The State Department updated the Travel Advisory for Mexico on Oct. 5, which is done . Hotel_Xcaret_Mexico, Director General at Hotel Xcaret Mexico, responded to this review. Cartels are criminal organizations that participate in illegal drug businesses and other shady transactions. It is a popular tourist destination for its beaches, resorts, and nightlife. At Mercados restaurant, which is not stop busy,Jesus would greet us and get the chef and go over the concerns with our daughter and prepare an incredible meal ever time. It is thought that organisers either didnt pay protection money or paid the wrong cartel. The guys selling boxes of Cuban cigars on the beach came back every 20 minutes or so. For example, they can use the resort to host meetings or to house their members. Several criminal groups have a presence in the Riviera Maya, including Mexico's two most powerful cartels, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacin CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel. Some cities are more expensive, just as they are in the United States. How do these guys stay in business when there arent any customers interested in their wares? No less than three of the staff I spoke with said that this is the ultimate tourist spot to work. I saw a couple different people getting themselves worked up about their deals. For it being a sold out property you find your self dining with one other table. They patrolled in a purposeful random pattern, with two pairs constantly on-duty at any given time. We traveled with our family and had two kids under the age of two, and one started teething while we were there and they were so kind to order baby orajel for them and made our trip that much better! The notorious Sinaloa Cartel once led by jailed drug kingpin Joaqun El Chapo Guzmn is also active at the resorts. Over here theres no order. The cartels have a significant presence in Cancn and often control the city through violence and fear. The cartels also did not want to draw attention to particular areas that were important highways for transporting drugs from Mexico to the US. Report inappropriate content TravelJudy Zihuatanejo, Mexico Destination Expert We like a quieter and more local feel than what the big all inclusive resorts provide. So long as the tourist doesnt get involved in drug sales, doesnt openly insult cartel members, and stays away from prostitutes, the chance of the tourist getting killed in Mexico is close to zero. Acapulco was a highly touted destination from the 1950s, all the way to the early 2000s. The Sinaloa Cartel is based in Culiacn, Sinaloa, Mexico and is active in the states of Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, and Jalisco. Mexico is a giant crime syndicate, corrupt to the core. ELI5: How is it resort destinations in Mexico, such as Cancun, stay safe and keep the Cartel related kidnapping and murders that take place all over the country from happening there? Playa del Carmen is a generally safe destination for solo visitors, though they should exercise caution as petty crime and scams have been known to occur in Mexico. Security was trying hard to fit in by acting like guests, but they missed one key detail. Its because the drug cartels need the tourists to keep coming. Playa del Carmen in particular seems to currently be gripped by an ongoing battle which is leaving a bloody trail of bodies in its wake. 47 51 51 Comments FROM brutal beheadings to violent kidnappings, the cartel wars of Cancun have unleashed horror on Mexico's Caribbean coast as gangsters wreak havoc yards away from luxury resorts. Many resorts in Cancn have become the subject of concern due to their ownership. Currently they are serving a very nice Mexican Fume Blanc (L.A.Cetto '17). Also similar to a terrorist cell, the dealers employ lots of cut outs to reduce the damage should one of the dealers get arrested. She said: I went to the travel agent and was thinking about rebooking in Jamaica. The resort is awesome, the attractions are awesome but what really makes this place is the people. They had neither bracelets or swimsuits. The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is one of the most powerful and fastest growing drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. The cartels also did not want to draw attention to particular areas that were important highways for transporting drugs from Mexico to the US. They are laughing at us. In June, an American tourist was wounded while on holidayafter hitmen on jet skis sprayed a beach with bullets in a turf war with a rival drug gang. Violent drug gangs are waging a bloody war in the tourist haven of Quintana Roo - visited by millions of British and American holidaymakers each year. Sources close to investigation stressed that they believed it was a personal dispute between the pair, adding that Diego had turned up with two others in tow. For it being a sold out property you find your self dining with one other table. Its easy. The hotels lifeguard, named locally as Carlos Manuel N, had been hit in the knee with a bullet fired by an angry beach vendor selling alpaca jewellery. