Puerto Vallarta, a renowned destination in Mexico, is currently facing turmoil as airlines canceled flights to and from the area due to escalating violence. The situation has left many Canadian tourists, including B.C. resident Ryan Voutilainen, in a state of uncertainty.
Voutilainen, who was enjoying his stay in the Zona Romantica district with his partner, reported that their last night was uneventful. “It was supposed to be my last night here in Puerto Vallarta, so I was out with some friends enjoying the evening,” he stated. Their plans were abruptly disrupted the following morning when they learned about the chaos unfolding in the city through a message from a friend back home.
Upon waking up that day, they were preparing to head to the airport when they were made aware of the situation. Voutilainen explained that he didn't hear anything unusual during the night as he stayed in an Airbnb without outward-facing windows. He only realized the severity of the issue when he saw messages indicating that multiple cars had been set ablaze across the city, including in the Zona Romantica.
Looking for clarity, Voutilainen went to the rooftop of his Airbnb and observed the eerily quiet streets. “There’s nobody out there, there’s no car traffic, there’s no pedestrians,” he noted, emphasizing the lack of police presence as well. He witnessed a group on motorbikes pushing a car into an intersection before setting it on fire—a troubling sight that mirrored reports from other residents of Puerto Vallarta.
Voutilainen later saw police activity, helicopters, and the aftermath of burned vehicles, sharing his experiences on social media. He cautioned others not to believe everything circulating online, clarifying that while chaos existed, his specific location was not engulfed in flames as depicted in some viral images.
Despite feeling somewhat safe in his secure building, Voutilainen expressed concern about their lack of food supplies, as they were unprepared for an extended stay. With their flight canceled by Air Canada, there was uncertainty surrounding their next steps. He had registered with the local Canadian consulate in case the situation deteriorated, highlighting the importance of staying connected with authorities during such crises.
As the day progressed, the Jalisco state government advised visitors to remain in their accommodations due to roadblocks created by burning vehicles aimed at obstructing authorities. Voutilainen reflected on the unsettling yet intriguing nature of the experience, noting, “We’re doing everything we can to make sure that we stay and keep ourselves in a safe position.” He remains hopeful for clarity on how the next few days will unfold as they navigate this precarious situation.
Canadians in the area have been encouraged to register online with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) for updated information and guidance regarding their safety and travel plans.
