ABC7 News producer stranded in Puerto Vallarta details city's recovery following El Mencho's death
PUERTO VALLARTA, Mexico (KGO) -- Days after cartel violence, destruction, and anxiety gripped towns across Mexico a sense of normalcy appears to be returning to many parts of the country.
The unrest in 20 Mexican states was in connection with the killing of the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho"
The violence led to mass flight cancellations, the shuttering of entire towns, and an order for American travelers to shelter in place.
That includes ABC7 Eyewitness News Producer Juan Carlos Guerrero - who was in Puerto Vallarta for vacation.
RELATED: ABC7 News producer stranded in Puerto Vallarta details aftermath following El Mencho's death
On Monday, Guerrero ventured out to downtown area and the airport to see what conditions were like.
But on Tuesday, the situation was noticeably improved with many businesses reopening.
RELATED: Bay Area residents stuck in Puerto Vallarta amid unrest after killing of drug lord 'El Mencho'
In the popular Zona Romántica - the romantic zone - tourists were out walking, hanging out at the beach and eating at the beach side restaurants.
A big contrast from Sunday and Monday when they were ordered to shelter in their hotels and tourists told Guerrero they feel safe.
"We don't feel scared but we are also not staying out late at night, not walking out far from this place. We are sticking close to home," said Dan a tourist from Canada.
MORE: Over 70 people killed in attempt to capture Mexican cartel leader and violent aftermath
A military helicopter flew overhead and the Mexican Navy docked a massive warship near the port this morning, visual signs of force that provided some reassurance for tourists and residents.
"The military helicopter was going over and sort of creating a sense of security that things are safe but I have no fear at all," explained Nancy Bott who is from Washington and lives in Puerto Vallarta for part of the year.
But not everyone felt secure.
A taxi driver Guerrero talked said he was afraid this was the calm before more violence as the cartels fight for power.
RELATED: Mexican army kills leader of powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, 'El Mencho,' during operation
Still, the city is slowly cleaning up.
Three burnt buses Guerrero saw yesterday had been removed on Tuesday and workers were cutting down damaged palm branches.
No tourists or Puerto Vallarta residents were killed in Sunday's violence but several businesses were torched, almost all of them OXXO convenience stores.
"It's a great town. We have been coming here for 20 years and I love it here and I don't want my visiting here to end because of this and I don't think it will," said Jim Rysewyk a tourist from New York.
There was also signs of improvement for air travel out of Puerto Vallarata.
Flights are leaving with more frequency from the airport but many people who had their flights canceled could not get a new flight until next weekend.
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