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Aside from gang-related violence, this citys crime rate is low. However, Cancn is also known for its drug cartels. As cartel members are dispersed, other gangs have taken over their ranks. Security consisted of pairs of mostly Eastern European men patrolling around the property. The city is situated on the border with the United States, and is a popular destination for drug traffickers and other criminals. But I didnt know how much income those tourists also provided directly to the cartels in terms of illicit drug sales. The cost of living also varies according to where you live. While the Mexican government is fighting drug cartels, what is the most powerful of these? I find the police presence here reassuring., Wife Julie, also 46, agreed but added: Although you dont want them there all the time.. "Most of the large resorts are owned by overseas corporations." Or the cartels, which makes things much easier. When I noted the lack of wrist bands, I started looking for that with other guests. MEXICAN cop Emilio Moreno pulls a Beretta automatic rifle from his truck and heads out to patrol Cancuns beach, telling The Sun: This is what we use if the cartels come.. The businessman claims that members of the citys dominant drug cartel extorted him to keep his business safe. Indeed, the citys tourist police chief Cesar Augusto Escamilla Pacheco told The Sun: Robbery is the biggest problem here - the same as a lot of holiday destinations.. Within 30-60 minutes a third salesman drops off your drugs. Each guest at the all-inclusive hotel had to wear a bracelet so that the restaurants wouldnt serve free meals to people walking in off the beach. Counting the stamps in my passports shows that Ive visited Mexico 17 times in the last 18 years. A man shouted at us that there had been a shooting and to get out of the water and run. "El Crtel de Cancn," which operates as a branch of the Sinaloa Cartel, is mostly responsible for the area of Benito Juarez and Isla Mujeres. You canWhatsAppus on 07810 791 502. Violence is rare in the Cancun resorts area, as being robbed and assaulted in the tourist zones is almost unheard of. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla and Paradisus Playa Del Carmen La Esmeralda, two family hotels, sit next to the resorts notorious fifth avenue. I struck up a conversation with another hotel guest as he smoked a joint on the beach. According to my new friend, the cartels really dont want to be in the business of making small scale marijuana deliveries. Remnants of the Gulf Cartel and the Zetas are also present, while foreign groups like the Romanian mafia have found a foothold there as well. One day on this vacation, I spent quite a bit of time working on some of the drills I use to refine my intuition. And lastly The lifeguard who always came and shook my hand every morning lots of questions really fun and entertaining guy Edgar. The cocaine port that housed numerous criminal organizations was spun into havoc. (Im a huge Mexican food lover) We also were treated like royalty being the Bride and Groom, and had our own butlers for the 5 days we were there, Rolando Dichi & Kiyoshi Takahashi, you guys were SAINTS! I also made one visit where I hopped the border and entered illegally, but that is a story for another time. How many tourists killed Mexico? The drug cartels and their families. This all inclusive resort is one of the most fantastic resorts we've ever been to. Dear Haley93grace,We would like to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to be your hosts at Hotel Xcaret Mexico for such an important moment in your life as your wedding. Thefamily of the Texas man, who was on holiday with his wife to celebrate their wedding anniversary, suspect he was kidnapped and murdered. The water provided by the hotel is the Only option and it WILL make you sick! He's fighting a new generation of violent drug gangs, waging a bloody war in the tourist hotspots of Mexico's Caribbean coast - visited by half-a-million Brits holidaymakers each year. There is no definitive answer to this question, as cartels are notoriously difficult to track and quantify. The business owners and street vendors in the resorts area are extorted by the cartels and have to pay the cartels if they want to stay in business. All in all, I think my observation/intuition practice that day was immensely productive. The staff enters your room anytime they feel necessary and will take anything they feel like taking from you. Just two months ago, the leader of one of the drug gangs battling for Playa del Carmen the feared Sinaloa Cartel gave an anonymous interview from a narco safe house in the city. The water provided by the hotel is the Only option and it WILL make you sick! Is it safe to visit Mexico? Is Puerto Vallarta safe 2021? The notorious Sinaloa Cartel once led by jailed drug kingpin Joaqun "El Chapo" Guzmn is also active at the resorts. Despite this, it is possible that the organized group will launder the funds obtained from the transactions. One morgue in Guadalajara in the capital of thestateofJalisco even ran out of space and and started moving rotting bodies around in refrigerated trucks until neighbours complained about the smell, ABC News reports. We cant wait to come back and feel we have made forever friends with this resort and staff! The Foreign Office warns that while the government has made efforts to protect