A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancn. Roads that are indeed all too reminiscent of the "dark desert highway" leading up to the iconicHotel California, which, if local lore has it right, is the very one famously referred to in the classic 1970s Eagles hit song. It seems the aduana folks there are pretty gringo friendly, too. Between Parras Valley and Sierra Madre Oriental pine-oak forests, theres no doubt about it that Coahuila is a beautiful place. This beautiful spot will make for numerous unforgettable memories that you will treasure for ever. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement. Google Jalisco and the first thing youll see are news articles reporting violence in the area. Granted, Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza is often on everyone's bucket list. It everywhere of course, but if a place like Jalisco conjures up so much negativity, it makes us wonder if theres any point making a visit. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Plus, its not too far away for most US residents. This is especially true when it comes to the poorest states such as Guerrero. But between San Luis Potosi and Saltillo, the only decent hotels to be found are in Matehuala. Michoacan might be known as one of Mexicos most beautiful states, but when we look at itsdanger statistics, it sort of makes it a little less beautiful to us. One of the main reasons, a lot of Arizona border town residents cross over to Mexico is to take advantage of the low costs for dentistry work and refilling prescriptions in pharmacies. These ruins reveal one heck of a chapter in human history. Unfortunately, travellers are warned against coming to this state. And to top that, it offers some great cavern and cave diving as well as plenty of hotels and restaurants for every budget. Yet, despite its not-so-distant gangland past, Ciudad Juarez, believe it or not, currently has no restrictions, except for travel to the areas southeast of Boulevard Independencia and the Valle de Juarez region. Over 8,000 Canadian, British, and American expats live in San Miguel de Allende, which has beautiful Spanish colonial churches, great restaurants, and heritage sites. But theres nothing fake about this place. Tulum is a popular resort town in Mexico, especially for luxury travellers. If fact, theyve won its town, Parras de la Fuente, a rare place on the countrys coveted "Magic Town" list. A little bit of background. The nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco, less than 10 miles away, is also a World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage site for penitent Mexicans and tourists alike. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. Why do you need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico? Since then, it has continued to get worse in terms of violence. They are doing this quickly too. Its just unfortunate that its another one on the list thats deemed dangerous for visitors. It is also known for being a spa town. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. This city tends to rank as one of the safest cities to visit annually and has a very laid-back vibe, safe to explore in the majority of parts during both the day and night. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists Los Cabos, at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists. Thankfully, with both the city and the state under zero travel restrictions, they can continue to do so. On top of all that, Mexico City is both affordable and pretty safe. Located just a three-hour drive away on the Yucatn Peninsula, its the perfect getaway to trade in the poolside resort experience for a dip into freshwater cenote sinkholes over 6,000 of which can be found along the coast, thanks to a lovely little asteroid that slammed its way into the areas sea floor over 66 million years ago. Its hard to believe that this is the same part of the world that is also the scene of the Great Monarch butterfly migration, when the most delicate creatures gather in the millions from all over the world into Michoacns very own forests. It may appear that the border towns . Of course you are. This local guide . One of the safest beach towns in Mexico is Puerto Escondido. The Lincoln Bridge is actually #2, with no immigration. Todos Santos is located in the Baja California Sur, where there are currently no U.S. government restrictions for travel, and that includesthenearby glossy tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz. Located on the Western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula with ruggedly beautiful limestone hills, baroque Spanish architecture, and impeccably clean cobblestone streets, Campeche is a yup, you guessed it UNESCO World Heritage site. Little towns are scattered all along the coast, and one, Playa del Carmen, has matured into a fully-fledged city. Browse all 3,814 Northern Mexico topics , Tourist Cards when Exiting Mexico at Monterrey. But it also has some of the best mezcal in the country. Head to Palancar Beach, Paradise Beach or Faro Celerain Eco Park for amazing views and spectacular diving. Yep, an eruption of gang violence in the noughties raised the homicide rate here to 3,500 per year. Whether you want to explore the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, the Templo Mayor or justexperience the citys food and nightlife scene, every visitor is guaranteed to find something here in this bustling city. Its best to stick more to the tourist resorts and avoid any of the five states the US State as deemed as too dangerous for travellers. Since 2011, however, Tamaulipas has become unsafe not only for tourists, but forlocals too. Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. Colima is another state placed under the Do not travel advisory. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence, a security consulting company in Mexico City. Todos Santos is slowly being discovered, but its stone streets and uncrowded beaches have earned it the official Pueblo Magico designation. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65428183', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Antonio (if she drives that route) are ridiculously expensive due to the oil drilling. It has done so for its cultural depth and incredible diversity with a variety of dishes from tlayudas, quesillo and tamales, to chapulines and, of course, mole, the national dish, which the state, along with Puebla, claims to be native. I assume you're just gonna declare your goods instead of trying to bring them in duty-free? 74.81 / 100. There's a vast list of services that can solve practically any medical situation here. All Rights Reserved. Is that safe? Urja Sinha. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. Theres a homemade Mexican-style breakfast every morning. 5. Laredo, Texas, is primed to become . Thank you for all the information! Columbus-Puerto Palomas State Road 11, Columbus, New Mexico - Calzada 5 de Mayo, Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. The next day, Laredo seems a reasonable crossing. The new U.S. travel advisory system goes so far as placing Sinaloa on the same warning level as war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia for its "greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.". Situated on the Texan border between the US and Mexico, Tamaulipas is a state with many beautiful lakes and fishing opportunities. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We're talking about crime rates, theft, and other unfortunate happenings and you may be surprised by some of the places that show up in the following list of the 10 most dangerous towns in Arizona. Lets just say its the kind of place we wouldntwant to be walking alone at night or during the day. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers. However, the truth is the communities along the U.S.-Mexico border are among the safest in the United States. And while both the city and the state by the same name are safe to travel to with no restrictions, youll want to take it easy like any traveler should when drinking in a foreign country. (The latter volcano, in case youre wondering, has been off limits to visitors since it erupted in 1994.). As Playa del Carmen has been the site of some troubling violence in the past, the coastal town of Tulum to the south may be a safer alternative. Queretaros streets are a wondrous mix of old and very old, as grid-like Spanish streets connect to the pre-Hispanic winding lanes from the time of the Otomi. #1 has immigration. This is increasingly making this once-secret spot a favourite among travel Instagrammers, hammock-dwellers and cabaa queens alike. Its a great pity because some of Guerreros beach resorts are beautiful and offer so much to tourists. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. As for Palomas and the Nuevo Casas Grandes/Paquime region, as well as Ojinaga, simply be sure you use American Highway, 67 and 11 respectively. In a (coco)nut shell (and at the risk of sounding like a tacky old commercial), there really is something for everyone in Puebla, so much so that, often enough, youll find and entire street named dedicated to that something, from Frog Alley for antique lovers, to one of the finest libraries in the world (the Biblioteca Palafoxiana) for bookworms, to Calle de los Dulces (also known as La Calle de Santa Clara) for sugary treats. Number who cross each day: 25,000 people on average. While its famed Talavera ceramic tiles and architectural wonders (including some of the best preserved Spanish colonial buildings in the country) have been the main attraction to the city, recent years have also seen the growth of some serious cooking talent on the palette as well. Although it's situated in Sinaloa, Mazatln is one of Mexico's safest cities . [Expect] great seafood, great beaches, nice hotels, and none of the inflated prices.. Country Summary: Violent crime - such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery - is widespread and common in Mexico. From its hotels to its cuisine to its beaches, PV screams sophistication. It has caught the attention of artists, nature enthusiasts and government officials alike, the latter if which have even gone so far as to designate it a Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) an honor bestowed only to a handful of towns in the country. "It is relatively safe for travelers to head to tourist destinations and major urban centers such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey," Lopez-Aranda told CNN Travel. Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. Just two hours south of Mexico City, Puebla de los ngeles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and with good reason too. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its northern parts are particularly restricted from travel due to crime in the area, compounded by local enforcements limited capability to prevent and respond to it. Regardless of its multiple plus points, were not going to mask Mexicos darker side. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? I do not represent World Nomads. If were looking to experience more traditional culture, this probably isnt the ideal place. The system is designed to help travelers better understand their travel destinations. Any help would be appreciated. Mexico-California Border Towns Tijuana Popular with American debauchees during the Prohibition era, and recently blighted by drug-cartel violence, Tijuana, like a lot of Mexican border towns, has been roundly used and abused. Where to Stay: Posada La Poza has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates. Fromcolourful streets, perfect weather, and friendly locals, to incredible food (okay, I admit, that ones pretty much a Mexico-wide thing), and endless sources of inspiration, there are no worries. Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana. Yet, the largest pyramid in the world which is, in fact, four times its size and, thus, the largest monument ever built on earth, happens to be in asmall town in Mexico called Cholula. If we know where to go, that shouldnt stop us from coming to Mexico because it really is a fascinating country. The two U.S. cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants and the lowest crime rates-- El Paso, Texas and San Diego, California -- are both located along the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the publication. