What if I told you that there’s a certain type of traveler who waits for disaster to hit before visiting a bucket list destination?
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It’s a real thing, I promise.
Here’s how it goes: Travelers book trips to destinations that are in recovery from major disasters, from hurricanes to political protests to, say, cartel activity. They do this for a few reasons—namely, the ability to save on tourist bookings and have the location almost entirely to themselves.
After all, most travelers reschedule trips to destinations reeling from disaster in order to stay safe and ensure their vacation goes exactly as planned. In some cases, airlines and hotels might even offer guests the chance to reschedule their bookings for free.
In short, you can expect a cleared-out destination where locals working in tourism sectors are very happy to see you. Savings aren’t guaranteed, but you can usually expect a few discounts as tour operators and hotels drop their prices.
The big question is… would this be enough to motivate you to visit Puerto Vallarta despite the recent violence? While security experts advise travelers to steer clear of conflict zones, the death of El Mencho and the short-lived violence in the Puerto Vallarta area might not have an effect on your upcoming trip.
Here’s why now might actually be the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.
6 reasons to visit Puerto Vallarta despite recent headlines
Reason #1: Recent conflict wasn’t aimed at tourists
The chaos and violence that spread through Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding areas occurred because armed forces were taking down a powerful cartel. In retaliation, cartel member engaged in a ‘scorched earth’ campaign that involved destroying businesses, blocking roads, and burning vehicles to reassert their control of the city.
Since then, the military has maintained control of the city. Importantly, tourists and foreign nationals weren’t targeted. In fact, official sources have stated they were intentionally avoided, as injuring tourists compromises cartel operations. Hotels were also left alone during the retaliation.
Reason #2: Security is at an all-time high
Police and military remain present throughout Puerto Vallarta as a precaution. You’ll notice them hanging out in public places. Don’t worry—they aren’t present because there’s another threat of violence. Instead, they’re present to remind the public that law and order exist.
In other words, it’s standard protocol to boost security post-disaster. That means that Puerto Vallarta is safer than normal thanks to the expanded security presence.
Reason #3: Hotels know what they’re doing
During the retaliation attacks from cartel members, hotel staff urged tourists to stay inside their rooms. Obviously, nobody wants to be quietly ushered into their hotel room while chaos breaks out at their destination—but it’s worth pointing out that hotel staff in Puerto Vallarta are often locals. They know a thing or two about the cartels, how they operate, and how to stay safe.
Even better, post-disaster is often the time when hotels and tourist ventures tighten up their security measures and emergency protocols. I guarantee that most, if not all, hotels in the Puerto Vallarta area have had meetings to get staff up to date on the latest protocols.
Reason #4: The city is quieter than it’s been in years
Puerto Vallarta usually fills up during peak season, which hasn’t started yet. That means that anyone who visits now is likely to enjoy near-empty beaches, thanks to the recent conflict and the fact that it’s the shoulder season.
Aside from avoiding dense crowds, you can also expect a little extra care from the hospitality sector. When tourists avoid destinations, restaurants, tour guides, hotels, and other hospitality groups feel the squeeze first.
Reason #5: The resorts are *chef’s kiss*
Puerto Vallarta is home to a handful of high-quality resorts, including adults-only options and family-friendly resorts with adults-only spaces. Even big-name brands have surprising offers for you.
Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, for example, just finished a major renovation. The hotel has over 300 newly reimagined rooms—including 20 suites with swim-up pools. The grounds are fresh, chic, and worth a little splurge.
Great hospitality aside, Puerto Vallarta has plenty to do outside city limits, too. You’ve got New Age-style hubs like Terra Noble Art and Healing Center, Los Arcos National Marine Park, and the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.
Reason #6: It’s great for the gays
Puerto Vallarta is one of Latin America’s top vacation destinations for LGBTQ travelers. Some have even called it the ‘San Francisco of Mexico’. There are gay pride celebrations, a gay beach, a zone that caters to LGBTQ travelers, and a general openness toward ‘alternative lifestyles’.
This probably doesn’t mean much to heterosexual travelers, but LGBTQ-friendly destinations have perks for every type of person. For example, nightlife is usually a little more spirited, while ‘gayborhoods’ also tend to have a tighter, community-focused atmosphere.
