I could spend a lifetime exploring Mexico and probably still not scratch the surface of all the country has to offer. It’s long been one of my favorite getaways when I need a quick surf and sun fix or a dose of culture. A few years ago, my friend Val and I plotted a road trip around Baja California Sur. We flew into San José del Cabo and drove a big loop stopping to surf in Todos Santos, swim with whale sharks in La Paz, and hike to waterfalls and ATV around Santiago. When friends and family learned of our plans they immediately raised concerns: Two single women driving around Baja alone? Is it safe to travel to Mexico?
Not once did we feel unsafe. We made a point not to drive at night. We stayed at hotels staffed with security and located in main tourists hubs rather than remote Airbnbs. The most alarming incident of the week was a run in with a rowdy seal pup that wouldn’t stop tugging on my flipper while we were snorkeling.
If you are a news junky, I understand why travel to Mexico might raise flags. Drinking the water is no longer the biggest worry. Headlines of kidnappings, shootings, and gang violence are common. Last summer, I was chilled to learn two Australians and their American friend were shot dead while on a surf trip in Ensenada. But incidents like the one in Ensenada are rare.
One hotel owner in Cabo, who asked to remain anonymous, pointed out that the drug cartels realize that the tourist towns fuel local economies and tend to leave them be.
“Mexico is not that much different from many other places in the world,” says Jack Ezon, founder of New York City-based travel agency Embark Beyond. “I cannot believe how many people from New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles ask if Mexico is safe, as bullets fly on corners from those cities every day.”
The country is also massive—three times the size of Texas—and can’t or shouldn’t be generalized. When you look at the U.S. State Department travel warnings (Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions; Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution; Level 3: Reconsider Travel; Level 4: Do Not Travel), read the fine print of which areas have risks and restrictions. And here is a recent map from Journey Mexico to help you plan your visit to certain areas.
Spring Break and other holiday periods typically see a rise of American tourists. If you’re considering a south of the border holiday, these are seven of the most popular getaways. We’ve dug into what’s to love about each, where to stay, and safety precautions to ease your mind.
How Safe Is It to Visit These Top Mexico Tourist Destinations?
Puerto Vallarta
Why It’s a Popular Destination: Tucked between the rugged Sierra Madre Mountains and beautiful Banderas Bay on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta is a perennial favorite getaway for American travelers thanks to its year-round warm weather and easy access from major U.S. cities. Look past the manicured gated communities and luxury all-inclusive resorts and you’ll discover the destination has a wild side. Humpbacks migrate here from December through March, and from July through December Puerto Vallarta’s beaches turn into hatching grounds for sea turtles. Adventurers can explore the mountains by ATV, bike, or horseback.
Safety Precautions: Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, which the U.S. government deems a security Level 3 due to crime and kidnapping and cautions Americans to reconsider travel. Major tourist hotspots, like Puerto Vallarta, however, are subject to more petty crimes such as theft and vacation-home break ins. The Puerto Vallarta Citizen Security Police Station ramps up efforts during peak tourist seasons, dispatching daytime patrols across the city’s main avenues and near ATMS and banks.
Where to Stay: Spread across 85 acres of jungle and beach, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa includes dozens of activities within the price of a stay, such as kayak tours to Los Arcos and tequila tastings. (Rooms start at $430, all-inclusive)
Book Flights to Puerto Vallarta
San Miguel de Allende
Why It’s a Popular Destination: The first time I visited this UNESCO World Heritage City in the state of Guanajuato I was charmed, as most travelers are, by its impressive Spanish colonial architecture, pink neo-Gothic cathedral, mariachi bands, art galleries, and vibrant food scene. I devoted an entire day to wandering its cobbled stone streets and alleyways, and was rewarded with serendipitous finds like the insanely addictive churros at Chocolates y Churros San Agustín.
Just beyond the city, you can horseback ride through scenic countryside, sip wines at Cava Garambullo — one of 30-some wineries along the Ruta del Vino — and soak in underground mineral pools.
Safety Precautions: The State Department lists Guanajuato as Level 3 and recommends Americans reconsider travel due to crime. However, most of the gang violence in the area occurs in the south and central areas of the state and the guidance is to avoid the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato. San Miguel de Allende experienced some atypical violence last year, but none of the incidents were directed at tourists. Amanda Keidan, the American expat owner of Casa Delphine, cautions that you need to be aware while walking at night, as petty crimes can occur, but the biggest risk for visitors is eating street meat.
