US Embassy Issues Security Alert for Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum

Following the fatal January 21 shooting of two Canadian tourists at a five-star hotel in the Playa del Carmen area and the murder of a beachfront bar manager mere days later and less than six miles away, the U.S. Embassy & Consulates in Mexico last week issued a special security alert for American citizens traveling to Quintana Roo.

"In light of recent security incidents and criminal activity in popular tourist destinations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise increased caution when traveling to the state of Quintana Roo," reads the cautionary notice. "Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, including areas frequented by U.S. citizen visitors."

The notice doesn't explicitly mention the shooting incidents last week, the first of which took place in an outdoor dining area at Hotel Xcaret in Playa del Carmen, a popular beach destination 42 miles from Cancun. The Quintana Roo state prosecutor's office disclosed that the two Canadians killed in the incident both had criminal records, which include drug trafficking charges, according to The Points Guy.

The special bulletin advises that U.S. visitors to the area take the following actions:

- Monitor the local news for updates, follow directions from local officials, and in case of emergency, call 911.

- Avoid crowds.

- Be aware of your surroundings.