dangerous places to visit in mexico

10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico

As you probably know, Mexico is a southern border country of the United States .

The Pacific Ocean lies to the west, and Guatemala to the south.

The current population of the country is about 129,830,000.

Mexico as a whole tends to get a bad rap.

However, for millions of us that have visited, we can attest that it’s not exactly what it’s made out to be.

From the beautiful resort areas of Cancun and Playa Grande to the amazing historical landmarks like the Tulon Ruins and the ancient Aztec Templo Mayor, Mexico has a lot of awesome qualities.

However, like every other country, Mexico does have a dark side.

Due largely to the drug cartels and organized crime (which includes human trafficking).

In 2021, there were over 43,900 murders and 625 kidnappings in the country.

Sadly, a recent Gallup poll revealed that only 48% of Mexican people feel safe at night in their neighborhoods.

Over the years, the United States has issued several warnings to Americans traveling to tourist destinations.

Just recently,(March of 2023), 4 American tourists were kidnapped, and 2 were found murdered.

Vacation seekers visiting Mexico are asked to use caution and common sense.

That being said, it’s probably a good idea to avoid the following 10 most dangerous cities in Mexico.

We’ve based our rankings on murder rate data, government advisories, and overall reports of crime by locals and visitors.

10. Obregon, Mexico

9. uruapan, mexico , 8. culiacan, mexico, 7. coatzacoalcos, mexico , 6. irapuato, mexico, 4. juarez, mexico , 3. victoria, mexico , 2. acapulco, mexico , 1. tijuana, mexico , 5 safety tips for traveling to mexico , mexico safety overview, when is the best time to travel to mexico, what languages are spoken in mexico, is the water safe to drink.

With a population of 436,400, Obregon is known for its lush mountains and food culture.

But the natural beauty and delicious food are unfortunately overshadowed by crime.

The overall rate of crime is 93 per 100,000 and includes a high number of muggings, carjackings, robberies, and drug dealing.

A poll conducted on local residents found that only 22% of people felt safe walking around during the day. 

Uruapan is a large city with a population of just over 356,700 people.

Founded in 1533, this historic town is filled with beautiful architecture and several bodies of water.

People often visit just to see the cascading waterfalls.

However, tourists must also be on the lookout when coming to this bustling city.

The crime rate is 89 per 100,000 people.

There is a large amount of drug use and dealing that goes on within Uruapan.

This often leads to muggings, carjackings, and armed robberies.

Many of the businesses are also used by drug dealers as fronts, so even going to a bar or arcade can be dangerous. 

Once a low-level crime area, Culican crime rates have increased over the past 3 years.

The overall crime rate is 84 per 100,000 people.

The city has also become embroiled in cartel wars.

It was the site of a deadly turf battle that occurred after the arrest of Ovidio Guzman , son of the infamous organized crime leader, El Chapo.

The homicide rate in Culiacan is 61 per 100,000 people, making it an unstable place to live and visit. 

Coatzacoalcos is a major port city at the southern end of the Gulf Of Mexico.

Founded in the 1500s, it’s rich in history, from ancient architecture to cultural artifacts.

Sadly, it’s also got an overall crime rate of 92 per 100,000.

Though the murder rate is lower than in other places, there are very high rates of assaults, robberies, muggings, and drug dealing. 

Known for its strawberry fields, as well as corn and chickpea crops, Irapuato is also a dangerous place for residents and visitors alike.

Last year, there were 81 homicides per 100,000 people.

The violence the drug cartels wage on each other often spills over onto innocent people.

Several disturbing videos have surfaced showing mass shootings  occurring in bars and clubs.

The US government recommends not traveling to Irapuato, because tourists are often the victims of assault, armed robbery, and kidnapping.

Located on the Caribbean Sea, Cancun has been an iconic vacation destination for decades.

The city is divided into 2 specific areas, the downtown center and the hotel zone (resorts).

Though the resorts are, for the most part, well-patrolled and secure, recently, several incidents have made Cancun less attractive to visit.

While the murder rate is lower than in other areas, at 64 per 100,000 people, cartel-related crime has increased.

Crimes against tourists have been on the rise, including robbery, assaults, and scams.

The Mexican government instituted several regulations regarding Airbnb, bars, and nightclubs in an effort to keep tourists safe.

It is recommended that people stay within the resort areas.

The city of Juarez has a population of 1.5 million and is situated on The River Grande just south of the Texas border.

In fact, residents of El Paso can see Juarez from the other side of the river.

While Juarez is rich in history and culture, it’s also gotten a reputation as a staging area for drug smuggling, gun running, and human trafficking.

The murder rate in Juarez is 86 per 100,000 people.

If you must visit Juarez, it’s strongly recommended that you stay with a group, don’t wander into less populated areas, and don’t go out at night.

Also, be especially weary of taxis and pickpockets. 

 Victoria has a population of approximately 380,000.

The city is a major manufacturing hub, producing auto parts, clothing, and microchips to name a few.

The rural outskirts also produce citrus fruits, sugarcane, and corn.

For the most part,  Victoria is full of hard-working people.

Unfortunately, it’s yet another Mexican city that is used by the drug cartels to move their products.

This leads to many shootouts between rival gangs, as well as the police.

This is the main reason it has a murder rate of 86 per 100,000 people.

Street gangs are also common in the city, which leads to robbery and assaults on innocent people.

If you’re a person of a certain age, Acapulco may stir up thoughts of the Love Boat, as it was a usual port of call for the ship.

Once known as a vacation spot for the rich and famous, Acapulco now has the second-highest murder rate in Mexico.

With 111 homicides per every 100,000 people.

The main reason for this is the many poppy fields that exist in the rural areas of Guerrero (of which Acapulco is a part).

Presently, there are 20 drug cartels fighting over control of those fields so they can produce heroin.

The turf wars, drug trade, assaults, and kidnappings have become so common that the United States has banned all government officials from visiting Acapulco.

Literally, at the border of San Diego , California , Tijuana sees many folks day-tripping to the city.

There are stark differences in the experience most tourists have as opposed to what it’s like for its 2,050,000 residents.

Once the Mexican wedding capital, it’s now the murder capital of the country, as well as one of the most dangerous cities in the world.

In December of 2022, Tijuana reached over 2,000 murders for the year.

That’s 138 per 100,000 people.

The city is overrun with cartels that manufacture, deal, and transport fentanyl.

Unfortunately, drugs breed violence and other crimes.

Common occurrences in Tijuana include robbery, drive-by-shootings, and kidnappings.

However, the majority of day tourists say they’ve never had a problem.

If you plan on visiting, it’s important to stay within the well-patrolled areas.

Also, don’t draw attention to yourself, beware of scams (hotels, taxis, tours, etc), and, for goodness sake, don’t make trouble for yourself.

This includes trying to buy anything that may be illegal.

• Be careful when renting a car, hailing a taxi, or ordering an Uber. There are tons of scams surrounding transportation. Take the bus if you can. Mexico’s public transportation is great!
• Don’t travel outside of resort areas at night.
• Avoid protests. Not only can they turn violent, but it’s illegal for foreigners to take part in them. You don’t want to be caught up in the Mexican legal system.
• Avoid isolated areas. Stay with a group in well-populated and patrolled areas.
• Don’t draw attention to yourself. That means, don’t flash money, don’t overdress, wear a lot of jewelry, or look like you’re lost.

READ THE FULL REPORT: Mexico Safety Review

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: HIGH
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Mexico is from December to April.

That’s the dry season.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico.

English is often spoken, especially in the resort area.

Foreign travelers should avoid drinking tap water.

Bottled water is fine to drink.

Additional Resources

2 Comments on 10 Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico

It’s essential to be aware of safety concerns, and lists like these provide a valuable reminder of the challenges some cities face. Let’s hope for community efforts to improve safety.

These lists serve as a reminder that safety is a shared responsibility. Let’s hope for positive changes in these cities to create safer environments for everyone.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Popular destinations.

Safety Index

Recent reviews & comments.

• Anonnn on Portugal
• John Watson on Texas
• Jenny Houston on Texas
• Dirk Michaels on Texas
• Kimberly Flores on Texas

Popular US States

• Pennsylvania

16 of the Most Dangerous Places in Mexico in 2024

You might be curious to know about the most dangerous places in Mexico if you are planning a backpacking trip here and want to know which areas you ought to avoid. Otherwise, it might be out of sheer curiosity based on hearing stories about Mexico in the news (and Mexico always seems to be in the media for all the wrong reasons). 

I am a British Travel Writer living in the Yucatan capital of Merida in Mexico. I am a huge advocate for traveling in Mexico and venturing off the beaten path and maintain that for the most part, Mexico does not deserve its often negative portrayal. 

Most Mexican cities and areas of tourist interest are safe for visitors. And Mexico is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. (According to the Mexican Tourism Board, more than 66 million international tourists traveled here in 2022 and most visits were trouble-free and memorable for all the right reasons.) 

Still, the safety situation in Mexico varies significantly from state to state, city to city. Even within specific Mexican states, one area can be completely fine, but you do not want to find yourself in the region just 2 hours down the road. 

In this post, we will look at some of the most dangerous places in Mexico based on statistics and crime data. Then, we will look at why they are dangerous, if they are really that bad, and if there is anything interesting about them that could redeem them. 

Table of Contents

Most Dangerous Places in Mexico in 2024 

If you are curious about the most dangerous places in Mexico, or knowing which areas to avoid, you might find it useful to know that the US Department of State travel advisory provides a state-by-state breakdown of each of the 32 Mexican states. This can be a little sternly worded but it’s a good starting point. 

States are broken down into four categories based on their perceived safety rating. They are recognized as places that you should exercise normal precautions when traveling to (The Yucatan and Campeche are the safest states in Mexico ), places that you should exercise increased precautions when traveling to, places you should reconsider traveling to, and places you should avoid traveling to completely. 

There are currently six states on the ¨Do Not Travel¨ list for Mexico. These are Sinaloa, Colima, Guerrero, Michoacan, Tamaulipas and Zacatecas. 

There are also some dangerous cities in other parts of Mexico. The destinations we will review in this post are as per the below. 

• Tijuana, Baja California

Sinaloa state

• Iztapalapa, Mexico City 
• Acapulco, Guerrero
• Guerrero state
• Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua
• Celaya, Guanajuato

Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz

• Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas
• Michoacan state

Tepic, Nayarit

Uruapan, michoacan.

• Cancun, Quintana Roo
• Irapuato, Guanajuato
• Ensenada, Baja California 
• Tepito, Mexico City 

Tijuana, Baja California 

For decades, Tijuana was seen as a fun city to visit on a day trip from San Diego for any Americans and international travelers that wanted to have a small taster of Mexican food and culture. They would cross the border, meander down Avenida Revolucion, grab a taco and a tequila sunrise, visit a few shops and museums, and then head back to California in the evening.

Today, Tijuana is considered not only the most dangerous city in Mexico but the most dangerous city in the world. According to Statistica, the homicide rate in Tijuana in 2023 is 105.15 per 100,000 inhabitants and the murder rates seem to be worsening, not improving.

The main reason for the safety problems in Tijuana is because Tijuana is a frontera (border town). It is one of the main crossing points into the United States and a prime hotspot for traffickers of all kinds of contraband. 

Still, Tijuana can be a safe place for tourists to visit, with precautions and common sense. Generally speaking, if you don’t go looking for trouble in Mexico, trouble won’t go looking for you. 

Homicide rates and violent crime statistics in Tijuana look scary but they mostly only impact people involved in criminal organizations, not random innocent civilians and tourists. 

Sinaloa is one of a handful of states on the ¨Do not travel¨ list for Mexico and it is likely to remain there for the foreseeable future. Within Mexico, Sinaloa is nicknamed ¨the breadbasket of Mexico¨ and is known for its agricultural exports. 

Internationally, the area is perhaps most famous for the Sinaloa cartel, one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world. Still, much of the criminal activity, areas where drugs are produced, etc,  are restricted to certain rural areas that you wouldn’t have any reason to venture into as a tourist anyway. (Although there is still a long of corruption in the state on the whole). 

There are some areas of tourist interest in Sinaloa, particularly in the northern Ahome region. (Although they are arguably best reserved for more seasoned travelers). 

The El Chepe train route is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. It takes travelers on a scenic journey through Los Mochis, the pueblo magico of El Fuerte , and a number of other idyllic stopping points en route to Creel Chihuahua. 

Topolobampo is a peaceful coastal town an hour away from Los Mochis where locals like to spend their weekends by the sea. The houses here have been painted in vibrant colors and cascade down the hilltops. 

Nearby, the village of San Miguel Zapotitlan is home to one of the most interesting Easter (Semana Santa) processions in the country.  

Iztapalapa, Mexico City  

Iztapalapa is a neighborhood on the outskirts of Mexico City that was previously given the title of being the most dangerous neighborhood (“barrio”) in Latin America. It remains one of the most dangerous boroughs in Mexico City . However, in recent years, locals and law enforcement agencies have been working hard to turn things around. 

Violence against women is a huge problem in Mexico, with studies indicating that more than 70% of the country’s female population has experienced some form of gender-based violence in their lifetimes and more than 10 women disappear every day.   

Iztapalapa was one of the worst places in the country for gender-based violence. Today, it is home to the most illuminated street in the world. 

Ermita Iztapalapa Street can be seen from aircraft/the sky! A lot of attacks on women once happened here, partly because it was so dark and dimly lit, and not safe for females to walk down after dark. 

The inventive illumination initiative has changed that. In recent years, a lot of actors, actresses , politicians, and public figures have been visiting schools and educational facilities in Iztapalapa in order to inspire and motivate younger generations. 

Iztapalapas streets are today covered with murals and street art paintings – making it the barrio with the most artwork in all of Latin America. Its not safe to wander through as a tourist just yet, but things are moving in the right direction.

Acapulco, Guerrero  

Decades ago, Acapulco was the place to see and be seen in Mexico if you had any money. It was the travel destination of choice for Hollywood celebrities and the likes of John Wayne, Elizabeth Taylor, Rita Hayworth, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan all vacationed here. 

Today, Acapulco, unfortunately, makes headlines for completely different reasons. The city is largely controlled by cartels. 

In recent years, news reports have seen bodies wash up on the shores of Acapulco beaches while holidaymakers sunbathe nearby, and shoot-outs take place in broad daylight. The risk of being caught up in something is still minimal, and a lot of international and domestic Mexican tourists still choose to travel to Acapulco when they want a vacation in the sun. 

But the risks of traveling here are not necessarily risks that everyone wants to take. 

Culiacán, Sinaloa 

Culiacán (officially Culiacán Rosales) is the largest city in and capital of, the state of Sinaloa. We have already mentioned Sinaloa on this list but Culiacan is worth a special mention as it is where a lot of criminal activity takes place. 

Parts of the city are fine to explore during the day, but you have to take great care about which neighborhoods you enter, and you may feel like you are constantly looking over your shoulder which is not the kind of travel style that everyone prefers. 

The other thing to keep in mind is that violence can ensue here at a moment’s notice. When Ovidio Guzmán López, the son of Sinaloa Cartel boss El Chapo was arrested in January 2023, flights had to be grounded because people started shooting at an Aeromexico plane, setting cars on fire, and rioting. 

Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua 

Ciudad Juárez is a city in the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua that sits close to the US-Mexico border and the Texas city of El Paso. Residents of El Paso can look across to Juarez from the Rio Grande River. 

The city dates back to the 17th century when it was founded as ¨El Paso Norte¨ by Spanish conquistadors and has a thriving industrial scene.

Still, Juarez is a dangerous city , there is no denying that. It is a frontera (border town) along a major human trafficking/drug trafficking route, and femicides and violence against women are at their worst here. 

Travelers should think very, very carefully about any decision to travel here. Juarez is notorious for being one of the most dangerous places in Mexico for a reason. 

Cancun, Quintana Roo  

It may or may not be surprising to see Cancun detailed on this list of the most dangerous places in Mexico, considering the city’s popularity as a tourist destination. Tens of millions of people fly into Cancun every year, with a view to having a relaxing beach break by the Caribbean Sea or using the city as a base for a wider Yucatan itinerary. 

However, the high number of tourists in the region and the wider Riviera Maya area drive up the demand for drugs and contraband. In recent years, different cartel groups have been in an all-out war, fighting for control of the territory. 

While tourists are never the intended targets of fighting or shoot-outs, there have been a couple of unfortunate incidents in Tulum and Cancun in recent years where tourists have been caught in the crossfire. The likelihood of this happening during your visit is still rare, but the cartel members have zero care or consideration of where they are shooting or who gets in their way. 

The Mexican government and the local authorities take tourist safety in the country seriously and have increased the police presence in the hotel zone and downtown Cancun. However, that can be intimidating and if you are looking for a safer, sleepier beach town vibe, you might want to consider Mahahual , El Cuyo , or other Yucatan beaches instead. 

Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas 

Ciudad Victoria in the Nothern state of Tamaulipas is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and the state of Tamaulipas is on the ¨Do not Travel¨ list for the country.

The city sits at the foot of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range and dates back to 1750 when it was founded by the Spanish Colonizer José de Escandón y Helguera.

The statistics website Numbeo awards various global towns and cities with a crime and safety rating from 0 to 100. (With 0 being very safe and 100 being dangerous). 

According to this, Ciudad Victoria has a crime index of 65.12 and a safety index of 34.88. Violent crime is rife here, including things like homicide, kidnapping, extortion, armed robbery, and violence against women. 

The main cause for concern here is the presence of cartels and criminal organizations, particularly the Northeast Cartel (CDN), a splinter faction of the Zetas. CDN frequently has clashes with rival cartels such as the Gulf Cartel that operates out of nearby Hidalgo and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel based out of Guadalajara. 

Tamaulipas was in the media recently after four Americans were kidnapped trying to cross the US-Mexico border at Matamoros. Civilians and authorities in Ciudad Victoria and neighboring towns have also, on occasion been victims of violent massacres and shoot-outs between local cartels.

There are some interesting (and safe) places that you can visit in the Mexican state of Veracruz. For instance, the witchcraft capital of Catemaco, or the coastal Veracruz City. 

But unfortunately, Coatzacoalcos (pronounced coatza-coal-cos) is not one such place. The city sits in the southeastern part of the state, on the Gulf of Campeche, and takes its name from a Nahatual word meaning ¨site of the snake¨. 

The area is largely controlled by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel which frequently clashes with the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel for control of the local turf and trafficking routes. Numbeo gives Coatzacoalcos a safety rating of just 21.47 and a crime rating of 78.53 , estimating the likelihood of people being victims of violent crime as very high, and stating that most residents are concerned that crime has continued to increase in the area over the last few years. 

If we want a better frame of reference for Numbeo’s rating, we can compare Coatzacoalcos and other dangerous places in Mexico on this list, with safer Mexican cities and cities in the US. For instance, Merida, the safest city in Mexico, has a safety rating of 74.84 and a crime rating of just 25.16. (That is almost Coatzacoalcos statistics in reverse!)

Irapuato, Guanajuato 

The Mexican state of Guanajuato is recognized as a state where you should ¨reconsider travel to¨. There are some gorgeous, and culturally-rich travel destinations here. 

For instance, San Miguel de Allende, a beautiful colonial city and American expat haven, and Guanajuato city, home to the famous (and macabre) Guanajuato mummies. However, one place that you definitely don’t want to find yourself in Guanajuato is the city of Irapuato. 

The city sees a high rate of homicides and is the site of ongoing turf wars between the Jalisco Cartel New Generation and the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel. Irapuato has a crime rating of 71.28 and a security index of just 28.72 according to Numbeo. 

Ciudad Obredón, Sonora

In 2022, Ciudad Obredón in Sonora was named the fourth most dangerous city in the world. (After previously being named the second most dangerous city in the world in 2021 ).  

The city is the second largest in the state after Hermosillo and is 550 km south of the US-Mexico border.

The notorious Sinaloa cartel controls a lot of the smuggling routes through the city and into the US, but they also have a wider impact on the corruption, violent crime, and money laundering that is rife in the city. The Mexican government has assessed the ideology that poverty creates violence and to prevent younger generations from getting involved with criminal organizations, they have invested in programs for education and social reform in Ciudad Obredón.

As of yet, any positive impacts of this remain to be seen. Statistica data shows that Ciudad Obredóns murder rate remains high at 101.13 per 100,000 inhabitants.  

