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). Its definitely a great place to go for an authentic holiday. Is Mexico safe? Its a question many American travelers have asked themselves, especially in the wake of a sweeping security alert for Mexico issued by the U.S. State Department. 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. Still, tourists do come here to Nuevo Leon,despite its reputation. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. She will need to pay a very cheap fee in advance ($3 or $4USD, can't remember the exact amount) using a major credit card. Today, its just as busy at the sidewalk cafes and Malecon as it was back then. A group of Americans crossed here before being kidnapped on Friday. 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. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. They rescue 63 kidnapped migrants in a Mexican town on the US border Once n. Texas, if her car has Mexican plates, she won't have to pay the tolls, as Texas has no billing agreement with Mexico. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. 5. Over 40 narco cells are currently in Jalisco dedicated tothe harming ofextortion targets. But theres another story here. Thank for very much for the great info. Mexico still offers safe places to visit without the travel caution. This includes the southern coastal region. However, if you plan to travel outside of the free zone, you will want to purchase a TIP before you go. All of these cells are operating not only (though mainly) in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara and its municipalities, but also throughout the state. If you don't have a hotel yet in Saltillo, the Sheraton Four Points (formerly American Business Inn) is the closest to the highway and has secure parking. 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. Writing off a country like Mexico in its entirety is a travel sin. But if getting your soul cleansed isnt a priority for you right now, Mrida is also arguably one of the best places to enjoy real-deal, beyond-delicious Yucatecan food. How Texas's gun laws allow Mexican cartels to arm themselves to the Nor did they even bother to check our cat's papers. La Paz safety score. Many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, but dont throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. best mexican town to visit that borders Texas. - Fodor's Where to Stay: For a cozy stay right near the funicular into the center of town, book one of the eight rooms at Casa Zuniga B&B. Mrida. Why do you need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico? 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. La Paz. Not only that, but people in Mexico will really appreciate the effort and will be warmer towards you too. If we want to visit these areas, we must do it in the daytime, rather than at night where our risks are much higher. 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. more. 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. I dont know about you, but I would say things are heating up in this hot little country. Visitors can expect an unforgettable stay when they come to Mexico City. Travel to its seaside city, Manzanillo, is in fact still allowed, according the U.S. government. 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. Confused? There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these arent as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such theyre less crowded. Hi! The border bridge between Brownsville, Texas . Yet unlike most of its UNESCO World Heritage site buddies, this port city is relatively untouched by tourism and Western culture. If you can, be sure to visit during the first two weeks of August to experience the Festival of San Joaquin de Bacalar, when the streets come alive with even more culture events, including dances, games and incredible parades. 11,820) Western Area Power/Flickr Keep in mind that bad things can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that dont appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. That is a sharp rise from the 1,700 migrants that Border Patrol agents encountered in the first two weeks of April, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. Truth be told, its hard to feel unsafe in a town teeming with New Age spiritualists, surfers and fisherman, let alone one that terms itself to beof All Saints. With long, gorgeous beaches, world-class waves and a refreshing distance from tourists and crowds, this pretty little town has a timeless, magical vibe to it. 74.81 / 100. Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe. This sparked headlines about how violence in Mexico is beginning to affect both tourists and the tourism industry. With its small-town atmosphere and unique ocean fronts, PV is definitely one of the prettiest places in Mexico that feels thriving but cozy. 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. Strangely enough, although the Mexican Pacific Coast's state's travel advisory made exceptions of its 'Do Not Travel' advisory, Acapulco did not make the cut. Building on an already rich culinary history, its signature sandwich-like dish cemitas, its famous chili-chocolate flavoured mole poblano(where the national dish actually originates), and its so-local-its-exclusive-to-the-state raisin shot drink, thepasita, are only among some of the reasons visitors flock to this incredible city in droves year after year. