The lengthy crescent-shaped beaches in Manzanillo were once a big draw, but now the city is under a Level 4 travel warning (Image: Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Gang-related violence, including and kidnappings in port cities favoured by has escalated to such an extent that Level 4 “do not travel” advisories have been issued for tourists. Leading cruise operators like Royal Caribbean are now bypassing many of these once-idyllic destinations due to the heightened threat of violence.
Holidaymakers have been starkly warned about the pervasive “violent crime and gang activity are widespread” in Manzanillo, Colima, where homicides and “targeted assassinations” among cartel members are rampant. The US has issued a severe caution to travellers, highlighting that between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders.”
Colima, with over 600 homicides reported in the first nine months of 2024 alone, boasts one of the highest murder rates globally, earning it the grim title of the world’s “murder capital.” This notorious status is even acknowledged within Mexico, where its homicide rate is five times that of the nation’s capital.
Following the downfall of the Sinaloa and the repeated arrests of kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, cartel violence in Mexico has surged, reaching a staggering peak of 33,141 murders in 2018, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, with figures hovering around this alarming number ever since.
Mexico’s war on the drug cartels has often seen Manzanillo at the centre of conflict. Here, soldiers burn 23 tonnes of cocaine seized in the city (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Mexico’s regions are currently under 31 different travel advisories, as various cartels control up to a fifth of the country’s territory, following the demise of notorious crime lord “El Chapo”. And yet, the picturesque port city of Manzanillo, in Colima, boasts stunning white architecture and two expansive crescent beaches, which have long drawn crowds.
Royal Caribbean’s website describes it as: “Not be the first place on Mexico’s Pacific Coast you think to visit, but its golden beaches, lively fishing harbour and emerald rainforest will leave memories that will last a lifetime.”
Despite this, local reports suggest that Royal Caribbean cruise ships are now bypassing Manzanillo, which is subject to the same travel warnings as countries like Afghanistan and Iraq. However, other firms like Princess Cruises still list Manzanillo as a destination in the coming months on their websites.
Manzanillo is a major shipping hub, but spiralling violence is causing some pleasure cruises to avoid the area (Image: Shutterstock)
Other coastal cities, such as Puerto Chiapas, near the Guatemalan border, are also affected by travel warnings due to the threat of severe violence.
This city, known for its excellent coffee, has been issued a Level 3 warning, advising tourists to “reconsider travel” due to escalating crime, prompting major cruise operators like Norwegian and Holland America to suspend visits to the port.