Celaya, Guanajuato  

Thus far in 2023, the city of Celaya in Guanajuato has demonstrated the highest homicide rates in the country, with a rate of 109.39 per 100,000 residents. (Tijuana comes in second at 105.15 and Ciudad Juarez is in third place at 103.61)

This is largely due to the presence of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel group who are often involved in violent clashes with Guanajuato authorities as well as rival cartels. Unfortunately, in Celaya, drug-related violence is not restricted to incidents between rival groups and there have been several documented instances of attacks on civilians or local authorities. 

Ensenada, Baja California  

The city of Ensenada in Baja California is often referenced on lists of the most dangerous places in Mexico but that is somewhat misleading. While historically Ensenada has been seen as something of a safe haven for crime groups, tourism in the region continues to grow and Ensenada marks the starting point of the popular ¨Ruta del Vino¨ road trip route, where travelers can journey through the state sampling different wine blends. 

Still, homicides and crime rates in Ensenada, on the whole, remain high, although these are usually restricted to certain areas and to incidents between criminal gangs. According to Statistica, homicide rates in Ensenada in 2023 are currently at a rate of 90.58 per 100,000 inhabitants. 

Tepito, Mexico City

Tepito is a dangerous barrio and marketplace in the heart of the Mexican capital. It is best known for its open-air market and colorful stalls known as tianguis. 

Interestingly, Tepito’s economy has depended on commerce from these tiangui stalls since pre-historic times. However, while exploring local markets can be a highlight of any trip overseas, Tepito’s market is not your usual shopping experience, and it is not somewhere that you want to unknowingly wander into. 

Sure, you can find some street food and clothing here. But most of the stalls focus on selling contraband and illegal items. 

Criminals used to joke that they could get whatever they wanted in Tepito – and that includes meeting potential hitmen, ordering guns, or even securing illegal exotic animals. In recent years, tourists have started trying to make their way into the Tepito market, intrigued by the mysteries and dangers but doing so is not a good idea unless you are with a local that knows the area and the culture well. 

Tepito has a crime index of 83.33 and a safety index of 16.67 out of 100, indicating a very high risk of being a victim of crime.

Tepic is the capital and largest city of the state of Nayarit in western Mexico. However, unlike the nearby coastal town of Sayulita, it is definitely not a mainstream tourist destination, and a lot of people are put off from traveling here because of the local crime statistics. 

Tepic is one of the most dangerous cities in Nayarit with a homicide rate of 45 per 100,000 people. However, as with a couple of other destinations mentioned on this list, violent incidents are restricted to certain areas and to fights between criminals rather than random acts of violence that could affect tourists.

There are a lot of wonderful cultural and historic sites in the city that are well worth taking the time to visit on a day trip from Sayulita if your schedule allows. So, Tepic can be a safe destination for tourists to visit, but you need a high level of situational awareness and common sense, and it is perhaps best reserved for experienced travelers. 

The city of Uruapan (Uruapan del Progreso) is a city in the west-central part of Michoacan state. Its name means ¨where the flowers abound¨ in Tarascan Indian, a fitting title given how naturally beautiful Uruapan is. 

Uruapan sits in the Bajío region of the Mexican Plateau where wildflowers like orchids, mulla-mulla, and bougainvillea grow in abundance. There are also some natural Mexican wanders nearby such as the volcano Paricutín, which appeared suddenly in 1943, and the Laguna de Santa Maria del Oro, a beautiful crater lake. 

Sadly, it isn’t recommended for international travelers to try and visit these places. Michoacan on the whole is on the ¨Do Not Travel¨ list for Mexico, and the Jalisco New Generation cartel has a strong presence in Uruapan. 

Uruapan has a homicide rate of over 71 per 100,000 inhabitants and according to the Numbeo crime index, it has a crime index of 75.84 and a safety rating of just 24.16. It is one of the most dangerous parts of Mexico, as well as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. 

FAQs about the Most Dangerous Places in Mexico 

Do you have any further questions about the most dangerous places in Mexico or which areas you ought to avoid in 2023 and beyond? The answers to some frequently asked questions on the topic are detailed below.

Hopefully, you will find the information you are looking for there. If not, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. 

What areas to avoid in Mexico in 2023?

You should generally avoid any of the states in Mexico that are mentioned on the Do Not Travel list. As of June 2023, these are the states of Sinaloa, Zacatecas, Michoacan, Colima, and Tamaulipas and they are considered the most dangerous parts of Mexico.

Still, safety in Mexico is a little more complex than that and the safety situation can vary substantially even between neighboring cities in a given state. (For instance, Sinaloa is on the do not travel list but Mazatlan is growing in popularity as a coastal tourism destination and Los Mochis and the Copper Canyon train route are generally considered safe). 

You should do thorough research before traveling anywhere in the country in order to establish what the current safety situation is like. 

What is the least safe city in Mexico?

Ciudad Juarez in Chihuahua could arguably be considered the least safe city in Mexico and a place that you absolutely want to avoid. Tijuana in Baja California has extremely high crime rates but it also has tourist areas that are protected by the authorities so it doesn’t have to be completely written off as a place to visit. 

Acapulco, Coatzacoalcos, Irapuato, Uruapan, Ciudad Victoria, and Ciudad Obredón are all considered very dangerous cities in Mexico.

Which Mexican state has the highest crime rate?

Guanajuato, Baja California, Mexico State, Michoacán, Chihuahua, Jalisco, and Sonora are the Mexican states with the highest homicide rates.

How dangerous is Mexico? 

You might be asking ¨How dangerous is Mexico¨ if you are considering planning a trip here. However, it is important to note that Mexico is an extremely vast country (it is the 13th largest country in the world!) that is made up of 32 different states, each of which has a completely unique culture compared to its neighbors.

Mexico, as a whole, is not an inherently dangerous place, despite what the US media will have you believe. Violence is restricted to certain areas. 

Some areas are very safe. For instance, in many places in the Yucatan , you might find that you feel safer than you do in your home country and that you can comfortably walk around alone at night and feel completely secure.

Conversely, other areas like Michoacan, Sinaloa, and parts of Chihuahua are places where you absolutely do not want to set foot.

Final thoughts on the most dangerous places in Mexico

Do you have any further questions or queries about the most dangerous places in Mexico on this list? It is interesting to note which places are considered the most dangerous and for what reason, but things aren’t always what they seem and violent incidents in Mexico usually involve people doing something that they shouldn’t, rather than being completely random.

Still, it’s not a good idea to wander into known sketchy areas just to be a daredevil and say that you have been and some areas are better left alone. (Besides, Mexico is filled with gorgeous pueblo magicos , tropical beaches, island paradises, and Mayan ruins anyway, so why would you waste your time with the sketchier areas? 

If you are planning a trip to Mexico for the first time, you might also enjoy browsing through these Mexico travel tips . I live in Mexico and have traveled the country extensively in the last couple of years, including visiting several destinations on the ¨Do not travel¨ list. (As you can see from my photos!)

Safe travels, Melissa xo 

Melissa Douglas

Similar posts.

52 Mexico Travel Tips to Know in 2024: Written by a Local

Looking for Mexico travel tips to help you plan your Mexican adventure? Look no further.  All of the answers to your burning questions about traveling…

Your Complete Mexico Packing List for 2024- Written by a Local

Wondering what to include in your Mexico packing list? I’ve got you covered because not only have I lived in Mexico for the last two…

160 Mexico Quotes & Mexico Instagram Captions to Inspire You

Mexico quotes can make nice accompaniments to the stunning travel photos that you have taken while exploring Mexico. Whether you are uploading your photos to…

16 Most Beautiful Colonial Cities in Mexico to Visit in 2024

There are dozens of beautiful colonial cities scattered across Mexico today, and these architectural marvels are one of the only positive marks that the Spanish…

Mexico in January: Your Complete 2025 Guide by a Local

If you are thinking about traveling to Mexico in January, you have made a pretty good choice. This is one of the best and most…

Mexico Pueblos Magicos: 31 Gorgeous Places to Visit in 2024 

Visiting some of the best pueblo magicos in Mexico is a highlight of any trip to the country and wherever your itinerary takes you, you…

The 15 Most Dangerous Places To Avoid In Mexico

As you embark on a journey through Mexico and explore its vibrant landscapes and rich culture, navigating wisely is key to a secure and enjoyable journey. 

Think of this guide as your personal safety compass, steering you away from the lesser-explored facets of this beautiful country, unveiling the 15 places to avoid in Mexico.

Mexico has a lot to see, from pristine beaches to picturesque landscapes, but underneath all the charm lie concerns ranging from cartel activities to high crime rates. 

Now, let’s make your Mexican holiday safe first, and adventurous second!

15 Places to Avoid When Visiting Mexico

1. los cabos – tourists are targets.

Los Cabos, also known as Cabos San Lucas, is a famous Mexican resort city known for its stunning beaches like Medano Beach and Santa Maria Bay . 

Despite its long-standing appeal to visitors worldwide, tourists have started to show concern about safety in recent years, deterring them from visiting. An increasing number of reports of crime and violence, particularly targeting tourists, have contributed to their perception. 

When visiting, tourists are advised to steer clear of areas known for drug trafficking and stick to populated, well-lit areas when venturing outside their resorts.

2. La Paz – Increased Presence Of Gangs

Located on the Baja California Peninsula, La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur. It is known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and vibrant art by local artists. 

Unfortunately, the city’s tranquility has been disrupted by a recent surge in gang activity and crime rates. Venturing out to remote areas beyond the famous tourist hotspots significantly increases the risk of encountering a crime.  

To ensure your safety, it is best to refrain from wandering in these less frequented areas, especially at night. While exploring La Paz, be vigilant, take care of your belongings, and exercise common sense to stay safe.  

3. Chihuahua – Highest “Do Not Travel” Warning In All Of Mexico

Chihuahua City is the capital of the Northwestern Mexican state of Chihuahua. The city is known for its old-world charm with a Baroque Cathedral and a rich history of pivotal Mexican events. 

Despite being so culturally significant, it unfortunately holds the current distinction of being the “Do Not Travel” city in Mexico. The whole region faces major safety issues due to the ongoing territorial disputes among the cartels. 

Disturbing reports include a tourist’s daylight robbery at gunpoint in the city’s downtown area. Such incidents highlight the city’s underlying issue of precarious safety and how it should be avoided at all costs.    

4. Ciudad Obregón – Unsafe For Non-Locals

Ciudad Obregon is the second-largest city in the northern Mexican state of Sonora near the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona. Unfortunately, it sits on the list of most dangerous parts of Mexico. 

Reports suggest that it has the fourth-highest murder rate per capita, averaging around 101.13 per 100,000 inhabitants annually. The city’s population is slightly over 430,000, which means there are about 435 murders each year. 

This is a result of a mix of violent, petty, and organized crimes, especially targeting non-locals. So, it is best to avoid this destination when traveling to Mexico.

5. Reynosa – Tourists Must Be Very Cautious

On the northern Tamaulipas border, Reynosa is a key crossing point into Texas, USA. Despite the city’s many cultural attractions, the city grapples with its dangers like frequent kidnappings, carjackings, and extortion.

While its murder rate of 41.48 homicides per 100,000 residents may not seem strikingly high when compared to other cities in Mexico. The local gangs and cartels specifically target visitors and immigrants passing through the border. It is important to be cautious while considering visiting Reynosa, given the prevalence of criminal activities in the area. 

6. Irapuato – Rival Cartel Groups

Irapuato, in the central region of Mexico’s state of Guanajuato, is located at the base of Arandas Hill and surrounded by two rivers. The city is known for its cultural richness. And despite its alluring appeal, the whole state grapples with a complex dynamic of eleven major criminal groups in the area.

There are constant inter-group and cartel conflicts, particularly intense cartel turf wars, which result in significant safety issues for all the residents and visitors. 

Notably, Irapuato has a high violence and homicide rate, with 81 cases per 100,000 people. Travelers are always advised to prioritize their safety and avoid this part of the country. 

7. Tijuana – High Homicide Rate

Located just south of California, Tijuana is a famous border city in Mexico. Most authorities advise against visiting the city, especially after recent events between the United States and Mexico. 

Though violent crimes against tourists are less common, petty theft and robbery are still on a high. People are advised to avoid walking around in the city, especially at night. 

Despite the local government’s initiative to make it safer for visitors, it still tops the list of areas to avoid in Mexico due to gang activity, extortion schemes, and kidnapping targeting both locals and visitors. 

8. Culiacán – Cartel Overtook The Military

The largest city and the capital of Sinaloa in the northwestern region of Mexico, Culiacán, is infamous for its notorious cartel influence. They even overpower the military and cause turmoil in the city. 

Despite having some spectacular inland attractions like nightclubs and parks, visitors are generally advised to steer clear of this place unless they have a specific purpose for visiting. 

There are frequent reports of armed robberies and assaults, resulting in a high crime rate of 61 homicides per 100,000 residents. It’s best to think twice before visiting such areas.      

9. Uruapan – Spike In Cartel Crimes

Located on the western edge of Mexico, Uruapan is the second-largest city in the state of Michoacan. It holds economic significance but is also infamous for being a cartel hub in the country. 

The city has lush greenery with stunning Spanish architecture, ass of 2022, the city had a population of 356,786. Unfortunately, the city’s surrounding area grapples with the issue of persistent violence and drug trafficking as a result of active gang activities. 

While Uruapan thrives economically, the prevalence of criminal activities, the city tops the list of bad places in Mexico.    

10. Tepic – Travel Advisory

As the capital of the Nayarit state in western Mexico, Tepic is known for its Neo-gothic Tepic Cathedral and numerous museums home to some significant pre-hispanic artifacts. It is considered the state’s urban center of thriving agriculture, producing sugarcane and tobacco. 

Home to 425,924 residents, Tepic is notoriously full of gang activity, ranking as the 36th most dangerous city in the world. It has a concerningly high reported homicide rate of 45 per 100,000 people. Both residents and tourists are advised to avoid this dangerous area as much as possible.  

11. Acapulco – Dangerous Outside Of Resorts

Acapulco is a renowned beach resort town on Mexico’s Pacific coast. It is also famous for its stunning cliffs and Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Despite the thriving resort industry, travelers are urged to confine themselves to its premises for safety reasons. 

This is because of the city’s alarming number of mysterious incidents. There have been multiple reports of dead bodies washing ashore and body parts lying on the streets. This has resulted in a significant decline in tourism. 

Most governments caution their citizens against traveling to Acapulco due to its alarmingly high crime rate of about 111 homicides per 100,000 residents.  

12. Coatzacoalcos – Travelers May Feel Unsafe

Nestled in the northern part of Veracruz, Coatzacoalcos is a significant port city on the river estuary in the Gulf of Mexico. It has stunning beach views and a vast coastline. Despite being so scenic, it is not considered safe for residents and tourists. 

The city has cultural gems such as museums and delectable restaurants, but the dark side tends to overpower with violent crime and gang activity. With a high homicide rate of 48 cases per 100,000 residents, caution is strongly advised to those considering visiting this city.   

13. Celaya – State-Wide Corruption

Celaya is a bustling city in central Mexico located northwest of Mexico City. It is renowned for its architecture and colonial grandeur. Despite its cultural attractions, the city has major corruption issues. 

With a population of 767,104, Celaya has museums, picturesque architecture, and a vibrant candy manufacturing scene. However, the uprise in violence linked to the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel defending its interests has been concerning. 

The city has an alarmingly high rate of corruption and bribery. Hence, tourists are advised to exercise caution and be vigilant to avoid scams if they visit.     

14. Ciudad Juárez – Increasing Crime Rate

South of El Paso, positioned on the Rio Grande, Ciudad Juarez is steeped in history with museums highlighting Mexico’s revolution. But the city also has a long-standing history of excessive, indiscriminate violence. 

It is also recognized as a global femicide capital; the city has one of the highest femicide rates, surpassing even Damascus during the peak of the Syrian Civil War.   

15. Mazatlan – Don’t Venture Out Alone At Night

Mazatlan is a famous resort town on the Pacific coast in Sinaloa with serene sandy beaches and an undertone of being a dangerous neighborhood. While tourist zones offer relative safety, stepping out alone at night poses risks like many other tourist destinations worldwide.

Beyond common petty crimes, tourists are also at an increased risk of cartel violence like murders and kidnappings. If you visit Mazatlan, remember to maintain a low profile and refrain from flashing your valuables.  

Final Thoughts

These are the 15 places to approach with caution when visiting Mexico. It is essential to pinpoint these places on the map to avoid them during your travel escapades. If you’re looking for more safe alternatives to enjoy your vacation, check out my article on the safest cities in Mexico .

I hope your travels through Mexico are filled with unforgettable moments and that you stay safe throughout your vacation.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Layer Culture

Latin America Travel & Culture Blog

The Most Dangerous Places in Mexico 2024

Travel Safety Last Updated · Feb 15th, 2024 · Daniel James

Mexico is often unfairly painted with the “it’s all dangerous” label.

It often surprises many tourists to learn that there are actually many safe destinations here too, that are visited annually with rarely any problems.

Having said that, there are still some places in Mexico that are pretty dangerous to visit regardless, and that’s what this article will focus on.

Content in this guide:

The Most Dangerous Places in Mexico

In fact, this guide explores some of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and aims to look at why each city has earned its place on this list.

To be able to gain the confidence to travel to Mexico it will also look at the safety situation in the country to see if it’s improving or just getting worse.

It might be worth reading up on these dangerous states in Mexico before diving into this list to get a better idea of where these places are situated.

Why are some parts of Mexico so dangerous?

Firstly, it’s important to mention that when referring to the word “dangerous” in this particular article, I am actually talking about people and not other risks such as rabid animals or any environmental risks.

Putting the typical Mexican stereotypes aside for a moment, the main reason parts of Mexico are so dangerous is often due to the drug trade.

There are many cartels that operate throughout Mexico, however, they tend to focus on certain areas (usually where drug production or consumption is highest) which in turn makes them no-go areas for tourists.

Other reasons are because certain areas are poorer, more politically unstable, or just the general attitude of that particular place (for example not being tourist friendly or open to certain ethnic groups).

Is Mexico dangerous for tourists?

No, Mexico is not dangerous for tourists if as a tourist you follow the government guidelines. For example, the Travel.State.Gov website even gives U.S. citizens advice on which dangerous states in Mexico to avoid.

The good news is that there are cities and even safe states in Mexico that you can visit for a vacation or as a backpacker and have a trouble-free trip.

Why can’t Mexico deal with the cartels?

Reports say that Mexico can’t defeat cartels because of corruption and a dysfunctional justice system that allows cartels to be tipped off in advance.

This war is said to have killed more than 50,000 people and the drug-induced security crisis that Mexico faces today has some of the world’s smartest people looking for answers on how to solve this issue.

Do cartels in Mexico bother tourists?

Despite what people may think when it comes to danger in Mexico, it is highly unlikely that a tourist in Mexico will meet with a cartel member.

However, those who travel to Mexico looking to consume illegal substances put themselves one step closer to the local crime gangs and cartels.

Touristic locations such as Mazatlan or Puerto Vallarta are magnets for Recreational drug tourism and by purchasing drugs from the local market you are likely to be dealing with somebody who is connected with a cartel.

Is the safety situation improving?

As a whole, things are slowly but surely improving. Mexico has always been a very popular tourist destination, and as such the government are taking steps to ensure public safety is as high as possible.

Whilst many areas are slowly becoming safer (such as Chiapas and Mexico City), there are of course areas where such efforts still reap low rewards.

I’ll be taking a look at a few of these below, as these areas have a long way to go before we can consider them “tourist friendly” destinations.

10 most dangerous places in Mexico

Now we’ll explore the 10 most dangerous places in Mexico. This article uses data gathered from Numbeo to compare each place, using different statistics such as levels of crime and assault to give a more clearer picture.

For reference, 100 is the most dangerous, whilst 0 is the safest.

To give a familiar comparison to the places mentioned below in this article, note that the city of New York scored 49.02 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

10. Mazatlán

This popular coastal city is a prime spot for beachside vacations, and is located in the northern state of Sinaloa.

Unfortunately, many parts of the city remain unsafe due to the large presence of drug cartels (Sinaloa is the epicentre of this trade in Mexico).

