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13 Oct 2017
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Vacation Tips

With natural and human disasters seemingly on the rise, how do you know whether it’s safe to travel to Mexico?

Loco Gringo is here to help you plan and enjoy a safe, healthy trip. We’ve gathered the latest news and information to answer your questions about safety. Written by locals, our blog is regularly updated and has more than 1,500 articles about the Riviera Maya, Yucatan, and Costa Maya.

So…About That Travel Warning

The U.S. State Department recently updated its routine travel warning to include the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, home to Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen.

It came in response to a rise in isolated incidents that occurred in some popular destinations. The incidents were related to illicit drug-trafficking, and its targets were limited to members of criminal organizations. There is no evidence that U.S. visitors and residents are being targeted based on their nationality.

“These incidents are very unfortunate, but they are isolated,” said Liz Perea, spokesperson for the Riviera Maya Tourism Board. “Although we can never foretell what will happen in the future, we can assure travelers that correct measures and resources are in place to reduce the risk of these incidents happening again.”
Such measures include:

Increasing surveillance with a central camera operating center
Increasing active security with police present in public spaces and plazas
Expanding intelligence efforts to avoid future violence and to capture those responsible for the isolated events that have occurred.

Ken Schmidt owns several properties near Playa del Carmen’s busiest tourist hubs, including the restaurants, PLANK Gourmet Grill and Patio and Imprevist Resto & Wine. Schmidt said none of his properties have experienced safety issues in nearly a decade of being in business.

Looking at the data…if you reference the statics mentioned in the travel warning, there has been an increase in crime in the state of Quintana Roo but crime rates are still well below the average experienced by most states in the US.

Other local businesses are exploring additional security measures. A group of hoteliers in Tulum are in talks with authorities about whether to install security cameras on Beach Road and are increasing internal scrutiny of staff hires.

Is the Alcohol Safe to Drink?

The U.S. State Department also warned travelers in July about potentially tainted or counterfeit alcohol, following media investigations into how visitors to upscale resorts near Cancun and Playa del Carmen were blacking out after drinking small amounts of alcohol.

Mexican authorities confiscated 10,000 gallons illegal alcohol in August after discovering an illicit manufacturer was supplying tourist attractions in Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Quintana Roo’s Department of Protection against Sanitary Risks visited resorts and restaurants and bars selling alcohol in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Cozumel. None of them presented any trace of tainted booze in their facilities. Only one bar in the Hotel Zone in Tulum and one restaurant/bar in Playa del Carmen could not verify the origin of its alcohol. As a result, government officials immediately removed the products, Perea said.

Putting It All In Perspective

Mexico is a modern country with large, population centers that offer sophisticated shopping, culinary adventures, and a lively social scene. With it, however, come the realities of crime and poverty.

While Quintana Roo has seen an increase in drug-related this year, violent crime, its crime rate is still far below that of major U.S. cities such as Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Detroit.

Just as the U.S. State Department has revised its travel advisory on Mexico, other countries – notably Canada, France, and the United Kingdom – have cautioned their citizens about traveling in the U.S., following the wake last year of mass shootings and increased police violence.

In addition, the U.S. State Department has also issued travel advisories for popular European destinations such as the United Kingdom and France due to increased terrorist activity there.

Staying Safe

Common sense is the best offense.

  • Leave valuables or jewelry at home or store in a hotel security safe.
  • Always keep your hotel and rental contact numbers on hand.
  • Choose your ground transportation wisely.
  • And of course, don’t flash your cash or valuables in public.

At Loco Gringo, we routinely recommend travel insurance to cover the trip and any potential medical incidences, as well as give you peace of mind.

Social media, including Loco Gringo, websites, blogs, Facebook pages, and Twitter feeds, of the places you plan to visit in the Riviera Maya, are a great way to stay up-to-date and get real-time information.

Paradise Still Awaits

Businesses in the Riviera Maya experienced a decrease in visitors within the first two weeks the travel warning was issued and fueled by reports of tainted alcohol. As the weather cools and the holidays approach, visitors are returning.

Mexico, notably the Riviera Maya, remains a popular destination. More than 7.2 million tourists visit the region each year. As of May, more than 3.5 million visitors have come to the Riviera Maya to play, explore, relax, eat, shop, and dream. The continued influx of visitors to the area is a good sign.

The testimonials we have heard from many tourists presently enjoying their vacations in our area is that of a great experience,” said Perea. “They feel that it is a safe, hospitable, and beautiful destination.

To explore the many ways to play and places to stay in the Riviera May, check here.