Mexico is one of the most popular destinations for travelers. According to research, it’s the top location of choice for Americans who want to flex their passports, and for good reason. The nation is easily accessible with countless flights arriving at major ports of call every day. Likewise, land crossing is also possible, which makes it convenient for anyone who lives near the border.
But just as when traveling to any locale, tourists do have to focus on safety. While taking proper precautions and being somewhat street smart is always advised when traveling anywhere in the world, many people often ask where are the safest places to travel in Mexico. Overwhelmingly, the best advice is to stick to the well-known tourist regions. That still leaves travelers with plenty of options in a country as diverse and beautiful as Mexico.
Safest Parts of Mexico in the Pacific Coast
Known for its beautiful coastline and sapphire waters, the Pacific Coast region is a popular one for tourists traveling to Mexico. Popular destinations in this region include Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada, and Huatulco.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a beach destination in its own right. But many people are unaware that it’s also known for its rich art scene. Specifically, there are plenty of art galleries to spend time when not on the beach. Likewise, architecture is stunning in this city with one of the crown jewels being the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Puerto Vallarta is a definite tourist town so the infrastructure here is more than sufficient to give travelers peace of mind. Crime rates are fairly low when compared with national averages and even organized crime is not as influential here as with other parts of the country. As is the case with many tourist destinations, petty crime such as pick pocketing and scammers trying to either upcharge at restaurants or convince unsuspecting tourists to repay them for phony broken cameras are the biggest threats.
Ensenada
This beachside town is also located on the Pacific coast but is part of Baja California. Ensenada is close to Tijuana, making it a great nearby pitstop for people choosing to enter Mexico through a land crossing. This town is a lot more laid back than other tourist destinations across the country and may be a bit pricier than other locales that attempt to woo budget travelers. Crime is also relatively low here with petty activities being the most likely scenario to occur — if at all.
Huatulco
Huatulco is another Pacific coast town that’s got a laid back vibe and a strong tourist industry. This flourishing destination offers over 30 white sandy beaches, along with plenty of luxury resorts to choose from. Unlike most of the other places on this list, organized crime is a bit more prevalent here. However, as with US cities with organized crime ties, tourists should be okay if they stick to more populated or well-trafficked districts across the city.
Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination on the Pacific Coast. It’s located along Baja California Sur and is known for the gorgeous beaches, beautiful golf courses and countless outdoor activities on land and sea. Cabo San Lucas is another locale that’s really designed with tourists in mind so the infrastructure prioritizes safety.
Mexico City
Along with being the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is a destination in its own right. This massive metropolis is home to the fifth largest city population in the world at over 21 million residents. This historic city which was formerly Tenochtitlan during the Aztec empire, features a vibrant collection of old world meets new world as travelers can see architecture from the Aztecs, during European rule, and modern structures of today.
The city is also home to countless historical and cultural sites, museums, and is known for a vibrant food culture and nightlife scene. While it is a major city, it actually has a well-deserved reputation for being fairly safe thanks to an increased police presence and incorporation of surveillance cameras to deter would-be criminals.
Still, as with any city vacation, stick to well trafficked areas to avoid becoming a victim of crime. Specifically, tourists are cautioned to stay away from Tepito and Merced especially at night. Both of these neighborhoods are known to have more reported crimes than other parts of the city.
Safest Parts of Mexico in the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is inarguably one of the most frequently visited regions in Mexico. This area is home to popular tourist attractions like Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Play Del Carmen, Cozumel and Cancun. Generally speaking, this region — which is also known as the Riviera Maya — is one of the safest in Mexico because it’s so highly coveted as a tourist destination.
Tulum
Tulum is a popular attraction that’s fairly easy to reach even for travelers staying in other cities along the Yucatan Peninsula. The town has a wealth of Mayan ruins for tourists to explore along with plenty of excursions and activities.
As is common in this part of the country, tourist destinations have areas designated as tourism zones. Staying in this area is the best way for travelers to avoid becoming victims of violent crime. However, petty crime is still a risk in this area with the majority of them being pickpocketing, and credit card or overcharging scams.
Cancun
The major tourist towns in the Yucatan Peninsula aren’t that far from each other. This is why many travelers can easily hop between the top cities thanks to shuttle buses or taxis. Cancun is not only a popular tourist destination, but it’s also where the main international airport is located in Quintana Roo, the state that mainly encompasses the Yucatan Peninsula.
Because of its popularity, crime is fairly low here thanks to governmental efforts to create a safe environment for visitors. Similar to Tulum, tourists are urged to stick within the designated tourist zones which have more of a police presence and surveillance. This area is unlikely to be a backdrop for more serious crime. Petty crime is still possible and tends to center around pickpockets, credit card scams, and up-charging scams.
Playa del Carmen
Whereas Cancun is a more vibrant party tourist town, Playa del Carmen is a bit more laid back. This town is just east of Cancun, and is easily accessible via shuttle, ride-share or taxi from the Cancun International Airport. Playa del Carmen is known for its all inclusive resorts that line white sandy beaches and popular shopping malls are the main attractions here. Again, stick to the tourist zones to avoid rough experiences.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is an island just off the coast of Cancun. Most tourists choose to visit the island as part of a day trip rather than stay onsite for the entirety of their trip. This little island getaway off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is considered incredibly safe. Visitors can book boat cruises, peruse the island and of course enjoy the gorgeous beaches. Guests are more likely to find themselves fighting the ferry schedule to get back to the mainland on time from Isla Mujeres rather than running into criminal activity.
Cozumel
Cozumel is another of the island destinations that sits just off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a popular port of call for cruise ships traversing the Riviera Maya. Because it’s so heavily frequented by tourists, this town also has a fairly safe reputation. Often people visit here for half day trips — especially the cruise goers. From water attractions to historical sites, there are plenty of things to do here to keep travelers occupied and entertained. While Cozumel is considered fairly safe, it’s always smart to be vigilant of pickpockets and scammers trying to overcharge tourists for souvenirs or food.
Is Mexico Your Next Destination?
Mexico is a beautiful country that offers visa-free entry for US passport holders. Thanks to countless flights heading to the region, cruise ships that stop in various ports of call, and several land entry points, there’s no reason not to add Mexico and its vibrant cities to a bucket list. As with any travel plans, be smart. Avoid flashing large amounts of cash or expensive items. Don’t wander into questionable neighborhoods, especially late at night. And always be aware of your surroundings.