However, having said this, the local government and police have done a really good job in cleaning this up, which is evident from the statistics below. Mazatlán scored 43.48 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Mazatlán:

Cancún is one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico, which is located in the state of Quintana Roo. It’s quite dangerous in certain areas (although these are far from the touristy areas and resorts of the city).

Most violence in Cancún is due to drug-related activities, and anyone who willingly gets themselves involved (such as those who buy drugs). Cancún scored 56.25 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Cancun:

8. Chihuahua City

One of the biggest cities in the north of Mexico, Chihuahua is a popular place to visit due to its proximity to the Copper Canyon.

However, this city is dangerous as it’s known for cartel-related violence, as well as kidnapping (again these are mostly between factions and not targeted at the general population). Chihuahua City scored 56.25 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Chihuahua City:

7. Ciudad Victoria

Now for a lesser known city. Ciudad Victoria is located in the northern state of Tamaulipas, which runs adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico.

Ciudad Victoria has earned its place on this list due to its problems with drug trafficking and shootouts between cartels. Much of this is also due to violence that occurs within prisons too, just to give more clarification. Ciudad Victoria scored 62.44 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Ciudad Victoria:

6. Acapulco

Next we have Acapulco, which is a beachside city in the state of Guerrero. It’s a pretty popular holiday city for those heading to the Pacific Coast, where it also has a notorious nightlife scene.

Acapulco is dangerous as some cartels operate in the area, and also as theft and violent crime is more common (especially in the centre of the city). Acapulco scored 63.01 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Acapulco:

5. Ciudad Juárez

Now we have another notorious city, which tends to make news on an international scale. Ciudad Juárez is located in the state of Chihuahua, and is another major crossing point into the USA.

Most violence here is related to drug production and smuggling activities. Ciudad Juárez scored 68.48 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Ciudad Juárez:

4. Mexico City

The capital of Mexico is quite diverse. There are many parts which are safe and popular for tourism, however there’s also many barrios which are really not safe to visit.

Most violence here is either due to robbery or assault. Mexico City scored 68.52 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Mexico City:

3. Culiacán

Now we head to Culiacán, which is the most notorious city in Mexico for the presence of drug cartels. It’s located in the northern state of Sinaloa.

Whilst the majority of violence here occurs between cartel members and the police force (who are in constant riffs), sometimes violence can be targeted towards civilians too. Culiacán scored 70.18 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Culiacán:

Next up we have Tijuana, which is quite a popular vacation break that you’ve most likely already heard of. Located on the US border, in the state of Baja California, it’s one of the major crossing points into the USA.

This city is well known for its drugs trade, and subsequent related crime. Despite this, Tijuana still ranks as one of the most popular places to visit in Mexico. Tijuana scored 70.92 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Tijuana:

Another lesser known city on our list, Celaya now officially ranks as the most dangerous city in Mexico, and one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Located in the usually safe state of Guanajuato, the high amount of violence here is due to the presence of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel.

Since 2020, there have been countless shootouts between them and the local police as the government tries to put a stop to the drug trafficking trade. Celaya scored 81.98 on Numbeo’s Crime Index.

Crime data on Celaya:

Mexico Travel Safety Tips

⤵️ Below are some useful tips to help you on your journey:

• Although easy to do at times, don’t disclose too much information about yourself. This includes details such as where you’re staying, your travel plans, etc., even more so if you’re traveling alone.
• If you decide to carry expensive equipment to Mexico such as cameras or smartphones, remember to keep them hidden, locked away, and on your person. A PacSafe backpack like this one is perfect for concealing technology.
• Violent crime is one element to be aware of in Mexico but also be aware of credit-card fraud. Attempts are not uncommon when paying for large ticket items.
• The cost of living in Mexico can vary drastically depending on the region. As a safe bet aim to stay vigilant no matter what region you travel to, even in the Yucatan which is considered the safest by many first-time visitors.
• There are certain Mexican traditions that the movies show but they might not be as accurate as you thought. Leave your fancy jewelry and bling-bling at home. Dress to blend in and aim to pack basic clothing.
• If you find yourself going to the ATM to take cash out, don’t take too long at the ATM and always go for the ones inside. You can find ATMs inside supermarkets, hotels, and shopping Malls.
• Don’t accept drugs from people in the street or seek them during your travels in Mexico. Not only is it illegal, but dangerous! The last thing you want to be doing is fueling an industry wrought with crime that the government is actively trying to stop.

Got Travel Insurance for Mexico?

Mexico dangerous areas FAQs

See these frequently asked questions about dangerous cities in Mexico:

What is the most violent state in Mexico?

Usually Baja California tops the list, however due to the on-going violence in Celaya, Guanajuato currently ranks as the most violent state in Mexico.

Is Tijuana the most dangerous city in the world?

Yes. As of April 2022, Tijuana currently ranks as the most dangerous city in the world, with 138 murders per 100,000 people.

How dangerous is Mexico right now?

As of 2022, Mexico as a whole is safe to visit, especially in the popular touristy areas such as the Riviera Maya, Oaxaca and Jalisco.

Where is most of the crime in Mexico?

Most dangerous places in mexico.

And that’s all for this guide on the most dangerous places in Mexico.

In general, Mexico is becoming a much safer place to visit for tourists. However, there’s still of course many places that are a complete no-go, for reasons varying from drug cartels to high amounts of theft or violence.

This guide has looked at some of the most dangerous places in Mexico, and why they rank so high. It has also looked at whether or not the safety situation in Mexico is improving so you can make up your mind.

Are you planning a trip or thinking of traveling to Mexico soon? See this comprehensive guide to safe cities in Mexico that you can visit.

📌 Like this article? Pin it…

“ Dear friend! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps me to keep traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

Daniel James

Helping thousands of people worldwide with independent travel in Latin America. Layer Culture means to dig deeper into the ideas, customs, and behaviour of a group of people. You can Read All About Dan if you're interested in learning more.

• Jamaica Safety Tips
• South America Safety
• Medellin Safety Tips

Work with Dan

• Be a Travelpreneur
• About This Blog
• Ask Me Anything

Travel Tips

Get inspired.

• Top Places to Learn Spanish
• Moving to South America
• Dan’s Solo Travel Tips

Connect with Dan

• Follow on Instagram
• Like on Facebook
• Pin on Pinterest

• Destinations
• Travel Guide
• Things to Do

Ciudad Obregón, located in the state of Sonora, is often highlighted due to its elevated crime rates. A mix of gang-related activities, drug trafficking, and other violent crimes contribute significantly to its dangerous reputation. The city, though home to captivating attractions and a rich cultural heritage, is plagued by security issues. Local and international agencies continuously monitor and report incidents that stem mainly from cartel activities. The Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico list often features Ciudad Obregón due to the pronounced risk to both residents and visitors.

 19 Unique Places to Visit in Spain

2. Tijuana, Baja California

Tijuana is a city that buzzes with activity, being a border city adjacent to the United States . Despite its economic significance and the vibrant cultural exchange, it’s marred by a high incidence of violent crimes and robberies. Drug trafficking routes dominate, and territorial disputes escalate the danger levels. For every travel enthusiast seeking to experience its unique charm, being conscious of these security concerns is paramount. Tijuana’s recurrent feature among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico serves as a crucial pointer to the underlying issues.

3. Uruapan, Michoacán

Uruapan’s lush landscapes and natural beauty contrast starkly with the pervasive danger stemming from organized crime and civil unrest. In recent years, the city has witnessed a surge in homicides, kidnappings, and extortion. The presence of warring drug cartels exacerbates the precarious security situation. Despite efforts to curb criminal activities, Uruapan stands as one of the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico , warranting extreme caution for those who venture within its borders.

4. Celaya, Guanajuato

Celaya is another city where beauty and danger intertwine. Known for its architectural splendor and historical sites, the city is unfortunately a battleground for criminal gangs. Fuel theft, a burgeoning crime in the region, adds to the security woes. The consequence is a city where caution and vigilance become the watchwords, earning Celaya a spot among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

5. Culiacán, Sinaloa

Culiacán’s reputation precedes it, largely due to the infamous Sinaloa cartel. The city’s crime index is a reflection of the intense criminal activities that include drug trafficking, armed robbery, and homicides. Despite the government’s intensified efforts to restore peace and security, Culiacán remains etched in the minds of many as one of the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

6. Acapulco, Guerrero

Acapulco was once a paradise for tourists; now, it’s a city where the allure of beautiful beaches is overshadowed by the menacing grip of crime. A hub for criminal organizations, it grapples with issues like homicides and kidnappings. Such unsettling scenarios cement Acapulco’s position among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico , presenting a paradox of enchanting beauty and impending danger.

7. León, Guanajuato

León mirrors a growing trend where cities known for their cultural richness are haunted by escalating crime rates. The picturesque city is a mix of modernity and tradition but is increasingly under the shadow of criminal activities. Gang violence, theft, and assaults characterize the underlying threats that position León among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

8. Irapuato, Guanajuato

Irapuato’s positioning in the heart of the country does not spare it from the sprawling tentacles of crime. The city’s population is ensnared in a cycle of drug-related crimes, robberies, and homicides. As security agencies grapple with the escalating crime, Irapuato earns its spot among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

 14 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for Families

9. Ensenada, Baja California

Ensenada’s proximity to the U.S. border makes it a hotspot for criminal activities. Drug trafficking and related crimes are rife, casting a dark shadow over the city’s tourism prospects. Visitors and residents alike are compelled to contend with the looming danger that earns Ensenada a rank among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

10. Chihuahua, Chihuahua

Chihuahua city is a juxtaposition of progressive urban development and a persistent crime problem. The city is a theater for violent crimes, theft, and drug trafficking. The infusion of culture, tradition, and modernity is overshadowed by the consistent crime rates, situating Chihuahua firmly among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

11. Juárez, Chihuahua

Juárez encapsulates a narrative where crime and violence are intertwined with daily life. Border-related crimes, human trafficking, and drug-related offenses are prominent. The city’s vibrancy is often eclipsed by the crime statistics that ensure Juárez is counted among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

12. Zamora, Michoacán

Zamora presents another case of a city where the threat of crime looms large. Criminal gangs, extortion, and violent crimes are common, a situation exacerbated by the presence of organized crime syndicates. Zamora’s crime indices reflect a city in the grip of security challenges, marking its spot among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

13. Fresnillo, Zacatecas

Fresnillo grapples with the ominous reputation stemming from criminal activities. A city characterized by mining activities is equally known for the prevalence of crimes like robbery, drug trafficking, and homicides. These security concerns underscore Fresnillo’s inclusion among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

14. Tepic, Nayarit

Tepic is embroiled in the conflict arising from drug cartels and criminal gangs. The city, known for its natural beauty, is similarly characterized by a high crime rate. The unsettling security scenario casts a gloom over Tepic, ensuring its presence among the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

15. Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz

Coatzacoalcos exemplifies a city where industrial progress is marred by rampant crime. Oil and commerce are pivotal, but the surge in violent crimes, extortion, and kidnappings paint a dire picture. It’s a city where the allure of progress is counterbalanced by significant security issues, making Coatzacoalcos one of the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico .

Conclusion: Navigating through the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico necessitates an intricate balance of adventure and caution. Mexico, with its undeniable allure, presents a complex tapestry woven with threads of cultural richness, historical significance, and the menacing spectre of crime. For every traveler, understanding the underlying risks, adopting precautionary measures, and staying abreast

Related Stories

Avoid the crowds: best days to fly for thanksgiving, christmas, and new year’s, 7 things travelers need to know before visiting cairo, 5 safest countries in latin america for travelers, best places to visit in ireland – our top..., top tourist attractions in singapore, top tourist attractions & places to visit in bali, the best tourist attractions in spain: discover the rich..., beautiful lakes in new jersey: exploring the best lakes..., best beaches on anna maria island: a comprehensive guide, popular categories.

• Destinations 73
• Travel Guide 62
• Things to Do 29
• Activities 10
• Travel Tips & Hacks 9
• Travel Resources 6

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Quick Access

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service
• Sponsored Posts
• Zero Forex Broker

Enjoying my content?

Make this choice and from now on, you will forever be a part of every adventure!

The 11 Most Dangerous Places in Mexico: Deadliest Cities

Just under 100 million people visit Mexico every year. They’re drawn down south for all sorts of reasons. From the golden beaches of the Pacific coast to the ivory-white sands of the Yucatan , the mystical temples of Chichen Itza to the taquerias of Mexico City, the hills of Oaxaca to the tequila-soaked villages of Jalisco, there’s loads to get through. But what are the most dangerous places in Mexico that everyone should avoid?

Sadly, there’s no shortage of them. Mexico has a bit of a bad rep when it comes to crime and whatnot. Five of the six most murderous cities on the planet are here. There are a whopping 14,000+ cartel-related homicides in the country in a normal year. There have even been reports of drug-related violence spilling into sun-kissed tourist resorts in recent years.

Now we’re not saying don’t go to Mexico. Not at all. This is one seriously incredible country; a land of rich Mayan history, wild jungles, and beaches the likes of which you’ll never encounter again. However, it’s important to be careful and to plan accordingly, which is where this list of the most dangerous places in Mexico can be of help…

Table of Contents

Home to the busiest land border crossing in the world, Tijuana sees more than 50 million people pass through every year. That’s one stat. Another is more shocking: A murder rate of 134 per 100,000 head of population. That translates to over 2,300 killings per year and makes the town the most murderous city on the planet by quite some way!

Really, it’s all down to the geography. Just check where Tijuana is on the map. Plonked neatly on top of the US-Mexico border right below San Diego, it’s unsurprisingly become something of a hotspot for traffickers and cartels. In fact, it’s been fought over by some of the most powerful cartels in the country since the early 1980s and things haven’t really let up since then.

Thing is, much of the violence in Tijuana is limited to specific areas. Thousands of day and night visitors still cross to enjoy the shopping of Downtown Tijuana and the party venues of Avenida Revolucion, where you can sample authentic tacos and hit cool bars, not to mention score cheap pharmaceuticals galore. However, there are certain areas to avoid completely, like the Zona Norte red-light district and the neighborhoods to the east of the town center.

Capping off the lovely Baja California Sur peninsula, Los Cabos is a major tourist hotspot. It has gold-sand beaches, amazing whale watching, and glassy surf breaks, not to mention a reputation for hedonism and luxury that keeps everyone from spring breakers to jet-setter celebs coming back for more.

That’s all despite the fact that it is arguably the most dangerous city in Mexico. To put it in perspective, in 2017, the city had 328,245 residents and a total of 365 homicides reported. That translates to a murder rate of just over 110 per 100k people, putting it roughly in line with the top two most deadly cities on the planet (both of which happen to be in Mexico!).

The New York Times have reported that shootings in Los Cabos indicate conflicts by cartels battling over territory. They do, however, make it clear that tourists were not the target in these shootings. What’s more, the vast majority of tourist visits to the town go off without a hitch, so we’d say have your wits about you but don’t be put off coming to see the humpbacks and get your tequila slammers in Cabo Wabo !

Mention Acapulco and it’s usually yellow-tinged sands and sloshing Pacific waters that come to mind. You wouldn’t be wrong – this town was made famous in the 1950s as the spot John Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy chose for their honeymoon. They came, they sunbathed, they were transformed into fashion icons.

However, Acapulco is a whole load more dangerous than it was back then. The city has seen a surge of violence caused by drug trafficking and warring cartels. The homicide rate in 2022? Are you ready for this? It was a whopping 110 per 100k of population. That makes salt-washed Acapulco the second deadliest town in the world. We’re pretty sure the Secret Service would have something to say about JFK coming back these days!

Of course, lots of people do still come for vacations of jet skiing and hiking in the Sierra Madre. Many won’t even leave the confines of their hotel resort it’s that dangerous. We’d probably follow suit.

It might seem a little ironic that a place with the name La Paz , which means “peace” in Spanish, hits this list of the most dangerous places in Mexico. But so it is in this nation where cartel-fueled violence can collide with serene beaches in the blink of an eye; where even the most picturesque colonial hill towns can be spots you need to watch your back.

This is the capital city of Baja California Sur. Sat amid rugged sierras topped with scraggly cacti and taupe-colored beaches that roll straight off the desert, it’s long been a popular escape for US vacationers keen for that hit of Mexicana life. It’s actually even closer to the America-Mexico border than Cabo!

Although there are no travel restrictions when it comes to La Paz, the crime rate makes most visitors think twice about spending their vacation here. According to the Los Angeles Times , perhaps the biggest concern for travelers is the fact that some of the homicides are taking place close to airports. They also report a soaring rate of violence in recent years, much of it centered on those ever-popular beaches .

As with other cities in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, the crime rate here continues to rise, mostly due to rival drug cartels operating in the area. According to Business Insider , much of the bloodshed is caused by shootouts between rival gang members and the police. The major drug cartel in the area is the hyper-violent Zetas group, who have been making big moves to claim the territory from the Gulf cartel in recent times. 

Thing is, Reynosa is right there, smack dab on the border with Texas. It’s literally a stone’s throw from the spur-spinning Lone Star State at some points, which has led to concerns that the crime will spill over into the US or cause issues for cross-border American travelers passing through on their way to other parts of Mexico.

If you’re one of them, then you should also know that basically the WHOLE of the surrounding state of Tamaulipas is considered pretty unsafe. Reynosa sees just about a fifth of the overall homicides of the region, and cartels are active from here all the way to Ciudad Mante in the far south.

There was a time when it was the state of Sinaloa that would strike fear into the hearts of readers. After all, that was the epicenter of the hit Netflix drama Narcos: Mexico . Fast forward to 2023 and it’s actually not all that bad. Towns like Culiacán have seen a whopping 50% reduction in violent crime rates in just five years. 

And so the spotlight shifts to Michoacán, a state that’s had such awful stats for murders and kidnappings that there’s been an almost consistent State Department warning against travel since 2008. Within Michoacán itself, it’s the city of Zamora that really stands out like a sore thumb…

The town clocked up the worst murder stats in the world in 2021, with 610 homicides in the 365-day period. On top of that, there were out-of-control rates of kidnapping and theft, auto crime and house theft. Look, it’s just not somewhere you want to be right now! If you must head to this region, stick to Morelia , the romantic state capital, where crime stats are nowhere near as bad.

Ciudad Juarez

Ciudad Juarez is the highest populated city in state of Chihuahua. Situated on the Rio Grande just south of El Paso in Texas , this is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and undoubtedly one of the most dangerous on the planet. In 2022, the place clocked up a murder rate of 67.69 per 100k head of population, making it the 9th worst overall – not just in the home of mezcal and mariachi! 

What’s odd for the situation in Juarez is that it’s a major, major destination for US travelers. Thousands of people flock across the urban border crossings each day. Some come for cheap electronics goods or pharmaceuticals. Others come for a hit of Mexicana food. Either way, they’re straying into a town that sees thousands of murders per annum. 

That said, a report by the State Department’s Overseas Security Advisory Council stated that US tourists are not a specific target for violence. The council has warned visitors to be aware of burglary, theft, carjacking and robbery, although the main tourist area in the centro aren’t as bad as more crime-ridden out-of-town districts.

There was a time when Colima would have done nothing more than stoke the wanderlust. This is the home of the surf-washed beaches of Manzanillo and the snow-capped volcanoes of the Nevado de Colima. It might be the fourth smallest state in Mexico but it sure does pack a punch on the travel front.

Sadly, you’re probably going to have to hold off a while to visit. Right now, Colima is officially the most murderous city on the planet. It has a soaring per capita murder rate of 181 per 100,000 people. That makes it worse than ANYWHERE, even Port-au-Prince in Haiti where people report pitched gang battles in the street. 

Things still aren’t quite as bad here as they got in aforementioned Juarez back in 2010. But we’re talking levels of crime similar to that of major cities in Colombia during the throes of the Pablo Escobar era. Yikes.

Ciudad Obregón

Ciudad Obregón is a large city based in the northern Mexican state of Sonora. It was named after the Mexican president, Álvaro Obregón. The US Department of State has warned that non-essential travel to this city should be halted unless the crime rates drop considerably. The reason? They are currently the third-worst in the world on the murder front. 

That adds up to a murder rate of 138/100k head of population, which is just shy of Colima (see above) but still pretty darn awful. Alongside that, you have out-of-control rates of muggings, kidnappings, crimes against women, human trafficking – you name it. It’s probably not the best pick for that upcoming holiday!

