If you hear things about Mexico in the United States, they likely either involve beautiful beaches in tourist areas like Playa del Carmen or they involve anecdotes about violent crime, drug cartels, and corrupt Mexican authorities. The U.S. State Department inspires a lot of fear in tourists’ hearts, but the truth is that most places in Mexico aren’t at any higher risk of violent or petty crime than major cities in the United States. Honestly, there are many more safe places in Mexico than dangerous places.
In writing this post, we wanted to showcase the areas in Mexico that are safe for travelers to visit. Through research, we came up with this safest cities Mexico list featuring the top 10 safest places in Mexico.
For this post, we looked at the data provided in Numbeo and the 50 tourist cities list on Crimen En Mexico to identify safe places in Mexico for tourists. We chose cities with populations over 100,000 that had a handful of tourist draws and family-friendly activities. We also wanted to offer options for safe areas in Mexico across all the different regions.
1. Merida
Merida is a coastal city about three and a half hours west of Cancun. The architecture is stunning, the people are very friendly, and the state of Yucatan is known for having some of the best food in all of Mexico!
Merida, located in the state of Yucatan, is widely regarded as the safest city to visit in Mexico. There are many factors that play into this. Firstly, the government and the police system are not very corrupt here at all, which is a huge leg up in Mexico. The governments and police forces in Mexico tend to be a bit lackluster and one of the country’s biggest areas that need improvement.
2. Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox is an island located off of the coast of Cancun. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, this island doesn’t allow the use of cars and is one of the most tranquil places in all of Mexico. From white-sand beaches to palm trees swaying in the wind, you can visit Isla Holbox without a care in the world.
Holbox Island is a very safe place for tourists to travel. People come here to relax without the worries and the stress of crime like in other parts of Mexico. Pickpocketing, mugging and drug crimes are all very low risk on Holbox.
3. Tulum
Tulum has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, with idyllic white sands and crystal blue waters. Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach) is one of the best in Tulum, with swaying palm trees on the soft, powdery sand.
While the uptick in violent crimes is certainly worrying, Tulum is still a safe tourism destination in Mexico. To avoid falling victim to violent and property crime, keep aware of your surroundings, stay in your hotel past dark, and do not get overly intoxicated.
4. Cancun
Cancun is a beautiful city with lovely white sand beaches and an azure sea that surrounds it. This is a wonderful place to visit for a vacation or just to unwind and enjoy life.
Cancun is a safe enough destination to travel to, especially if you stay in the Hotel Zone, use taxis to get around, and apply common sense. The safest way to visit Cancun is by staying at an all-inclusive resort.
5. Playa Del Carmen
As one of the best beach towns in Mexico, “Playa” (as the locals call it), is also one of the best Mexico travel destinations. Located on the Caribbean Sea, about 45 minutes south of Cancun and d45 minutes north of Tulum, Playa has something for everyone — Mayan ruins, swimmable cenotes, beautiful beaches and more.
Playa del Carmen is a generally safe destination for solo visitors, though they should exercise caution as petty crime and scams have been known to occur in Mexico. Tips for solo travelers include sticking to main tourist centers, staying in hostels, and not walking alone at night.
6. Isla Mujeres
A beautiful tropical island in the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres is a magical destination for travelers of all ilks. With turquoise waters, beaches and boats aplenty, Mujeres is sure to give you chills from its stunning beauty.
Isla Mujeres is one of the safest destinations in Mexico, from my experience. It teems with friendly locals, well-lit streets in the Playa Norte area, and tourist police. That said, it’s always wise to revisit the DOS’ website before you travel in case their safety recommendations change.
7. Bacalar
This little town has been recognized by the Mexican government as a pueblic magico (meaning magic town) for its “magical” beauty, historical importance, and natural wonders. If you’re looking for a tropical vacation spot that’s off the beaten path, Bacalar would be a good place to consider.
Tourists are not targets for pickpocketing, theft, or violent crimes, though you always should keep an eye on your belongings (in Bacalar and everywhere). But more than that — Bacalar is significantly safer than Quintana Roo hotspots like Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
8. Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a stunning resort town located on Mexico’s Pacific coast in Jalisco state. Known for its spectacular beaches, marine life, water sports, and local resorts, Puerto Vallarta is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.
Puerto Vallarta is the safest place for international tourists visiting Mexico. In fact, it’s regularly featured as one of the Friendliest cities in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine. What is this? It’s also satisfying to know that local law enforcement is always up and about to ensure safety in the city.
9. Cozumel
Cozumel is known for its beautiful beaches, the biodiversity above and below the ocean’s surface, and incredible scuba diving and snorkeling. Cozumel is a popular destination for travelers who want to visit the Caribbean but want to avoid the party scene of places like Cancun. It’s a much slower-paced and relaxed area. Cozumel is a safe tourist haven, and even the concerns listed above are relatively minor. Crime does not happen often, and the island has no problems with drugs or gang violence. Overall it’s a very safe place to visit.
10. Mexico City
Mexico City is a beautiful and bustling capital that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for delicious food, stunning architecture, or an exciting nightlife scene, Mexico City has it all.
Mexico City is a generally safe destination, but there are still some recommended safety precautions travelers should take to mitigate risks such as petty crime, covid-19, and scams. Many neighborhoods in Mexico City are safe and fun to visit, if you know where they are and what areas to avoid.
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