The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. Visiting Algodones: The Mexican Medical Border Town - TripSavvy Wealthy expats and holidaying Europeans vacation at the beachside lounges of the gorgeous Playa del Carmen which, by the way, has the best beaches in Mexico. Nevertheless, youll want to go. However, many incidents are purely crimes of opportunity and can be prevented with a little precaution. I was astounded by how much you can save by taking advantage of this opportunity. Drawing adventure enthusiasts from around the world, and home to both some of the best rock climbing and Mexicos third largest and very safe - city, Monterrey, the state Nuevo Len can easily be mistaken as a safe haven from violent crime. Questions are being asked about the level of harm in the state. U.S. government: Mexican border dangerous for Americans, safe for Puebla is one of them. Though it was initially considered safe enough, in April, Acapulco was suddenly slapped with the hard advisory level for the first time ever. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancn. While there is no perfectly safe area of Juarez, there is no perfectly safe area of any city in the world! Tour to Reserva de la biosfera el pinacate y gran desierto, Las Toninas Condos Bahia Kino Trip Report, Driving from vancouver,BC Canada to belize, Experience with Rio Dental in Juarez, Mexico. They are doing this quickly too. As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so can set in motion a persecution that can last years, the consequences of which can be very dissuasive, he said. 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. Take out Mexican Pesos before leaving Getting your hands on the local currency is pretty easy, and saves you the hassle and anxieties of figuring it all out after a long flight. Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations. Life. Known locally as the Pirmide Tepanapa(or Tlachihualtepetlin the in the indigenous Nahuatl language, meaning "made-by-hand mountain"), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, although built around200 BC. Video by Sebastien Vuagnat. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks. The Ballad of 'Deepfake Drake' - The New York Times San Miguel de Allende is a popular destination for expats and is one of the safest places in Mexico. The border crossing is actually located in nearby Anrade, California, and is open from 6 a.m. to . La Paz. Other hot spots like Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa were spared from the designation. Mexico still offers safe places to visit without the travel caution. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations, the alert said. It is also less touristy than other resort towns on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering well-preserved ruins of the former Mayan city walls and other historic structures right in town. 7. Even the US State Department warns citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Sinaloa. Once considered a nice day trip from Mexico City (its two hours away by car), Puebla is emerging as a primary destination in its own right. Paradise Beach is one of its best beaches, although Tulum is known for having some of the most stunning beaches in the country. 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.". It gets hot here too, with an average high of between 90-100 F all year. Sadly, not all of Mexico isideal to visit. Head to Palancar Beach, Paradise Beach or Faro Celerain Eco Park for amazing views and spectacular diving. Its just unfortunate that its another one on the list thats deemed dangerous for visitors. 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. I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars, he said. Where do I find information about Kino Bay / Bahia Kino? 23 Safest Places to Live in Mexico (Best Cities for 2023) Even though it is a popular tourist destination, its not as touristy as somewhere like Cancun for instance. Why visit Guanajuato? Its best to research the different areas, as some parts of Cancn can be dangerous. #1 has immigration. . Visitors to the area are mostly native Mexicans, so you can immerse yourself in the culture fairly well; try a miners enchilada if you get a chance. In case you want to change your travel plans,itcurrently happens to be a safe bet, with no travel restrictions. 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. Travel news, itineraries, and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Walk up and through its massive Plaza de la Constitucin(themain square is called the Zcaloby locals, if you want to fit in), andbe sure to check out Frida Kahlo's old studio, the 13th-century Aztec Templo Mayor and its baroque-style Catedral Metropolitana de Mxico. According to Fox News, the city is amongst one of the most dangerous in the world due to violence and is currently sitting at a level 2 rating. 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.. The Booming Texas Border Town at the Center of a Global Trade Shift Whats not to love about this place? He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel. The Lincoln Bridge is actually #2, with no immigration. 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. Anyway, last time we crossed. We dont want to worry about getting robbed or caught up in something dangerous on our vacation. [Expect] great seafood, great beaches, nice hotels, and none of the inflated prices.. 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. Yet unlike most of its UNESCO World Heritage site buddies, this port city is relatively untouched by tourism and Western culture. 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. Unfortunately, it was only to pick up again, as it often does with these things, three years later in 2016. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. It is also known for being a spa town. How Texas's gun laws allow Mexican cartels to arm themselves to the It is one of the safest cities in Mexico for both living and for vacation. Todos Santos is widely considered a haven awayfrom the cartel violence of its Northern counterpart state above, Baja California (safe for a few recent incidents said to be isolated). The next day, Laredo seems a reasonable crossing. They rescue 63 kidnapped migrants in a Mexican town on the US border Now that Guerrero is ranked as the most dangerous state in Mexico, were not sure its too wise going for vacation in Acapulco. Merida is also a well-known destination for celebrating equinoxes. But in the past many participants have continued on to the U.S . Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants. Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Texas (Over 10,000 Residents) - Our Top 4 Cities. 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). Columbus-Puerto Palomas State Road 11, Columbus, New Mexico - Calzada 5 de Mayo, Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua. Thankfully, with both the city and the state under zero travel restrictions, they can continue to do so. But before you do, read this. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Although it does attract a large number of tourists each year, Mazatlan preserves much of its natural arts and culture. Colima is another state placed under the Do not travel advisory. Statistically, Mexicali is one of the safest border towns in Mexico, with well-developed tourism and service industries. But between San Luis Potosi and Saltillo, the only decent hotels to be found are in Matehuala. A couple of other things. Why do you need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico? Travel to its seaside city, Manzanillo, is in fact still allowed, according the U.S. government. It's been made into not only one of the longest-running Mexican states plagued by cartel violence, which has claimed the lives of gangsters, police and civilians alike, but a long-forgotten travel destination already absent on the tourist radar. Coahuila is a strange beast. Sonora, the state where Nogales is located, is considered one of the most dangerous places in Mexico. My husband already had his temporary visa, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers. But theres nothing fake about this place. One of them, widely known for hosting trafficking routes, is the Northern Mexican state of Sinaloa. