In a nutshell
- Mexico often makes the news for crime, which leads many travelers to wonder: is Mexico safe? The truth is that most of the tourist destinations are among the safest places in Mexico.
- In this article, we answer the question if traveling in Mexico is safe by sharing our honest experiences and practical tips to help you feel confident while exploring the country.
- We’ll also look at whether Mexico is dangerous for women traveling alone, and explain what you should know about natural disasters and wildlife when planning your Mexico trip.
Is Traveling in Mexico Safe?
Whether or not Mexico is dangerous depends a lot on where you go. We personally felt very safe during our trip, but we mainly explored the south of the country.
The classic tourist spots such as the Yucatán Peninsula with Cancún and Tulum, as well as Oaxaca and Puerto Escondido, are considered among the safest places in Mexico. We were honestly surprised by how safe and relaxed it felt there.
That said, there are regions where travel in Mexico is riskier, mainly due to drug trafficking and gang violence. As a visitor, you’re better off avoiding these areas altogether.
Which places in Mexico are the most dangerous?
Here’s an overview of some of the most dangerous cities and regions in the country.
The most dangerous cities in Mexico
- Colima (ranked the most dangerous city in the world in 2022)
- Zamora
- Ciudad Obregón
- Zacatecas
- Tijuana
- Celaya
- Juárez
- Uruapan
- Acapulco
The most dangerous regions in Mexico
- Guanajuato
- Edomex
- Baja California
- Chihuahua
- Michoacán
How safe are tourist destinations in Mexico?
In contrast, the safest places in Mexico are usually the big tourist areas. We’ve never met a traveler who had serious issues while on their road trip to Mexico.
States like Quintana Roo, Yucatán, and Oaxaca are among the safest to visit. Cities such as Mérida in Yucatán and Oaxaca de Juarez regularly rank as some of the safest cities in Mexico.
Still, even in safe destinations it’s good to remember that larger cities often have both safe and less safe neighborhoods. Ask locally which areas to stick to, especially in cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Cancún.
By the way: If you just started planning your trip, check out all our travel tips for Mexico.
How Does Crime Manifest Itself in Mexico?
The main safety issues in Mexico are linked to drug cartels and organized crime. As a tourist, you’re very unlikely to get caught up in this as long as you avoid the regions mentioned above.
Crimes against visitors are usually limited to pickpocketing or theft. With a few simple precautions, you can greatly reduce the risk and travel safely in Mexico.
Safety Guidelines for Mexico
You can do a lot to stay safe while traveling in Mexico. The tips below won’t guarantee that nothing happens, but they will greatly lower the risk and help you feel more relaxed during your trip.
#1 Use Uber or a taxi at night
The risk of being mugged is highest after dark. It’s safer to avoid walking at night and instead take a taxi or Uber, especially in larger cities.
It’s always a good idea to ask at your hotel or guesthouse how safe the neighborhood is and until what time it’s fine to walk around.
#2 Avoid empty streets in poorer areas
You’ll quickly get a sense of which areas feel safe to walk through. Anywhere with lots of people and tourists is usually fine.
But in quieter, less affluent neighborhoods, the risk of robbery is higher. Stick to busy areas and avoid empty side streets.
#3 Keep your valuables close and never leave bags unattended
Theft can happen faster than you think. Always carry your valuables close to your body, for example in a crossbody or money belt rather than in a backpack or pocket.
Pay special attention to your things in restaurants, on Mexico’s beaches, and on buses or the metro. Never leave your bag unattended, even for a moment.
#4 Don’t carry all your valuables when sightseeing
If something does get stolen, it’s best not to lose everything at once. We always leave some valuables at our hotel and only take the essentials for the day.
For example, we usually leave our passports in the safe and carry just one credit card instead of both. That way, if something happens, you still have backups.
Is it Safe to Drive and Take Night Buses in Mexico?
You often hear that long overland trips in Mexico can be dangerous. In our experience, that’s only partly true.
There are a few highways that you should avoid, especially if you’re driving alone at night. Robberies are more common on certain stretches. For that reason, we personally wouldn’t drive long distances in Mexico after dark.
That said, renting a car is a great option for exploring safe regions like Oaxaca, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo. Popular routes such as Mexico City to Puebla are also fine to drive in the daytime.
Book a rental car for Mexico with DiscoverCars
For longer distances, we recommend taking a night bus or flying. We’ve only had positive experiences with Mexico’s long-distance buses and stuck to routes known to be safe.
We also looked up a list of the most dangerous roads in Mexico. It’s best to avoid these, especially for night travel:
- Puebla – Córdoba
- Autopista Matehuala – Monterrey
- Ciudad de Morelia – Puerto de Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán
- Autopista México – Cuernavaca
- Urracas – Matamoros – Reynosa
- Querétaro – Irapuato
- Carretera Toluca – México
One stretch you should absolutely avoid is the road between San Cristóbal de las Casas and Palenque in Chiapas. Robberies are common here, which is why ADO no longer runs this route.
Is Yucatán Safe to Travel?
Yes, Yucatán is considered one of the safest places in Mexico to visit. The peninsula is very popular with travelers, and because of that, a lot of effort goes into keeping tourist areas safe.
That means you can easily plan an independent road trip through Yucatán and explore by rental car. Still, it’s important to follow basic safety guidelines, because Mexico is not risk-free.
One golden rule: don’t drive or walk through empty areas late at night. During the day, traveling in Yucatán is very safe and relaxed.
Is Mexico Safe to Visit for Women Traveling Alone?
Mexico is not necessarily more dangerous for women than for men. You can travel solo in Mexico as a woman without major issues.
That said, it’s wise to be a little extra cautious if you’re on your own. Avoid deserted streets, especially after dark, and stick to well-lit, busy areas. The same advice applies to men traveling solo, too.
You may notice that men look or try to start conversations more often than you’re used to, but in our experience it rarely went beyond that. We never found people to be overly aggressive.
Since many women — especially American tourists — travel alone in Mexico, locals are used to seeing solo female travelers in the main tourist destinations.
Natural Disasters in Mexico
Mexico lies in a seismically active region, so earthquakes are possible. Strong ones are rare, but they do occur from time to time.
The country also has several active volcanoes, the most famous being Popocatépetl near Mexico City and Puebla.
On the coasts, the main natural risk is hurricanes. The official hurricane season runs from June to November. Most storms remain at sea, but coastal towns can still experience heavy rain and strong winds.
If you want to know more about the best travel season, check out our article on when to go to Mexico.
Dangerous Animals and Diseases in Mexico
Mexico is home to many wild animals, but as a tourist, you’ll rarely come across anything dangerous.
The main thing to watch out for is mosquitoes. They can carry diseases like dengue, which is more common than malaria. Protect yourself with repellent and long clothing, especially in the evenings.
Other animals in Mexico to be aware of
- Venomous snakes: They exist, but snake bites are rare, especially in tourist areas.
- Spiders and scorpions: Most are harmless, but in rural areas it’s smart to check your shoes before putting them on and use a flashlight at night.
- Sharks: They live in Mexican waters, but attacks are very rare. Beaches usually post warnings if one has been spotted nearby.
- Bears, wolves, and other predators: Found in forests and mountains, but they avoid humans and sightings are uncommon.