Where to Stay: Tucked down a cobbled stone street, Keidan’s five-suite Casa Delphine feels like a stylish homestay. She arranges immersive experiences such as cooking classes and tarot card dinners. (Rooms start at $285)
Book Flights to San Miguel de Allende
Riviera Maya
Why It’s a Popular Destination: This 100-mile slice of Caribbean coast on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula is home to some of the prettiest white sand beaches I’ve ever stuck my toes in. Colorful coral reefs glow electric in the crystal clear waters—the visibility is so good it’s possible to dive here year round.
Spectacular archeological sites, such as Chichen Itza and Ek’ Balam, lie inland in Indiana Jones-worthy jungles. And you can swim in many of the area’s dazzling blue cenotes—natural sinkholes of freshwater carved into limestone rocks. The area’s two main tourist towns, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, have some seriously great restaurants. The former is known for its all-inclusive resorts and laid back vibes. The latter has become a destination for yogis and the Burning Man crowd.
Safety Precautions: When I last visited Riviera Maya in 2022, the region had experienced a string of gang-related incidents in which tourists were killed or injured. The police and government have cracked down on the violence, but tourist zones still occasionally see shootings. Last February, an American tourist in Tulum was killed in the crossfire of a gunfight between rival drug dealers. Alcohol and drugs fuel the parties and music festivals in Tulum and crimes are almost always related to drug consumption or sales, says Alexis Schärer, a hotelier in Playa del Carmen. In other words, stay away from drugs and you’re likely to stay clear of trouble. The U.S. State Department ranks the areas in the state of Quintana Roo a Level 2 and advises travelers to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Tulum and Playa del Carmen, remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones, and use authorized taxis instead of ride share apps.
Where to Stay: Just two blocks from Calle 38, a public beach in Playa del Carmen, adult-only Hotel La Semilla is a nine-room oasis in a sea of mega resorts. Each of the nine rooms is decorated with vintage flea-market finds and I loved all of the complimentary amenities, including cruiser bikes, beach bags, and cold beers that can be enjoyed in the garden or rooftop terrace. (Rooms start at $173)
Mexico City
Why It’s a Popular Destination: One of the planet’s greatest cities, this sprawling megalopolis is a wild mishmash of historic and modern neighborhoods, public parks and verdant boulevards, and grand museums and intimate galleries. It’s also, in my opinion, the world’s most exciting food city, home to incredible markets, like Mercado de Coyoacán, cheap and tasty hole-in-the-wall taco and tostada joints, and pilgrimage-worthy gastronomic temples such as Pujol and Contramar.
Safety Precautions: The U.S. State Department ranks Mexico City Level 2, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to both violent and non-violent crime. As with any large city, petty crime, like pickpocketing, occurs frequently, so be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded markets and on public transportation. Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has ranked Mexico City among the world’s safest cities for several years in a row and noted that sticking to neighborhoods closer to the city center and in the north, such as Centro Historico, Roma Sur, and Noche Buena, tend to be safer for visitors. The team at Journey Mexico recommends being extra vigilant in the neighborhoods of Tepito and Guerrero at night. Rafael Micha, managing partner in boutique Mexican hotel brand Grupo Habita, advises to avoid wearing flashy jewelry or watches and waving around expensive cameras.
Where to Stay: Located in the city’s historic center, Downtown Mexico is a 17th-century manor turned boutique hotel with a rare rooftop pool. (Rooms start at $230)
Cancun
Why It’s a Popular Destination: I’ll admit, my first passport stamp from Mexico was en route to a cliche high school spring break that included the water slide experience at Señor Frogs. This classic spring break destination lives up to the hype for its wild nightlife, but it also boasts some of the Caribbean’s finest beaches as well as unique attractions like the Underwater Museum of Art, which can be experienced by scuba divers or snorkelers. Cancun is also a convenient base for exploring Mayan archeological sites, like the step-pyramid Temple of Kukulcan, and the underground world of Río Secreto, a mind blowing cave system.
Safety Precautions: Cancun is considered the gateway to Riviera Maya. Located in the state of Quintana Roo, it is deemed Level 2 by the U.S. State Department and has the following safety precautions: be alert after dark in downtown areas and remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones. Transportation is the biggest cause for concern. Taxi drivers are notorious for being aggressive and overcharging tourists, but using a ride share also comes with risks. Last December, police arrested three taxi drivers just south of Cancun for threatening a tourist for using a ride share app. Try to have your hotel arrange transportation in advance to avoid harassment and scams.
