Located in the heart of North America, Mexico stays on top for its stunning colonial infrastructure, mesmerising artwork and mouth-watering cuisines. The cultural heritage of Mexico City is everything to admire for tourists from around the world.
Mexico’s diverse yet visit-worthy cities will compel you to explore and extend your stay longer than you planned. But if you are visiting here for the first time, you must wonder whether Mexico is even a safe place to visit.
It is possible that you may feel like exploring more places in Mexico beyond the popular tourist attractions. Many families study the data for crime reports in Mexico to know about all the safest places to visit in Mexico.
Every country has its own safe and unsafe attractions that the locals best know. And to determine the same might be a daunting task for tourists planning on visiting Mexico. But we got you all sorted!
Here is everything you need to know about the safe places in Mexico to enjoy yourself to the fullest.
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Is Mexico Safe For Tourists?
It is a well-known fact that Mexico is not one of the safest countries in the world, but it is also not dangerous either. According to a report by World Bank Data, Mexico ranks as the 14th highest country in the world for homicides per 100.000 people.
As per Council on Foreign Relations, these homicides are mostly because of the cartel activities that are prevailing in the country. But this should not worry as there is more than what these reports convey.
There are plenty of safe Mexican cities despite the reports that most people are unaware of. Mexico has spread across 760,000 square miles geographically, and luckily the most dangerous places in the country are only 22% of the whole. This leads us to unlock many safe places scattered across the country yet to be discovered by people.
However, it hardly matters where you are traveling in Mexico; there are many ways to make your travel safe. Here are some quick tips you can follow to make your journey safe and sound.
- Avoid staying out too late when the streets seem empty
- Make sure not to flash expensive belongings in open
- Try to get a hold of some of the Spanish phrases so as not to get conned
- Avoid hucksters at any tourist destination
- Stay alert all the time and keep your loved ones close.
Once you abide by all these common tips, there is no way you will feel even the slightest of unsafety in Mexico. So, are you still asking yourself if Mexico is safe to travel? The answer is yes, and the evidence lies in all the safest places to visit in Mexico.
Safe Places To Travel In Mexico
Merida
Located in Yucatan State, Merida is one of the safest places to travel with your loved ones. It was built on the iconic ancient Mayan city widely known as “T’ho”. But after Spanish colonisation, Merida was widely known for producing an agave fibre called Henequen.
It is majorly used in making ropes. The place is well-equipped with colonial skyscrapers that offer a breathtaking view to visitors. The low crime rates of the place make it at the top of the list of safest places in Mexico.
One can also catch the aura of the place in the lively Mayan culture and iconic natural sites at their best. While visiting here, you must not miss exploring Gran Museo del Mundo Mayo and the Catedral de San Ildefonso (Merida Cathedral) to immerse in the vibrancy and culture. The best way to explore Merida is by taking a walking tour of the streets.
Campeche
Located on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Campeche, the place is best known as the walled fortress that reflects the historical vibes of the place.
The place serves as one of the major ports in the Yucatan Peninsula. Campeche is also a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for the spellbinding historic architecture it offers!
The city is also a hub for carnival celebrations where people from around the world come together and revel in an energetic aura. Many famous neighbourhoods in Campeche are safe and sound to explore, like Campeche Cathedral.
You can also indulge in museums, hotels, art galleries, craft shops, restaurants and more. Even the crime reports of the place are approx 4.7 per 100,000 people, so you have to worry for nothing to explore it to the fullest.
Aguascalientes
Aguascalientes, when translated, means “Hot Water” and is home to several hot springs that are unique to the city. It is located in Aguascalientes, Mexico and is well-known for being the manufacturing hub for liquors like brandy, table wines, aguardiente and other fruit-flavoured liquors.
It is one of the smallest cities that hosts the San Marcos Fair, which is one of the largest festivals in Mexico. There are museums and gardens in the city as well that are safe to hang around and relax while strolling.
Places like Templo de San Antonio, Parque Tres Centurias, and Jardin de San Marcos are must-visit places in Aguascalientes. All the places in Aquascalientes are budget friendly and easy to get around. The crime rate report of the city is 5.3 per 100.000 people, making it safe for visitors to enjoy the smallest city to the fullest.
Queretaro
Situated in Queretaro State of Mexico, Queretaro is one of the safest city in Mexico. The city is notable for its world-class tourist services for the visitors.
