Tourists Stranded in Puerto Vallarta Describe Cartel Violence Following Death of El Mencho

American Tourists Stranded as Cartel Violence Erupts in Puerto Vallarta Following Leader’s Death

Multiple American tourists vacationing in Puerto Vallarta have found themselves unexpectedly caught in violent cartel retaliation following the reported killing of major drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho.”

As airlines canceled flights and authorities issued shelter-in-place orders, visitors described scenes of chaos throughout the popular Mexican resort destination. Witnesses reported cars set ablaze, suspected cartel members blocking major roadways, and widespread looting—conditions that some tourists said made parts of the city feel like “a war breaking out in the streets.”

Eugene Marchenko, 37, of Charleston, South Carolina, told reporters he woke up to blaring horns and saw six vehicles completely engulfed in flames outside his Airbnb balcony. Marchenko and his wife, who had arrived in Mexico only a day earlier, were forced to evacuate for several hours due to fears that a nearby burning fuel tanker might explode.

“I looked down and they’re completely engulfed in flames,” Marchenko said. “It was six cars in total that burned and one fuel tanker.”

He described watching video footage showing what appeared to be cartel members forcing people from their vehicles before dousing them with gasoline and setting them ablaze. “They told the people to leave,” Marchenko explained. “Then they were taking the gas and pouring the gas on the vehicle and waiting until everybody was clear before they were setting it on fire.”

Later in the day, when Marchenko ventured out in search of food, he encountered pharmacies and stores that had been completely burned. He observed that younger individuals had broken into nearby buildings, looting beer and cigarettes amidst the chaos.

Video footage from the scene showed military helicopters hovering above buildings, apparently searching for suspects, while Mexican armed forces and armored vehicles patrolled the streets below. Public transportation had ground to a halt, leaving tourists uncertain about how they would reach the airport even if flights resumed.

Despite the widespread disruption, Marchenko noted a surprising lack of panic among locals and tourists. “There’s definitely not any panic from almost nobody here,” he said. “I think it’s interesting, almost everybody was just annoyed more than anything.”

Adriana Belli, 49, a visitor from Miami, shared that she had planned an extended stay in Mexico to attend a wedding in Guadalajara and celebrate a friend’s birthday in Mexico City. Belli expressed shock at the sudden outbreak of violence, noting that she had spoken with American tourists at her Marriott resort who had insisted the area was extremely safe after visiting Puerto Vallarta annually for 24 years.

The situation has created significant challenges for tourists throughout the region. Belli reported that guests who had reached the airport were under lockdown with limited resources. “A lot of the other tourists who had early morning flights were actually able to get to the airport, but they are now locked down in the airport and unable to leave,” she said. “So what we heard from other guests is they are just sort of surviving off of granola bars.”

The violence has disrupted hotel services as well. One tourist at a separate resort described how restaurants and room service had been suspended, with guests gathered in the lobby to share what staff described as “the last bit of food.”

For some, the situation has caused significant emotional stress. One visitor revealed that this was the first trip he and his wife had taken away from their 4-year-old son. “I had to call my mom today and, you know, just tell her, ‘Look, here’s where my will is. We just created this. I don’t want you to panic, but I may need you to stay a couple days extra with my son,'” he explained.

Mexico’s Defense Department confirmed Sunday that Oseguera was killed in a military operation supported by U.S. intelligence. El Mencho was the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most violent criminal organizations known for its extensive firepower and territorial control across multiple Mexican states.

The drug lord’s death has triggered widespread unrest throughout the region as Mexican authorities work to stabilize affected areas. The violence has also forced the postponement of soccer matches in areas where the cartel maintains influence.

As of now, officials are working to restore order in Puerto Vallarta while stranded tourists await information about when they might be able to safely depart the area.