Six of the Safest Cities in Mexico: A Travel Guide

Mexico is an extremely popular vacation destination. The tropical weather, inviting culture, wildlife, historic cultural sites and cuisine of Mexico are all valuable features of the country. As many travelers know, Mexico is famous for its cuisine, beaches and celebratory social scene. Because of the destinations’ complex culture and varying areas, many travelers are unsure if the country is a safe place to visit, based on the media and its reputation.

Mexico is a generally safe place to visit– but of course, like any other country, safety depends on the specific area that is visited. Since Mexico is a highly visited country, crowds can incur an increase in crime since opportunists can take advantage of visitors. Therefore, it is essential for visitors to do research on their potential destination. Knowing the general public’s consensus on the safety of potential travel destinations is also particularly important for minority groups since travelers of color (and other groups) can have disparate experiences.

Although all of the attractions in Mexico bring in millions of tourists each year, the country does have a reputation that some travelers question. The country’s safety level is hard to quantify, since there are so many differing regions. But this list of the top six safest locations in Mexico should help travelers pick where they want to go for their next relaxing getaway.

Safety in Mexico

Most countries have more criminal activity in particular locations. Mexico is no different. Although there is some criminal activity in the country, it is not consistent throughout all of its lands. There is technically a high level of crime in Mexico, since both locals and tourists are cautious of walking around or traveling at night. The tourist-heavy areas are the best places for tourists to stay in, as there is not a significant amount of crime targeted towards them.

Travelers of Mexico should remain vigilant if they go out at night, especially if they are alone. Staying in well lit and touristy areas will help travelers feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Securing valuables and not wearing particularly flashy things in places that may be unsafe is an important way to have a safe trip. Visitors of Mexico should monitor the local news and media platforms for reports on nearby crime or seek informational advisories.

Safety Advisories

Safety advisories commonly aid travelers in deciding where to go and where not to go abroad. They are updated regularly and provide concise information about varying destinations. A travel advisory that is quite helpful for travelers is the U.S. Department of State’s. According to this accurate advisory, none of these top six destinations are locations that travelers should reconsider travel to or consider high risk areas.

Safest Cities

These cities are the most popular and safe options for tourists of Mexico. If a trip to Mexico is on a traveler’s mind, these six locations should make the cut to determine the perfect tropical vacation. Although these destinations are not crime free, they are largely less dangerous than other cities and also offer beautiful views.

Puerto Vallarta

This city has a reputation as one of the safest places to stay in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is a visitor friendly destination with a relatively low crime rate. The area even has police that assists tourists and secure their safety. These officers are posted throughout the city and can help visitors who need assistance or even directions to attractions. Downtown, Marina Vallarta and Zona Romantica are popular neighborhoods to stay in which have good records in terms of safety.

Merida

Merida is located in the Yucatan state and is a popular tourist area. It is considered a significant place since it is the capital of the Yucatán state. Crime rates are low and locals are friendly, so visitors can rest assured that this town is a great place to explore. Downtown Merida is relatively peaceful, even though it can get slightly crowded with tourists seeking the safe city. If anything, travelers should avoid staying in the south side which is said to experience more petty crime.

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen is a popular beach town. It is considered safe by most visitors since there is not much danger that tourists encounter. The best areas for tourists to stay in are Northern Playa del Carmen, El Centro and Quinta Avenida since there is accessible shopping and in close proximity to the beach. Playa del Carmen is a place many tourists feel comfortable spending their time in. Still, travelers should be sure to exercise regular precautions. The town has plenty of nightlife, so travelers should be cautious as they party in a new place.

Tulum

Travelers going to Tulum will get to experience plenty of Mayan culture, upscale experiences and a secluded tropical destination. It has some of the best preserved ruins and is an iconic beach getaway. Travelers visiting Tulum should not be worried about being targeted, as long as they exercise safety precautions. Being alert at night, locking doors and not walking alone in the dark are sufficient ways to stay safe while in Tulum.

Cozumel

Cozumel is not a (US) bordering town, so travelers will notice a more safe environment than some other places where smuggling is common. This tourist destination has a relatively low crime level and travelers generally only have to be concerned about petty crimes. Since Cozumel is an island, travelers may feel more comfortable with its laid back and private atmosphere. The western coast is the preferable place to stay during a visit to Cozumel, since it is more modern.

Cancun

Cancun is well known as a friendly and safe area of Mexico. The destination has a low crime rate and is extremely relaxing for its visitors. Travelers planning a trip to Cancun should not fear for their safety. Although it is not the number one safest option, the area is still considered pretty safe for tourists. The Mexican government has even invested in security to attract more tourism to the area. As long as travelers take basic safety measures to protect themselves and their belongings, it is uncommon for tourists to experience unsafe conditions.