Cancun, Mexico, is one of the most popular tourist destinations, where "Beauty meets Culture." With its amazing turquoise seas, powdered beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and underwater sea life, Cancun has always offered nothing short of miraculous beauty and rich amenities combined with traditional markets, restaurants, and ambiance.
That said, following the kidnapping of four tourists resulting in two recent fatalities occurring in a different part of the state than Cancun, it is surreal to report that Cancun is alleged to be becoming unsafe.
Several reports have been coming into newsrooms of missing persons throughout Mexico, as officials state they are doing all they can to locate the missing and secure harsher safety measures. However, before traveling anywhere in Mexico, you should check the Mexico Travel Advisory to find out what levels of safety warnings your destination has been labeled. For example, in March, the U.S. State Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" advisory for Tamaulipas after the kidnapping of the four Americans who had crossed the area seeking simple surgeries. Along with Tamaulipas, many neighboring regions in Mexico also have travel warnings due to high crime and insufficient law enforcement resources to ensure safety. However, Cancun was still considered a tourist hotspot and one of the safest areas in Mexico.
Unfortunately, with today's report, the area may very well be becoming increasingly unsafe as four bodies were found on the beach of Cancun's hotel zone this week, according to officials. The bodies were located on the Kukulkan Boulevard area of Cancun, a popular tourist destination. This news comes just one week after an American tourist was shot in the nearby town of Puerto Morelos.
The bodies' identities and nationalities have not yet been disclosed. However, according to ABC News, authorities located three bodies on Monday, later finding a fourth body in the "undergrowth on the same lot." While Reuters and AFP reported the four victims had been shot to death, the same report stated, "Prosecutors in the Caribbean coast state of Quintana Roo said two suspects had been detained in the deaths, as an ongoing investigation continues."
Cancun has undoubtedly not been historically known for violent crime, and in 2022, Travellers Worldwide rated Cancun as "one of Mexico's safest vacation cities." In addition, in March of 2023, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico posted:
Crime: Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain high situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities arise, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. See the Mexico Travel Advisory for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of famous locations, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
Cancun boasts an impressive 6,200-mile-long coastline, fabulous resorts, ocean views, and a true photographic parador, along with a paradise of activities with its outdoor activities, museums, homes to artifacts, and archeological sites that pepper the region.
Although this story needed to be told, Cancun will still be known as one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. If you are planning a vacation to beautiful Cancun or anywhere in Mexico, check the U.S. State Department's site, Mexico Travel Advisory, and with the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico for levels of safety warnings, and follow the suggestions as a tourist once you decide to book the trip.
Please download the Newsbreak app, register, and follow me for trending, nationwide, local, and "In the Know" news. Also, find something positive within each day, such as having the ability to check safety levels before traveling to gorgeous Cancun or anywhere else in the world.
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