Comments on A Canuck in Cancun: Tourists Safe in Cancun

Looks like Drug Activity is getting stronger on th...

2011-07-23T15:03:50.999-05:00

Looks like Drug Activity is getting stronger on the Riviera Maya

Among the detainees is "The counter" main ringleader of this criminal group. : Sun Mexico
Organizacion Editorial Mexicana
July 22, 2011

Mary Rivero / Sol Mexico

Cancun, Quintana Roo-elements of the army, federal and judicial conducted several searches that began in the town of Playa del Carmen and concluded in Cancun allowed the arrest of some 16 members of the narco cell of the "Zetas", among them four women, where was also arrested "The counter" main ringleader of this criminal group that carried out the narco payroll payments.

So far the authorities are unaware of the identities of this bloody and violent criminal group, however it transpired that all detainees were transferred aboard a plane of the Federal Police to the city of Mexico to make them available to the Attorney of research specialized in organized crime (crew), transfer was conducted from 7: 30.

Highlights the figure of one of the leaders of the narco cell, identified as "The accountant" responsible for the payment of payroll "Los Zetas" narco and was dressed in a black t-shirt with white stripes, black trousers and shoes of the Adidas brand.

Hi, My husband and I are planning a vacation in C...

2010-12-11T01:11:03.296-06:00

Hi,
My husband and I are planning a vacation in Cancun in January,2011. I know that I might sound paranoid about the whole safety but we have a 2 year old and as a mom im just freaked out about everything. My husband is very excited he has been there before, on the other hand i have never been. So unknown situation really worry me especially with a child. I myself come from Moldova, a country that also has very corrupt police and government officials. It is very hard to trust anybody. I have been reading a few post and blogs on the web. Some of the post sound great and some not so much. I guess Im looking for some reassuring. Please help.

Did the research. There is information all over......

2010-08-02T19:56:57.191-05:00

Did the research. There is information all over...not just on that site. That site just chronicles the stories of people who lost family members. Sad. There is plenty of information out there in favor also but most of that comes from the travel industry. Of course Mexican press is going to favor tourism to Mexico! LOL! That's one of the countries cash cows! If the visitors stop...Mexico is in deeper doo doo than it already is! Just as in Vegas if tourism slows we are in the same boat...and we don't like the negative press either! So I get it...

I've visited. I grew up visiting Acapulco quite frequently from the time I have memories as a child to young adulthood as my grandparents had a timeshare there. There was always this feeling of having a thumb on top of me while vacationing there, because we always had to stay together. In addition my church did several builds in Mexico, two of which I was in attendance. Same thing. My husband was a marine and stationed at Oceanside, so trips over the border into Tijuana were common also. It's just different. Sure there are places in the states that are dangerous...but there are differences! That is undeniable! You can't even put the two in the same category...that's like comparing apples and oranges! I've been to Riviera Maya...Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa Del Carma. I've visited. I've seen it. I've felt the uncomfortable feelings on occassion while being there. That being said, have I ever felt that way in the states? Yes...but there's something different about Mexico and the feeling I get there. HERE, LIVING in Vegas, (I've also lived in the loop in Chicago)I know the police are on my side. HERE, my second amendment rights offer me the protection of bearing arms if I so choose. I know the rules and the games. THERE, not so much...as many Americans do not. Even doing our research. Just as you do not feel comfortable in America because this isn't your home, nor has it ever been.
It is unfair to pull race into your response to me. I really don't know where the race card came out of all of that, and in fact because you do not know my heritage, my political views or my socio-economic background I found it a little distasteful that you would even bring it up. My opinions on where I would spend my money on vacation have nothing to do with race. In fact the mere mention of it suggests more about your assumptions about the states. Isn't that a little bit biased? Fact: La Policia are often not on the right side of the law.
Fact: If you really look the information is out there and not just on one or two sites.
Fact: I was ready to spend my money in Mexico and give it another shot this year until I started digging around AND received an email from a travel agent telling me of a specific instance of an American she booked travel for to a resort in the Riviera Maya that had some problems. She encouraged me to do some research on my own and then make a decision and let her know if I still wanted quotes on a Mexican vacation. I've decided I do not.