If things ever do change then you can look forward to a town that’s a gateway to both the Sea of Cortez and the northern deserts. The wild, pine-studded Sierra de Álamos lurk on one side, and there’s rich whale-watching territory on the other.

It’s the same old story in Irapuato as it is across Mexico. Escalating territory disputes between the two new cartels on the block, the Jalisco Cartel New Generation and the Santa Rosa Lima Cartel, have fueled street violence that’s sent the homicide and gun crime stats to the moon in these parts in the last couple of years. 

It’s gotten so darn awful that little Irapuato, home to a mere 500,000 people, now ranks as the sixth deadliest city on the whole planet. Yep – the WHOLE PLANET. That’s because the per capita homicide rate here clocked up past 81.4 per 100k head of population, sending it above the likes of Cape Town in South Africa and Natal in Brazil. 

What’s so striking is the speed of Irapuato’s rise to infamy. Ten years ago, the place saw a relatively normal level of street violence (at least, it was normal for Mexico). Then came 2018, which counted more murders than the whole decade that preceded it. Just another warning of how even small provincial cities are not immune to the forever-morphing drug wars of Mexico.

Cancun 

Sorry, folks – we know this is a name that lots of readers probably didn’t want to see on this list. However, Cancun has been in the throes of a particularly bad spike in the same cartel-related feuds that have caused chaos in Irapuato in the last five years. Murder rates here have been creeping up, finally hitting a zenith in 2022 at 64.4 per 100,000 population. That’s the 12th worst in the world. Yikes.

What’s so worrying about seeing Cancun falter is that it proves there’s hardly a part of Mexico that’s out of bounds when it comes to the cartel turf wars. This is the quintessential holiday mecca of the country, with white-sand beaches aplenty, nightlife to please any spring breaker, and more lux hotels than you can shake a frosted margarita at.

Visitors to Cancun have been caught up in the violence of recent times, too. Recently, four people were killed in a shooting that took place on one of the town’s idyllic Caribbean beaches. There was also a deadly shooting in a restaurant in 2021 that saw European visitors caught in the crossfire. And there was a brutal assassination in a hotel down on the nearby Maya Riviera to boot. Very worrying. Very worrying indeed!

What is the deadliest city in Mexico?

Colima is currently the deadliest city in Mexico. As of 2022, the mid-sized regional city clocked up a murder rate that made it the most murderous town on the whole planet. There were 601 murders in a population of just 300,000.

How dangerous is Mexico right now?

Mexico certainly is dangerous but it’s very much a case of where you choose to go. The country is vast and there are some places that suffer from high crime rates and bad cartel violence, while others don’t see much at all. That said, we’d also recommend planning well ahead, staying up to date with State Department advice, and steering clear of any of the most dangerous places in Mexico during your travels.

What is the safest place in Mexico?

The coastal town of Tulum is quite possibly the safest place in Mexico . Less touristy than the other resort towns in the Yucatan Peninsula, this town offers great historical structure and is mostly known for its well-preserved Mayan city wall ruins. Other people will say that’s the safest spot is the lovely city of Merida in the Yucatan, a newly founded Digital Nomad hub close to the Caribbean Sea.

For more than 11 years, Joe has worked as a freelance travel writer. His writing and explorations have brought him to various locations, including the colonial towns of Mexico, the bustling chowks of Mumbai, and the majestic Southern Alps of New Zealand. When he's not crafting his next epic blog post on the top Greek islands or French ski resorts, he can often be found engaging in his top two hobbies of surfing and hiking.

Related posts

9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Guadalajara

Is Morelia Mexico Worth Visiting? 7 Reasons You Should Visit

Is Cancun Expensive? Our Expense Guide To The Caribbean Town

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

• Latin America & The Caribbean

10 Most Dangerous Places in Mexico in 2023 (Fact or Fiction)

· updated august 2023 ·.

We’ve spent several years living in Mexico, and we truly love most things about the country. From its mouth-watering cuisine to its stunning architecture, Mexico is one of the most epic countries to visit on Earth. After living and traveling through most of Mexico, we have been to almost every major city in the country, including those known as the most dangerous places in Mexico.

While there are so many things to love about Mexico, stories about drug cartels and violent crime have crept back into the news in recent years.

For these reasons, a lot of people worry about their safety in Mexico when planning a trip, and they choose to either avoid the country as a whole or hide on a resort the whole time.

The Cartels Are Only a Risk in Certain States

The drug trade is only heavily concentrated in a few Mexican states, and the most dangerous cities in Mexico are generally places that tourists don’t go to anyway. While there are occasional stories of bad things happening in places like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, the truth is that the most touristy places in Mexico tend to also be some of the safest places in Mexico…at least most of the time.

I’ll say this: Mexico is not an especially dangerous place for tourists in most cases, and you are usually in no more danger in 99% of Mexico than you are in the United States. One look at the St. Louis crime statistics proves that point.

But what about that other 1%?

This post is going to take a look at safety in Mexico, as well as 10 of the places that people often call the most dangerous places in Mexico. For each one, we will offer an opinion on whether or not it is safe enough to visit based on our own experience.

Note: the content of this post is based on our own personal experiences as well as stories we have heard from friends and fellow travelers. You should take precautions anywhere that you travel in the world, and we are not liable in any way for anything that happens during your trip.

Why Is Mexico Dangerous to Visit?

Whether or not Mexico is truly dangerous to visit as a whole is a topic that will be discussed later in this post. However, there are some real issues that cause reason for hesitancy when considering a trip to Mexico. Having lived in Central Mexico, I can offer some true insight into what these issues look like and what causes them.

Organized Crime in Mexico

It is true that organized crime exists all throughout Mexico. Drug trafficking is a very profitable business thanks to the major demand for drugs across the border in the United States. High potential profits have led drug cartels to take extreme measures, ranging from inter-gang violence to full-scale human trafficking.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, Sinaloa Cartel, and Las Zetas are all criminal groups vying for control of territories and routes to the U.S. market.

The Mexican government claims to be doing all that it can to combat the issues, and there are many people in the government who actually are. However, corruption is a major issue in most Latin American governments, and Mexico is a textbook example. There are corrupt police officers in almost every Mexican city and corrupt government officials at every level.

Is Mexico Dangerous for Tourists?

In general, Mexican drug cartels do not want to harm American tourists. It is bad for business. If anything, they want to appeal to American tourists!

If you visit a popular tourist destination like Los Cabos, Cancun, or Puerto Vallarta, it is very common to be offered illegal drugs by a straggling salesman wandering along the beach. You should always say no, obviously, but these individuals are almost always tangentially related to a major drug cartel, if only at the lowest level of the totem pole.

U.S. Citizens, as well as tourists from Europe, Canada, and other countries outside of Latin America are generally very safe in Mexico so long as they don’t seek out illegal activities. Popular tourist destinations are generally not among the most dangerous places in Mexico.

The Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico (Supposedly)

I’ll be very clear up front. Some of these cities are truly very dangerous, while others are some of the safest cities in Mexico . The goal of this post is to point out which cities are truly dangerous.

The main reason that foreigners have a negative idea about danger in Mexico is because the U.S. State Department tells them to. The U.S. State Department has notoriously risk-averse standards, and its travel warnings regarding Mexico teeter on the verge of fear-mongering.

There are places in Mexico that are truly dangerous and should be avoided. However, the truth is that most Mexican cities are quite safe places, and you will run into very few issues in most parts of Mexico. From someone who has traveled all around the country, here is the inside scoop on the most dangerous places in Mexico.

Tijuana, one of the biggest cities in Mexico, is located right on the border with the United States across from  San Diego, California . Before we ever traveled to Tijuana, all we heard of were risks of crime and pickpocketing, cartel violence, and certain death. It is included on every list of the most dangerous places in Mexico.

At one point, Tijuana even held the reputation of the most dangerous city in Mexico.

In our experience, this just isn’t the case. While there is a larger cartel presence in Tijuana than there is in many other places in Mexico, that doesn’t necessarily put you at risk.

The cartels are smart; they’re not in the business of killing Americans. At least most of them aren’t. In Tijuana, your real risk is in getting scammed or pickpocketed by a petty criminal – not so much getting shot and killed by a cartel. While petty theft is no fun, it’s not nearly as bad as cartel-related violence.

– R E A D –

The cartels are smart; they’re not in the business of killing Americans.

While the reputation of danger in the city is definitely overhyped, that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down. Tijuana is not a particularly safe place; it’s just not nearly as dangerous for tourists as people hype it up to be. As a border city, there is certainly a risk that innocent bystanders might get dragged into a bad situation, but this is very unlikely.

If you follow the steps that I outline in my Tijuana travel guide , you should not have any major problems while visiting Tijuana. In fact, we loved it there, as well as the rest of the Baja California state! It’s one of our favorite places in Mexico because of its incredible food and craft brewery scene.

So, is Tijuana too dangerous for tourists to visit in 2023?

The Verdict

Tijuana is safe enough to visit if you practice common sense.

2. Cities Along the Texas Border

Over the past several years, there have been a lot of really bad stories surfacing about things happening on the Mexican side of the Texas border. A family of Americans was accidentally blown up in their SUV by a cartel who mistook them for a rival gang. Massive graves have been uncovered, people have been kidnapped, and tourists’ cars have been surrounded and commandeered by gangs.

Is there any truth to this?

Unfortunately, yes there is. While any “dangerous place” isn’t necessarily dangerous all of the time, the Mexican border with Texas tends to be one of the most dangerous places in Mexico as a whole.

The entire U.S. border is prime real estate for the cartels, as they look to find entry points for their illicit products. As a result, there’s a high concentration of bad people here, and an even higher concentration of accidental killings of innocent people that get stuck in the crossfire.

Sadly, the Mexican border with Texas tends to be one of the most dangerous places in all of Mexico.

While passing through during the day on a road trip and staying in the major cities is not especially dangerous, straying away from tourist areas and heading out at night both tend to lead to bad outcomes. Monterrey has a pretty good reputation for safety, but Reynosa, Nuevo Leon, and even as deep as Ciudad Obregón all have sketchy reputations for violence.

The Texas border is mostly unsafe to visit.

3. Acapulco

While it was once one of the most glamorous destinations in the Americas and a playground for Hollywood celebrities, Acapulco’s popularity has really decreased. This is largely due to a really bad reputation for violence and crime. Many stories of dead bodies washing up on the shore and body parts being found in the streets started to surface, and tourism nearly reached a standstill.

Is there any truth to this? Yes and no. There definitely used to be.

Acapulco went through a period of time where it was truly one of the most dangerous places in Mexico and was not a place you wanted to go. Criminal groups in the area took control of the city and made it practically a warzone.

This is not the case anymore. While the slums outside of Acapulco are definitely not a place you should go anywhere close to, the tourist areas themselves are once again completely safe. 

I go into more detail in my Acapulco travel guide . But basically if you keep your guard up and take certain precautions, you can have a really fun and relaxing trip to Acapulco.

This Pacific Coast gem is once again a popular place packed by tourists – both Mexican and foreign – and it’s a really cool place to check out. There are also several really great beaches here, and if you decide to go, you should check out my rankings of the  best beaches in Acapulco!

Acapulco is safe enough to visit.

4. The State of Sinaloa

The State of Sinaloa is where one of the most infamous criminal syndicates of all time got its name. The Sinaloa Cartel, the group that made El Chapo famous, calls Culiacan its home.

Due to being at the very core of one of the most illustrious criminal organizations in history, Sinaloa should be dangerous, right? Traveling here should be a death sentence, right?

There is certainly some truth to the dangerous rumors of Sinaloa.

Well, sort of. Like most things, making too broad of a generalization is what puts this into a gray area. There are some places in Sinaloa that are very safe. The coastal city of Mazatlan is a great example of this.

However, there is certainly some truth to these rumors, too. While there are more dangerous places in the world, Sinaloa is typically better off avoided unless you have a lot of experience traveling in Mexico.

Is Sinaloa dangerous on an international level? Not especially. However, generally speaking, this is still one of the more dangerous places in Mexico and you have little need to go here unless you’re headed to the beaches of Mazatlán or the Copper Canyon.

Some places are safe enough to visit, others are too dangerous.

5. Ciudad Juarez

Ciudad Juárez, located right across the border from El Paso, Texas, has certainly earned itself quite a bad reputation. During the peak of its infamy, it was considered to be a literal warzone.

There was excessive indiscriminate violence and it was known as one of the femicide capitals of the world. It had one of the highest homicide rates in the world. For comparison, its highest murder rate was higher than Damascus at the peak of the Syrian Civil War.

People were being killed left and right, and there weren’t enough ambulances to pick up the bodies. Sexual assault and gang activity ran rampant. It was honestly a horrible place to be. But is that still the case?

Nah, Not really.

While Juarez is still a bit rough around the edges (quite literally), it is definitely safe enough to visit. We visited and split our time between Juarez and El Paso, Texas, and we really had an awesome time.

While you definitely need to take safety precautions in Juarez, the odds of something happening to you aren’t particularly high anymore. The extremely high levels of violence have dissipated, although it is still one of the most violent cities in Mexico.

If you don’t draw attention to yourself, don’t go out after dark, and keep your wits about you, you shouldn’t have any issues. I’d advise reading my guide to staying safe in Juarez , though, just to make sure you know everything you need to know!

Ciudad Juarez is safe enough to visit during the daytime if you take precautions.

6. Mexico City

Mexico City is the most populous city in Mexico, and depending on what you read, it’s either a safe haven or a no-go zone. There’s a lot to unpack here because the answer to this is a little bit more complex.

Mexico City is ginormous. It’s the second biggest city in the Americas and makes New York City look like a village. The city absolutely sprawls, and as a result, you can’t really refer to the city as a whole when answering this question.

It really all comes down to what part of the city you’re talking about, as it has bad areas just like any other big city. The truth is that if you stick to the “good” areas and touristy areas of Mexico City – like Roma, Condesa, Hipodromo, the Historic Center, and Polanco – you’re going to feel like you’re in a perfectly safe, upscale place.

While you need to take general big city precautions even in these nice neighborhoods, they’re still just as safe as any big city in Europe or North America.

The truth is that if you stick to the “good” areas and touristy areas of Mexico City, you’re going to feel like you’re in a perfectly safe, upscale place.

How to Stay Safe in Mexico City

To stay safe in Mexico City, the plan is pretty simple – don’t go into the bad areas, and stick to Uber and the subway system instead of buses and local means of transportation. While using public transportation is a favorite of mine, sticking to Uber and the subway in Mexico City is a great strategy for avoiding danger.

I’ve heard of schemes where robbers enter buses and demand that everyone hands over their wallets and phones at gunpoint. This kind of floors me, because I’ve never had anything but good experiences in Mexico City.

Regardless, sticking to good areas and certain kinds of transportation will make you feel not just perfectly safe, but also will set you up to have a really enjoyable trip to Mexico’s capital.

7. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and the Riviera Maya

The state of Quintana Roo and its Riviera Maya is the most popular tourist zone in Mexico. This area encompasses the entire Caribbean coast, from Cancun all the way down to the Belize border.

While millions of vacationers visit this stretch of immaculate coastline every year to sunbathe and check out the ruins of Chichen Itza, recent headlines have painted an entirely different image of the region.

It is true that there have been shootings and other horrible things in the Cancun and Tulum area over the past couple of years. The massive flow of tourists into the region makes it a very alluring area for cartels to operate, as many of these visitors are interested in purchasing illicit drugs during their Mexican vacation.

Violence in Quintana Roo Is Normally Very Contained

However, it is important to realize that the violence that occurs here is usually contained, targeted, and organized. If you are on a family vacation to a resort in Cancun, there is an incredibly slim chance that anything violent will occur around you during your trip.

While there is a chance of violent encounters between rival gangs on any trip to the Riviera Maya, the threat is not as large as the media portrays it to be.

As an American, you are likely to hear just about every violent event that goes on in Cancun. This portrayal makes it seem incredibly dangerous. But what if your local news network reported on every violent crime that occurred in New York, St. Louis, and Chicago?

My point is that anywhere you travel comes with inherent risks. In my 10+ trips to various places all around Mexico’s Caribbean coast, I have never even sniffed a trace of danger. In most cases, if you don’t go looking for danger in Cancun, you won’t see any.

There’s a chance, but you’re highly unlikely to witness any violent crime.

8. Ciudad Victoria and the Rest of Tamaulipas

The state of Tamaulipas is known as one of the most dangerous states in Mexico, and Ciudad Victoria is its capital. Tamaulipas sprawls along most of Mexico’s sea border with the Gulf of Mexico. This proximity to the water makes it prime real estate for criminal activity, and with cartels usually come high crime rates.

Frankly, there aren’t many tourist destinations in Tamaulipas, so there is very little reason to visit. The crime rates are so high that the U.S. State Department issued severe travel advisories that bar most U.S. Government Employees from even entering the state.

Driving from Texas to Monterrey requires a quick drive through Tamaulipas, and this route is generally considered to be safe. However, driving any further into the state is not advisable.

Avoid at all costs unless driving from Texas to Monterrey.

9. Los Cabos, La Paz, and the Rest of Baja California Sur

Baja California Sur contains the iconic resort cities of Los Cabos and La Paz, but it has had a back-and-forth relationship with criminal groups in previous years. A few flare-ups of crime led to strict travel advisories against the state, and many tourists reconsidered their plans.

Today, visiting the most popular destinations in Baja California Sur is quite safe. These beach towns are once again considered safe places to visit, and you only need to take normal precautions when visiting. Los Cabos is one of Mexico’s ritziest areas these days, and Mexican authorities are doing all they can to keep it that way.

Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz are both quite safe destinations and there is very little to worry about when visiting.

10. Irapuato

Irapuato is not a very popular place for tourists to visit, and that’s probably a good thing. Located in the state of Guanajuato, Irapuato is a hub of criminal activity with a high homicide rate. There are few draws here for tourists, and it isn’t usually included on Americans’ itineraries in Mexico.

While Irapuato is not popular with Americans, some nearby cities are. The city of Guanajuato is just a stone’s throw away and is exploding in popularity. San Miguel de Allende is one of the most popular cities in Mexico for Americans, and its also very close.

The good news is that despite how close these places are to Irapuato, Irapuato’s crime doesn’t really affect them. Guanajuato is prone to flare-ups on occasion, but San Miguel de Allende is largely considered a safety bubble. Americans can generally visit both of these places with no hesitation, and only standard precautions are necessary.

Avoid, it because there’s no need to visit anyway.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

What place in mexico has the highest crime.

The place in Mexico that has the highest crime levels is generally the border with the United States. While there are other dangerous places throughout the country, there is no region that is as dangerous as a whole as the United States border.

What are the most dangerous states in Mexico 2023?

The most dangerous states in Mexico in 2023, according to the numbers, are those along the border and the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico. These include Baja California, Coahuila, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Tamaulipas. Sinaloa is also very dangerous.

However, it is important to remember that while the state’s crime levels may be high, that doesn’t mean the entire state is dangerous. Just because Chicago is a hub of crime doesn’t mean that all of Illinois is, for example.

What are the worst cartel cities in Mexico?

The worst cartel cities in Mexico, in terms of corruption and organized crime, are usually Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Victoria, Reynosa, and Culiacan.

How many murders in Mexico in 2023?

There were 36,579 murders in Mexico according to a recent study found on wisevoter.com . This translated to a murder rate of 28.37 per 100,000 people, which ranked 4th in the world. According to the study, men are 8 times more likely to be victims of a murder than women.

Thanks for reading my post on the places to avoid in Mexico. Hopefully, if you’ve been wondering what parts of Mexico are dangerous, my advice helps you when you’re planning your next trip. If a place you’re wondering about didn’t make this list, odds are it’s not in one of the most dangerous parts of Mexico, and as long as you take basic precautions, you should be fine.

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Mireille Brisset

A very accurate and well researched article on travel in Mexico regarding safety issues. Such a relief to read ! Violence is widespread – Think Ukraine, mass murders in USA, Niger, not to mention political verbal violence in dayly USA news … I am Canadian born, fluent in French. English and Spanish, I have lived off and on in Mexico for the past 60 years. Gracias!

Thank you for reading! Have a wonderful day Mireille!

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

Most Dangerous Places in Mexico

There are many reasons to visit Mexico. Beautiful beaches, delicious food, a rich culture with a complex history, and friendly people are just some reasons the country attracts millions of tourists each year.

