Over a month after incidents of drug cartel violence affected the state of Jalisco and the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, both the state and the city confirm their return to normal operations. This declaration comes even as Jalisco remains under a U.S. State Department Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” advisory.
Luis Villaseñor, CEO of the Puerto Vallarta Conventions & Visitors Bureau, stated, “All cruise ships and airlines have resumed their routes.” He also noted a significant influx of visitors from the U.S. and Canada during the recent Spring Break period.
Villaseñor added, “We have been actively collaborating with our travel partners to inform the public about the region’s safety.”
Supporting these assurances, the Jalisco State Tourism Office reports that mobility within the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area and Puerto Vallarta is fully operational. Public transportation is functioning normally, taxis and ride-sharing platforms are completely active, tourist boat tours are following their usual schedules, and hotel operations remain stable and uninterrupted.
Furthermore, restaurants and commercial businesses in both Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are operating regularly, and event venues are open and functional, although some events have adjusted their dates.
The area is home to some of Mexico’s premier golf courses, including the Vista Vallarta Club de Golf, situated approximately 30 minutes from downtown Puerto Vallarta. This club boasts layouts designed by legendary golfers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf.
While the Nicklaus course offers impressive views of the city’s marina, the Weiskopf course on the western side of the property is particularly notable. Weiskopf crafted a challenging layout featuring narrow fairways that wind through dense jungle terrain and deep ravines.
Villaseñor also highlighted that many hotels in Puerto Vallarta are experiencing high reservation volumes for the upcoming June World Cup matches in Guadalajara. Guadalajara is conveniently accessible, being less than an hour’s flight or roughly a three-hour drive away. The other two Mexican World Cup venues – Mexico City and Monterrey – are also within easy flying or driving distance.
Expressing optimism, Villaseñor remarked, “We hope the World Cup will encourage more people to discover Jalisco and Puerto Vallarta. The region offers excellent value and a diverse range of activities throughout the year.”
“Most of our residents are native to this region. We are always proud to share our culture and welcome visitors,” he concluded.