This article was initially published in five chapters on Borderland Beat in 2018, following my 2017 investigation into the high-profile kidnapping of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán’s sons in Puerto Vallarta.

Over time, I’ve refined and expanded the story, combining all the chapters into this single, cohesive narrative. Based on years spent in Vallarta and ongoing efforts to stay informed on the region’s shifting dynamics, this version integrates firsthand accounts and deeper insights.

While the facts remain unchanged, this revision presents a more comprehensive look into my time there investigating one of the boldest cartel acts in recent memory.

A man traveling with his wife in Puerto Vallarta early Monday morning fell victim to a frightening attack. As they turned onto a highway, another vehicle pulled alongside them and opened fire, leaving the man critically injured. The incident sparked an extensive security operation as authorities work to track down the perpetrators. The attack has raised concerns about the escalating violence in traditionally safer regions of Mexico, including popular tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta. As the investigation continues, the community awaits updates on the victim’s condition and grapples with how to balance growth and safety in the region. For now, the community remains on edge with questions about the security of major transit routes and public spaces.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has begun circulating counterfeit 500-peso bills in Puerto Vallarta, targeting unsuspecting tourists. The scam is part of the cartel’s growing financial schemes in the region, raising concerns that this could lead to increased violence, similar to what has happened in Cancún.

That 09/09/09 they caught him, he made a call and García Luna let him go.…

Escape to the stunning coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where natural landscapes and tourism are at the forefront of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s recent address. Acknowledging the pervasive issue of real estate corruption, López Obrador urges municipalities to prioritize the preservation of nature and control development projects to combat rampant corruption in the real estate sector. As he stresses the need for continued efforts to combat corruption, he also highlights the urgent need for municipal governments to enforce stricter controls to maintain Mexico’s natural beauty. This call to action not only emphasizes the importance of sustainable development practices but also reflects a broader commitment to addressing corruption at all levels of government. Join López Obrador in his efforts to protect Mexico’s rich environmental heritage and promote balanced development as Puerto Vallarta continues to thrive as a top tourist destination and investment opportunity.

Explore the rich heritage of Llano de la Palma Sola Festival, a unique equestrian event with deep cultural roots in Puerto Vallarta’s Las Palmas region.