However, it’s also true that there are places in Mexico that just aren’t very safe. Some main reasons for unstable areas are the presence of drug cartels and unreliable law enforcement. Violent crime and kidnapping are some of the most worrying things to look out for, and some states are far worse than others.

The 16 Most Dangerous States in Mexico

In this post, we’ll look at the most dangerous places in Mexico as defined by the U.S. Department of State and the travel notices it sets. We’ll also examine the crime rates in Mexico and see how they compare to other countries.

Dangerous States in Mexico:

Mexico Travel Warning Map

5 Do Not Travel States

“Do Not Travel” is the most severe travel notice that the U.S. Department of State issues, out of four possible travel advisory levels. It is what the department issues when there are greater, potentially life-threatening risks in an area.

There are currently five Mexican states with a “Do Not Travel” advisory :

Colima is a small Mexican state on Mexico’s Pacific coast and is the home of Manzanillo, a beach town with tourist resorts and consistently warm weather. It is posted as a “Do Not Travel” state because of the prevalence of violent crime, kidnapping, and gang activity, which are widespread.

U.S. government employees are prohibited from traveling to the city of Tecomán, the Colima/Michoacán Border, and the non-tourist areas of Manzanillo.

2. Guerrero

Located between the states of Michoacán and Oaxaca, Guerrero is also listed as a state that should be avoided. The reasons for this are violent crime and kidnapping. There are several armed groups that act independently of the government in this state, and they have been known to set up roadblocks and to use violence toward travelers.

The very popular resort towns of Acapulco and Ixtapa are located in Guerrero. Both of these locations attract large numbers of tourists each year that are seeking sun and beautiful beaches. Agriculture and livestock breeding are other important parts of the state’s economy.

Most of Guerrero is restricted for U.S. government employees, except for portions of Taxco.

3. Michoacán

Michoacán is situated between Colima and Guerrero, forming three neighboring states on Mexico’s Pacific coast with a “Do Not Travel” designation. This is for the same reason as the other two: a high prevalence of crime and kidnapping.

Part of the Monarch Butterfly Reserve is located in Michoacán, as are many Spanish colonial towns that make it an attractive location for tourists.

The Sinaloa Cartel is one of the most famous drug cartels in the world, and they are responsible for trafficking an immense portion of the illicit drugs that enter the United States. They are also one of the main reasons this state is so dangerous.

Mazatlán, a very popular resort destination for tourists coming to Mexico, is located in the state of Sinaloa, and it is one of the few places U.S. government employees are allowed to travel to.

5. Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas is located on the Gulf of Mexico and borders the US state of Texas to the north. It is an important center for Mexico’s fishing industry.

The state is listed as “Do Not Travel” because of high incidences of violent crime and kidnapping. There are armed groups committing organized crime activities such as kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, murder, and more, especially along the northern border.

11 “Reconsider Travel” States

The states in this “Reconsider Travel” category are listed as such because of “serious risks to safety and security” as described by the U.S. State Department. The State Department provides additional, area-specific advice for these areas.

• Baja California

In Mexico, the “Reconsider Travel” designation is usually due to increased levels of violent crime and kidnapping in the area. Most of the violent crime in these Mexican states takes place between members of criminal organizations, but these incidents sometimes take place in areas that are frequented by tourists. Collateral damage is often the greatest risk to visitors.

How Dangerous is Mexico?

It isn’t easy to say exactly how dangerous Mexico is. The truth is that danger levels in the country vary by region, just as in any other country. Some people are more at risk than others, as well. For example, young males form the vast majority of homicide victims.

With that in mind, it’s certainly true that it is important to take more precautions to stay safe in Mexico than it is in many other countries.

How Many Homicides are there in Mexico?

As demonstrated by the table above, the homicide rate is significantly higher in Mexico than it is in the United States or the United Kingdom.

Is Mexico Safe for Tourists in 2022?

There are plenty of places that are safe in Mexico for tourists in 2022, but it’s important to exercise caution and carefully plan your destinations. Mexico is among the top countries worldwide for total tourist visitors — tens of millions come to the country each year, and the vast majority have a trouble-free stay.

However, there are occasionally tourist victims of violent crime. Sometimes this is because the tourists were engaged in illegal activity, and sometimes it is simply collateral damage from gang violence. Generally, resorts and popular tourist areas are safe. The Mexican government sometimes deploys marines to these areas to ensure the safety of visitors.

Some measures visitors can take to keep themselves safe include not traveling alone or at night, remaining aware of their surroundings, and taking extra care when using ATMs. Learning basic Spanish can also increase your level of safety.

Which Are the Safest States in Mexico in  2022 ?

The only states in Mexico that do not have a travel advisory from the U.S. State Department are Yucatán and Campeche. It is advised to exercise normal precautions that should be taken when traveling anywhere, but there isn’t an elevated safety risk in either of these states. They are located on the Yucatán Peninsula, an area that constituted a large part of the Maya Civilization.

The Mexican state of Yucatán is a popular destination for many. It’s known for beautiful beaches, tropical rainforests, cenotes, and for being the home of the ancient Maya people. The ruin of Chichen Itza is located here and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The pink lakes of Las Coloradas on the coast in the state of Yucatán are another attraction that draws many tourists.

The capital city of Yucatan is Merida, sometimes referred to as the “White City.” It is the largest city on the Yucatan Peninsula and serves as the cultural capital of the state. It is also one of the safest cities in Mexico.

The state of Campeche is located on the Yucatan Peninsula next to Yucatan, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and Guatemala. Its capital city is San Fransisco de Campeche and it has one of the smallest populations of any Mexican state. Mining and oil production are the largest contributors to the state’s economy.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Campeche is the city of Ciudad del Carmen, which is on the coast. It boasts peaceful beaches and colonial buildings that make for a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere. While the coastal areas are noteworthy for being quiet in Campeche, the most beautiful beaches in Mexico are found elsewhere.

Other states that are generally considered safe include Mexico City, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Quintana Roo, and Puebla.

Crime Rates by State

Whereas the information regarding the most dangerous states in Mexico is mostly focused on violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, and violent robbery, the crime rates described below consider non-violent crimes as well. These types of crimes include petty theft, pickpocketing, and others that don’t threaten your physical wellbeing.

Crime rate per 100,000 inhabitants in 2020, by state in Mexico.

Crime rate in Mexico in 2020, by state (per 100,000 inhabitants), Source: Statista

The region in Mexico with the highest crime rate, by far, is Mexico City. But that doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily the most dangerous state. It’s important to recognize just how massive Mexico City is when thinking about its safety. There are well over 20 million people in Greater Mexico City, and it ranks fifth among the most populous cities in the world.

The incredible size of Mexico’s capital city means that there are many drastically different parts of the city, and the most dangerous parts aren’t those that are usually visited by tourists and foreigners. It’s common for residents of these safer parts of Mexico City to feel much safer in the city than when traveling to other parts of the country.

Also, evident in the above table is that the state of Tamaulipas has the third-lowest crime rate in the country. This could be misleading, as the state is listed as one of the five “Do Not Travel” states by the U.S. Department of State. While there may be lower levels of petty crime, higher instances of kidnapping and violent crime make it one of the least safe states in Mexico.

At least three of the five most dangerous states in Mexico are on the half of the list with the lowest crime rates. It is also possible that crime reporting in these states is not as comprehensive or effective as in states with higher reported crime rates.

What is the Safest Place in Mexico?

Merida, the capital city in the state of Yucatán, is probably the safest city in Mexico. It has a low rate of homicides and is widely considered to be one of the safest places in Latin America. One reason for being safer is its geographic isolation, which makes it less appealing to drug cartels.

Is it Safe to Move to Mexico?

If you plan carefully and take basic safety precautions, yes, it is safe to move to some areas of Mexico. The most dangerous states and areas of the country should be avoided, and it’s important to maintain good safety practices wherever you live in the country. Many foreigners move to Mexico each year and live safely in places like Mexico City, Merida, or Puerto Vallarta.

What is the Most Dangerous Country in Latin America?

The country with the highest homicide rate in Latin America is Venezuela. The political situation in Venezuela is highly unstable, and the economy has been in dire straits for several years, putting a strain on public services and basic safety. Honduras also has a high homicide rate in Latin America, and Mexico comes in as the third-most dangerous. The safest country in Latin America is Chile.

Is Mexico More Dangerous Than the US?

When looking at homicide rates, Mexico is clearly more dangerous than the US. But homicide rates don’t paint the whole picture. The vast majority of homicides in Mexico take place between members of criminal organizations, and foreigners are not often the ones affected. The homicide rate for US citizens inside Mexico is significantly lower than for US citizens living within the USA.

• Coastal Cityscape with Beach and Skyscrapers: © Daniel Elizalde S/Shutterstock

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Here’s What You Need to Know.

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.

By Elisabeth Malkin and Isabella Kwai

Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancún.

A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the country’s beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care .

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. “Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations,” the alert said. 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, Cancún, Tulum and Mexico City.

An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, and tourists are largely sheltered from the violence that grips local communities. 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 Cancún and violence in early January that forced the closure of three airports in northwest Mexico, is prompting questions about whether the country’s broader unrest is spilling into other destinations.

What happened on the border?

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. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery.

Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived.

The Americans were attacked as a result of “confusion,” according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. 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.

“There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another,” he said. 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.

What happened earlier this year in Cancún?

Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancún and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. The ruling infuriated the powerful unions, which are believed to have links to local organized crime figures and former governors. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers.

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 Cancún’s hotel zone. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert .

Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead.

Have authorities curbed violence that might affect tourists?

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.

But the rule doesn’t always hold. 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.

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 Cancún. 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.

The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement.

The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roo’s 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.

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. 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 José del Cabo, and a cooler containing two heads was left in a tourist area.

What about tourist areas in other states?

Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence .

The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara , is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel . The cartel’s focus of violence is in the countryside; Puerto Vallarta and the beaches to its north, including the exclusive peninsula of Punta Mita and the surfers’ hangout of Sayulita, are all booming — and, despite drug sales, the cartel’s control seems to limit open conflict.

Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors , and concerns about violence there have receded. The city’s police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years.

Are there any other safety concerns?

Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. While tourists may not be aware of underlying criminal forces, their power sometimes spills out into the open in spectacular shows of violence.

The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. 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.

Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatlán, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmán López, a son of Joaquín Guzmán Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacán, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal.

In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety.

Pierre de Hail, the president of Janus Group Mexico, a risk management company in Monterrey, is skeptical that security has improved. “There is too much random risk,” he said. “It’s all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

What precautions should tourists take?

Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area you’re visiting. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning — Level 4: Do Not Travel — for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.)

The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. Mr. Guerrero suggests searching on the internet before traveling for news of recent outbreaks.

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.

As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Don’t wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. “I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars,” he said.

He added: “If you’re staying in a place that has a report of strikes or demonstrations, don’t go there. You’re a fish out of water.”

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram , Twitter and Facebook . And sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to receive expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Isabella Kwai is a breaking news reporter in the London bureau. She joined The Times in 2017 as part of the Australia bureau. More about Isabella Kwai

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico (A 2024 Guide)

Written By: Kurt Norris | Reviewed by: Editorial Team

Disclosure: WayToStay is reader-supported. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Learn More

Known for its world-renowned vacation spots that include Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is a country that promises diverse landscapes of picturesque beaches, intrepid jungles, and centuries of historical landmarks.

However, beyond its postcard-perfect holiday havens, Mexico is also home to some of the world’s most dangerous cities. While there are definitely safe spots to visit, a key point to planning any trip to Mexico is knowing where you shouldn’t go.

To help you plan a fun and safe holiday, here are the 23 most dangerous cities in Mexico that you should avoid.

Quick Answer: Top 5 Most Dangerous

• Ciudad Obregón – Crime Index: 86.54
• Celaya – Crime Index: 82.91
• Zamora – Crime Index: 81.21
• Coatzacoalcos – Crime Index: 76.84
• Uruapan – Crime Index: 75.84

The 23 Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

Of the 20 cities with the highest murder rate per capita , Mexico makes up nine, including the six cities with the most homicides per 100,000 people.

Thanks to the increasing presence of organized crime and drug trafficking, the political climate of Mexico is changing all of the time. In fact, many of the country’s most recognizable holiday destinations have decayed into some of the region’s most dangerous regions.

For this reason, I have composed this list of the most dangerous cities in Mexico based on Numbeo ’s updated crime index levels, which take into account the presence of specific crimes, both violent and property, as well as the general perception of crime levels and safety from firsthand accounts.

Statista , the World Population Review , and local news articles were also used to confirm the overall danger levels of each destination, including murder rates, cartel presence, and other criminal statistics.

1. Ciudad Obregón

Crime Index: 86.54

Located in the southern region of the state of Sonora along Mexico’s northern border with the US, Ciudad Obregon tops this list of Mexico’s most dangerous cities with an overall crime index of a whopping 86.54.

Along with being Mexico’s most dangerous city according to its crime rate, Ciudad Obregon also boasts the world’s fourth highest murder rate per capita, with the city averaging about 101.13 murders per 100,000 inhabitants each year. And with a population of just over 430,000 residents, that amounts to about 435 murders yearly.

Home to an abundance of crime, both violent, petty, and organized, Ciudad Obregon is definitely a city to avoid when visiting Mexico.

Crime Index: 82.91

Averaging about 109.39 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, Celaya is the most dangerous city in the world when comparing murder rates. Still, with an overall crime index of 82.91, the central Mexican city comes in just slightly safer than Ciudad Obregon.

Located in the Guanajuato state, Celaya is home to over 740,000 residents and is known to host over a thousand murders annually, with a notable increase in crime attributed to gang violence in recent years.

Theft, drug sales, and human trafficking are also not uncommon in the city, and traveling to Celaya should be avoided when visiting Mexico.

Crime Index: 81.21

Another of Mexico’s crime havens competing for the spot atop any list of the most dangerous cities in Mexico (and the rest of the world), Zamora is home to the second-highest murder rate ever recorded by the  Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, with a reported per capita murder rate of 196.6 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021.

While most of this crime is attributed to gang violence against rival factions, police, citizens, and bystanders are known to get caught in the crosshairs. Other common crimes in the city include kidnappings, petty theft, and extortion.

4. Coatzacoalcos

Crime Index: 76.84

Once a tourist hotspot, Coatzacoalcos has been plagued with crime in recent years, amounting to an overall crime index of 76.84. While violent crime is not as abundant as the top three most dangerous cities in Mexico featured on this list, Coatzacoalcos still boasts a homicide rate amounting to 48 murders per 100,000 inhabitants.

In fact, the city made international headlines in early 2022 when nine bodies were left at the side of the road. The crime has been attributed to the local Jalisco Cartel, who left a note to the authorities, warning against their efforts to reduce crime in the region.

While the city has increased its Military and security presence in the area, tourists should still plan on avoiding Coatzacoalcos, with murder, robbery, and violent crime still being common in the region.

Crime Index: 75.84

Located only about two hours from Zamora, Uruapan is another city in the state of Michoacan that should be avoided as the fifth most dangerous city in Mexico. Known for its cartel presence, Uruapan is a hotbed of violent crime as factions battle for territory in the city.

While the crime is often confined to internal conflicts between rival factions, police, residents, and other bystanders are known to get caught up in the conflict, with the city boasting a murder rate of 72.59 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants.

Along with murder, other common crimes in the city include carjackings, robberies, and kidnappings.

Crime Index: 71.97

A popular holiday and spring break hot spot for tourists from California and other nearby US states, Tijuana may come as a bit of a surprise for many reading this list of Mexico’s most dangerous cities.

Still, with over 2,000 homicides per year and a per capita rate of 105.15 murders per 100,000 residents, the city that shares a border with San Diego is a hotbed of violent crime and is even home to the second-highest murder rate in the world.

The city attributes much of its crime to gang violence between conflicting cartels, as well as its large population and poverty levels, resulting in many occurrences of violent crimes, such as kidnapping, robberies, rape, and murder.

7. Irapuato

Crime Index: 71.28

The second largest city in Mexico’s Guanajuato region, Irapuato boasts plenty of natural beauty, consisting of the Arandis Hill and two picturesque rivers bordering on either side. In fact, the city hosts thousands of tourists each year looking to explore its historical architecture and surrounding vistas.

However, despite its tourist popularity, Irapuato is one of the most dangerous cities in the country in recent years, boasting an overall crime index of 71.28 and a per capita murder rate of 94.99 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, the fifth highest in Mexico.

While local law enforcement has recently sought aid from the federal government to control increasing criminal trends, murder, kidnapping, and extortion are all still common in the city, and traveling to Irapuato should be avoided for the foreseeable future.

8. Zacatecas

Crime Index: 71.47

Another of Mexico’s most dangerous cities masquerading as a popular tourist hotspot, Zacatecas attracts thousands of visitors annually thanks to its colonial architecture, cultural heritage, and breathtaking scenic views of its natural surroundings.

Still behind its postcard-perfect presentation, Zacatecas is a hotbed of violent crime, boasting a per capita homicide rate of 107.47 murders per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021, the third highest of any city in the world for that year.

While crime rates have slightly improved in the city as it has across Mexico, Zacatecas is still an unsafe place to visit, with organized crimes, kidnappings, and public shootings all being common occurrences.

9. Cuernavaca

Crime Index: 70.94

The capital city of Mexico’s Morelos state, Cuernavaca, is commonly referred to as the City of Eternal Spring and depicts images of romantic architecture, flower-covered fields, and a breathtaking verdant landscape.

And while Cuernavaca is surrounded by plenty of beautiful landmarks, the city itself is a center of organized and violent crime and, unfortunately, should be avoided by tourists. Cuernavaca boasts a murder rate of 55.83 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, while other organized crime in the area includes kidnapping, drug trafficking, and gang fights.

Additionally, poverty is rampant in the city, making petty crimes and theft common occurrences on their own, with an overall crime index of 70.94 in Cuernavaca.

10. Culiacan

Crime Index: 70.69

Located in Sinaloa, the birthplace of infamous cartel boss El Chapa, Culiacan is a city that is firmly in the hands of the Mexican Cartel. As such, the city should be avoided by tourists, with violent crimes of murder, kidnapping, and exploitation all being common occurrences.

Culican most recently made international headlines in January 2023 for the arrest of Ovideo Guzman Lopez, the son of El Chapo and a current high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel. The arrest follows the 2019 operation to achieve the same goal, which saw over 700 cartel gunmen take to the streets, taking hostages until the ultimate release of Lopez.

While no conflict to this extent has followed the 2023 arrest, the city has experienced some levels of unrest and increased crime, and visitors should avoid all travel to Culiacan.

11. Ciudad Juárez

Crime Index: 68.34

Another of Mexico’s most dangerous cities, Ciudad Juarez has experienced an upward trend in its crime rates in recent years, with a current crime index sitting at about 68.34 and climbing.

Ciudad Juarez’s increase in crime is largely attributed to the increased gang conflicts between the Juarez and Sinaloa Cartel, which frequently fight over turf in the area. Common crimes in the city include drug trafficking, robbery, carjacking, and murder, with homicide rates being about 103.61 murders for every 100,00 inhabitants, the third highest murder rate per capita in the world.

Ciudad Juarez also boasts one of the country’s highest femicide rates, making the city particularly dangerous for women.

12. Reynosa

Crime Index: 67.82

Another of Mexico’s border cities boasting the title of one of the country’s most dangerous destinations, Reynosa is located just across the US border, separated from Texas by the Rio Grande.

Despite its proximity to the United States, Reynosa is a hotbed of criminal activity and has become a popular stomping ground for criminal gangs and cartels.

While the city’s murder rate of 41.48 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants may not be as high as some other regions featured on this list, the local cartels and gangs are known to target immigrants crossing the border, with common crimes including drug trafficking, kidnapping, and even murder.

13. Ciudad Victoria

Crime Index: 65.12

Located only about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Reynosa, Ciudad Victoria is just as dangerous a city for travelers as the nearby border city. Like Reynosa, Ciudad Victoria is a haven for gang violence, with several cartels fighting over the turf.

Despite having a slightly lower crime index than Reynosa, violent crime is actually worse than in Reynosa, with about 86 murders per year for every 100,000 inhabitants. However, these are primarily confined to rival criminal groups, police, or military within the city.