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. 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. However, if we want to stay safe and prevent putting ourselves in any danger, its wise to avoid Sinaloa. 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? It's one you cant help but feel when driving along theenigmatic dirt roads that connect in and out of this sleepy town. Also known as Vallarta or just PV, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a coastal resort getaway. Reynosa, Mexico is across the border and has lots of food and drink. Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, Senior Account Executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. From there, traffickers andkingpins who win the turf war gain access to the voracious and lucrative USillegal substancemarket. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations, the alert said. Statewide Texas-Mexico border crossings Texas and Mexico share 1,254 miles of common border and are joined by 28 international bridges and border crossings. In spite of it being a largely misunderstood country, Mexico should not be dismissed as a vacation destination. Safest Mexican border cities and towns in U.S., from FBI data - Axios The US State Department currently has a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" warning for the following Mexican states: Colima state (due to crime and kidnapping) Guerrero state (due to crime) Michoacan state (due to crime and kidnapping) Sinaloa state (due to crime and kidnapping) Tamaulipas state (due to crime and kidnapping) Safest route from Chihuahua City to the border? Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. One of the safest beach towns in Mexico is Puerto Escondido. But its hard to feel anything magical when the surrounding area of this same state has made another list - one thats not so flattering. Unfortunately, despite the countrys fascinating beauty and rich culture, not all of Mexico is a cheerful tapestry of cobblestoned streets and brightly coloured colonial buildings. MUST READ: 13 Safest Cities In Mexico [Updated Feb 2023] 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. Read our blog entitled Who Needs a Temporary Importation Permit for more information. Theres a homemade Mexican-style breakfast every morning. In case anyones itching to see Mexico and experience all its glory, weve found the top 10 places to visit and also the 10 places we shouldnt step foot in. Here are a few safety travel tips for snowbirds planning to make a border crossing in Los Algodones and other Mexican border towns: And its not surprising it boasts spectacular views. How sweet is that? With events unfolding as they are, Im going to venture a wild guess that prices are going at an all-time low. Yelapa is Mexicos last authentic beach town, says Pacheco, and is definitely under the radar. But the attack and kidnapping of four Americans in the border city of Matamoros, two of whom were later found dead, along with recent disorder in Cancn and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the countrys broader unrest is spilling into other destinations. This surf town in Baja California Sur features world-class waves and lots of natural beautyand its just far enough north of touristy Cabo San Lucas to offer respite from the crowds. 10 Safest - Cholula. 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. With recent events transpiring between the United States and Mexico, Tijuana is not a spot you'd want to venture off to right now. Not all border cities have this level of safety. Mexico is a vast country, with heaps of beautiful and interesting places to see, and some 28 million Americans safely travel there each year. Little towns are scattered all along the coast, and one, Playa del Carmen, has matured into a fully-fledged city. 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. Border Towns Are Among the Safest in the United States - Immigration Impact From 2020 to 2021, the overall crime rate in Laredo was down 8%, according to the police department's annual report, and robberies were down . 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. This local guide . Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico for both living and for vacation. All Rights Reserved. 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. 66.65. I wrote this post the first time I crossed the Mexican border in 2017 during my solo trip . Thanks! Located on the Texas border between Mexico and the U.S., Tamaulipas offers a key strategic opportunity thats been all too irresistible to the areaskingpins looking to smuggleillegal substancesto the United States. Advertisement Cozumel is one of our favourites. Where to Go in Mexican Border Towns for Pharmacies Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitorsincluding street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums. It seems the aduana folks there are pretty gringo friendly, too. I have been to Mexico only once ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It gets hot here too, with an average high of between 90-100 F all year. Despite all of this activity, the border is relatively safe. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers. Even if its a visit to the Mezcaloteca for a tasting (which is a must and youll need to make a reservation), you should be careful. There are, after all, many wonderful cities, towns and resorts that sound so exotic and thrilling. Urja Sinha. (The latter volcano, in case youre wondering, has been off limits to visitors since it erupted in 1994.). Laredo, Texas, is primed to become . 