Vallarta is fine. It always has been.
2026 Puerto Vallarta Riots
On February 22, 2026, Mexican authorities captured Mexico's most wanted criminal near Puerto Vallarta. In response to his capture, his operatives travelled to Puerto Vallarta and ritoed for approximately six hours to pressure the government for his release. They blocked roads, set cars ablaze, and arsoned a few OXXOs.
If you have been to Puerto Vallarta before, within 48 hours the town felt and looked much like the last time you were here. In other words, it was quickly back to normal. Nobody was hurt. No buildings were destroyed. Just some arsoned cars that were quickly removed and some OXXO stores that are now refit and reopened.
Sensationalization by the media
While this was by no means an insignificant event, it was nevertheless sensationalized by US and Canadian media. A riot that lasted six hours was reported as a “warzone” fueled by AI-generated content to make it appear much bigger and more serious than it was.
While Puerto Vallarta has consistently ranked #1 or #2 safest city in Mexico over five decades, the media's sensationalization of this isolated event has nevertheless given some travellers pause, causing a slowdown in visitors that may take weeks or months to recover from.
Your opportunity to experience deep peace
Only five countries were open for travel during Covid 19. Mexico was among them. For the safety of our guests, we stopped hosting retreats. Instead, we hosted families who wanted to quarantine in nature. Many commented on the deep level of peace and quiet they experienced staying in what felt like the middle of nowhere.
Puerto Vallarta has grown a lot since Covid 19. It’s no longer a small town. But right now there’s a window of opportunity for you to metaphorically go back in time and experience Puerto Vallarta as it was before it grew; to experience a deeper level of quiet and peace that is rare to find not just here but anywhere these days.
Your safety comes first
We wouldn’t invite anyone to visit if we felt we were putting them at risk. We would temporarily shut down our retreats and reopen when it was safe again. But it was unsafe for no more than six hours and life here was back to normal within 48 hours. Nevertheless, we want to share what we do to ensure guest safety.
Anytime guests are outside the property, they are escorted. The center is gated and fenced around the entire perimeter of the property. We have security protecting the entrance and cameras throughout the property. It’s seamless and noticeable only if you pay attention but it’s there and we do it well.
Like a shooting star, this unique time will be gone before the blink of an eye. Don’t let it pass you by.