Still, traveling to Ciudad Victoria should be avoided, as pedestrians and tourists can also be targeted.

14. Guadalajara

Crime Index: 61.96

Home to the birthplace of cultural Mexican icons such as tequila and mariachi, Guadalajara is a popular destination, attracting over three million tourists each year . However, despite its popularity, Guadalajara is home to an abundance of crime, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico.

Informally known as Chemical City, Guadalajara has been closely associated with the cartel and Mexico’s drug industry for over four decades. Today, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel is known to operate in the area, and the city has become another den of criminal activity, with high levels of robbery, sexual assault, and murder.

And while most of the city’s violent crime is often between rival gangs, it is not uncommon for tourists to get caught up in the action.

15. Acapulco

Crime Index: 60.73

A popular resort community of the Guerrero state along Mexico’s central Pacific Coast, Acapulco is another city that may surprise people to find out is one of the most dangerous cities in the country.

However, outside its luxury hotels and tourist hot spots, Acapulco is a boiling pot of criminal activity, with its crime index teetering on the high side at 60.73. Additionally, Acapulco boasts one of the highest murder rates per capita on the planet, with about 54.13 annual murders per 100,000 inhabitants.

The town’s crime rate is largely associated with the state’s prominent drug industry, with several cartels operating in the area and battling over control of the local drug trade. While most crime is confined to rival gangs, tourists venturing outside of the resort areas can often get drawn into the conflict.

Crime Index: 57.97

Once a popular tourist destination, murder rates in Colima have more than tripled since 2015, with 181.94 murders occurring for every 100,000 inhabitants, the most of any city in the world, according to some sources .

Like many places in Mexico, one reason for this upward trend in violent crime can largely be attributed to increased cartel activity in the region. Home to the Port of Manzanillo, Colima is a boon to the local drug industry, causing many rival gangs to fight over the asset, including the Jalisco New Generation and Sinaloa Cartels.

While much of the region’s crime is contained within these rival factions, both a local judge and congresswoman have been murdered for interfering in the local drug trade in recent years. Visitors are at risk of being targeted or caught in the conflict, and travel should be avoided in the region.

Crime Index: 57.95

Founded in 1531, Tepic is one of the most historical cities in Mexico and is home to an urban center responsible for much of the country’s sugar cane, tobacco, and citrus fruit productions. The area is also known for its production of methamphetamine, making it a pivotal stop for drug trafficking.

The region is currently controlled by the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, with corruption and bribery being rampant in the city. As a result, crime is abundant in Tepic, with high volumes of robberies, assaults, and murders happening every year.

Teppic sees approximately 54.64 murders per 100,000 inhabitants annually, putting it on the list of some of the most violent cities on Earth.

Crime Index: 56.66

A world-renowned tourist hotspot for decades, Cancun is actually one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico, especially for tourists who can often become targets of violent and organized crimes.

Like many places in Mexico, cartel presence has been growing in the Cancun region, which has resulted in an increase in crime in the city, including violent crimes such as kidnapping, assault, and murder.

In recent years, the homicide rate in Cancun has increased to about 64 murders per 100,000 visitors, including both locals and tourists. In fact, not even the resorts are safe in Cancun, with the murder of four tourists making international headlines back in April 2023.

While Cancun holds many favorable memories for travelers, visiting the resort city should be avoided for the foreseeable future.

19. Morelia

Crime Index: 56.62

The capital city of the Michoacan state, Morelia is considered much safer than the nearby cities of Uruapan and Zamora but is still considered one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities, with an overall crime index of 56.62.

Like many areas in the state and along Northern Mexico, Morelia has served as a violent warzone for battling cartels vying for the coveted turf, leading to an abundance of violent crimes in the city.

With 42.05 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, Morelia’s murder rates are comparatively lower than other nearby cities, although travel should still be avoided in the region due to high levels of violence, kidnappings, and petty crimes.

20. Chihuahua City

Crime Index: 55.83

It’s hard to imagine that such a small dog breed came from one of the most violent regions in the world, but with a crime index of 55.83, Chihuahua City is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico.

The hub of another key operation along the country’s notorious drug trade, Chihuahua City is often the center of violence as warring factions fight for the territory, dragging in bystanders and law enforcement in the process.

While the city’s murder rates of 41.7 homicides per 100,000 people are relatively low, Chihuahua City’s corruption levels are some of the worst in the country, with several high-level officials and law enforcement officers linked with organized crime.

21. Monterrey

Crime Index: 48.25

The capital city of the Nuevo Leon state, Monterrey is the third largest city in Mexico and is considered much safer than other nearby communities. However, with a crime index of 48.25, the city is still one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico, although crime can often be avoided.

With several museums and historical attractions scattered throughout the city, Monterrey can make for a great travel destination. With that said, visitors need to practice extra caution, as kidnapping, petty theft, and even murder are common in the city.

22. Mazatlán

Crime Index: 40.25

Located along the Pacific Coast, Mazatlan occupies a beautiful stretch of shoreline with several holiday resorts. However, Mazatlan is also in the heart of the Sinaloa region, a state serving as an epicenter of drug trafficking in Mexico.

As such, crime is rampant in the city and has seen a steady increase in violent crimes in the past decade. While Mazatlan remains a popular destination, travel to the region should be avoided. However, if you are planning a trip to Mazatlan, be sure to practice caution and do not leave the resort area.

23. Ensenada

Crime Index: 38.50

While Ensenada may only have a crime index of 38.50, the city is actually one of the most dangerous in the world, boasting the sixth-highest murder rate, amounting to an average of 90.58 murders annually per 100,000 people.

Located in Baja California, Ensenada has seen a similar trend of increased violence due to cartel presence as seen in other cities of the country. The Sinaloa, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, and Arellano Felix organizations all have strongholds in the region, which has led to an increase in homicide, human trafficking, and carjacking.

About The Author

Kurt Norris

A Canada-based freelance writer, Kurt acquired his bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Windsor. Upon graduating, Kurt left the courtside media desk behind and began venturing the globe. Throughout his journeys, Kurt enjoys partaking in slow travel and loves to explore the histories and cultures of each destination, which he shares with others through his writing.

How helpful was this article?

We are sorry that this article was not useful for you...

Help us improve this article

Tell us how we can improve this post?

You May Also Like

Aspen vs Vail: An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose!

The 18 Best Hotel Pools In Palm Springs (in 2024)

10 Incredible All Inclusive Adults Only Resorts in Tulum (2024 Guide)

Leave a comment.

WayToStay is an independent travel website, providing in-depth travel guides from locals and experts. Our mission is to help travelers, backpackers & adventure lovers to discover and research their next destination.

• Editorial Process
• Advertising Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use

Join Our Free Travel Newsletter

Sign up for our FREE weekly email. Delivered to your inbox every Friday.

Join our list

Subscribe to our mailing list and get interesting stuff and updates to your email inbox.

Thank you for subscribing.

Something went wrong.

We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously

Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox

12 Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico

Mexico is renowned for its colorful culture, extensive history, and stunning natural beauty. Still, it also struggles with high rates of violent crime, particularly in the cities of Colima, Zamora, Ciudad Obregón, Reynosa, Tijuana, Uruapan, Chihuahua City, Culiacán, Acapulco, Tepic, Juárez, and Salvatierra.

These dangerous cities are the hotspots for some of the most notorious and deadly criminal organizations worldwide. So fellow travelers, fasten your seatbelts as today’s article explores Mexico’s dark side.

Why Are Some Mexican Cities So Dangerous?

To begin with, Mexico is a crucial transit and manufacturing center for illegal narcotics bound for the United States and other foreign markets. The lucrative drug trade has resulted in the formation of powerful cartels and violent territorial conflicts.

Additionally, socio-economic factors play a significant role in why Mexico has such dangerous cities. Some areas have such high levels of poverty that people feel compelled to join criminal organizations because of the allure of “easy money.”

The world of organized crime is also influenced by corruption . The weak legal system in some parts of Mexico has created an epicenter not only for drug trafficking but also for extortion, abductions, and fuel theft .

If you plan to visit Mexico , you should consider focusing on visiting Mexico’s safe cities where beauty and hospitality intertwine. As for the dangerous cities, having up-to-date information before planning your trip is very beneficial.

List of Dangerous Mexico Cities and Places in 2023

Below are the most dangerous places in Mexico:

Ciudad Obregón

Chihuahua city, salvatierra.

Colima is the capital city of the state of Colima, nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the majestic Colima Volcano. According to statistics , Colima had one of Mexico’s highest homicide rates per capita, with 181.94 homicides per 100,000 residents in 2022.

Zamora is located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. Situated in the fertile Zamora Valley, the city is often called the “Fruit Basket of Mexico.” However, its substantial agricultural production is overshadowed by organized crime, earning its title of the most violent city in the world .

Ciudad Obregón, located in the Mexican state of Sonora, is a lively metropolis that acts as an agricultural hub in the region and the epicenter of the Mexican drug war between cartels. This city is also the hub for the illicit wildlife trade , with many exotic species being smuggled via the city on their route to the United States.

Reynosa, located in northeastern Tamaulipas, is a vital crossing point for clashing cartel routes into the United States. Numerous battles between these opposing criminal organizations have taken place in the city, resulting in high levels of violence. Reynosa is also a key location for human smuggling , with many migrants passing the city on their way to the United States.

Tijuana is located on the border between Mexico and the United States and is known for its bustling nightlife and proximity to San Diego, California. Nonetheless, Tijuana is a key crossroad for trafficking and organized crime . In 2020 , the city had a high rate of 138 homicides per 100,000 citizens.

Uruapan, located in the state of Michoacan, is famed for its avocado production but is also a center for underground cartel activities. Uruapan is also a hotspot for illegal logging , with many unique and endangered trees being illegally cut and sold on the black market.

Chihuahua, the state capital of Chihuahua, has long been a hub for organized crime. Two major cartels operate in the area, and as a result, the city has seen numerous deadly battles between these opposing gangs. Chihuahua is also notorious for its high levels of corruption , with many officials and law enforcement personnel linked to organized crime gangs.

Culiacán, the state capital of Sinaloa, is known as the base of the Sinaloa cartel, ruled by the legendary drug lord Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman . The city is rife with violence, with regular shootouts between competing cartels and law authorities. According to 2019 statistics , the city’s homicide rate was 49.41 per 100,000 people.

Acapulco was once a popular tourist destination with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Plus, the nightlife there was known to be unlike anything else. But, Acapulco also has a lengthy reputation for violence and crime. Located in Guerrero, Acapulco’s major crime issue is trafficking and the violence that comes with it. Not only that, but Acapulco is also a hotspot for human trafficking and underage prostitution .

Tepic, the state capital of Nayarit, is notorious for its severe violence, with a homicide rate of 229 per 100,000 residents in 2010 . The city is situated on a major route for the transportation of narcotics and is controlled by one of the most dangerous criminal groups in Mexico — the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (JCNG) .

The two main cartels in charge of Juarez are the Juárez cartel and the Sinaloa cartel . The city has been the site of numerous drug-related homicides, with a homicide rate of 104 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2019 . Juárez also has a lengthy history of corruption and organized crime , as well as links to abductions and human trafficking in the United States.

Learn more: Juarez Travel Safety Information .

Salvatierra is a city in Guanajuato located in the center of the country. It serves as a sort of hub city for the rural region surrounding it, and unfortunately, the cartels have gained control of it. Over 60 bodies of missing people were discovered in the town’s woodland region in 2020. In 2019, Salvatierra had a homicide rate of 83 per 100,000 people .

Essential Tips for Staying Safe in Mexico

Given Mexico’s reputation for having some of the most dangerous cities in the world, it’s crucial to keep a few things in mind for a safe trip.

• Plan your travels appropriately, prioritizing safer areas. Conduct extensive research on your destination, and if by some chance your tourist destination has high crime rates, look for other places to visit. A beautiful tourist destination isn’t worth it if your life’s on the line.
• Stay at hotels or resorts with good security features like guarded entrances, security, and surveillance cameras. Choose well-rated lodging options and read reviews from reliable sources.
• Don’t stray from tried-and-true modes of transportation , such as licensed taxis. Ask the householder or someone from the security staff to organize transportation for you rather than hailing down taxis on the street, especially at night.
• Don’t attract attention by carrying excessive cash or expensive jewelry . Bring as little cash as you need for that day, if possible, and keep your cherished goods in a safe place in the hotel, apartment, or room where you are staying.
• Avoid nighttime excursions and never go out alone at night.
• Learn some fundamental Spanish words and phrases to help you converse with the locals. This can be especially useful in emergencies.
• Keep in touch with your loved ones : let them know where you are and what you have planned to do. Ensure you have a stable phone and internet services so you can call for help if necessary.
• Exercise caution while interacting with strangers , especially if they come to you with offers or some kind of help that you didn’t ask for or need. Refuse their proposals politely but firmly.

Mexico is a land of spectacular landscapes, sun-kissed beaches, heart-warming cuisine , and historic ruins that whisper tales of old civilizations . However, behind Mexico’s charm hides an unsettling reputation that compels travelers and citizens to be cautious.

The reality is that Mexico is home to some of the world’s most dangerous cities. These cities are notorious for their high homicide rates, cartels, organized crime, and corruption.

Remember that safety conditions can vary within a city and over time. While some cities in Mexico have higher crime rates than others, other regions are generally safe and friendly to tourists. Travelers should do their homework, stay current on safety issues, and be cautious when visiting potentially dangerous locations.

In the end, every country has an underground brimming with crime and violence, and the very least we can do is stay informed about these places and try to avoid going there at all costs. Mexico offers a variety of breathtaking places for those who exercise caution! So stay informed, stay alert, and follow local guidance — not just in Mexico but in all your travel destinations.

16 Safest Resorts in Mexico for Tourists

The Most-Visited Pyramids in Mexico & Their Locations

How to Get From Cancun to Playa Del Carmen

How to Rent a Car in Guadalajara (Rental Companies & Prices)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

Places to Avoid in Mexico According to The U.S. State Department | Here’s Where You Should And Shouldn’t Travel

• News and Tips
• Travel News

Some places in Mexico, including Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, are extremely popular destinations for Americans traveling during spring break and Easter.

The U.S. State Department, however, has issued a number of advisories for U.S. citizens traveling to various Mexican states in recent weeks. Now, as violent crime and kidnapping rates increase across Mexico, Americans considering travel to all but two of the states in Mexico should be aware of renewed and increasing warnings, the State Department cautions.

“Violent crime — such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery — is widespread and common in Mexico,” the State Department explains . “The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.”

Is Mexico Dangerous For Tourists?

While there are so many wonderful things about Mexico, drug cartels and violent crime have crept back into the news in recent years. This is why a lot of people are concerned for their safety in Mexico when planning a trip. 

In general, Mexican drug cartels do not want to harm American tourists, but it is also true that the armed groups operate independently. If you visit popular tourist destinations, it is very common to be offered illegal drugs by a passerby. You should always say no, as these individuals are almost always connected to a major drug cartel.

Foreigners have a negative idea about how dangerous Mexico is because the U.S. State Department has high standards when it comes to risk aversion, and their travel warnings regarding Mexico may sometimes seem like fear-mongering. However, this doesn’t apply to places in Mexico that are truly dangerous and should be avoided.

American citizens, as well as Europeans, Canadians, and other tourists outside of Latin America, are generally very safe in Mexico so long as they don’t seek out illegal activities. Sought-after tourist destinations are generally not among the riskiest areas in Mexico.

Places to Avoid in Mexico According to The U.S. State Department

Here are the State Department’s recommendations for U.S. citizens considering travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To

The State Department recommends U.S. citizens not to travel to five states in Mexico due to increasing levels of crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Colima (where Manzanillo is located), Michoacan, Sinaloa (where Mazatlán is located), Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas (home to Zacatecas City).

Guerrero — where Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa are located — is also on the State Department’s “Do not travel” list because crime is widespread in those areas.

Reconsider Travel To

The State Department recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel to five states in Mexico due to crime and kidnapping.

Those states are Baja California (where Tijuana is located), Chihuahua, Guanajuato (where Guanajuato City is located), Jalisco state (home to Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta), and Sonora.

The states of Durango and Morelos are also on the State Department’s “Reconsider travel” list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To

The State Department recommends U.S. citizens exercise increased caution when traveling to 17 areas of Mexico, primarily due to crime rates but also the threat of kidnapping in some places.

Those states are Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur (where Cabo San Lucas , San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz are located), Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, Mexico State, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca (home of Oaxaca City and Huatulco), Puebla, Queretaro, Quintana Roo (where Cancun , Cozumel, Tulum, and Riviera Maya are located), San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala, and Veracruz.

Mexico City is also on the list due to high crime rates.

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To

The State Department recommends U.S. citizens exercise normal precautions when traveling to Campeche and Yucatan, where Chichen Itza and Merida are located.

Know Before You Go

If you decide to travel to Mexico, the State Department offers some guidance.

“Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos,” the State Department recommends. “Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.”

The State Department also recommends that travelers in Mexico keep both traveling companions and friends or family at home up to date about their travel plans.

Finally, if you are alone and take a taxi or Uber, be sure to take a photo of the taxi number and/or its license plate and text it to a friend or family member, the State Department recommends, especially if you’re a woman. Mexico is considered one of the five most dangerous countries for women .

You can find a detailed explanation of the threats in each state in Mexico and learn more about being safe while traveling within Mexico in the State Department’s Mexico Travel Advisory .

What Are Mexico’s Most Dangerous Cities?

The most dangerous places in Mexico are Tijuana and Acapulco, followed by Ciudad Victoria and

Ciudad Juarez in the third place. Mexico’s northern border and Central Mexico are among the least safe places in Mexico. Tijuana is even considered the most dangerous city worldwide.

Are Popular Tourist Destinations in Mexico Dangerous?

Major tourist areas popular with American tourists like San Miguel de Allende or the coastal city of Mazatlan are typically not among the most dangerous places in Mexico. However, criminal activity can occur in otherwise safe tourist zones in the southern region as well, so you better exercise caution. 

Are Beaches in Mexico Safe?

The most popular beaches in Mexico such as Playa del Carmen are considered low-risk. Reports of gang activity and cartel-related violence in the media are scaring the public away, but Washington and Mexican authorities are ensuring that policing standards stay high in popular destinations.

Is the Mexican Government Doing Enough to Counter the Organized Crime?

Mexican authorities claim to be doing all that they can to combat organized crime, and many local authorities are. However, with crime rates high and prosecutions low, people’s confidence in the state and its institutions is waning further.

Is Mexico City Dangerous for Tourists?

While Mexico City has areas with safety concerns, many tourist areas are generally safe. Exercise caution, stay in well-traveled areas, and follow local advice. Take usual precautions, and enjoy the rich cultural offerings and Mexico City historical sites.

How Can I Stay Safe in Mexico?

Mexican drug cartels do not want to harm tourists but you should exercise extreme caution anyway. Reconsider your need to travel to violent cities and remote areas as criminal groups frequently maintain roadblocks. Also, use ATMs in public spaces and during the daytime.

Jim Fulcher has been a writer and editor his entire career. In addition to writing, he also enjoys traveling--particularly in an RV. Over the course of numerous trips, Jim has driven an RV through West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wyoming. His favorite national park is Yellowstone, which he has visited three times.

Travel | Mexico danger map: Six states under ‘do not…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Today's e-Edition

Things To Do

• Food & Drink
• Celebrities
• Pets & Animals
• Event Calendar

Travel | Mexico danger map: Six states under ‘do not travel’ warning

Amid announcements of new safety concerns in Mexico at the start of 2023, the official U.S. State Department travel advisories remained as they had been for several months, with six states in the “do not travel” classification.

The map above shows the advisory level for each Mexican state.

Level 4 : The six states with the “do not travel” advisory, because of kidnappings and other crimes, are the northern border state of Tamaulipas, the central state of Zacatecas and the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacán and Guerrero.

Level 3 : The seven states for which visitors are advised to “reconsider travel” because of crime are Baja California (Norte), Sonora, Chihuahua, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco and Morelos.

Level 2 : Except for the two Level 1 states, travelers to all the rest are advised to “exercise increased caution.” They are: Aguascalientes, Baja California Sur, Chiapas, Coahuila, Hidalgo, state of Mexico, Nayarit, Nuevo Leon, Oaxaca, Puebla, Queretara, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosi, Tabasco, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Mexico City (Distrito Federal) is Level 2.

