Vacationers from Yukon gazed at thick black smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta’s scenic skyline on Sunday morning, followed by the sound of explosions. What began as an idyllic Mexican getaway transformed into a tense standoff after violence erupted across several states, including the coastal city in Jalisco.
The unrest stems from the reported death of a leader from one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal groups during a confrontation with special forces operatives, according to authorities.
Shelter in Place and Flight Cancellations
Global Affairs Canada issued a shelter-in-place order for the area, prompting multiple airlines to cancel flights to and from Puerto Vallarta. Streets emptied as resorts locked down, leaving guests confined to their properties.
Yukoners Keep Composure at Sunscape Resort
Theresa Hayduck, a first-time visitor to Mexico traveling with a group of 13, expressed gratitude despite the chaos. “This is my first time in Mexico. I feel like I’m living my best life,” she said in a phone interview. “My first morning I just woke up with so much gratitude.”
Hayduck noted the surreal shift after spotting smoke from her balcony. “I’ve watched a lot of shows about the cartel, and now I’m in Mexico where one of the largest drug dealers is gone,” she added. “I’m just trying not to freak out.”
Vincent Esquiro, another group member, witnessed dozens of fires and flames above the treetops from his room at Sunscape Resort. “The streets were empty. No people walking. Nobody driving. Nobody out. It was very, very quiet. No birds,” he described.
The resort lobby buzzed with guests as no one could venture outside. The group plans to monitor the situation daily ahead of their Friday departure. Esquiro shared updates on social media, which gained traction only after Canada’s 2026 Winter Olympics hockey game against the United States concluded. “There does seem to be a sense of ‘stay calm and carry on,’” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”
Hayduck remains unfazed, highlighting the weather contrast. “It’s -29 in Yukon, and we’re sitting in plus 29,” she noted. “We’ll just enjoy our time as much as we can and keep safe.”
Former Yukon Commissioner Observes Fires
Doug Phillips, former Yukon commissioner vacationing in Mexico for three weeks, spotted a massive smoke pillar while watching the hockey game at a waterfront restaurant near Marina Puerto Vallarta.
Upon returning to his hotel at Mayan Palace at Vidanta Puerto Vallarta, staff informed him of the lockdown. From his balcony, Phillips counted over 15 fires igniting in downtown Puerto Vallarta and nearby areas. “It was a little scary, but we were quite safe,” he said.
Phillips emphasized that Puerto Vallarta remains safe for tourists, with the violence arising from cartel infighting. “It’s actually more of an attack between the fights between the different cartels. Hunker down and stay where you’re safe,” he advised. His Monday departure now hangs in limbo. “We’re kind of in no-man’s-land right now,” Phillips concluded. “I can’t wait to get back to the -25 below. And no cartel.”