popular tourist destinations, including Playa del Carmen, there has been a number of shooting incidents in the areas. In one week, civilians were murdered and cars and buildings burned all along the US-Mexico border, including in the popular travel destination of Tijuana. It looks like they are protecting them.. Both men on each team carried heavy backpacks (presumably full of weapons of some type). The individual dealers arent allowed to either up charge or discount the product. This is due to the fact that these states are home to the largest and most powerful cartels in Mexico, such as the Sinaloa cartel and the Jurez cartel. I observed an anomaly. Its truly astonishing to really see what so many other folks fail to observe. You tell the cigar salesman what you want (I saw deals involving marijuana, powder cocaine, and heroin). I know some of you are shaking your head and saying you would never visit such a location because of the high level of cartel violence. The previous August, eight bodies were found strewn across the citys streets with two victims found dismembered and discovered in plastic bags. Mexico is a big country. Increasingly this stretch of paradise - which includes the white sandy beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum - is blighted by cartels battling for power and territory. Theres too much money to lose if the tourists stop coming to Cancun. I think he just did that to appease the resort owners and also to give a false sense of security to the tourists that go to Mexico.. The bottom line is that Ive spent a lot of time in Mexico. Dear Iantdit,Thank you for your amazing review. Places like the Cancun are therefore relatively safe. The Gulf Cartels primary base is in Tamaulipas, Mexico, and it has a strong presence in the state of San Luis Potos. The streets of Guadalajara were littered with narco-banners in 2011 by suspected members of the Zetas cartel. The hotel zone is separated from the rest of Cancun by a large lagoon, unlike the city of Playa del Carmen, 42 miles down the coast. How much money do you need to live comfortably in Mexico? 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. The cartel bosses would likely do just about anything possible to ensure that the tourists are happy and safe. All were openly on display for anyone who was alert enough to take notice. The water provided by the hotel is the Only option and it WILL make you sick! These areas have long been off limits, as rogue bandits know they will have a greater power to answer to, likely with their head, if they act without orders from the in-command cartel. Drug-related violence in Mexico has increased massively in recent years with murders now commonplace. It had a steam shower with both rain head and wand, Jacuzzi tub, firm king bed, couch, table and two chairs, so the room was not small. One staff member said there were terrorists on the beach. The South Texas HIDTA region is home to a number of smaller drug trafficking organizations (DTOs). Even though we only spent four days in the country, I learned a massive amount of how the drug cartels operate and all about the local drug markets, cartel assassins, and human trafficking rings. The cartels are a major problem for the Mexican government and have been the target of a number of military and police operations in recent years. In Mexico, cartels are particularly powerful and are believed to be responsible for many of the country's violent crimes. We had a room in an adult section away from the crowd, very nice with a balcony overlooking the river. While they wore swimming attire, they never got in the pool or ocean. "But now the new cartel members, like those from . At The Hotel Xcaret Mxico, we are very proud of the standard of service and facilities that we provide, ensuring each guest who visits has the most memorable of experiences. After a days worth of observation and talking to a few of my fellow American travelers who had made some drug purchases the previous day, I was truly enlightened. Do Cartels own large resorts? Now the Jalisco New Generation Cartel has gained supremacy. During its prime, the Sinaloa Cartel was widely regarded as the most powerful and capable organization on the planet, possibly even more so than the notorious Medellin Cartel of Colombia, which reigned supreme over Latin America during the 1980s. Dear Pappatdot,What a pleasure it is to receive such a wonderful review. On this trip we decided we wanted to make it easy as we were only going to be spending four days in the country. "El Crtel de Cancn," which operates as a branch of the Sinaloa Cartel, is mostly responsible for the area of Benito Juarez and Isla Mujeres. Take a second to support Greg on Patreon! And in November four American tourists were left hurt by gunfire at a hotel in Cancn during Day of the Dead celebrations. Which cartel is biggest in Mexico? The CJNG will continue its rivalry with the Zetas and other cartels, but it will be clear soon that the most dangerous criminal organization in Mexico is the government. Basically they said that the resorts bring in so much money as it is for Mexico that they pretty much just control the prostitution and drugs that occur outside of the resorts. The city of Canc*n is in charge of the most important economic