Level 1: The State Department advises “normal precautions” when traveling to Campeche or Yucatán, shown in green.

In addition to the general tourist warnings, specific prohibitions are issued to U.S. government employees staying or traveling in Mexico. The State Department advises that all U.S. travelers adhere to those rules.

On Jan. 12, 2023, Mexico City’s mayor announced that more than 6,000 National Guard officers would be posted in the city’s subway system after a series of accidents that officials said could be due to sabotage. The previous week, in-person services were suspended at the U.S. Consular Agency in Mazatlán because of violence across Sinaloa .

Click here for the full document on the warnings.

• Report an error
• Policies and Standards

More in Travel

Environment | Yosemite reservations will begin Saturday — here’s how they work

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Travel | 8 north coast adventures from california’s redwood coast to southern oregon.

Travel | Weekend getaway: California’s northern coast offers redwoods, rugged coastlines and more

Travel | Wish You Were Here: Northern Lights and glacier hopping in Alaska

Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico 

Hash-mark 10 most dangerous cities in mexico (2023), hash-mark 1. zamora.

The most dangerous city in Mexico is Zamora. Having garnered attention for excessive violence, Zamora has recently been called the most dangerous city in the world. With the highest murder rate on our list, Zamora also sees many other crimes like kidnappings, theft, and assault. The homicide rate in Zamora is over 28 times the average rate in the US – 193 per 100,000 people. 

hash-mark 2. Tijuana

Tijuana is also one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Its location near the US/Mexican border makes Tijuana a prime area for drug trafficking and drug-related violence and the second most dangerous city on our list. The US State Department urges Americans to avoid traveling to Tijuana, but if you go, you should stick to the downtown area and practice extreme caution. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Tijuana is 138. 

hash-mark 3. Obregon

Ciudad Obregón is a beautifully scenic city but one of the most violent in Mexico. It ranks third on our list. Not only are there frequent murders and other violent crimes in Obregon, but it is rampant with other types of crime, including property theft, car theft, and assault. Over the last few years, Obregon was named one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Obregon is 135. 

hash-mark 4. Acapulco

Coming in at number four, Acapulco, located in the Guerrero state, was once known as a beautiful beach resort town and a vacationer’s paradise. However, it has since become one of the most violent cities in the world. Though crime risks are lower in tourist areas like Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco, the US has advised citizens not to travel to the Guerrero state, which includes Acapulco. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Acapulco is 111. 

hash-mark 5. Victoria

Victoria, Mexico, sits in the northeastern region of Tamaulipas. Currently ranked as the seventh most dangerous city in the world, Ciudad Victoria is another highly violent Mexican city. Much of the violence is drug-related and occurs between cartels and in prisons. Travel is discouraged in all Tamaulipas cities, and even traveling through this state is recommended against. Incidents have occurred where tourist and passenger buses were targeted for robberies, and passengers were taken hostage for ransom. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Victoria is 86. 

hash-mark 6. Juarez

Our sixth unsafe city in Mexico is Juarez. Bordering the United States at the intersection of New Mexico and Texas, this location is perfect for trafficking drugs in and out of the US and is cause for it being one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Juarez is in Chihuahua, where travel is advised against due to elevated levels of crime and violence. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Juarez is 86. 

hash-mark 7. Irapuato

Located in the central state of Guanajuato, Irapuato has seen high rates of violence and homicide, especially over the last few years. As with other locations throughout Mexico, much of the violence is drug-related. Due to the high number of assaults, armed robberies, and kidnappings, the US discourages travel to Irapuato. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Irapuato is 81.

hash-mark 8. Celaya

Also in Guanajuato, only about an hour from Irapuato, Celaya has also seen a rise in crime and violence over the last few years. With two prominent cartels in the area, drug-related crimes are widespread in this Mexican city. Extortion and illegal fuel trade also generate crimes. Ranked on our list at number eight, the homicide rate per 100,000 people in Celaya is 79.

hash-mark 9. Uruapan

Uruapan is in the state of Michoacán, where the most dangerous city on our list, Zamora, is also located. The US discourages travel to this state. Though Uruapan is known for beautiful handmade crafts and avocado plantations, it is also well-known for its steadily increasing crime rate. Carjackings, muggings, and armed thefts occur frequently here, even in seemingly safe areas. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Uruapan is 78.

hash-mark 10. Culiacán

Home to the Sinaloa cartel, one of the most powerful drug-trafficking organizations in the world, Culiacán, Sinaloa state, rounds out our list of the ten most dangerous cities in Mexico. The crime rate is high in this city and has escalated over the past few years. Armed robberies and kidnappings are common occurrences. The homicide rate per 100,000 people in Culiacán is 61, nearly 10x the average rate in the US.

hash-mark Most Perilous Cities in Mexico Bottom Line

Of the six most violent cities in the world, five are in Mexico. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that many Mexican cities pose significant safety risks. Currently, the US advises normal precautions for travel in only two states – Campeche and Yucatan. They suggest exercising increased caution in seventeen states, reconsidering travel in seven states, and outright discouraging travel in six.

Many of the most dangerous areas are located along the US border, but that’s not the sole indicator of a high crime rate. Even the most-visited tourist destinations can be dangerous, so it’s imperative to remain vigilant at all times.

While many parts of Mexico are extremely dangerous, most crime and violence are associated with the drug trade and typically not aimed at tourists. If you travel to Mexico, stay in busy resort areas and do not go anywhere alone. Avoid exploring at night and/or displaying valuables, expensive clothing, or other signs of wealth. By being cautious, you can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime.

Share this article

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » North America » Travel Safety

Is Mexico Safe for Travel? (Insider Tips – 2024)

Mexico is one of those countries that really divides opinions. With a bad reputation for violent crime and criminal groups, it often scares people away.

Though Mexico has a good reputation for many, many other things. Colourful art, soulful music, elaborate food, rich history… So before people consider travelling to Mexico, they end up asking themselves (or the internet) “is Mexico safe to travel to?”

I’ve spent years now travelling Mexico safely. And let me tell you, this is a special country. I want to share some love for my Mexican brothers and sisters who don’t deserve the bad reputation that the country generally holds. 

Though, granted, it’s not just a place you can drop into unannounced and expect everything to be hunky dory. You should know the score when it comes to staying safe in Mexico. I’ll cover a range of topics about using public transport, personal safety, criminal activity, the popular tourist destinations, and where exactly you need to exercise increased caution. 

If you’re thinking to visit Mexico with your family or even as a solo female traveller, you have every potential for an incredible trip. Though I’m not going to encourage anything without good, solid research.

So let’s start here.

There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, as things change quickly. The question of “Is Mexico Safe?” will ALWAYS have a different answer depending on who you ask.

The information in this safety guide was accurate at the time of writing. If you use our guide, do your own research, and practice common sense, you will probably have a wonderful and safe trip to Mexico.

If you see any outdated information, we would really appreciate it if you could reach out in the comments below. Otherwise, stay safe friends!

Updated March 2024

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Is it Safe to Visit Mexico Right Now?

Safest places in mexico, top safety tips for travelling to mexico, is mexico safe to travel alone, is mexico safe for solo female travellers, where to start your travels in mexico, is mexico safe for families, getting around mexico safely, crime in mexico, what to pack for your mexico trip, getting insured before visiting mexico, faqs on mexico’s safety, so, is mexico safe.

The quick answer to that question is yes . Travelling to Mexico right now is safe. Based on the reports of Gobierno de Mexico tourism , Mexico recorded an estimated 30,700,000 tourists from January to November 2022. Amongst these are pretty much safe travels.

Before people start kicking off in the comments about that statement, let me turn that question on its head. Is Mexico dangerous to travel? Well, yes, it can be too.

But no matter what horror stories people want to share about Mexico, it’s absolutely possible to visit Mexico and have a safe – nay – FANTASTIC trip. In fact, it’s one of the top-visited countries in the world – and the vast majority of tourists don’t encounter any problems.

The problem really is what people consider as “dangerous”. That really is a big umbrella term when it comes to the question “ is Mexico safe? “.

Like anywhere, there are things you need to be aware of and safety precautions to take. In this guide to safety in Mexico, I’ll also give you my best safety advice on how to avoid trouble.

Mexico’s bad reputation mainly comes from being situated between coca-producing nations and the USA (the world’s largest drug market). But that doesn’t necessarily reflect how tourists are treated in this country. Gang warfare is basically just that: violence between gangs.

Tourist destinations don’t see the same level of crime that other parts of the country experience; the local authorities are working to keep, at the very least, these popular areas and neighborhoods of Mexico open for business.

Be cautious but also be reassured that since you’re not a part of the violence in Mexico, you’re less likely to be targeted. Unless you’re looking for trouble in Mexico, it shouldn’t come looking for you. At the end of the day, Mexican people are friendly, family-oriented, religious, fun-loving, helpful, and open.

Check out our detailed where to stay guide for Mexico so you can start your trip right!

Mexico is an extremely diverse and dynamic country. Undoubtedly, some of these places to stay in Mexico are safer than others…

As a loose note, the tourist destinations are generally the safest. It’s important for the Mexican government to maintain this huge income from tourism, so ensuring the safety of these visitors is paramount.

Riviera Maya and the state of Quintana Roo receive the most tourists. It is a stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatán Peninsula.

That doesn’t mean to say that you can’t have a completely safe trip if you’re visiting Mexico City or even some of the areas considered dangerous to travel in Mexico too. Sometimes travelling comes down to pure luck.

Do your research on the area you want to stay in and what trip you want to have. But generally, these areas have very few safety issues.

• Playa Del Carmen – Cancun’s little brother is a great place for a safe Mexican vacation. Lots of entertainment for kids, big and small. Staying in Playa Del Carmen is a great alternative for families staying in Mexico.
• Oaxaca State – One of the most culturally diverse states in Mexico attracts visitors from across the globe. Visiting Oaxaca City for El Dia De Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) festival is one of the country’s top attractions.
• Isla Mujeres – This breathtaking island is something drawn up in a fairytale. Everyone deserves a vacation in Isla Mujeres at some point in their life.

Dangerous Places in Mexico

As in almost every country, there are areas that are better avoided if you want to have a safe trip. The same goes for Mexico.

Some areas are not recommended for travel for various reasons. However, these are generally not places that tourists should have much interest in any way.

Actually, at the time of writing this, the travel advisory from the UK and the USA differed. So before travelling, always do your own research into the area you want to visit before you book anything and before you travel to Mexico.

Drug-related crimes mainly involve (but not limited to) the northern states. Before booking your trip to Mexico and before travelling, check your countries travel advice. They will detail the exact places not recommended and where you should reconsider travel.

To help you out a bit, I’ve listed some areas in Mexico that the U.S government do not recommend travel (at the time of writing). For the sake of caution, I suggest not putting them on your Mexico itinerary .

Note that even in those areas, there are safe places. But, please do your research and exercise extreme caution.

• State of Colima
• State of Guerrero
• State of Michoacan
• State of Sinaloa
• State of Tamaulipas  
• State of Zacatecas

Keeping your money safe in Mexico

 One of the most common things to happen to you whilst travelling is losing your money. And let’s face it: the most annoying way for this to actually occur is when it’s stolen from you.

Petty crime is pretty much a problem all over the world.The best solution? Get a money belt.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

It’s generally safe to travel around Mexico, but there’s no such thing as being too careful. To be as secure as possible, here’s a list of top tips for staying safe in Mexico.

• Research – understand what kind of place you are getting into. There are some places in Mexico that you should reconsider travel.
• Blend in – Don’t make yourself look rich.
• Use sun protection – the sun is relentless in Mexico! 
• Take a good medical kit with you – you never know when you might need it!
• Read reviews – for trustworthy bus companies, accommodation, and tours.
• ONLY use official taxis – anything else is illegal and unregulated.
• Don’t walk around after dark – Use those official taxis. 
• Use ATMs with caution – in daylight hours, inside shops/malls, and be discreet.
• Ask about dangerous neighbourhoods – or places to avoid in the local area.
• Hide your money well – money belts work good.
• Always keep an emergency stash of cash – Never keep all your cards/ currency in one place. And hide it all from thieves with a hidden money belt .
• Be wary of scams – if strangers seem to close they are likely to be scamming.
• Learn some Spanish – this will help with eeeeeeverything.
• Ask for recommendations – your hostel/hotel staff are full of safety tips.
• Avoid drinking TOO much – keep your wits about you.
• Don’t drink tap water – stick to bottled water.
• Watch out for weather warnings – especially if you’re travelling in hurricane season.
• Comply with kidnappers – I hate to include this but just to clear all bases: in the extremely unlikely event that this occurs…
• Stay away from drugs – look, I know. But this is the souce of many of Mexico’s problems. 
• Get good travel insurance ! – Essential.

Yes, travelling alone in Mexico is safe. Though it is a very different experience.

Solo travel in Mexico can make one feel very vulnerable at times – though that goes for anywhere, especially in Latin America. If you want to travel solo in Mexico, you absolutely can , but you must take some extra precautions…

• Make friends . There is safety in numbers. 
• Check out reviews for hostels . The best hostels in Mexico aren’t always the cheapest option.
• Keep an open mind. Absolutely, Mexico can be overwhelming. But dismissing it or getting panicked is a good way to lose rational action.
• Ask for advice . Mexicans are very friendly and helpful. If you get lost or need help, approach somebody in a personable, polite manner and they’ll be more than happy to help.
• Don’t walk around at night . Regardless of gender or group size, it’s never a good idea. 
• Never leave your drink or food unattended . Again, regardless of gender, you’re not immune to being spiked . 
• Carry hidden cash . Losing all your cash at once while travelling in Mexico is far from ideal. 
• Pay attention to government warnings . Check weather and heightened crime warnings in the area.

Regardless of popular belief, Mexico is a safe destination to travel alone. Probably not the first country I’d recommend to dive into your first solo tour – but it’s not exactly a no-go zone. With the proper safety habits and some extra attention, Mexico is safe for solo travellers.

Yes! Mexico is a great destination for solo female travellers .

Again, before people start losing it in the comments, I’ve done it. I’ve met many other women who have done it. 

Let me make it clear that there are always safety protocols to follow to ensure that statement can be upheld. Unfortunately, yes, there are some things that women should be aware of before they start their travel to Mexico.

Much of Mexico is safe for solo female travellers. Though, how safe Mexico is for female travellers varies on perspective. Here is some advice and top tips:

• Trust your spidey senses! – if your gut says something is wrong then it probably is.
• Find good hostels for women . Plenty of women travel alone. Meet other female travellers and see how they’ve done it.
• Assaults happen . Avoid drinking too much, buy your own drinks (and watch them), and only travel with reputable bus companies.
• Again, DO NOT WALK HOME AT NIGHT . 
• Look confident – Even if you’re lost, walk confidently until you feel like you can ask someone friendly-looking.
• Observe what local women are wearing and dress accordingly . I love empowerment but Mexico is still conservative in many ways. This is not the time to break boundaries.
• Get to know people but don’t tell them exactly where you’re staying . You never know who you’re talking to.
• Be aware of threats and dangers – but don’t let them overwhelm you .

Lastly, and most importantly, remember that ‘no’ is a full sentence. 

Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen offers something for everyone – while being generally very safe. Whether you just want to chill at the beach, explore caves and cenotes or learn more about the Mexican culture, you can find everything here.

Yes , again, Mexico is safe for families. But like everywhere you take your precious brood – go heavy on the research.

I’ve covered the main safety concerns already, but there is plenty more information on how to have a safe trip to Mexico.

Mexico is a family-oriented place. Children are a big part of society and you’ll be well looked after if you travel there with your own in tow. Having your kids with you will help break down barriers between you and locals, making for a more authentic, memorable experience.

On the whole, Mexico is safe to travel for families. For a start, you’re less likely to be travelling through the rougher and less trodden paths that backpackers would be taking.

Stick to the tourist destinations, but you don’t have to stick to the confines of an all-inclusive resort. Venturing out to local markets and seeing the life and colour of the country is easily done with children. People will be warm and welcoming.

I hate feeling like I’m preaching to the choir but the most important note here is to make sure your children are protected from the sun . The beaches get seriously hot and there are lots of places at high altitudes with very strong UV rays.

Yes, I’m talking to you parents and guardians here too. Take care of yourself too and set a good example! The sun really is not something to mess around with here.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Whether you’re driving in Mexico or using public transport, you can do it safely. There are just a few things to be aware of.

Driving is a good way to see the country at your own pace. In fact, many travellers visit Mexico by crossing the US border in their own vehicles or rent a car. That being said, things aren’t always straightforward.

Generally, it’s safe to drive in Mexico, but  I advise against driving at night . Crucially, you’re more likely to get people who are involved in unlawful activities driving around. There’s also animals on the road, vehicles driving with no lights, etc.

You’ll need an international drivers license. Pay attention to local laws and use reputable car rental companies.

Illegal roadblocks happen at random places along highways – they’ll ask to see your driver’s license. Especially in remote areas, these are not always official and will demand cash in exchange for being able to pass.

Toll roads are run by private companies and can be pricey. However, these are safer to use than roads not on the main highway.

Taxis are safe in Mexico ! Just so long as you play by the (very simple) rules – e.g. get licensed cabs, use an app, or ask your hotel for help. Do this and you’ll be getting around with no trouble at all.

Don’t hail a cab off the street after dark – that’s probably an illegal taxi.  Go to a Sitio  (taxi ranks) to find a licensed cab.

Generally, public transport is safe in Mexico. It’s the road conditions with crazy drivers that’s the most dangerous part. Of course, it’s much safer to use in the daytime than at night.

Then there’s traveling around the country itself. Highway buses ( camiones ) are safe in Mexico, easy to get, and are run by reputable bus companies. First class bus companies , like ADO, do checks for alcohol and drugs on the driver, and check security for passengers too.

Crime and kidnapping are the words thrown around a lot when referring to safety in Mexico. Unfortunately, crime does loom over the nation.

Warring drug cartels have resulted in a high (and increasing) murder rate and violence. But as long as you stay in your lane, mind your business, and practice caution, you should have no problem. There’s very little reason for these crimes to affect tourists, especially while traveling in the safest cities in Mexico .

Petty theft is common – like anywhere with a tourist industry.

It should also be noted that the police do pose some safety issues in Mexico too. Yes, in many cases they do keep streets safer – but they are also famously corrupt too.

It’s best just to not get on the wrong side of them. “Yes, sir. No, sir. 3 bags full, sir.” (That works much better in Spanish too.) A hidden bribe has been known to come in handy too.

Everyone’s packing list is going to look a little different, but here are a few things I would never want to travel to Mexico without…

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

Yesim stands as a premier eSIM service provider, catering specifically to the mobile internet needs of travellers.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Without a doubt, you should have good Mexico travel insurance . With all the best wishes in the world, you can’t plan for everything.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Planning a safe trip to Mexico can seem quite overwhelming. But no worries, you’ve got this. Here are some more of the most frequently asked questions on safety in Mexico.

Is Mexico too dangerous to visit?

No, Mexico is not too dangerous to visit if you use your common travel sense. There are plenty of regions and cities that are more than safe to visit. Stay away from the areas that are known for trouble and you’ll have a great trip.

What should you avoid in Mexico?

Avoid these things in Mexico to add another level of safety to your trip: – Stay away from drugs. – Leave your belongings out of sight. – Don’t resist if you get robbed. – Don’t walk around alone at night.

What is the biggest safety issue in Mexico?

Gang activity and drug-related crimes are the biggest safety threat in Mexico. However, popular tourist destinations are unlikely targets. Stick to the safe areas of Mexico and exercise increased caution if you decide to travel outside of these zones.

What are the safest areas in Mexico?

Quintana Roo and Oaxaca are two of the safest states in Mexico to visit. Isla Mujeres, Isla Holbox, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca City are some of the safest areas to stay in Mexico. They have generally low crime rates. Although, I’m going to suggest that you still maintain the same level of caution as you would anywhere else.

Is Mexico safe to live?

Yes, Mexico is a safe country to live in. Again, some places are much safer than others and it is a different experience than simply visiting Mexico. Do your research, respect local laws, and stay up to date on the areas that interest you to move your life to.