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. She is coming from a town near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Despite its stigma and gritty past, the national capital of Mexico is incredibly safe afactthats particularly remarkable when you think for a moment that it happens to be one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world (not to mention the most densely populated city in North America). He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already. This colonial city situated to the southeast of Mexico City boasts authentic character. Thanks! With events unfolding as they are, Im going to venture a wild guess that prices are going at an all-time low. And even though Michoacn received quite the honour recently, with special mention by UNESCO itself just last year for its incredible traditional culinary practices, Im going to go out on a limb here and guess that the lovely United Nations agency probably wasnt referring to those taking place in the kitchens of the states fearsome cartels. Where to Stay: With its cozy common areas and brightly painted rooms, Casa de la Noche is an appealing place to rest your head. References: cbsnews.com, visitmexico.com, wikitravel.org, travel.usnews.com, en.wikivoyage.org, mexbound.com, Well steer clear of: Generally all rural areas, 10 Cheap Hotels In Lisbon For A Wallet-Savvy Stay, These Are The 10 Perfect US Destinations For Summer Travel In 2023, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Chicago You Should Visit This Summer, 10 Things To Do In Dubrovnik: Complete Guide To Croatia's Medieval Seaside City, 10 Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen: Complete Guide To This Riviera Maya Paradise, 8 Things To Do In Havana: Complete Guide To Cuba's Capital City, 10 Cheap Yet Highly Rated Tokyo Hotels To Enjoy Luxury Without Breaking The Bank, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Africa You Should Visit This Summer, Road Trip France: Explore 10 Beautiful Towns On The French Riviera. It's a real shame that such a beautiful place has no been outlawed, for the most part. With recent events transpiring between the United States and Mexico, Tijuana is not a spot you'd want to venture off to right now. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65426049', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight), but I expect to travel back and forth in the future, including driving some. Here are the bridge's webcams: http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html. California only borders the Mexican state of Baja California and a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) is not required to drive on the Baja Peninsula. Ensenada ranked 13th in our blog, "The Top 10 Safest Cites for Expats in Mexico," but areas in Baja Norte along the border can be unsafe. With the highestunnatural deathrate in Mexico, you might want to avoid traveling to Colima. Where to Stay: Try for a balcony room or suite at the modestly priced Hotel Socaire. To make matters worse, this border state is also precariously perched on the US-Mexico border. Placed under the U.S. State departments highest Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for obvious reasons, you would certainly think that Colima in its entirety would be one big no-no. It has a level three travel advisory, which basically means we should steer clear if we have a brain. Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. One of the most surprising parts of my research is how dangerous the Mexico side of the border is, but just a few feet into America, it's so much safer. Margaritas and enchiladas might be some of the best things to come out of Mexico, but theyre not the onlygreat things Mexico has to offer. And its not surprising it boasts spectacular views. Safe for the northern tips overzealous waters, Campeche is a perfectly hassle-free Mexican marvel to travel to. That's right, it is now home to masked wrestling. Bridge #2 has customs/immigration. Just a few years ago, Chihuahua City the states capital - was considered one of thesketchiest cities in the world. Nogales, a city. With a low crime rate and a strong police presence, these towns are a great place to live or visit. Dont let the warnings of some places put you off coming to Mexico altogether. Like any other town, Mexicali is not 100 percent safe, and you should always do your research before visiting the city. For the time being, however, the state of Jaliscos Level 3 Travel Advisory focused mainly on the states Michoacn and Zacatecas borders and travel after dark, insisting that cartel violence does not target tourists or touristic areas, but can be present in other parts of these States so some caution is advised.. It is touristy but not too touristy for us to not to be able to experience this towns culture. In spite of it being a largely misunderstood country, Mexico should not be dismissed as a vacation destination. Personally, we would just keep our noses out of it and travel elsewhere. One of the best is the Casona Maria Hotel Boutique, with its pretty courtyard and convenient location within walking distance of the historic center. And, after we cross do we have to drive along the Rio Bravo road on the Mexican side? Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatln, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmn Lpez, a son of Joaqun Guzmn Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. I'm a local from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancn. Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Texas (Over 10,000 Residents) - Our Top 4 Cities. From there, traffickers andkingpins who win the turf war gain access to the voracious and lucrative USillegal substancemarket. This state in northern Mexico is home to cities like Monterrey, Linares, Abasolo, Agualeguas and Montemorelos. La Paz. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-74777759', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car load of stuff. The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roos tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly. 1. For those linguistically challenged, English is widely spoken in the area, understandable given its proximity to the U.S. Payne-Camp has tried studying Spanish but is still at the basic level: the ability . If thats not enough to put us off booking a trip to this state, we dont know what is. Its biggest culprit? With its rich culture and breathtaking beauty, its no surprise so many tourists keep coming back here. But theres another story here. A vacation should be about relaxing and escaping stress. