what mexican border towns are safe

And even still, the safest area in Mrida is Paseo de Montejo. 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. 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. Its a tough pill to swallow with recent headlines in April about film students in Guadalajara beingharmed by a new cartel on the block. These numbers show the border cities compare favorably to comparably-sized stand-alone cities in Texas, though are generally more dangerous than higher-income . It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Mexicali Safety: The whole of Baja California is safe for American tourists. Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors, and concerns about violence there have receded. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Its not hard to spend the day admiring the 500-year-old colonial citys incredible architecture either! From its hotels to its cuisine to its beaches, PV screams sophistication. While its capital, Morelia, is certainly a safe place to travel to, and quite possibly the perfect place to explore the rich variety of world-famous Mexican dishes, the rest of the Western Pacific state, Michoacn, is oh, how do I put this delicately one big hotbed of kidnapping and crime. Would it be better and dagger to do the Lincoln bridge? The majority of crimes that do occur are petty crimes such as theft. Where to Stay: The small, beautifully decorated Nima Local House Hotel is one of the best luxury hotel options in the city. The Lincoln Bridge, or bridge #1, has no customs or immigration,and the customs caseta @ KM 21 is longer. The state is home to a lot of danger regardless of its beauty, so be sure to be (very) careful. The turn is right after the airport and not marked very well. As you'll inevitably discover, this city is literally pulsing with creativity and is a magical mecca in its own right for writers, musicians, artists, dancers or photographers both gringos and Mexicans alike. My mexican fiancee is driving up from mexico to Mississippi next weekend to visit. And about the safest crossings between Mexico and Texas, Colombia will be the quickest and safest highway due is a toll road administrated by Texas' authority. Over the past 50 years, San Miguel de Allende has evolved into a hub for tourists wanting to experience the music, food, and arts of truelocal culture. The Zona Dorada historic town center in the famous resort town of Mazatln, Los Mochis, Port Topolobampo, and all roads to and from these locations have been cleared for travel. There is so much to explore in this city that it would be impossible to get bored here. Although it does attract a large number of tourists each year, Mazatlan preserves much of its natural arts and culture. Mazatlan is another beach escape in Mexico. Around 3,000 migrants have begun what they call a mass protest procession through southern Mexico to demand the end of detention centers like the one that caught fire last month, killing 40 people. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks. Visit on a weekend if you can, when its historical core is closed to vehicles, to enjoy a strollers paradise amid taco stands and open-air stages. Today, its just as busy at the sidewalk cafes and Malecon as it was back then. Why do you need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico? 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's only like 3 hours and change to Saltillo from the border. Yelapa is Mexicos last authentic beach town, says Pacheco, and is definitely under the radar. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated almost right in the . Where to Stay: Try for a balcony room or suite at the modestly priced Hotel Socaire. 6. It is bordered by Coahuila to the west, Tamaulipas to the east and north, and San Luis Potos to the south - all of which are currently under Level 3 Travel Advisories. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had very bad luck, Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs. But its hard to feel anything magical when the surrounding area of this same state has made another list - one thats not so flattering. 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. As one of the most sketchy states in the country, we might want to avoid stepping foot in Sinaloa, northern Mexico. Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. With the highestunnatural deathrate in Mexico, you might want to avoid traveling to Colima. Number who cross each day: 25,000 people on average. That put it above the likes of San Salvador and Tijuana, with an average of nearly 10 murders a day! Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itza and Playa Tortugas are some of the best things to do in Cancun. Regardless of when you decide to go (March to see more tourists; July to see more locals), safety will be the least of your concerns, if youll have any at all in a place like this. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived. Which is exactly why it could be particularly dangerous and vulnerable to misplaced lack of caution. But most visitors stay in McAllen but go about 15 miles east from McAllen and cross into Mexico at a small town called Progreso. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. 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. Thank you for all the information! 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. From freshly pressed juices to yoga retreats and on-site massages in private villas to decked out cabaas on the beach, this sleepy little beach town has all the fixings while remaining wonderfully devoid of any travel restrictions. Its hard to choose a favourite place in Mexico. It's just a short hours drive away, makingtourists opt to stay far longer than the usual one-day outing made to the town. No doubt, this is a natural reaction to the highly needed tourist dollar. Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancn and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. Since certain newsworthy events occurred in 2014, Guerrero has long been a well-known do-not-travel state. From hip boutique hotels to its growing,unbelievably vibrant culinary scene, you'll certainly want to experiencethe eateries of the city'sbohemian Condesa and Polanco districts, two of Mexico City'smany, manyup-and-coming neighbourhoods right now. The U.S. State Department might be right to ask visitors to reconsider travel due to crime while underscoring the point that violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Nuevo Leon state. The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. However, that violence eased right down by 2013. I guess in the end we will have our own story to tell you all. Here is the relevant paragraph: "The United States and Mexico entered a joint initiative March 21, 2020, restricting non-essential travel along the U.S.