Puerto Vallarta Residents Flee Cartel Violence, Cut Winter Trip Short

Matthew Breen and his family are leaving the Mexican city early due to recent unrest and explosions.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Matthew Breen, a 51-year-old podcast producer and talent manager from New York, has been wintering in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with his husband and parents since November. However, after a weekend of cartel-related violence and explosions in their neighborhood, the Breen family is now cutting their trip short and heading home to the U.S. early.

Why it matters

Puerto Vallarta is typically known as a safe tourist destination, but the recent cartel violence has raised concerns about public safety in the area. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges Mexico faces with organized crime and the impact it can have on local communities and visitors.

The details

On Sunday, the Breens woke up to loud bangs and saw plumes of smoke rising nearby. They heard reports of carjackings and witnessed a car being chased by people on motorcycles, one of whom was wielding a gun. The family also saw a mattress store set on fire just a block away. While it has since been quiet, the Breens saw extensive damage in the neighborhood, including burned-out cars and convenience stores.

  • On Sunday, the Breens woke up to the initial explosions and violence.
  • On Monday morning, the family surveyed the damage in their neighborhood.

The players

Matthew Breen

A 51-year-old podcast producer and talent manager from New York who has been wintering in Puerto Vallarta with his husband and parents.

Zona Romántica

The neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta where the Breen family was staying, known for being a safe area for tourists.

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What they’re saying

“Puerto Vallarta and our zone in particular are known for being very safe”

— Matthew Breen (Business Insider)

“Sunday was frightening. We woke up to loud bangs and activity.”

— Matthew Breen (Business Insider)

What’s next

The Breen family is working to book flights to get Matthew's parents home to Denver as soon as possible, and Matthew and his husband will then return to New York. They plan to monitor the situation in Puerto Vallarta from afar and return when they feel it is safe to do so.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of cartel violence in Mexico and the impact it can have on tourist destinations like Puerto Vallarta, which is typically seen as a safe haven. The Breen family's decision to cut their trip short serves as a cautionary tale for other visitors to the region.