I think Mexico is beautiful. I think there are some really wonderful people there. I think it's too bad that things are a bit unstable in many areas and it's not quite as it used to be traveling there. I also think no matter where you live, there will be always be crime. But where there is poverty, there is always more because people are desperate. I think journalists these days will spin a story to fit their own beliefs...no matter what their country of origin. I think at this point I'd rather spend my money elsewhere.

(BTW...I guess I'm confused about what violence against Mexicans you're speaking about? This is the first I've heard of it?)

Danielle, I am not a travel agent, I am not cashin...

2010-08-02T11:55:50.267-05:00

Danielle,
I am not a travel agent, I am not cashing any of your cheques. At the time I wrote this article I was teaching English. I now work in tourism (social media, a year after I wrote this post), but my pay cheque remains the same whether you visit or not. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but I think if you are relying on mexicovacationawareness for your information, you are terribly biased, it is a hateful racist website that spams my blog and those of my friends with their bile. The only way to understand what is going on here is to live here, visit here or read the Mexican press. Crime exists EVERYWHERE, there is certainly more crime in major US cities than there is in the tourist area of Cancun. I feel safer in the hotel zone than I do in NYC or Las Vegas. I can only share what I SEE everyday and I have yet to see or read about a tourist being the victim of random violence. I believe most tourists these days do a lot of research and know where the safe areas are (pretty much anywhere that is not on a border town).

At this point in time, I am more frightened to go to the US. The hatred for the Mexican people (recent hate crime attacks in NYC against Mexicans as an example) makes me not want to go to such a racist place where my sweet child would be hated simply because of his Mexican heritage. Random violence in the US is a much bigger problem than here, the streets of the US are not safe, particularly for anyone with brown skin.

Do you research and you'll see that tourists are NOT the victims of the crime that is happening in Mexico. Read forums, blogs, social media, anything except the mainstream American press which has a bias against Mexico for many socio/politico/economic reasons.

One more thing...while you're doing all that r...

2010-07-31T12:38:35.165-05:00

One more thing...while you're doing all that research...since everyone is throwing around crime stats...go ahead and look into the number of crimes that are actually reported and prosecuted in Mexico. If the crime isn't reported, prosecuted, or covered up...does it mean it didn't happen?

Let me start by saying, I'm very passionate ab...

2010-07-31T12:35:56.809-05:00

Let me start by saying, I'm very passionate about what I'm about to say, but I am in no way making a personal attack, so in hopes my opinions are perceived in any other way other than expressing my thoughts and playing devil's advocate here... you're a travel agent, right? So, let me get this straight, you cash the check that I write you and benefit from commission on that trip to Mexico, correct? If I were in your exact position right now, I would say to people before I went ahead and guaranteed their safety, "Do your research, go to the US Department of State website and check into how many deaths occurred as a result of "non-natural causes" in those tourist areas. Look at the lack of explanation as to why and the patterns. Go to this site www.mexicovacationawareness.com and read the stories. Do some Googling. There's plenty of support out there in favor of making the trip...but you really have to dig to find the information that results in making a truly informed decision." It's going to have to be a decision each individual makes on their own. If there are stories to paint both sides of the picture, a decision can be made about whether or not spending money in Mexico really is the best stretch for the dollar. Personally, if I'm going to throw a few grand out to go on vacation, I'm not going to have reservations about my health, my safety and I'm certainly not asking someone that benefits from my almighty dollar if it's safe or not. Mexico is not the US. It's a whole different set of rules. Americans trust entirely too much and take for granted that our government protects us...it doesn't work that way down there folks...something happens to you down there...you're on your own. I keep reading "stay in good areas"...most tourists have NO IDEA where that is, and evil does not discriminate...it finds it's way to affluence as well. There have been plenty of questionable incidents that have occurred in 4 and five star resorts. Security is an issue. Period. If you are sick or injured, good luck getting sufficient medical care,if you are wrongfully accused of a crime, or god forbid you get a little unruly while you're there, good luck getting fair and speedy due process. If you feel comfortable playing russian roulette rolling the dice on your life, or a loved one's life...be my guest...I'm spending my money elsewhere!

