Tribune Travel

Puerto Vallarta Launches New Garbage Collection Schedule After Taking Over Service

Tribune Travel — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:16:33 -0600

In Puerto Vallarta, municipal authorities have officially rolled out a new garbage collection system starting the night of March 31, 2026, after assuming full control of the service across the city. The change comes בעקבות the departure of the private contractor Red Ambiental and is aimed at ensuring full coverage, improved efficiency, and daily service in all neighborhoods. Under the new system, garbage collection will operate in three daily shifts:

Morning: 7:00 a.m.
Afternoon: 2:00 p.m.
Night: 7:00 p.m.

City officials are urging residents to place their trash bags on street corners shortly before their designated collection time to prevent accumulation and maintain cleanliness. The service is now being managed directly by the municipal government, led by Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía González, with support from various city departments. Initially, the city will operate with a fleet of 25 garbage trucks, with plans to gradually expand in order to improve coverage—especially during high-demand periods such as holidays. The transition follows a suspension of services by the previous contractor amid financial disagreements with the city. In response, the local government stepped in to avoid disruptions and ensure continuous waste collection for residents.

Mexican Navy Ship Arrives in Puerto Vallarta to Reinforce Security Operations

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 22:24:32 -0600

As part of federal support efforts in the wake of the February 22 unrest, the Mexican Navy vessel ARM Usumacinta (A-412) arrived at the port of Puerto Vallarta on the afternoon of February 23. The presence of the ship strengthens the federal security deployment in the region, where surveillance operations and interagency coordination continue following road blockades, vehicle fires, and attacks reported across the city and its metropolitan area. The Usumacinta is one of the largest and most versatile ships in the fleet of the Armada de México. Classified as an amphibious assault and logistical support vessel — a Landing Ship Tank (LST) — it is designed to transport personnel, vehicles, and equipment, and to conduct landing and ground-support operations. Originally built in the United States as the USS Frederick (LST-1184), the vessel served in the U.S. Navy from 1970 to 2002. Mexico later acquired it through the Security Assistance Program and incorporated it into its naval fleet in 2002. Measuring more than 160 meters (approximately 525 feet) in length, the ship is capable of extended autonomous operations at sea. Beyond its military role, the Usumacinta has participated in humanitarian missions and disaster relief efforts, transporting aid and supplies during natural emergencies. The vessel has also taken part in multinational exercises such as the RIMPAC and has served in training cruises for cadets of the Heroic Naval Military School. Its arrival in Puerto Vallarta represents a strategic reinforcement of security measures as authorities from federal, state, and municipal levels continue coordinated efforts to fully restore stability and normalcy in the region.

Video of Alleged Looting by Foreigners in Puerto Vallarta Sparks Online Debate

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:54:19 -0600

A video circulating on social media has sparked controversy after appearing to show individuals allegedly looting a convenience store in Puerto Vallarta following Sunday’s violent unrest.

The footage shows several people carrying black bags filled with goods as they exit an Oxxo located at the intersection of Aquiles Serdán and Pino Suárez streets, just steps from the city’s iconic Malecón. The individuals are described by some social media users as apparently foreign; however, authorities have not issued any official statement confirming their identities, nationalities, or legal status. The assumption that they are foreigners is based solely on what appears in the video.

The video surfaced one day after a wave of violence on Sunday, February 22, impacted both Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas, following the reported capture and subsequent death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leader of the Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación.

In the aftermath, authorities reported road blockades, vehicle fires, attacks on convenience stores, and incidents of looting across parts of the metropolitan area. Official sources confirmed that several local individuals were detained Monday in Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas for their alleged involvement in looting and property damage. So far, no arrests of foreign nationals have been announced.

The video has generated mixed reactions online. Some users criticized what they believe to be the participation of foreign visitors in acts of looting, while others suggested the actions may have been driven by confusion or fear amid the uncertainty and chaos that marked the violent day.

As of now, officials have not provided further clarification regarding the individuals shown in the footage, and investigations into Sunday’s events remain ongoing.

