The beaches of Cancun are normally littered with hammocks for relaxing beside the beach, but after Tuesday’s discovery of eight people brutally murdered, you might want to rethink any plans to Mexico.
Eight bodies were found in the popular beach town, some were gruesomely murdered according to the Associated Press. One was found in a hammock, two in a taxi, two were dismembered and left in plastic bags.
Now the Department of State has issued a travel warning for Mexico due to an ongoing increase in violence and criminal activity. If you read the travel warnings online, it will take you a long time.
Department of State lists five states in Mexico under the “do not travel” list. Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Sinaloa, and Tamaulipas are all restricted due to “crime”.
Quintana Roo, the state with many popular beaches including Cancun, is under a “Level 2” status and warns travelers to “exercise increased caution.”
“According to Government of Mexico statistics, the state experienced an increase in homicide rates compared to the same period in 2016. While most of these homicides appeared to be targeted, criminal organization assassinations, turf battles between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens. Shooting incidents injuring or killing bystanders have occurred.” – Read full warning here.
The violence seems to be getting worse, especially after eight grisly murders were found in a single day. According to CBS, the murders were gang related and many battles of “turf wars”. The problem is, many of these crimes are happening in the areas where many Americans go to enjoy the Mexican coastline.
If you have a trip planned for Mexico, be very careful and follow the tips and guides found on the Department of State’s website. If you are thinking of planning a trip to Cancun, might we suggest Florida instead?
Do you plan to visit Cancun? Let us know in the comments below.