JJ- I still stand by the fact that tourists are s...

2010-06-24T08:08:33.760-05:00

JJ- I still stand by the fact that tourists are safe here. If you are not involved with the bad guys in any way, you won't have any troubles. They are "infighting" and it's taking place outside the city limits, no tourists have been involved at all. Enjoy your vacation, don't worry!

I plan to leave for Cancun on July 26th and stay f...

2010-06-23T22:56:45.100-05:00

I plan to leave for Cancun on July 26th and stay for a week. I'm getting really scared that the violence is worsening there. Am I over just reading too many headlines?

kumichan83 said, "hi, I am a regular reader...

2010-03-15T10:55:29.919-06:00

kumichan83 said,

"hi,

I am a regular reader of your blog but this is my first time commenting :)

I just wanted to say that Associated Content allows ANYONE to submit articles"

NOT TRUE: They discriminate against fundamentalist Christians, and I know from more than one experience."

eternian.wordpress.com my journal can also be reached via nite.tk.

I an article on Mexico too at mexihell.tk

My friends and I are planning on going to cancun f...

2010-03-09T21:29:13.822-06:00

My friends and I are planning on going to cancun for our graduation trip. I have done some research and read both sides of the story however I'm looking for a honest and credible opinion on how safe it would be for us. There is no doubt we would go to the nightclubs and drink, but I don't want to risk it if there is a good chance of us being robbed, assulted, or raped. How Safe is it to go to these clubs? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

My friends and I are planning on going to cancun f...

2010-03-09T19:43:37.675-06:00

Thanks for your article. I just returned from Can...

2009-11-25T15:57:05.413-06:00

Thanks for your article. I just returned from Cancún and had a perfectly grand time. I was frequently on the bus, walked around town and around Mercado 28, and even took the colectivo vans. The people were great and the weather was fantastic.

Sure, Mexico has some serious issues, but as stated previously Cancún at present has been isolated from them. Yes, people need to be street-smart but this is true anywhere you go where I'd dare say the risk of crime is much, much higher in many US destinations.

I'm glad I did not listen to the fear mongers and went and had a great time in Cancún. A lot of hard working people also appreciated it as their livelihood is dependent on tourism.

Cancun is a paradise for me. I don't care if i...

2009-10-16T03:04:34.924-05:00

Cancun is a paradise for me. I don't care if it is unsafe do go there or not. The thing is I want to explore the beauty of the place. Cancun is still one of the most love destination of travelers. Sometimes things would happen the way we don't want to happen and still that bad thing will go away and re-live again.
Cheap Hotels

Dear folks in Mexico who have written here, and th...

2009-07-11T12:17:52.569-05:00

Dear folks in Mexico who have written here, and those abroad reading, I am US tourist and here's my two-cents (carefully prescribed)...

My wife and I just [now] backed out of a $3500 dollar steeply discounted 8-night escape to "Aventura Spa Palace" in Riviera Maya. Why? Well it has more to do with U.S. Dept. of the State's message to Americans than the media (which some would argue is one-and-the-same). I looked passed all the journalistic internal warnings, however, as a U.S. citizen I have an obligation to pay mind to those that warn from within our system.

While my wife and I are disappointed, we are taking our dollars to the USVIs or BVIs next week. It's certainly unfortunate because, as world travelers, we have rated the resorts in Mexico to be the highest of quality as compared to other options.

It's my hope that Mexico's government can return some order to the criminality that has sponsored world-wide attention this year.

Here's a bit about us: Lived in NYC, Philadelphia, Madison (WI), Miami, West Palm Beach (currently), have visited every major city in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, Minneapolis, etc., in addition to many parts of Europe and Africa. So here's my point: I've never felt an ounce of insecurity while using public transportation through the most notorious parts of Philadelphia, for example, or at night driving through Snyder ave. after a midnight movie, or downtown Biscayne Blvd. after a concert in Miami. Why? Because the police are on my side.

