Mexico beach recently crowned best in world as cartels now torch businesses, terrorize tourist areas

The death of cartel leader “El Mencho” has sparked violent unrest across Mexico.

Thetravel guidance platformnoted the best time to visit the island is between November and April.

Isla Pasion has unique features such as protected coral reefs and sea turtle nesting sites — and is an exclusiveday-trip destination.

“U.S.citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place.”

Other beaches named in the top five were Elafonissi Beach in Crete, Greece;Balos Lagoon in Kissamos, Greece;Eagle Beach in Eagle Beach, Aruba;and Praia da Falésiain Algarve, Portugal.

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TOURISTS TRAPPED IN PUERTO VALLARTA RECOUNT CARTEL RETALIATION AFTER EL MENCHO KILLED

Isla Pasion is located in the state of Quintana Roo — listed in a slew of travel alerts issued by the U.S.State Department on Sunday, which cited “ongoing security operations.”

“U.S.citizens in a number of locations in Mexico are urged to shelter in place,” the latest alert read.

Tripadvisor recently named Isla Pasion in Cozumel, Mexico, the world’s best beach for 2026.(iStock)

Cartel members are terrorizing many regions bysetting fireto businesses and with gunfire in public areas.

The latest travel advisories in Mexico marked the country as a “Level 2 – Exercise increased caution” — with other areas marked as a “Level 3 – Reconsider travel” and “Level 4 – Do not travel” on Aug.12, 2025.

The advisory levels remain unchanged.

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terrorist violence.

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Cartel members are terrorizing many regions of Mexico by setting fire to businesses and with gunfire in public areas.(Michelle Freyria/Reuters)

“There is a risk of violence in the state from terrorist groups, cartels, gangs and criminal organizations.Shootings between rival gangs have injured and killed innocent bystanders,” reads the advisory.

�be aware of [their] surroundings and trust [their] instincts.”

traveling in groups of two or more.“The more people, the better,” he said. 

“If you’re getting a strange gut feeling, pay attention to that and react accordingly,” said a travel expert. (iStock)

“If you are a U.S.citizen or national, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and register your trip,” he also said. 

“The STEP program is free and allows the Department of State to contact you in the case of an emergency.It also helps them keep track of citizens that are abroad.”

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He added that travelers should stay connected. 

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“If your cellular plan does not include coverage in Mexico, look into day-pass E-SIM options to ensure you can contact authorities,family and friendswhile out of range of WiFi.In Mexico, the ‘911’ of the US is 065 for ambulance, 068 for fire and 060 for police,” said Alumbaugh.

Ashley J.