-Mexico land border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Mexico is a vast country, with heaps of beautiful and interesting places to see, and some 28 million Americans safely travel there each year. ( NewsNation) Since the start of 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued travel advisories for Mexico and four other countries in Central America due to crime. 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. It is a quiet and family-friendly city located right on the Mexican border deep in South Texas. 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. Google Jalisco and the first thing youll see are news articles reporting violence in the area. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime. Don't drive. The statescity ofCiudad Juarez, which, much like Tamaulipas, offers a coveted location just across the border from El Paso, Texas. The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancns hotel zone. But before you do, read this. Granted, Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza is often on everyone's bucket list. However, if we want to stay safe and prevent putting ourselves in any danger, its wise to avoid Sinaloa. However, therest of the state remains under the highest-level travel warning for potential danger. The group was found Thursday morning in Sonoyta, a border town where there are many safe houses that coyotes usually use to cross . 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. A couple of other things. She is coming from a town near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? #1 has immigration. Though, of course, this is except for pretty much everywhere else in the state. If were looking to experience more traditional culture, this probably isnt the ideal place. I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars, he said. As you can imagine, this left Mexico's federal tourism department scrambling and "not immediately available to comment". The San Ysidro Port of Entry is one of . After dark, travel restriction extend to west of Eje Juan Gabriel and south of Boulevard Zaragoza. Of course you are. The Mexican border towns of California are some of the safest in the world. Yet, this is not exactly the case. Life. It is also known for being a spa town. 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. The Laredo bridges get very busy on the weekends, as you might imagine. After all, its not a small village; Puebla is Mexicos fourth-largest city, with some of the countrys best examples of Spanish colonial architecture. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. Where to Stay: Posada La Poza has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates. And whilelikeany other place along the Pacific coast, the usual natural hazards (sharks for swimmers and your odd rogue wave during hurricane season), Todos Santos is continually growing in popularity. In terms of safety, Mrida actually has the honor of being considered the safest city in Mexico. [viator_tour destination=628 type=3-mod]. Not only that, but people in Mexico will really appreciate the effort and will be warmer towards you too. 5. 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). Not only is this Mexican border state home to the oldest vineyards in all of the Americas, but the Parras Valley, where they are mostly found, is replete with beautiful backdrops that are so inspiring. In the Hotel Zone its pretty safe, although outside it can get somewhat seedy. The state of Quintana. I assume you're just gonna declare your goods instead of trying to bring them in duty-free? Those vivid colonial buildings, cobblestoned streets, and dont even get us started on those white sandy beachesahhh, bliss. No wonder tourists flock there for a relaxing break away! Between Parras Valley and Sierra Madre Oriental pine-oak forests, theres no doubt about it that Coahuila is a beautiful place. 10 Safest - Cholula. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It also boasts some of the best cuisine in the Western Hemisphere. Brownsville, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, is listed twentieth. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Long before news of a ferry explosion in Playa del Carmen earlier this year and the subsequent U.S. State Department warnings about travelling to there, visitors were beginning to ditch the resort town for Tulum, if only to get away from the overcrowded tourist scene. Although it's situated in Sinaloa, Mazatln is one of Mexico's safest cities . 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. Between its brightly colored buildings, cobblestoned streets and quaint little artisan shops, San Miguel de Allende is the perfect place to snap some cultural pictures of Mexico. 4. 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. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already. If you are planning to visit the Texas-Mexico border . This place is picture-perfect how could we ever get bored with those views? It is one of Mexicos oldest and most famous beach resorts, which used to be the getaway for 1950s Hollywood stars and millionaires. There are places we should avoid in Mexico were not going to sugar-coat the country. It distracts from business. Writing off a country like Mexico in its entirety is a travel sin. 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. In spite of it being a largely misunderstood country, Mexico should not be dismissed as a vacation destination. Mexico still offers safe places to visit without the travel caution. Its main activities tend to be around key border towns in the north. 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. The highway heading into NL is like 6 lanes wide, but the speed limit I believe is 60 KM, but go the limit and you'll have no problems. So many different options, so many different outcomes. For the most authentic experience in Mexico, head to Guadalajara. This colonial city situated to the southeast of Mexico City boasts authentic character. Safety Tips for Mexican Border Towns Border towns rely on tourism dollars so they try to keep tourists safe. There's a vast list of services that can solve practically any medical situation here. But yes, you can pre-pay if you wish to donate your $4. An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. There are, after all, many wonderful cities, towns and resorts that sound so exotic and thrilling. A state on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Guerreros tourism is mainly focused on Acapulco. Not only are some areas of Mexico indeed seeing the worst homicidefigures in decades, but the country recorded its most violent year on record last year, ultimately pointing to an alarming rise in cartel activity. 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