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacn, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Even the US State Department warns citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Sinaloa. Re: Top 5 safest & top most dangerous Mexico/Texas border. Where to Stay: The Hotel Lagunita is right on the water, with amazing views and a pool from which to enjoy them. However, Oaxaca City has stepped up to the plate, consistently topping the list of favourite food cities by locals and foreigners alike. But in the past many participants have continued on to the U.S . But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. Travel to its seaside city, Manzanillo, is in fact still allowed, according the U.S. government. Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert, urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. No doubt, this is a natural reaction to the highly needed tourist dollar. It's just a short hours drive away, makingtourists opt to stay far longer than the usual one-day outing made to the town. Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Anyway, last time we crossed. The murder rate soared in Los Cabos in 2017 amid cartel wars, and although tourists were not targeted, that year police chased gunmen into the lobby of a luxury hotel in San Jos del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area. Mexican beach resorts are often exempt from travel restrictions even in blacklisted Mexican states. As far as safety goes, it's really not much of an issue at either crossing. Questions are being asked about the level of harm in the state. With its multi-hued crystalline freshwater lake, the second largest in all of Mexico, Bacalar Lake, also known as the Lake of Seven Colors, stretches out for over 40 kms. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks. Rio Grande City, Texas. Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe. I wrote this post the first time I crossed the Mexican border in 2017 during my solo trip . Maya Spa, in particular, is a great place to visit to indulge in body wraps, massages, and yoga classes. If one must go, try to avoid going out alone at night or flashing money. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-74770397', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, we will need a temporary import for the car. Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise. For the sake of our wellbeing, its best to steer clear of this state. It's a must-visit, especially for first-timers, despite thedevastating earthquake that hit the city late last year. There are occasional reports of violence, but for the most part, the border is peaceful. The Mexican border towns of California are some of the safest in the world. Video by Sebastien Vuagnat. Many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, but dont throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a monthly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trendsand how they could affect your travel plans. Of all the places to visit Mexico, Mrida is the safest for a vacation with your family, with safe neighbourhoods and a charming vibe. 64K views, 133 likes, 45 loves, 255 comments, 111 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from NowThis Politics: U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland holds a news. While there is no perfectly safe area of Juarez, there is no perfectly safe area of any city in the world! The word Chihuahua usually conjures up images of the cute little dog we used to see Paris Hilton carrying around in one of her Louis Vuittons. Catching the leader of the regions criminal organization is no small feat, of course, but with frequently shifting criminal loyalties known to often occur state more often than you can say El Chapo, I wouldnt bring out the tequila just yet. Set at the slightly less restrictive notch of Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), the statewhichthe cute, feisty little dog is named after has a not-at-all-cute reputation for widespread illicit activity. 4. As one of the most sketchy states in the country, we might want to avoid stepping foot in Sinaloa, northern Mexico. Old film stars like Gary Cooper and John Wayne used to come to Mazatlan. Last fiscal year that ended in September, U.S. border agents encountered nearly 2.4 million asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, a historic high, though many of them were repeat crossers . Your. In spite of the devastating effects of Hurricane Wilma, Cancun is once again a go-to destination for beautiful beaches, golfing, jet skiing and nightlife. Tijuana is a border city in Mexico, located just south of California. We dont want to worry about getting robbed or caught up in something dangerous on our vacation. Read More FILE - Migrants who crossed the border from Mexico into the U.S. wait next to the U.S. border wall where U.S. Border Patrol agents stand guard, seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico . Since certain newsworthy events occurred in 2014, Guerrero has long been a well-known do-not-travel state. La Paz safety score. Sadly, not all of Mexico isideal to visit. At least 63 migrants were rescued, 13 of them minors, after being kidnapped by human traffickers in a town located in the state of Sonora on the border with the United States, Mexican authorities reported Thursday. It doesnt exactly get us into the holiday spirit, does it? . Still, many are left wondering if Mexico is undergoinga war of perception. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65513395', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterrey, Mexico and a regular user of the highways that conects my city with the Texas' borderline. The Mayan influence remains strong here, and the area has its own style of cuisine that diverges considerably from what you will find in other parts of Mexico. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Eight Sonoran cities made the list of the 121 Mexican municipalities with the most violence per capita: Visitors to the border region, including cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa, and Matamoros should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Still, its a great pity that tourists are warned against this state because it used to be so peaceful and still is beautiful. The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. Its hard to choose a favourite place in Mexico. Huatulco is considered one of the safest places in Mexico.