Current events in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have led some spring break travelers to question if Cancun is the right fit for their 2026 vacation. From government-issued travel warnings to murmurs on social media about swapping the destination for a different tropical locale, advisors are looking for up-to-date information on the current situation in Cancun and the Riviera Maya to guide their clients. This week, The Compass on VAX and ALG Vacations are on location in the Hotel Zone and surrounding areas to bring travel pros the latest coverage of what Mexico looks like for spring break travel now.
According to ALG Vacations, popular beach destinations including Cancun, Cozumel, Los Cabos and Riviera Maya are under a Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution advisory. The advisory was issued by the U.S. Department of State and has previously been issued to other beloved travel spots like France and Italy.
The Current Airport Experience
The energy was high among passengers as I waited to board my 6 a.m. flight out of Milwaukee. Overheard conversations were light, centering mostly around tequila, margaritas and destination wedding parties, and most travelers were already emitting that “I’m on vacation” glow. The pre-boarding and boarding processes remained business as usual, and airline staff didn’t mention anything about current events or elevated safety concerns.
Upon landing at Cancun International Airport (CUN), the margarita talk continued — passengers were hyped to sip parking lot bevvies as they awaited their transfers — and the processes and airport standards were par for the course as we moved through customs and baggage claim. There was a decent-sized crowd waiting for their luggage by the carousels, and I didn’t notice anything out of the ordinary as far as heightened security goes. Airport staff were in good spirits, and vacationers were excited to begin their adventures.
The Current Traffic and Transportation Experience
I was headed to the Hotel Zone, which is about a 25-minute drive from CUN, notably shorter than the trek down to properties in Tulum or Riviera Maya. Our drive was largely uneventful aside from some light road construction once we neared the main strip, and the traffic was medium-to-light during most stretches. I didn’t notice any additional roadside security or police presence, and locals and visitors peacefully strolled the sidewalks to get from Point A to Point B. The usual amount of security was in place upon arriving at my hotel, and my Amstar driver dropped me off with no issues.
The Current Vibe at Hotels
Based on first impressions, the current vibe among hotel guests is one advisors might expect: vacation mode. People are living their best all-inclusive lives and seem to be enjoying the Cancun experience as much as travelers typically do. When I walked down to the beach, it was lined with sunbathers and swimmers, and one of the hotel pools was even hosting an aerobics class. The bars and restaurants are filled with patrons, and arriving vacationers are trickling into the lobby ready to check-in. The majority of people seem in good spirits, and the fun and relaxation is in full swing.
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