79 Burned Vehicles Removed in One Day as Puerto Vallarta Advances Roadway Cleanup

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 20:43:17 -0600

Authorities in Puerto Vallarta reported significant progress Monday in clearing the city’s streets following Sunday’s violent unrest, announcing that 79 burned vehicles were removed on the first full day of cleanup operations. According to the Municipal Government, the vehicles — including public transportation buses and a tractor-trailer — had been used to create blockades across major roadways. Some of the recovered units have since been secured in official impound lots as investigations continue. Official figures indicate that slightly more than 200 vehicles were damaged during the unrest. However, residents estimate the total could be closer to 300, noting that charred remains of cars and buses are still scattered in upper El Pitillal, several working-class neighborhoods, above the tunnel near the entrance to the Gastronomicos subdivision, as well as in Ixtapa and surrounding rural areas. The removal of the first 79 vehicles has allowed authorities to make headway in reopening critical arteries, including Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Avenida Francisco Villa, Avenida México, Libramiento Luis Donaldo Colosio, State Highway 544, and Avenida Federación. Cleanup crews have also worked on smaller streets such as Colombia and Perú in the Colonia 5 de Diciembre neighborhood. Municipal officials stated that operations remain ongoing at multiple locations throughout the city, with the goal of fully restoring mobility and normal traffic flow in the coming days.

Mayor Convenes Emergency Security Cabinet After 27 Hours of Unrest in Puerto Vallarta

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:46:18 -0600

More than 27 hours after violent incidents partially paralyzed Puerto Vallarta, Mayor Luis Ernesto Munguía Gonzalez led a security cabinet meeting Monday to address the aftermath of blockades and vehicle fires that shook the city.

According to Official Communiqué 1469, the mayor stated that the unrest was triggered by a federal operation carried out in Tapalpa, which led to the burning of vehicles and road blockades across multiple areas of the municipality. In response, the Municipal Government activated emergency measures to remove damaged units, safeguard businesses, and reinforce patrols at strategic points to protect local families and preserve tourism activity.

During the session, held at official facilities and attended by municipal authorities along with security forces from all three levels of government, officials reported that preliminarily more than 200 units — including public buses and private vehicles — were affected. Cleanup efforts and the removal of burned vehicles are ongoing in an effort to restore traffic flow along the city’s main avenues. Public transportation has begun to gradually normalize.

Secretary General of the City Council José Juan Velázquez Hernández said coordinated actions remain in place to guarantee basic services and access to essential supplies. Meanwhile, Civil Protection and Fire Department Director Misael López Muro explained that efforts are focused on clearing roadways, protecting businesses, and strengthening police presence throughout the municipality.

The mayor’s public appearance comes after what many consider one of the most complex security crises in Puerto Vallarta’s recent history. Various sectors of the community have questioned whether the institutional response was timely given the scale of the incidents, which included fires, blockades, and reported looting in different parts of the city.

In his remarks, Munguía González reiterated that authorities will continue working in coordination to restore security conditions and urged residents to stay informed through official channels and follow authorities’ recommendations. He also noted that the municipality is awaiting a decision from the Government of Jalisco regarding the lifting of the statewide “red code” alert.

As operations continue, Puerto Vallarta seeks to regain normalcy while facing broader questions about emergency response capacity and the need to strengthen protocols for handling crises of this magnitude.

Romantic Zone and Los Muertos Beach Wake Up Calm but Unusually Quiet in Puerto Vallarta

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:21:33 -0600

The Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta and Playa Los Muertos woke up calm Monday morning, though with noticeably unusual activity following the violent incidents reported the previous day. During a tour of the area, numerous tourists were seen forming long lines to purchase food at the few restaurants, grocery stores, and cafés that remained open. However, a large number of establishments — including restaurants, bars, and retail shops — continued to keep their doors closed. Playa Los Muertos appeared completely empty, an uncommon sight for one of the most frequented beaches in the popular tourist destination. The majority of visitors chose to remain inside their hotels, waiting for official information or guidance before venturing out. Some foreign tourists expressed surprise at the events, noting they selected Puerto Vallarta because of its reputation as a safe and attractive vacation spot. Several acknowledged feeling frightened by the situation and voiced concern over what they described as a lack of information or support from municipal authorities following the incidents. No visible security personnel were observed deployed in the area as of Monday morning, even as calm prevailed along streets that typically see heavy foot traffic from both domestic and international visitors. Meanwhile, hotel staff were seen assisting with cleanup efforts at several stores belonging to Oxxo, some of which had been set on fire during the unrest. Although the atmosphere remains peaceful, tourism activity in one of Puerto Vallarta’s most emblematic areas continues to be limited as the destination awaits a full return to normalcy.

