UofA Students React to Puerto Vallarta Violence, University Issues Travel Advisory

Unrest in popular Mexican resort city raises concerns among students as spring break approaches.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The recent cartel-related violence in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico has raised concerns among students at the University of Arizona as they finalize plans for spring break travel. The university has issued a statement saying all international travel is carefully reviewed with safety as the top priority.

Why it matters

Mexico is a popular spring break destination for many college students, including those from the University of Arizona, which is located near the U.S.-Mexico border. The violence in Puerto Vallarta highlights the ongoing security challenges in parts of Mexico and the need for students to be cautious when traveling internationally.

The details

Government helicopters were seen hovering over the coastline of Puerto Vallarta last weekend as Mexican authorities responded to the cartel-related violence. Some UofA students expressed feeling uneasy about the situation, with one calling it "scary" and another describing it as "devastating." However, another student said he typically travels to the safer northern parts of Sonora and avoids risky behavior to reduce his chances of encountering trouble.

  • The unrest in Puerto Vallarta occurred last weekend.

The players

University of Arizona

A public research university located in Tucson, Arizona, near the U.S.-Mexico border. Many of its students travel to Mexico for spring break.

Nicole Shughart

A University of Arizona student who expressed feeling uneasy about the violence in Puerto Vallarta.

Manuel Castillo

A University of Arizona student who said he typically travels to the safer northern parts of Sonora, Mexico and avoids risky behavior to reduce his chances of encountering trouble.

Stella Berg

A University of Arizona student who recently returned from Cabo San Lucas and said traveling with family has helped her feel secure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's scary!”

— Nicole Shughart, University of Arizona student (kgun9.com)

“It sucks that it's gotten to this point. It sucks that the government hasn't really been able to control it. The lives that have been lost of civilians that don't having anything to do with all that... It's been devastating.”

— Manuel Castillo, University of Arizona student (kgun9.com)

“Whenever I've gone I've always been with my dad, like family. So I've always been around an older person I feel safe with, and I know knows where not to go and stuff.”

— Stella Berg (kgun9.com)

What’s next

The University of Arizona said it will continue to carefully review all university-sponsored international travel, with the safety and wellbeing of its community as the top priority.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance for college students to exercise caution and awareness when traveling to certain parts of Mexico, even popular tourist destinations, due to the ongoing security challenges in the region. The University of Arizona's proactive approach to reviewing international travel plans is a prudent measure to help ensure the safety of its students.