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road. This place is picture-perfect how could we ever get bored with those views? Ciudad Juarez, one of the biggest cities in Mexico, is a really cool place with a culture that is very distinct from the rest of Mexico. 2 U.S.-Mexico Border Cities Boast Lowest Crime Rates, New - HuffPost It was considered one of theleast safecities in the world just a few short years ago. My mexican fiancee is driving up from mexico to Mississippi next weekend to visit. Border Towns Are Among the Safest in the United States - Immigration Impact Playa del Carmen is a beachy tourist destination so were not really going to get a taste of Mexicos culture, but we still can soak up its delightful scenery and amazing food. And even still, the safest area in Mrida is Paseo de Montejo. Located on the lapping waters of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz sits within the popular Baja California Sur region. Think old mines, a mummy museum, and streets so narrow that one is called the Alley of the Kiss because couples can smooch one another from opposite sides. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Its no surprise, of course, that Tamaulipas is one of the five now-notorious states in states Mexico for which the U.S. State Department issued its highest warning Level 4: "Do Not Travel" - under its new guidelines. So many different options, so many different outcomes. 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. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. If thats not enough to put us off booking a trip to this state, we dont know what is. This is due to the growth of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, making even some of its once-safest towns, not-so-safe anymore. 3 in the 2022 Safest Cities in America survey out this week by WalletHub. But its hard to feel anything magical when the surrounding area of this same state has made another list - one thats not so flattering. Its an archaeological site that sits on the seafront, making it one of the most photogenic places in the whole of Mexico. 15 Places In Mexico That Are Just Plain Dangerous (And 5 - TheTravel Its the perfect place to visit for a spring break holiday. With so much to offer, aren't you glad to learn thatMexico City is one place you don't have to avoid? Some areas are hotspots of cartel activity. About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. The State Department has issued warnings advising against travel to Mexican border states and . 1. 1. AG Merrick Garland Holds News Conference on Drug Trafficking "The problem . For the most authentic experience in Mexico, head to Guadalajara. For classic white-sand beaches and warm turquoise waters, it's hard to beat Mexico's Riviera Maya. Mexico migrant camp tents torched across border from Texas : NPR There is something for everybody. Medical tourism to Nogales seems unchanged after Matamoros attack Its not as busy as other tourist areas in Mexico, but its worth visiting to truly get a taste oflocal culture. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancn, Tulum and Mexico City. Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. It really is a great place to experience Mexicos traditions and true culture. Huatulco. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Urja Sinha. 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. Beingjust two hours from the more popular Merida, it's easy to travel from one to the other. It is a quiet and family-friendly city located right on the Mexican border deep in South Texas. An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. By the numbersrate of violent crime nationally was 366.7 . When we visit exotic countries, most of us want to witness its traditional culture and cuisine. Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. MATAMOROS, Mexico About two dozen makeshift tents were set ablaze and destroyed at a migrant camp across the border from Texas this week, witnesses said Friday, a sign of the extreme risk that . All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. Mexico Travel Advisory - United States Department of State This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Where to Go in Mexican Border Towns for Pharmacies 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 a small town in Mexico called Cholula. Tourism is a large part of these cities local economy. 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. However, if we want to stay safe and prevent putting ourselves in any danger, its wise to avoid Sinaloa. ), mind-blowing art, gorgeous music, an incredibly vibrant culture (I can go on, you know), all somehow jumbled up into this wonderful little country, avoiding Mexico altogether would mean missing out on quite possiblythe most unforgettable travel experiences Of. There are, after all, many wonderful cities, towns and resorts that sound so exotic and thrilling. 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. Indeed, it looks more like a big hill. However, in recent years, Mexicali has experienced an increase in crimes related to drug trafficking. Advertisement Visitors can expect an unforgettable stay when they come to Mexico City. Colombia bridge is the least busy, if that's a concern. There are 2.5% of respondents who have a felony conviction; foreigners are less likely to have a felony conviction. Huatulco is considered one of the safest places in Mexico. But most visitors stay in McAllen but go about 15 miles east from McAllen and cross into Mexico at a small town called Progreso. Ive included Yelapa for folks who want a deeper Mexican experience, but note that its in one of the State Departments orange zonesso youll want to do a bit more research before choosing this part of Jalisco. Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. Increased border patrols and the construction of a border fence have had no effect on immigration, despite the fact that residents feel safe. If being within a walled historic city district, isnt enough to make you feel safe, then maybe the fact that its devoid of any travel restrictions will help. Cartel expert tells tourists, 'Don't go' to Mexico right now The group was found Thursday morning in Sonoyta, a border town where there are many safe houses that coyotes usually use to cross . While still slightly off the tourist track, Bacalar seems to retain a more traditional Mexican feel than most of the other hot-spots in the region, making it a great destination for those who have a preference for local culture and traditions. And to top that, it offers some great cavern and cave diving as well as plenty of hotels and restaurants for every budget. Huatulco is quite a small city, but it is packed with incredible beaches and a vibrant downtown. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.). Hi! The state of Quintana. 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. It's a must-visit, especially for first-timers, despite thedevastating earthquake that hit the city late last year. Hundreds of thousands of Americans travel across the Mexican border every year to the tiny town of Los Algodones, in search not of sun and sand, but root canals and .