23 Safest Places to Live in Mexico (Best Cities for 2023) Like any other town, Mexicali is not 100 percent safe, and you should always do your research before visiting the city. 13 of the Safest Cities in Mexico for Travelers to Visit - SmarterTravel Indeed, the state of Coahuila is one of 11 Mexican states recently placed under the Level 3 U.S. travel advisory. 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. The system is designed to help travelers better understand their travel destinations. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. Personally, we would just keep our noses out of it and travel elsewhere. 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 . The site of two bays, Baha de Manzanillo and Baha de Santiago, the port town is one of the most popular all-inclusive destinations in Mexico. Admittedly, you can hardly walk a block without seeing a mezcaleria (bar selling mezcal) or shop selling the stuff in the city center. Youre a fish out of water.. This is serious stuff, you know, in case you havent quitegotten that sense just yet. A couple of other things. There are also a number of security measures in place to keep residents and visitors safe, including fences and surveillance cameras. Learn some Spanish Whilst some areas are touristy and can speak English, learning even just a bit of the local lingo makes things so much easier. I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars, he said. If fact, theyve won its town, Parras de la Fuente, a rare place on the countrys coveted "Magic Town" list. Midway between Merida and Cancun is Valladolid, a colorful and friendly city thats within easy driving distance of several beautiful cenotes. As far as safety goes, it's really not much of an issue at either crossing. I got bit for $500 pesos. Where to Stay: The Hotel Lagunita is right on the water, with amazing views and a pool from which to enjoy them. But yes, you can pre-pay if you wish to donate your $4. 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. Once considered among Mexicos most peaceful areas, the countrys least populous state at just over 700,000 people has seendeaths skyrocketing in recent years. 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. Is It Safe To Visit The Texas-Mexico Border? - Tour By Mexico With the worlds most fascinating Aztec history, unbelievably delicious food (oh my gosh, the food! And, indeed, with all theheadlines, many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, and opting to avoid the country altogether. Colimas murder rate has more than tripled in recent years. Home to the city of Guadalajara, the lakeside lucky-bummer expat community of Chapala, the infamous Puerto Vallarta resorts, and Ajijic, the state of Jalisco, as you would only imagine, has no U.S. travel restrictions. For classic white-sand beaches and warm turquoise waters, it's hard to beat Mexico's Riviera Maya. Otherwise, especially if traveling overnight, heading north of the Santa Catarina river, or anywhere outside of San Pedro Garza Garcia or Santa Catarina should basically be avoided. 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. This place is picture-perfect how could we ever get bored with those views? Maybe google it spelled as Colombia, not Columbia, a common mistake. San Miguel de Allende. 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. The San Ysidro Port of Entry is one of . 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 . Where is she driving from? It is also bordered by the US state of Texas. There are 2.5% of respondents who have a felony conviction; foreigners are less likely to have a felony conviction. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65428530', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico city. Coolidge (pop. San Miguel de Allende. 2. 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. Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors, and concerns about violence there have receded. A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government. Top 5 safest & top most dangerous Mexico/Texas border Re: Top 5 safest & top most dangerous Mexico/Texas border http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laredo%E2%80%93Colombia_Solidarity_International_Bridge, Get answers to your questions about Northern Mexico. 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. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. There's a vast list of services that can solve practically any medical situation here. About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. For the most authentic experience in Mexico, head to Guadalajara. Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan. 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. Safe for the northern tips overzealous waters, Campeche is a perfectly hassle-free Mexican marvel to travel to. After dark, travel restriction extend to west of Eje Juan Gabriel and south of Boulevard Zaragoza. Americans Seek Cheaper Dentistry In Mexico's 'Molar City' With its rich culture and breathtaking beauty, its no surprise so many tourists keep coming back here. (Come to the Castillo temple at the right time, and catch the shadow of a serpent slithering down the pyramid's steps!). 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.