18 Places in Mexico Travelers Should Approach with Caution
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Mexico has drug cartels as part of its criminal society, and at times, they cross over to areas where tourists usually visit. It is to be noted that the cartels are active along borders and some central states, competing for control of smuggling zones. This may result in violence, including confrontation between rival groups and even with the police force. Knowledge of these dynamics can be helpful in order to organize a safe trip.
According to the U.S. State Department and other travel advisory sites, certain Mexican states and cities are classified as high-risk due to elevated crime rates. One way to reduce your risk is to stay out of these areas altogether, or if you find yourself in any of them, be extra cautious.
Tourist destinations generally experience lower crime rates thanks to heightened security measures. However, travelers should remain vigilant, as incidents do occur. Popular spots like Cancun and Puerto Vallarta are safer but are not immune to petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scams.
Tijuana (Baja California)
Despite having a vibrant border city feel and reputation, many crimes include gang violence and drug-related murders, with a homicide rate of 138 per 100000 people.
It is noteworthy that travelers should have no intention of crossing the border overland except in regions they know well as tourist destinations.
Ciudad Juárez (Chihuahua)
Ciudad Juárez is infamous for crime, especially drug-related criminal activities, with a reported homicide rate of 86 per 100,000. The traveler should consider it advisable to either not visit this city or otherwise be very careful when planning to visit it.
Nuevo Laredo (Tamaulipas)
This border city is most famous for shootouts between cartel gangs and security forces. Travel here is strongly advised against because of frequent shootouts and kidnappings. Last year was the worst on record in Nuevo Laredo, with 288 homicides.
Reynosa (Tamaulipas)
Reynosa is another border city that the cartel has some control over. There is a danger of robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping, which are likely to be experienced by the visitors.
Matamoros (Tamaulipas)
Matamoros, a city also in Tamaulipas, shares similar safety concerns as Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo. Travelers should reconsider visits to this area.
Culiacán (Sinaloa)
The city is one of the strongholds of the Sinaloa cartel and witnesses a rate of severe crimes. More than 30,000 murders are still committed each year, and on average, 29 people disappear every day without a trace.
Hence, it is advisable to avoid all non-essential trips here.
Acapulco (Guerrero)
The city is a former tourist attraction; it was destroyed after the hurricane that struck Acapulco in 2023. Acapulco has been worst affected by gang violence and drug-related crimes.
Acapulco’s crime index is 60.52% of 120% which is quite high. Acapulco is ranked as the 18th most violent city in the world, as of 2023. Stay in resort areas and do not travel around with empty streets at night.
Irapuato (Guanajuato)
This city has recorded high incidences of violence in the recent past because of gang-related violence. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Irapuato is 81. 8.
Be more careful and do not visit areas that are unsafe.
Celaya (Guanajuato)
Like Irapuato, Celaya has a huge problem with gangs and related crime. In 2023, Celaya in Mexico became the world’s most dangerous city, with a homicide rate of 109.4 for each 100,000 of the population.
People should avoid some areas and be cautious and aware of current events in the area.
Uruapan (Michoacán)
Michoacán’s Uruapan is affected by cartel violence, making it a high-risk area. Uruapan city is the most dangerous city in Michoacan and the eighth most dangerous city in the whole world due to a rate of approximately 72.59 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.
Travelers are advised to avoid this region if possible.
Morelia (Michoacán)
Morelia, though historically and culturally rich, is not immune to the violence affecting Michoacán. Visitors should remain vigilant and avoid isolated areas.
The U.S. Department of State states that, In Morelia, U.S. government employees may travel by air and land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
Salamanca (Guanajuato)
Crime is high in Salamanca, and they are linked to organized crime. It has a homicide rate of 74.4 per 100,000 people. Caution should be taken by anyone planning to visit this city.
Fresnillo (Zacatecas)
Fresnillo has reported frequent gang-related violence, placing it on the list of places to avoid or exercise caution. The latest ENSU found that 95.4% of Fresnillo residents consider the city unsafe, a decline of 1 percentage point compared to the previous survey.
Cancun (Quintana Roo)
Cancun is relatively safer for tourists, but crime has been reported in the area. Certain preventive measures, such as not straying into deserted or areas unknown to travelers, will help lower the possibility of being attacked.
Tulum (Quintana Roo)
Tulum is another tourist favorite that requires caution, especially at night. Drug-related gang crimes have increased by a whopping 488% in the last year.
Stay within populated areas and be mindful of your surroundings.
Guadalajara (Jalisco)
Guadalajara is a vibrant city that faces challenges with crime. Guadalajara has a crime rating of 62.39. Remaining in safe neighborhoods and employing common-sense safety measures is recommended.
Mexico City
Mexico City is generally safe, but like any large urban area, it has its share of crime. In 2023, the crime incidence rate in the country’s capital was around 52,723 crimes per 100,00 inhabitants.
Stick to well-lit areas and avoid displaying valuables.
Monterrey (Nuevo León)
While Monterrey is an industrial hub, it has experienced issues with organized crime. Travelers should stay informed and stick to secure areas.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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