Where to Stay: If you want a grown-up experience away from the party scene, splurge on Nizuc Resort & Spa. The secluded, 274-room oceanfront resort has two dreamy beaches, three massive infinity pools, and six restaurants. (Rooms start at $600)
Oaxaca City
Why It’s a Popular Destination: Culture abounds in every corner of Oaxaca, a city where pre-Columbian culture and Spanish colonial and contemporary Mexican influences coexist. The city’s UNESCO-listed historic center is surrounded by spectacular mountains and important Zapotec archeological sites, such as Monte Albán. And some will argue that its food scene, which includes a thrilling mix of tortilla artisans, mole masters, and small-batch mezcal distillers, rivals CDMX.
Safety Precautions: The U.S. government ranks Oaxaca a Level 2 travel risk and has no restrictions on visiting Oaxaca City. Like most major cities, travelers are warned to be aware of pickpocketing and other petty crimes. The most recent reported violence against tourists occurred in 2023 in the surf town of Puerto Escondido, located over three hour’s drive south. Micha, of Grupo Habita hotels, says it’s not polite to negotiate prices down at markets and to keep in mind that small vendors only take cash.
Where to Stay: Set in the heart of the historic center, Casa Oaxaca has spacious, high-ceiling rooms adorned with textiles and art from local artisans and a seriously delicious in-house restaurant that sources almost exclusively from Oaxaca markets and its own gardens. (Rooms start at $472)
Baja California Sur
Why It’s a Popular Destination: I have been making two to three trips a year to this region for more than a decade and still can’t get enough of its surf-swept beaches, desert oases, exceptional dining options, ranging from humble ceviche stands to multi-course meals prepared by star chefs, and out-of-this-world marine experiences. Between November and April you can watch Humpbacks breach straight from shore and swim with whale sharks. Hundreds of Olive Ridley turtles hatch during the summer. And the sea lions are always out near Land’s End and Pelican Rock. Of all my travels throughout Mexico, I’ve never met more hospitable locals.
Safety Precautions: Don’t confuse Baja California, which includes the border town of Tijuana and has a Level 3 risk, with Baja California Sur, which is a Level 2 and has no travel restrictions. Matt Lindsay, founder of LUXSurf Travel, a San José del Cabo–based surf guiding company, cautions that local police are known for pulling over tourists for small infractions, like using a cell phone, and threatening them with big fines. “They may threaten to take you to the station, but you stay calm and say, ‘I’d like to pay the ticket now,’ and hand them $30 to $50,” he says. “Be insistent.” He also warns if you’re out partying and decide to skip the bathroom line and whizz in an alleyway, the cops won’t hesitate to throw you in jail.
Where to Stay: The Cape, a Thompson Hotel has an unbeatable location on Monuments Beach, with views of the famous Arch across the bay, plus a restaurant from star Mexican chef Enrique Olvera. (Rooms start at $685)
Know Before You Go: Five Tips to Staying Safe as a Tourist in Mexico
- No matter where I’m traveling, I download and use safety apps such as Noonlight, which sends first responders your exact location, and GeoSure, which gives safety scores to neighborhoods.
- Zach Rabinor, founder of Journey Mexico, recommends only withdrawing money from bank ATMs. “Keep your eyes out for anyone that may be watching or targeting you while you make a transaction,” he says.
- Only use official taxis that are ordered through your hotel, restaurant, or other trusted source, says Rabinor. Typically they should have taxi-meters and negotiating a price before getting in is alternately customary, he notes. Ride share apps are unreliable and face some restrictions in airports and other places.
- Don’t buy drugs. “Marijuana is still illegal in Mexico,” says Rabinor. “This seems like a no-brainer, but many people still don’t follow and getting involved with drug dealers, at any level, in any capacity is never a good idea.”
- Don’t drive at night. “Risks include animals in the road, poorly lit and signed roads, and more,” says Rabinor.
Jen Murphy is a frequent Outside contributor. She’s visited Mexico nearly 50 times, more often than not, solo. Her biggest concerns have been rogue donkeys on the roads around Baja California Sur and getting a bad sunburn. She’s also recently written about her favorite beaches in Costa Rica, why more hikers are getting rescued in Hawaii, and the coolest cave Airbnb you’ll ever stay at.
The post Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? I Think: Yes. Here’s What to Know. appeared first on Outside Online.