I don't feel insecure in "ANY" part of the U.S. at any time, in any situation [and not because I legally carry a firearm] but because I know the police will help me if needed. Period.

When my wife walked out of my office last night with her head hanging after learning I cancelled the trip, I explained two perspectives: (1) the

Bocephus- Gunpoint bus robberies do not happen in...

2009-05-19T11:16:00.000-05:00

Bocephus- Gunpoint bus robberies do not happen in Cancun, it would certainly make the local news if not the international. Note that the Cancun reference is for nightclubs and bars being a place where drugs are dealt, that is true of any major city. The buses here are safe from assault, there have been zero occasions of a tour bus being robbed (nor of any local buses either, you hear about that happening in Mexico City, but not here. I would feel totally safe coming here as a tourist, and definitely would check out the ruins. The warning is very broad and Mexico is an extremely large country, they are making sweeping strokes without showing any details. I get 99% of my news from local/national Mexican papers, not the American press, I read every day and if crimes like these were happening, we would certainly know about it. I hope you have a fantastic trip, relax and enjoy.

Canuck - thanks for the posts but it's not fiction...

2009-05-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

Canuck - thanks for the posts but it's not fiction that the gunpoint bus robberies and other crimes happen in Cancun; they can't all make headlines around the world. It's on the US Travel Department's most recent Mexico Travel info page -
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

"Armed street crime is a serious problem in all of the major cities. Some bars and nightclubs, especially in resort cities such as CANCUN... can be havens for drug dealers and petty criminals. Some establishments may contaminate or drug drinks to gain control over the patron.

"All bus travel should be during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances. Although there have been several reports of bus hijackings and robberies on toll roads, buses on toll roads have a markedly lower rate of incidents than buses (second- and third-class) that travel the less secure "free" highways...Although the police have made some progress in bringing this problem under control, armed robberies of entire busloads of passengers still occur."

We're still probably going, but now thinking twice about driving out to visit the ruins. Advice?

thanks for all the information, it has been very u...

2009-04-18T19:12:00.000-05:00

thanks for all the information, it has been very useful for me. Im planning to travel to cancun to see the ruins, im most likely going alone. Just wondering how safe that was?. Or does anyone know of a hotel where perhaps more families attend?.. Im pretty laid back, just wana go enjoy the sun, see the ruins maybe have a couple drinks in the hotel bar, and call it a night.. responses are appreciated :)

Great blog! I too had heard it wasn't safe to go ...

2009-04-15T17:58:00.000-05:00

Great blog! I too had heard it wasn't safe to go to Mexico. My daughter has been invited by a friend and their family to go to Cancun (Riviera Maya) this summer. Their family has been doing this annually for years. I have been apprehensive about letting my daughter go. Reading your blog has put my mind at ease. I almost made my daughter miss out on "the chance of a lifetime."

Thank you!!

Angela- Glad you had a terrific trip, thanks so m...

2009-04-06T09:07:00.000-05:00

Angela- Glad you had a terrific trip, thanks so much for checking in and spreading the good word! Come back soon. :)

I also asked for advice, as we just got back from ...

2009-04-03T16:21:00.000-06:00

I also asked for advice, as we just got back from Playa Del Carmen. We had a WONDERFUL trip without any hitches, kinks or scares. We tried to be smart, we just took taxis everywhere we went and just had the time of our lives. My husband and I both agree we would go back in a heartbeat! Don't hesitate to visit, it is a beautiful, fun place. So much to see and do.

eckn- The "stories" you share are just that, stor...

2009-03-23T14:29:00.000-06:00

eckn- The "stories" you share are just that, stories, fiction. There have been zero instances of tour buses being pulled over and held at gun point, that would be front page news around the world! I don't know where people get that kind of damaging gossip. Zero tourists have been hurt or killed in Cancun by the cartels, zero. Drugs have been offered at the markets since they opened, if they see you looking at the pipes, they'll offer to put something in it for you, nothing more than that. Usually if you are a single woman or with a family, they won't even make that suggestion, they will often suggest it to men on their own, but a simple "No gracias" moves them on to another sales pitch. There have been zero reports of tourists being kidnapped in Cancun. The Riu Palace is a gorgeous hotel near the party center, you'll be very safe there. Get out and see some things outside the hotel too, just use common sense like you would in any large city. Don't flash cash around, keep the jewels at home, go out with friends, don't leave drinks unattended at the night clubs, same precautions you would take in Vegas or NYC or Toronto. In fact, I would say that Cancun is safer than Vegas or NYC. Go, enjoy, have a great trip, just keep your wits around you and it will all be fine.

hi everybody! I will be going to cancun this summe...

