Mexico, a land of vibrant culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes, beckons travelers from around the globe. From ancient ruins to pristine beaches, bustling cities to charming colonial towns, Mexico offers a diverse range of experiences. However, like any international destination, it’s essential to be informed about safety and plan your trip wisely. This guide provides a state-by-state overview to help you discover the best and safest Mexico Travel Places for your next adventure.
Understanding Travel Advisories in Mexico
It’s crucial to stay updated on travel advisories, like those issued by the U.S. State Department, which assess crime and safety levels across different Mexican states. These advisories categorize states based on risk, ranging from “Exercise Normal Precautions” to “Do Not Travel.” Understanding these levels is the first step in planning a safe and enjoyable trip.
States to Exercise Normal Precautions In
These states are generally considered the safest for travel in Mexico, allowing you to explore with peace of mind:
-
Campeche State: Known for its tranquil atmosphere and Mayan ruins like Calakmul, Campeche offers a safe and culturally rich experience. Explore the colorful colonial city of Campeche, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and delve into the region’s fascinating history.
-
Yucatan State: Home to world-renowned Mayan sites such as Chichen Itza and Uxmal, as well as the vibrant city of Merida and charming Valladolid, Yucatan is a traveler’s paradise. Enjoy the stunning cenotes, delicious Yucatecan cuisine, and the warm hospitality of its people.
Alt: Majestic view of Chichen Itza, a prominent Mexico travel place in Yucatan, showcasing ancient Mayan architecture.
Yucatan is perfect for history buffs and those seeking relaxation in a safe environment.
States Where Increased Caution is Advised
In these states, it’s important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings due to potential criminal activity. However, many popular tourist destinations within these states remain safe to visit with precautions:
-
Aguascalientes State: While exercising increased caution is advised, Aguascalientes is known for its beautiful colonial architecture and the San Marcos Fair.
-
Baja California Sur State: This state is home to popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas and La Paz. Exercise increased caution, especially in less-touristed areas, but enjoy the stunning beaches, water activities, and vibrant nightlife that Baja California Sur offers.
-
Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico): As a massive metropolis, Mexico City experiences both violent and non-violent crime. However, tourist areas are generally well-patrolled. Exercise increased caution, particularly at night and outside of typical tourist zones. Explore world-class museums, historical sites, and a thriving culinary scene in this exciting capital.
Alt: The iconic Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City, a significant Mexico travel place, highlighting the city’s cultural richness.
-
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico): Similar to Mexico City, exercise increased caution throughout Mexico State, especially outside tourist areas. Explore historical sites like Teotihuacan pyramids, but be mindful of petty crime even in tourist zones.
-
Nayarit State: While increased caution is advised, Nayarit boasts beautiful beaches along the Riviera Nayarit, including Nuevo Vallarta and Sayulita. Stick to tourist areas and remain aware of your surroundings.
-
Nuevo Leon State: Monterrey, a major city in Nuevo Leon, is a business and cultural hub. Exercise increased caution throughout the state.
-
Oaxaca State: Oaxaca is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty, with destinations like Oaxaca City, Monte Alban, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco. While increased caution is advised, these tourist hotspots are generally safe. Be aware of travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in specific regions within the state, mainly the Isthmus region and certain highways.
Alt: Natural wonder of Hierve el Agua in Oaxaca, a popular Mexico travel place, showcasing unique rock formations and scenic views.
-
Puebla State: Puebla offers colonial charm, historical sites, and delicious cuisine. Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping concerns, but explore Puebla City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and nearby Cholula safely.
-
Queretaro State: Queretaro is known for its well-preserved colonial city, also a UNESCO site, and developing wine region. Exercise increased caution due to criminal activity.
-
Quintana Roo State: This state is home to world-famous tourist destinations like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. While popular and heavily touristed, criminal activity can occur, even in tourist zones. Exercise increased caution, especially at night in these areas, and be aware of gang-related shootings that can affect bystanders.
Alt: Stunning turquoise waters and white sand beaches of Tulum, Quintana Roo, a sought-after Mexico travel place, emphasizing its coastal beauty.
-
San Luis Potosi State: San Luis Potosi offers a mix of desert landscapes, waterfalls in La Huasteca region, and colonial architecture in its capital city. Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping risks.
-
Tabasco State: Home to Mayan ruins and natural reserves, Tabasco requires increased caution due to potential criminal activity.
-
Tlaxcala State: Mexico’s smallest state, Tlaxcala, is rich in history and culture. Exercise increased caution due to potential crime.