The people of the city leave no stone unturned to make the tourists feel at home and make their experience worthwhile. During the pre-colonial times, the city was established by the Otomi people, but later, under Spanish rule, the city turned out to be a training centre for missionaries,
The city is now known for its rich industry and culture that attracts many business minds to explore and discover. The best highlight of this place is the celebration of the festival Santiago de Queretaro.
Just like Campeche, Queretaro is also assigned as a World Heritage Site for preserving the Otomi and Spanish city architecture. The crime reports of the city are around 9.5 per 100,000 people, which makes it completely risk-free for visitors to explore.
Guanajuato
Guanajuato is one of the underrated treasures of Mexico. It is located in Guanajuato State and is the ultimate hub for outdoor activities. The vibrant history of the city makes it an important destination to explore in Mexico.
From architectural history to mining history, you will find it all in this hidden gem of the country. The best way to explore the place is by taking a walk down the city as there are so many things to discover.
Make sure you visit the Teatro Juarez, Museum of the Mummies, Monument of Al Pipila and more to explore the beauty of the city to the best. You can also take a horse-riding tour to explore the mountains of Guanajuato in the best way possible.
Not only is the city tranquil, but it is entirely safe for families to get around and enjoy. Fortunately, the crime rate of Guanajuato is 11.5 per 100,000, making it a safe place for visitors coming from overseas.
San Miguel de Allende
San Miguel de Allende is also one of the safest places to visit in Mexico. Located in the state of Guanajuato, the city lives in the heart of the people for its mouth-watering cuisines, breathtaking architecture and stunning landscapes that are nowhere to be found.
The place is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its compelling skyscrapers and fulfilling streets with plenty of outlets. The locals and the tourists always find themselves coming back to the city again and again.
There are many points of interest that you cannot miss in San Miguel de Allende, like Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel, the Mercado de Artesania and Parque Benito Juarez.
If you are a food lover, you will find a lot to eat in the famous eateries nearby. The crime rate of the city is approx to 20.1 per 100,000 people making it on the list of safest places in Mexico.
San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristobal de las Casas is another historical attraction located in Chiapas, Mexico. The city has everything that attracts you towards the Mayan Culture. There are mountain attractions that are a must-visit if you are visiting here for the first time.
Every place in San Cristobal de las Casas radiates a deep sense of understanding of the culture and lets you immerse in the blissful aura that it offers!
The museums and markets of the city proffer the visitors a whole array of experiences with breathtaking views. The streets of Andador de Guadalupe are filled with local and luxurious eateries and shops that compel you to stroll as long as you want.
The best way to indulge in all these attractions is by taking a walking tour of San Cristobal de las Casas. The lower crime rate of 5.6 per 100,000 is good enough for you to explore the place stress-free.
Puerto Vallarta
Located in the state of Jaslios, Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a city full of beaches and water attractions. From spine-chilling water adventures to boat excursions, you will be enjoying a perfect getaway with abundant relaxation.
Every activity or place of the city radiates the vibrant beauty of the city in its purest sense. One can plan their sea excursion to nearby safe cities like Bucerias, Sayulitas and Yelapa.
The place is the perfect destination for a quick getaway for families as the crime rate is as lower as 9.3 per 100,000 people. Don’t forget to indulge in all the water attractions and nearby restaurants and shops to explore Puerto Vallarta to the fullest!
Oaxaca de Juarez
Oaxaca de Juarez is another tourist destination that is perfect for a quick getaway with the family. The culinary experience of the city is everything to fall in love with. The Oaxian cuisine is known for sauces, tlayudas, chapulines, cheese and tamales.
If you are a big foodie, then this place will not disappoint you at all. There are many other places to visit in the city, like Jardin Etonbotanico de Oaxaca, Montel Ablan and Mitla, and more.
One can also indulge in the historical attractions of the city and take guided tours to get deep insights into the history of Mexico. The crime rate of the city is 17.8 per 100,000 people, making it one of the safest places to enjoy with your loved ones.
Final Words
Mexico is undoubtedly the most beautiful country, rich in diversity and culture. From stunning colonial infrastructure to exceptional cultural heritage cities, Mexico has it all!
However, if you are visiting here with your family and loved ones, you might worry a lot about the safety and soundness of the places. But luckily, Mexico is equipped with places that are safe and are part of world heritage sites by UNESCO.
Places like Puerto Vallarta, Queretaro, Merida and Oaxaca de Juarez are some of the safest places that you must not miss to make your Mexico trip worthwhile!