2009-03-21T15:52:00.000-06:00

hi everybody! I will be going to cancun this summer. I, like everyone else, have been told to cancel my trip and steer clear, however my fiance and I are still wanting to keep it the spot for our honeymoon. I know its really all about staying in safe situations and always being aware of your surroundings but there are still some things I have a little concern over. I have read about american tourist being robbed at ATM's and being forced to give over all their money, also being kidnapped and held for ransom. I have also hear to steer clear of the tours to the ruins. This was a little bumming for me becuase I have heard they are awesome and we were really looking forward to making it a part of our trip. The stories I have heard involve the tour buses being pulled over and women being raped and beaten while the men are held at gun point. If this is the case and this situation is very possible I will avoid the ruins at all costs, as I would imagine anyone would do, I would never put myself or my fiance in a situation like that when those sitations are acutally occuring. I have also heard that in a lot of tourist shops there are many people offering drugs to tourists, I have no interest in being involved in any of it but I am a little nervous about how to turn down and get myself out of the situation safely! Any advice would be great! We will also be staying the RIU Palace Cancun, from what we know this is a nice place and it's in a "good" part of cancun, any advice on the hotel? I was extremely excited about the trip when we booked it but because of travel adviories I am a little nervous and just looking for some advice! We don't have any plans to cancel or transfer our trip elsewhere, but it any of you think it necessary please say so! I would much rather lose all the money in the world and be raped and/or beaten and subject to awful situations. I know crime happens everywhere but I am just curious if all of this is taking place and if there is truth to some of the things I have heard. I know it's impossible to avoid all situations but I just want to make sure we have the right tools to stay safe while we are there! I am really looking forward to beautiful beaches and a relaxing place but just a little worried still! Thanks a bunch!

Lisa- Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate...

2009-03-15T18:06:00.000-06:00

Lisa- Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate your comment. I hope you have an absolutely fabulous trip. :)

I am so glad to have found your blog!! Me and my ...

2009-03-15T13:40:00.000-06:00

I am so glad to have found your blog!! Me and my husband are exhausted after listening to several different people "warn" us about how "dangerous" it is to travel to Mexico. We will be in Cancun in May and no matter what anyone says, we cannot wait to go! Absolutely love it there! And we're going on bus trips, but only to Chichen Itza and Tulum...all the touristy stuff lol. As far as violent crimes go, we hear it on the news all the time here in the Baltimore/DC area. But as long as you are aware of your surroundings, mind your own business and RELAX, there will be nothing to worry about. The media only wants to show what is negative because it brings revenue by scaring people and fooling them to watch more and pay more money for their safety, therefore making the company more powerful. Scare tactics to benefit has been around since the beginning of man. It's just been more technical nowadays and the CEO's are becoming more powerful and lining their own pockets from other's fears. It's pathetic. Anywho, I am aware of what is going on but it will not stop my family from traveling and enjoying ourselves. Thank you for this site! I'll be stopping by more often.

Hi anon- I understand your fears, the media is ha...

2009-03-03T16:35:00.000-06:00

Hi anon- I understand your fears, the media is having a field day with this. I hope I can ease your mind, I think you'll be just fine. Stay within the speed limit, exercise caution while driving and if you are pulled over by the police, ask for their name and badge numbers and ask them to give you the official ticket, don't pay them anything on the street, as easy as that may seem. There are cash machines in the airport where you can withdraw pesos. There are money exchange windows ("cass de cambio") in the airport as well, but I'm afraid I don't know if they are open at that hour. Good luck, use your common sense and all will be well! Have a fantastic trip. :)