The Norm

We have vacationed for years all areas of Quintana Roo and decided to venture to your Ixtapa coast area this trip for a different vibe. The US warnings along with the recent killings ect make me question.. Are these incidents, road blocks, ect of concern for tourists or the "norm ". Certainly not an alarmist but interested in feedback. Thanking you in advance.

Guerrero has long been a state that has been known for violence. Guerrero bronco. This is where Mexico's independence was forged but also where much of the Guerra Sucia was fought. In spite of that, I don't think we ever could get used to the type of violence we've been experiencing these past years since the big capos were arrested (including El Chapo) and the unprincipled more violent punks took over their businesses. Presidente Felipe Calderón marched alongside the gringo government with its stupid and long failed war on drugs. He set Mexico on a path of violence trying to fight criminals who have more money than the government and who are better armed, thanks to our northern neighbors, and frankly everyone has been losing since then. Much of Guerrero still lives in the 19th century, barely accessible to the outside world and unable to advance. The criminals wear nice clothes and occupy positions in our governments. The police are paid miserably and barely trained. Our tiny police force still has about a third of its members who cannot carry firearms because they are unable to pass the "confidence tests". And innocent people can come into the crosshairs of cheap gunmen for even discussing the matter publicly.

Fortunately for tourists and people not involved in the narco trade, people who aren't police, military or public servants it is rare that they are affected by any of this violence. Only tangentially when their vehicles are stolen on the highway, for example. But for the most part as long as you steer clear of the places NOT recommended here in my website you should have a wonderful vacation. Don't seek trouble and it is doubtful it will find you. The overwhelming majority of our visitors have the most enjoyable times of their lives, as I expect you also will if you vacation anywhere in our region. THAT is the NORM.

Saludos.