-
Veracruz State: Veracruz, a state with a long coastline and vibrant port cities, experiences increasing violent crime, particularly in central and southern areas. Exercise increased caution and be aware of impromptu roadblocks.
States Where Travel Should Be Reconsidered
These states have significant safety risks, and travel should be carefully reconsidered due to high levels of crime and potential for violence:
-
Baja California State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping, particularly in areas bordering the U.S. Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito are major tourist areas within this state, but high homicide rates, especially in non-tourist Tijuana areas, are a concern. U.S. government employees face specific travel restrictions in certain areas, particularly the Mexicali Valley.
-
Chiapas State: Reconsider travel to Chiapas due to crime. While areas like San Cristobal de las Casas are popular with tourists, criminal activity and violence exist throughout the state. U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to certain municipalities and regions in the southeast.
-
Chihuahua State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Ciudad Juarez and Copper Canyon are located in Chihuahua. Violent crime and gang activity are common. U.S. government employees have restricted travel to certain areas, including Copper Canyon.
-
Guanajuato State: Reconsider travel due to crime, particularly gang violence and cartel-related activities, primarily in the south and central regions. However, tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City are generally considered safer, though it’s still important to be vigilant. U.S. government employees are restricted in areas south of Federal Highway 45D.
-
Jalisco State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are major tourist destinations in Jalisco. Territorial battles between criminal groups can occur even in tourist areas. U.S. government employees face restrictions in areas bordering Michoacan and along certain federal highways.
-
Morelos State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are present in parts of Morelos.
-
Sonora State: Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Sonora is a key area for drug and human trafficking, with widespread violent crime. Even popular tourist areas like Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, and Puerto Penasco require heightened awareness and adherence to travel restrictions for U.S. government employees, particularly regarding transportation and restricted zones.
States Where Travel is Not Advised
These states pose extreme safety risks, and the U.S. government advises against any travel due to high levels of crime and violence:
-
Colima State: Do not travel to Colima due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Manzanillo’s tourist and port areas have restricted travel for U.S. government employees, but other areas are off-limits.
-
Guerrero State: Do not travel to Guerrero due to crime. This includes tourist hotspots like Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Ixtapa. Crime and violence are widespread, with armed groups operating throughout the state and using roadblocks.
-
Michoacan State: Do not travel to Michoacan due to crime and kidnapping. While U.S. government employees have limited travel permissions to Federal Highway 15D, Morelia, and Lazaro Cardenas (by air only to limited areas), other parts of Michoacan, including the Monarch Butterfly Reserve, are off-limits. Crime and violence are widespread.
-
Sinaloa State: Do not travel to Sinaloa due to crime. Criminal organizations operate extensively in Sinaloa, and violent crime is widespread. Mazatlan and Los Mochis/Topolobampo are accessible to U.S. government employees by air or sea only, restricted to specific zones.
-
Tamaulipas State: Do not travel to Tamaulipas due to crime and kidnapping. Organized crime is rampant, particularly along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Carjacking, kidnapping, and extortion are common. Heavily armed groups operate with impunity. U.S. government employee travel is severely restricted, mainly limited to areas around U.S. consulates in Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo and specific routes under curfew.
-
Zacatecas State: Do not travel to Zacatecas due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread. U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper (by air only), with all other areas off-limits.
General Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico
Regardless of your destination in Mexico, these general safety tips will help ensure a safer trip:
- Stay Informed: Regularly check for updated travel advisories and local news before and during your trip.
- Share Your Plans: Keep family and friends informed of your itinerary and whereabouts. Share your GPS location if separating from your group.
- Use Secure Transportation: Opt for toll roads, avoid driving alone or at night, and use dispatched transportation services like Uber or regulated taxis. If taking a taxi alone, photograph the taxi number and/or license plate and send it to a friend.
- Be Discreet: Avoid displaying signs of wealth and be extra vigilant at banks and ATMs.
- Exercise Caution in Social Settings: Be cautious when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Have a contingency plan for emergencies and review the Traveler’s Checklist from the State Department.
- Health Precautions: Consult the CDC page for the latest travel health information.
Conclusion: Enjoying Mexico Safely
Mexico offers incredible travel experiences, from ancient wonders to stunning beaches and vibrant cities. By understanding the safety landscape, staying informed, and taking necessary precautions, you can confidently explore many of the safest and most exciting Mexico travel places. Remember to prioritize your safety, be aware of your surroundings, and enjoy the rich culture and beauty that Mexico has to offer. Always consult the latest travel advisories and resources to ensure a safe and memorable journey.
