Despite Cancun’s rising body count, U.S. warning says it’s far safer than Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Spooked by the recent news about the eight bodies discovered in Cancun? The U.S. State Department isn’t so keen on visiting Mexico either.

However, its latest travel warning says that Cancun might be safer than the Pacific Coast.

The department issued an advisory Wednesday warning U.S. citizens to steer clear of several Mexican states, including Colima, Guerrero, Michoacán, Sinaloa and Tamaulipas.

Those areas include the resort towns of Acapulco and Mazatlan.

Areas in red were deemed too dangerous for travel in the latest advisory from the U.S. State Department.(U.S. State Department) — Areas in red were deemed too dangerous for travel in the latest advisory from the U.S. State Department.

(U.S. State Department)

The announcement warns U.S. citizens about a recent crime wave in Mexico that resulted in increased homicides, kidnappings, carjackings and robberies.

U.S. government employees working in Mexico are prohibited to travel to these areas and have a limited ability to help citizens who need it.

If Americans do travel to the risky areas, the government recommends they use toll roads, avoid driving at night, use caution at local bars and nightclubs, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and be vigilant around banks or ATMs.

The “do not travel” advisory does not include Cancun, although travelers to the Yucatan resort town are urged to “exercise increased caution.”

Earlier this week, a man was found dead in a hammock in Cancun, and the bodies of a man and woman were found in the trunk of an abandoned taxi cab.

The dismembered remains of two men were also discovered in several plastic bags there, and two other men were found shot to death, The Associated Press reported.

In April alone, 57 murders were reported in Cancun.

Source: https://www.dallasnews.com/