activity, tourism. I very quickly noticed that the folks selling sunglasses and beach towels walked past our place on the beach at a hustling pace. They also have a hand in the legal economy, often owning businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and other legitimate businesses. In 2019, crime in Mexico was a serious issue. Francisco Rivas, 45, who monitors cartel activity for Mexicos National Citizen Observatory, said: Years ago, they agreed there were areas they would not fight in because it is bad for business. If you are a tourist who wants to buy drugs in Mexico, one of the easiest way of doing it is to ask a waiter at your hotel. If people arent interested the first time you present them with your products, they probably wont suddenly want what you are selling a couple of hours later. The resorts are not off limits and unfortunately people are being killed. Businessmen and government employees who dont cooperate with the extortion are getting killed. Jalisco New Generation is not only the biggest and the strongest cartel, but it is also the most violent cartel we have in Mexico.. Multiple commanding officers have been gunned down in recent years. Liked it? If the tourists stop coming to Mexico, it becomes much harder for the cartels to operate. The arrest of El Gordo followed a dramatic shootout in which one female cartel member was killed. I went to the beach and sat there. The first advantage of the fragmented nature of older major cartels has been their ability to adapt to changing market conditions and become more agile and competitive. If you're sitting at restaurant and there's a table next to you and the people sitting there are maybe of unquestionable character or appearance, I would move and get away from them. We have enemies that are willing to kill us in plain view. The CJNG is based in the state of Jalisco and is known for its brutal violence, sophisticated drug trafficking operations, and international reach. Security experts told The Sun that ruthless enforcers from the Jalisco New Generation Cartel now the strongest drug gang in the area - were forging frightening new ground. There was quite a bit of drama involved in this process. Enjoy your meal.". Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. And last year, cartel gunmen ambushed and killed 14 state police officers in Michoacn - with some shot in the head. Nunez Vargas is now being prosecuted and more charges, linked to his cartel activity over the years, will follow.. Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? According to Juan Manuel Estrada, a private investigator, extortion and human-trafficking are becoming more common. While there are certainly some places in Mexico that I would not visit for safety concerns, the tourist areas are actually quite safe for travelers, even if a bunch of cartel members are getting killed. Mexican security analyst Alejandro Hope told ABC News: "They have an almost nationwide presence. Im just a beginner, but Im coming to understand the importance of cultivating my intuition as well as the advantages a high intuitive ability can bring to a defensive combatant. The murder rate in Quintana Roo has increased by 335 per cent in the last two years, with 840 homicides in 2018, despite a population of just 1.5 million people. The food is mostly crap buffet food that sits around a open forum all day long and isnt replenished, and there restaurants that demand reservations so far in advance are empty, you walk in and they tell you to wait 20 minutes so they can set up the outside terrace but its 9:30.. then when you sit at 9:30 your told to order everything right away so the staff can go home. We grabbed the children and ran. Gangs appear to be targeting stores, vehicles, and bystanders in an effort to deter disputes or capture gang members. When we normally spend time in Mexico, we will rent an Air BnB condo or stay at a very small resort far outside the tourist zones. Who is Colombian drug lord now? As a result, I saw a lot of things that most tourists miss. The Sun Online has approached the Mexican tourist board for comment. We were very pleased to read your comments about the facilities and to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us for the great service that each of the colleagues could offer during your stay with us as they were Eugene, Pedro and Edgar.Thank you once again for taking time off your busy schedule to share us this fantastic review and should you ever require another exquisite retreat, we will be more than happy to accommodate you once again.Kindest regards,Jorge DucoingManaging DirectorHotel Xcaret Mxico. This is an unsafe hotel and I highly advise all to stick with what you are familiar with, Waldorf Astoria, EDITION, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Secrets!!!! Is it safe to visit Mexico right now? "Most homicides appear to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by US citizens. Why the conflicting information? "They just go in and spray bullets and if an innocent person gets killed, thats collateral damage and the cartels dont lose sleep over that.. This is an unsafe hotel and I highly advise all to stick with what you are familiar with, Waldorf Astoria, EDITION, Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons, Secrets!!!! We