Bahía de Banderas Resumes Commercial Activity and Public Transport After Violent Day

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:13:49 -0600

The municipal government of Bahía de Banderas announced a gradual return to normal operations on Monday morning, February 23, following a violent day on Sunday that left burned vehicles and blockades on major roadways throughout the municipality. Local authorities confirmed that commercial activities have resumed, public transportation service has been restored, and gas stations are operating again. Officials also stated that vehicular traffic is now flowing normally across the municipality. As part of ongoing preventive measures, security operations remain in place. Authorities continue conducting checkpoints and inspections targeting motorcyclists and vehicles with heavily tinted windows in an effort to prevent further incidents and reinforce public safety. Municipal government offices are scheduled to fully resume regular operations on Tuesday, February 24, when all local departments will return to normal working hours. Despite the reopening of economic and transportation activities, Bahía de Banderas remains in a preventive phase. Permanent patrols and surveillance operations are being carried out in coordination with the Secretaría de Marina(SEMAR), the Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA), and the Guardia Nacional, until an official announcement confirms that security conditions in the region have fully stabilized.

Commerce Reopens in Puerto Vallarta; Long Lines Form for Groceries

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:02:45 -0600

Businesses across Puerto Vallarta began reopening Monday as residents and visitors rushed to stock up on food and essential supplies following a day of unrest that kept many indoors. After spending Sunday unable to leave their homes to purchase basic necessities, citizens were eager to find open stores. Several grocery shops, large retail chains, and even the Mercado 5 de Diciembre resumed operations, drawing long lines of customers seeking groceries and household essentials. All Soriana locations in Marina, Pitillal, Flamingos, and Caracol opened their doors, implementing controlled entry measures by allowing only ten customers inside at a time to maintain order. The Ley supermarket also reopened, though a lengthy line formed along Avenida México as shoppers waited to enter. Among municipal markets, only the 5 de Diciembre market partially reopened. Some of its stalls had been damaged or set on fire during the previous day’s disturbances, limiting full operations. In residential neighborhoods, a noticeable shift occurred. With many convenience stores such as Oxxo, Kiosko, 2Box, and Farmacias Guadalajara affected by the unrest, traditional neighborhood businesses — small grocery stores, produce stands, and local butcher shops — stepped in to meet demand. Despite recent disruptions, the reopening of commerce reflects efforts by the community to restore a sense of normalcy while residents continue securing essential goods.

Public Transportation Service Resumes in Puerto Vallarta

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 10:55:19 -0600

Public transportation service has resumed in Puerto Vallarta, with an initial deployment of 30 buses covering all major routes across the city. Luis Villaseñor, director of Unibus Vallarta, confirmed that operations restarted gradually at 10:00 a.m. on Monday following earlier service disruptions. Villaseñor explained that while service is being restored progressively, all established routes are now being covered by the available fleet. In addition, three buses have been specifically assigned to serve the southern coastal corridor connecting downtown Puerto Vallarta with the communities of Mismaloya and Boca de Tomatlán. Authorities indicated that service levels are expected to increase as conditions stabilize, and riders are encouraged to allow extra travel time while full operations are gradually restored.

Marines in Checkpoint Closes Key Access Road in Puerto Vallarta

Tribune Travel — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:15:23 -0600

Military forces have set up a checkpoint on the main entrance avenue to Puerto Vallarta, while Navy personnel maintain a security perimeter near the Naval Zone.

Traffic along Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio was shut down Monday morning on the northern side of Puerto Vallarta, as the Mexican Army installed a checkpoint at the traffic light near Estero El Salado and Puerto Isla.

Motorists are being instructed to take alternate routes due to the closure. Authorities recommend diverting through the Convention Center area and Avenida México to avoid delays.

On the opposite side of the bridge, a security perimeter remains active in front of the 12 Zona Naval Militar, where Navy personnel continue operations. Drivers in that area are advised to use Avenida Politécnico Nacional as an alternative route.

The checkpoint forms part of ongoing security measures in the region. Travelers are urged to plan ahead, allow extra time for commutes, and follow official instructions while the operations remain in place.