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

Following an operation that killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," a revolt broke out in Mexico by cartel members - causing chaos across popular tourist areas in the country Sunday.

Isla Pasion beach in Cozumel, Mexico, took the No. 1 spot after the firm analyzed millions of traveler reviews from last year. It released the news about the beach Feb. 17.

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.

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.

"Exercise increased caution in Mexico due to terrorism, crime and kidnapping," the advisory says.

"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.

Travelmation travel advisor Brady Alumbaugh told Fox News Digital that tourists taking trips to Mexico should "be aware of [their] surroundings and trust [their] instincts."

He added, "If you're getting a strange gut feeling, pay attention to that and react accordingly."

"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."

He added that travelers should stay connected.