are pleased to know that we were able to make of your special celebration, a memory that will last a lifetime!We are pleased to know as well that you were impressed by our colleagues' delivery of service during your visit. We have a child with food allergies which is always a concern when eating out, but two employees stood out with supreme service!. These cartels are responsible for the majority of the drug trafficking in Mexico. The cartels in Mexico engage in a variety of criminal activities, including the importation of drugs into the United States. All beaches are public in Mexico so these guys have essentially free reign to walk up and down the beach selling beach towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and jewelry. El Gordo was suspected of leading a Jalisco New Generation cell in Cancun and was wanted for multiple murders including a narco hit which saw a stray bullet kill a six-year-old girl. When Mexico fully confronted drug cartels, Acapulco was one of the hardest hit. They were using the beach as a well-protected place to hide in plain sight. There are a number of legitimate businesses that . Officers, wearing bullet-proof jackets, discreetly carry 9mm Beretta semi-automatic handguns on their hip, as well as flick knives. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Increasingly this stretch of paradise which includes the white sandy beaches of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum is blighted by cartels battling for power and territory. Stuart Thomson, 46, from Glasgow, said: A friend told me that 20 years ago you needed a bodyguard to get out of here its not like that now. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The images are carefully checked for known cartel members and the number plates of vehicles are also analysed. But violence including murder has been creeping out of the Mexican barrios, or neighbourhoods, and closer to the tourist enclaves. At the opponents slightest move, I move first. In 2016, a series of attacks by the Zetas and other cartels left more than 100 people dead. This week sanitation workers reportedly discovered the dismembered remains of four adult males at Villas del Sol in Playa del Carmen. We really do appreciate our guests taking the time to leave us feedback, and we love hearing about our guests experiences.We are encouraged to offer unforgettable experiences and our team works diligently to communicate our brand through a unique and warm service, with the commitment that all our guests take the best of Mxico deep in their heart.We are pleased to know that you can spend a memorable vacation and more celebrating something so important for you and your friends like the 70th Birthday.We are proud to know that each corner of your suite could exceed your expectations, with the comfort of your shower to the hammock of your terrace watching our wonderful river.For Hotel Xcaret Mxico it is an honor to know that you were able to enjoy our All Fun Inclusive concept where you could visit Xplor Fuego, Xenotes and Xcaret.Rest assured that we remain at your entire service and disposal, should you want to come back to our resort please do not hesitate to contact us, ascertain that we would be thrilled to cater to your every need once again.Best regards,Jorge DucoingManaging DirectorHotel Xcaret Mxico. Enjoy. With the constant threat of violence and corruption within the Mexican drug trafficking cartels, there has been an increase in drug-related violence in South Texas. The dudes who pick up the money or drop off the drugs didnt speak English at all. We arent having any fun at all. They advise: "Crime and violence are serious problems in Mexico and the security situation can pose a risk for foreigners. I couldnt believe what I was reading about the drug cartels. Management treat their people right and it shows in their attitude and how they deal with you. The Gulf Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel are the two most active drug cartels in the South Texas HIDTA region. As a result of the spiraling murder rate, the Mexican government has now taken charge of all 11 police forces in Quintana Roo the state which includes Cancun to try and take back control. This involves not only major drug trafficking, but even street level drug trafficking. 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Tamaulipas, Mexico, responded to this question, as being robbed assaulted. Have been gunned down in recent years with murders now commonplace management treat their people and... Much harder for the cartels in terms of illicit drug sales were important highways for transporting from. You for your amazing review, including the importation of drugs into the United States, is! Take notice people getting themselves worked up about their deals - with some shot in the of... Answer to this question, as cartels are responsible for the majority of the staff spoke! Off your drugs, including the importation of drugs into the United States, nightlife... In Jamaica Iantdit, Thank you for your amazing review resorts, and is popular. Responded to this review there arent any customers interested in their attitude and how they with... And unfortunately people are being killed the Zetas cartel dear Pappatdot, what is the ultimate spot.