The most common question for those who are planning a trip to Mexico is: “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?” The reason is quite simple-the country has both a rich side with cultural experiences, amazing beaches, and vibrant cities, and an adverse side, mainly concerning crimes and lots of talk regarding safety issues in some areas.
Here in this blog post, we will have a critical discussion on the travel safety in Mexico and beyond, we provide safety tips, and helping you decide on your journey. We go deeper into the specific regions, deal with common misconceptions, and offer advice on how to stay safe while traveling through this interesting piece.
Getting to Understand Mexico’s Safety
So when inquiring as to whether it is safe to travel in Mexico, most people look to headlines regarding crime and violence in certain areas of Mexico. Undeniably, there are organized crime issues in Mexico-in parts of the country. A citizen must however remember that those issues do tend to be regional and not indicative of the general problem. In fact, many popular tourist destinations in Mexico are relatively safe and well patrolled by local and federal authorities.
Safety in Mexico Varies by Region
Mexico is a large and diversified country with very different safety considerations from one region to the other. Addressing the question, “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?” you have to zero in on the region you’re planning to visit. Here are the most visited areas by tourists:
1. Cancun and the Riviera Maya (Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cozumel)
Other very safe and visited places within Mexico are the Yucatán Peninsula, which comprises Cancun and Riviera Maya. Tourism is quite frankly also very much dependent on the economy, and the government has been unrelenting in efforts to ensure that visitors are left unharmed. The area is characterized by fabulous beaches, Mayan ruins, and resorts. Though violent crime is not an ordinary occurrence, this place offers little chance of petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
2. Mexico City
The capital and largest city in the country is a cultural center with world-class museums, historical sites, and a vibrant food scene. The city is far safer for tourists compared to the past, especially in areas such as Roma, Condesa, Polanco, and the Historic Center. Like all large cities, be vigilant; it is not advisable to wander into any neighborhoods at night. Overall it is safe to travel to Mexico City; however, one would do well always to use one’s common sense.
3. Los Cabos
This is the other very popular destination called Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San José del Cabo. The reasons for tourism include luxury resorts, fishing, and nightlife. For the most part, Los Cabos is considered safe for tourists, but the hotel zones have strict security measures. Tourism mainly fuels the economy, and local authorities make efforts to keep it that way.
4. Puerto Vallarta
Its tourist attractions include beaches and art galleries, along with its thriving nightlife. It is one of the safest places to visit in Mexico, with little crime and nice people. Of course, visitors should still be vigilant and have caution, particularly when venturing off the beaten paths.
5. Other Areas (Chiapas, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, etc.)
Other states, Chiapas and Oaxaca, are far richer in indigenous culture and the natural beauty of the area. While most destinations would be considered safe for the tourist, each one of these needs to be researched in detail and stayed updated on local news, because some areas do have reports of unrest and crime.
Places to Avoid
While Mexico has many safe regions for visitors, some areas are best approached with caution or avoided altogether due to violent and crime rates in general- as well as involving cartels-for example, specific parts of border regions, including Tamaulipas, as well as states Sinaloa, Guerrero, Michoacán, and Colima. These are the places that, whenever the question arises, “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?”, they raise red flags.
The updates by the U.S. Department of State concerning travel advisories to Mexico should always be consulted before one goes.
Safety Tips for Traveling in Mexico
While it is correct that some destinations are safer than others, it is imperative that safety precautions are taken when traveling to Mexico. The following tips provide a few practical ways to keep you safe:
1. Stick to Tourist Areas
Crime rates are usually much lower in tourist areas than anywhere else in city centers. Try to keep to the tourist areas, which you should feel fairly safe within, and focus on visiting places like famous beaches, hotels, and ancient monuments.
2. Safe Transport
Avoid boarding unlicensed taxis, and instead, use licensed taxi firms or ride-sharing services like Uber in big cities. In smaller towns, ask your hotel or a good local firm to arrange transport for you.
3. Do Not Travel at Night
It is always wise to avoid traveling at night, especially in areas or countries you are not familiar with. Mexico has the most excellent highways in the world, but at night with reduced visibility, bad roads, or roadblocks created by illegal groups can easily make for a much worse situation.
4. Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Always be watchful, as you would be when visiting a foreign country, care for your belongings, do not carry too much bling-bling jewelry, and do not have money in large amounts.
5. Learn the Basic Spanish Phrases
Very few speak English; while the majority of those working along the tourist path can speak good English, many cannot. A few phrases of basic Spanish can be very useful to you, especially in getting assistance or enhancing your understanding of directions.
6. Use ATMs Wisely
Use ATMs in safe, well-lit locations, such as inside a bank or a reputable hotel. Avoid making large withdrawals, and keep your money out of sight.
7. Respect local customs and laws
Mexico is a country that is very rich in its cultural beliefs, so meeting the local customs and traditions will not only make your stay the best one ever but also help to avoid any possible conflict. Be very selective of local laws, such as alcohol consumption and use of drugs, as there are great penalties applied by Mexico.
Commonly held misconceptions about traveling to Mexico
Many myths exist in the question, “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?” While there are certainly places where difficulties are present, most of those are exaggerated. Many people believe that the entire country is dangerous, which is far from true. Most major Mexican tourist destinations are as safe as many vacation destinations are around the world. However, as with any destination, knowledge and caution are what will keep you safe.
