s Algarve region.
However, Isla Pasion is categorized under “ongoing security operations” in various travel warnings released by the U.S. State Department on Sunday.
The latest alert states, “U.S. citizens in many locations in Mexico are asked to shelter in place.”
Following the death of Oseguera Cervantes, unrest saw fires set on the streets of Puerto Vallarta.
Cartel violence has terrorized multiple communities, with reports of businesses set ablaze and shots fired in public spaces.
As of August 12, 2025, Mexico’s travel advisory classifies the country under “Level 2 – Increased Alert,” while some areas are designated as “Level 3 – Reconsider Travel” or “Level 4 – Do Not Travel.”
This advisory remains unchanged, cautioning travelers about potential risks, including terrorism, crime, and kidnapping.
Specific crimes highlighted include murder, carjacking, and robberies, among others.
“There is a risk of violence from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs, and other criminal organizations in the state, with innocent bystanders being harmed in gang shootouts,” the advisory notes.
Brady Alumbaugh, a travel advisor from Travelmation, advised tourists to “stay aware of [their] surroundings and trust [their] instincts.” She emphasized the importance of paying attention to one’s gut feelings.
She also recommended traveling in pairs or larger groups, stating, “The more, the better.”
For U.S. citizens, registering for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is advised, as it helps the State Department maintain contact in emergencies and track Americans abroad.
Alumbaugh suggested that travelers remain connected and consider a day pass E-SIM for emergencies if their phone plans don’t cover Mexico, noting that in Mexico, emergency numbers differ from those in the U.S.; for ambulances, it’s 065, for fire it’s 068, and for police, it’s 060.