Safety-wise… well, I won’t sugar coat it: Mexico does pose some safety risks. Though, so does almost anywhere in the world. The advice I offer you in this guide to staying safe in Mexico is very similar to what I would offer you for many other places. 

Of course, criminal groups and violent crime are active in Mexico. But more tourists are affected by sunstroke than express kidnappings – yet no one will try and scare you with that one. Believe me, many more Mexicans are affected by the high crime rate than tourists – with the Mexican government actively protecting these popular tourist areas.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of the risk of violent crime. I’m just saying don’t get consumed by it. Exercise normal precautions, even go a little overboard if it makes you feel better. 

Remember, you are a guest when you are travelling in Mexico. Remain vigilant at all times, respect local authorities, stick to tourist destinations, and don’t get involved with Mexican drug cartels. (I would hope that last one really is common sense but hey, covering all bases.)

If something seems sketchy – get the hell out of there! Be smart and stay aware of your surroundings and you should have a safe experience.

It’s also a good idea to check weather warnings. Hurricane season and earthquakes really are up to Mother Earth. 

With that, is Mexico safe to visit right now? YES! 

This stunning Latin American highlight makes this wide world a much brighter place to live. I urge you to see it for yourself.

Looking for more info on traveling to Mexico?

• Let me help you choose where to stay in Mexico
• Swing by one of these fabulous festivals
• Don’t forget to add an epic national park to your itinerary
• Check out my favorite Airbnbs in the centre of all the action
• Plan the rest of your trip with our fantastic backpacking Mexico travel guide!

Disclaimer: Safety conditions change all over the world on a daily basis. We do our best to advise but this info may already be out of date. Do your own research. Enjoy your travels!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

When people speak of crime I propose the majority of it is incidental. I feel what needs to be considered and frequently missed is the number of successful trips, vacations and business affairs people have experienced without problems. These do not become newsworthy because they’re not, right? Those that indulge in reckless behaviors WILLINGLY become magnets for trouble and the more often they do, the odds go up. I speak from experience. I used to be a FUP and kept repeating the same patterns getting the same results. I got sober. Now the troublesome arenas have disappeared (amazingly). Like I tell my wife. Your vulnerability has a lot to do with your behavior. You want to walk with your head down rarely if ever looking around ? You’re a target. Criminals look for the soft hit. This is not anything new….it’s been an ongoing process since the dawn of mankind. STAY AWARE &ALERT in public. If you’re over 50, male or female, your reflexes are diminished and cannot put up the same fight against the bad guy. So what do you do? Even the playing field by learning how to defend yourself and develop awareness. I cannot emphasize this enough. The bad guys are everywhere.

No. You cant compare usa to mexico. Mexico is far more dangerous Id rather travel the us than travel mexico I was born and raised in mexico

I am from Chicago, that city today is the most dangerous on earth! 750 to 800 homicides are committed each year with 7000 to 8000 wounded! Car jacking is a daly occurrence and so are drive by shootings! Mexico by comparison is far safer!

Just got back from Puerto Vallarta Mexico and was drugged and for some reason I was given some little injections in my neck during a spa treatment and I ran up off the table with my heart beating and it’s just super dangerous I was at the Hyatt ziva which is considered a very swanky resort and I felt very vulnerable it felt like everybody knew each other it feel like it was run by one big gang I don’t recommend Mexico ever.. unfortunately after these crimes were perpetrated on me I finally decided to read all about the crimes in Mexico I wish I would have done that before I made my vacation plans there I feel very fortunate to be back home very unsafe place.

I am from Mexico and I live in the States. I visit my hometown Saltillo in Coahuila every once a year. Sometimes I tend to cross the border by car.

What I’d recommend is to inform yourself very well. Border towns can be very dangerous, even if they are literally feet away from the United States. Nuevo Laredo, for example, is terrible right now. I had to get a police escort to drive 30 miles south away from the town. It all depends on the state. Avoid Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon.

Also remember that when you go to Mexico, or any different country, be on your best behaviour and keep your wits about you. Also be open to whatever that may happen. Try to blend in and don’t look like a tourist. Don’t wear expensive clothing as well as typical Mexican clothing. Learn some Spanish, as well as the slang. Always carry cash, and keep your credit card hidden only for important and safe transactions such as hotels or plane flights.

If you go out drinking, do have fun, but always observe your surroundings. Always figure out a way of letting people know where you are. Mexico can be very hospitable, but just as it can be nice, it could take the wrong turn very fast. Don’t go there looking for trouble. It is a very gray area and it can be whatever you want it to be. But remember that with every action there is a consequence.

As of September 2020 I’d stay away from Mexico. I LIVE in Baja California normally but have been staying in the states because of COVID and crime. The Mexican government has not tracked the numbers, testing is almost non-existent and the locals are not masking or distancing. In addition, the disease has hit the economy so hard that crime is spiking. A San Diego couple who were very familiar with Baja and been coming for 30 years was just murdered for their car and their bodies turned up in Ensenada. I was attacked at the border crossing when a police officer directed me into a trap and I was lucky to get away fro 700 pesos (about $35 US). I love MX, the food, the people, the natural beauty, the wine country, my beach home (which cost me only $80k). But right now I am staying away and I advise others to do the same.

So I think the short answer is basically “no”, its not safe. That tip about always complying with your kidnappers is great advice. lol.

It is possible to travel through the rural areas of the United States without fear. You are more likely to be robbed in a city, near one of these “touristy” destinations, than some road between nowhere. Its very strange to me that its the opposite in Mexico, but maybe not surprising. It sounds like complete lawlessness.

Very disappointing. I’d like to see the “real Mexico”, but that doesn’t sound like its possible without huge risk.

Honestly… if you want to enjoy travelling around and not worry about getting caught in a crossfire, Mexico will not be the best place to visit right now. Went there in March this year and got involved in a shooting in the bar street in the (tourist) center of Tulum. This shooting did not reach the news while a lot of tourists and other people were there when it happened. One man was killed. It was terrifying.

Many things mentioned can also be applied when traveling to the USA. ;-D

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

The Most Dangerous City In Mexico Has 50 Million Visitors Yearly

Sharing.a border with San Diego, California, Tijuana, Mexico is the most visited border city in the world.

• Tijuana may be a city worth visiting despite its dangerous reputation, with cultural attractions, a vibrant art scene, and great food.
• Travelers should maintain heightened awareness and avoid risky behavior to safely explore Tijuana's bustling energy and attractions.
• Amidst safety concerns, Tijuana boasts a rich culture, lively entertainment, and mouth-watering street food to enjoy while staying cautious.

Tijuana, Mexico is notorious for being one of the most dangerous cities in Mexic o . While it's not the first destination people may think of visiting, its 50 million annual visitors makes it worth asking... why? The San Yisidro border crossing connecting Mexico to San Diego, California, sees 300,000 daily border crossings , making it the busiest land-border crossing in the entire world.

While it's true these 300,000 individuals may not all be tourists flocking to Tijuana for vacation, it still stirs up the question of: how safe is it to visit Tijuana, and is it a place worth visiting? With its reputation as a city full of gangs and violent crime, it may be hard to fathom, but Tijuana has in fact had a bit of a makeover in recent years, finally giving tourists the chance to enjoy all this city on the Gold Coast of Baja California has to offer.

Things To Know about Tijuana, The Most Visited Border City In The World

Sharing a border with san diego, california, 50 million people cross this port of entry annually.

Yes, while Tijuana may present an increased chance of becoming targeted for crime (like visiting many major cities in the world), this doesn't mean visitors should stay away. In fact, Tijuana sees around 2 million tourists every year .

The city located on the top of Baja Peninnusla, on the Pacific coast, has become a popular destination for travelers over the years. Only a 15-minute drive (and just a little long walker) from San Diego, makes it the perfect destination for California residents who want a Mexican weekend getaway.

There are many travelers who have first-hand experience visiting Tijuana and have only good things to say. Keeping in mind, knowing the locals will always enhance any trip, particularly regarding safe and unsafe areas to venture. In recent years, Tijuana has received a bit of a makeover, which has begun to highlight all the city's cultural attractions, vibrant art scene and great shops and markets. Not to mention the beach scene, good food and buzzing nightlife.

If a place was just too dangerous for visitors, the 300,00 daily traffic would simply be much lower, if it existed at all. While it's important to stay up to date with travel advisories and safety concerns, it's also important to listen to the locals and those with first-hand experience of visiting a destination.

10 Safest Places To Retire In Mexico

Is visiting tijuana, mexico safe, with many risks to consider, safe and smart traveling brings many annual visitors.

So, what makes Tijuana such a dangerous place in the first place? Well, let's face it, any city on the border of Mexico and the United States is going to have its issues. Drug trafficking and cartels are no secret, and crossing into California is inevitably going to be a hot spot for that kind of lucrative import/export business.

And where there are drugs, there is crime, gangs and violence, so tourists will naturally become some kind of target as they enter into the line of fire. However, it doesn't necessarily mean tourists are the ones who are solely being targeted.

The U.S. government has categorized Tijuana under the "Reconsider Travel" list due to crime and kidnapping. While this is not to be taken lightly, it's also important to remember, the majority of times, when practicing safe and smart traveling, keeping a heightened sense of awareness and common sense (most importantly), the chances of crossing paths with this kind of activity is pretty low.

Violent crime against tourists is in fact lower than it may seem due to tourists staying in safe neighborhoods and out of the areas where the majority of crime is happening .

Of course, with all the amazing and beautiful places Mexico has to offer, including some underrated destinations highly worth considering for 2024 , it may not seem worth the trouble. However, crossing the border from San Diego can offer an epic adventure and a chance to explore a city that has more to offer than it's given credit for.

Important Travel Tips For Safety

• Be careful where you travel at night.
• Avoid engaging in any unlawful behavior.
• Travel with a companion/ Or practice smart solo traveling
• Do not flaunt your wealth in public.

Zona Norte is the most tourist-friendly part of the city and is where many of the shops, restaurants and attractions are.

7-Day Road Trip Itinerary From San Diego To Mexico With Scenic Stops

Things to do, see & taste in tijauana, explore the rich culture, art, lively entertainment and mouth-watering street food.

So, once travelers decide to cross the border, now it's time to discover all that Tijuana has to offer. Tijuana is full of art, culture, markets, nightlife and classic Mexican street food that is unmissable on any trip to Tijuana.

Avenida Revolución is the largest street in the city and is also the perfect place to experience the bustling energy and everyday life of Tijuana and to meet the friendly locals.

The Tijuana Cultural Center is a museum with exhibits and installations highlighting the rich culture of Mexico and is sure to enrich any trip to Tijuana. And, of course, no trip would be complete without visiting the stunning Pacific coastline. Mexico is home to some of the most beautiful beaches , and Tijuana is one of the destinations with some of the best.

The food in Tijuana is home to some of the best in Mexico, especially for seafood lovers. Tijuana is known for their shrimp tacos and other Baja seafood like red snapper ceviche and octopus carpacchio.

However, what Tijuana is most well known for is being home to the original Ceasar Salad. First invented by Caesar Cardini in 1924, visitors can still experience the original preparation of the salad at the famous restaurant Caesar's .

For those who can't get over the travel advisories, consider Puerto Vallarta as an alternative, which was voted to be one of the friendliest cities in the world .

Blue Flag Beaches In Mexico Perfect For Eco-Conscious Travelers In 2024

So, yes, while Tijuana could be considered one of the more dangerous cities to visit in Mexico, it's important to consider what makes a place dangerous in the first place. When traveling smartly and safely, visiting such an accessible destination shouldn't be missed and is, in fact, more popular than it may seem.

It's worth considering why 50 million people are safely making their way to the most visited border city in the world every year.

Situation in Haiti April 5, 2024

U.s. citizens in haiti, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Mexico Travel Advisory

Travel advisory august 22, 2023, see state summaries.

Reissued after periodic review with general security updates, and the removal of obsolete COVID-19 page links.

Country Summary: Violent crime – such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery – is widespread and common in Mexico. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in many areas of Mexico, as travel by U.S. government employees to certain areas is prohibited or restricted. In many states, local emergency services are limited outside the state capital or major cities.

U.S. citizens are advised to adhere to restrictions on U.S. government employee travel. State-specific restrictions are included in the individual state advisories below. U.S. government employees may not travel between cities after dark, may not hail taxis on the street, and must rely on dispatched vehicles, including app-based services like Uber, and regulated taxi stands. U.S. government employees should avoid traveling alone, especially in remote areas. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Mexico.

Do Not Travel To:

• 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.
• Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To:

• Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Durango state  due to  crime .
• Guanajuato state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Morelos state  due to  crime .
• Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To:

• Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
• Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
• Chiapas state  due to  crime .
• Coahuila state  due to  crime .
• Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
• Mexico City  due to  crime .
• Mexico State  due to  crime .
• Nayarit state  due to  crime.
• Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
• Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
• Queretaro state  due to  crime .
• Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
• San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime and kidnapping .
• Tabasco state  due to  crime .
• Tlaxcala state due to  crime .
• Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To:

• Campeche state
• Yucatan state

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

• Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
• Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
• Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
• Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Follow the U.S. Embassy on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
• Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

Aguascalientes state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Aguascalientes state.

Baja California state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes. Violent crime and gang activity are common. Travelers should remain on main highways and avoid remote locations. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• Mexicali Valley:  U.S. government employees should avoid the Mexicali Valley due to the heightened possibility of violence between rival cartel factions.  The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 and Carretera Aeropuerto due north to the Baja California/California border, and from that point eastward along the Baja California/California border.
• Travelers may use Highways 2 and 2D to transit between Mexicali, Los Algodones, and San Luis Rio Colorado during daylight hours. Travelers may also use Highways 1 and 8 to transit to and from the Mexicali Airport during daylight hours.  Travel on Highway 5 is permissible during daylight hours.

There are no other travel restrictions for U.S. government employees in Baja California state. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as  Tijuana ,  Ensenada , and  Rosarito .

Baja California Sur state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Baja California Sur state.

Campeche state – Exercise Normal Precautions

Exercise normal precautions.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Campeche state.

Chiapas state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Chiapas state.

Chihuahua state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Battles for territory between criminal groups have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees, including restaurants and malls during daylight hours. Bystanders have been injured or killed in shooting incidents. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

U.S. government employee travel is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Ciudad Juarez:  U.S. government employees may travel to the area of Ciudad Juarez bounded to the east by Bulevar Independencia; to the south by De los Montes Urales/Avenida Manuel J Clouthier/Carretera de Juárez; to the west by Via Juan Gabriel/Avenida de los Insurgentes/Calle Miguel Ahumada/Francisco Javier Mina/Melchor Ocampo; and to the north by the U.S.-Mexico border.  Direct travel to the Ciudad Juarez airport (officially called the Abraham González International Airport) and the factories located along Bulevar Independencia and Las Torres is permitted.  Travel to San Jerónimo is permitted only through the United States via the Santa Teresa U.S. Port of Entry; travel via Anapra is prohibited.

U.S. government employees may only travel from Ciudad Juarez to the city of Chihuahua during daylight hours via Federal Highway 45, with stops permitted only at the Guardia Nacional División Caminos station, the Umbral del Milenio overlook area, the border inspection station at KM 35, and the shops and restaurants on Federal Highway 45 in the city of Ahumada.

• U.S. government employees may travel between Ciudad Juarez and Ascension via Highway 2.
• Nuevo Casas Grandes Area (including Nuevo Casas Grandes, Casas Grandes, Mata Ortiz, Colonia Juárez, Colonia LeBaron, Paquimé and San Buenaventura):  U.S. government employees may travel to the Nuevo Casas Grandes area during daylight hours via Mexico Federal Highway 2, and subsequently Federal Highway 10, to Nuevo Casas Grandes.  Employees are permitted to stay overnight in the cities of Nuevo Casas Grandes and Casas Grandes only.
• City of Chihuahua:  U.S. government employees may travel at any time to the area of the city of Chihuahua bounded to the north by Avenida Transformación; to the east by Avenida Tecnológico/Manuel Gómez Morín/Highway 16/Blvd.José Fuentes Mares; to the west by the city boundary; and to the south by Periférico Francisco R. Almada.
• U.S. government employees may travel on Highways 45, 16, and 45D through the city of Chihuahua and to the Chihuahua airport (officially called the General Roberto Fierro Villalobos International Airport). 
• U.S. government employees may travel to Santa Eulalia to the east of the city of Chihuahua, as well as to Juan Aldama via Highway 16 to the northeast.
• U.S. government employees may travel south of the city of Chihuahua on Highway 45 to the southern boundary of Parral, including each town directly connected to Highway 45, including Lázaro Cárdenas, Pedro Meoqui, Santa Cruz de Rosales, Delicias, Camargo, Ciudad Jiménez, and Parral itself.
• U.S. government employees may only travel on official business from the city of Chihuahua on Highway 16 to Ciudad Cuauhtémoc bounded by Highway 21 to the north and east, Highway 5 to the west, and Bulevar Jorge Castillo Cabrera to the south. 
• Ojinaga:  U.S. government employees must travel to Ojinaga via U.S. Highway 67 and enter through the U.S. Port of Entry in Presidio, Texas.
• Palomas:  U.S. government employees may travel to Palomas via U.S. highways through the U.S. Port of Entry in Columbus, New Mexico, or via Highway 2 in Mexico.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Chihuahua, including  Copper Canyon .

Coahuila state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur in parts of Coahuila state. 

U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Zaragoza, Morelos, Allende, Nava, Jimenez, Villa Union, Guerrero, and Hidalgo municipalities : U.S. government employees may not travel to these municipalities.
• Piedras Negras and Ciudad Acuña:  U.S. government employees must travel directly from the United States and observe a curfew from midnight to 6:00 a.m. in both cities.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Coahuila state.

Colima state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.  

Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.  

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with noted restrictions: 

• Manzanillo:   U.S. government employee travel is limited to the tourist and port areas of Manzanillo.  
• Employees traveling to Manzanillo from Guadalajara must use Federal Toll Road 54D during daylight hours.  

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Colima state. 

Durango state – Reconsider Travel

Reconsider travel due to crime.

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Durango state.

• West and south of Federal Highway 45:  U.S. government employees may not travel to this region of Durango state.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Durango state.

Guanajuato state – Reconsider Travel

Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state.  Of particular concern is the high number of murders in the southern region of the state associated with cartel-related violence. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Areas south of Federal Highway 45D:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area south of and including Federal Highway 45D, Celaya, Salamanca, and Irapuato.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Guanajuato state, which includes tourist areas in:  San Miguel de Allende ,  Guanajuato City , and  surrounding areas.

Guerrero state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime.

Crime and violence are widespread. Armed groups operate independently of the government in many areas of Guerrero. Members of these groups frequently maintain roadblocks and may use violence towards travelers. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping in previous years.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following area with the noted restrictions:

• Taxco:  U.S. government employees must use Federal Highway 95D, which passes through Cuernavaca, Morelos, and stay within downtown tourist areas of Taxco. Employees may visit Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park during the day with a licensed tour operator.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Guerrero, including to tourist areas in  Acapulco ,  Zihuatanejo , and  Ixtapa .

Hidalgo state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Hidalgo state.

Jalisco state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Jalisco state. In Guadalajara, territorial battles between criminal groups take place in tourist areas. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed innocent bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Jalisco-Michoacan border and Federal Highway 110:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area between Federal Highway 110 and the Jalisco-Michoacan border, nor travel on Federal Highway 110 between Tuxpan, Jalisco, and the Michoacan border.
• Federal Highway 80:  U.S. government employees may not travel on Federal Highway 80 south of Cocula.

There are no other restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Jalisco state which includes tourist areas in:  Guadalajara Metropolitan Area ,  Puerto Vallarta (including neighboring Riviera Nayarit) ,  Chapala , and  Ajijic .

Mexico City (Ciudad de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico City. Use additional caution, particularly at night, outside of the frequented tourist areas where police and security patrol more routinely. Petty crime occurs frequently in both tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico City.

Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Mexico State.

Michoacan state – Do Not Travel

Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping.

Crime and violence are widespread in Michoacan state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

Travel for U.S. government employees is limited to the following areas with the noted restrictions:

• Federal Highway 15D:   U.S. government employees may travel on Federal Highway 15D to transit the state between Mexico City and Guadalajara.
• Morelia:  U.S. government employees may travel by air and by land using Federal Highways 43 or 48D from Federal Highway 15D.
• Lazaro Cardenas:  U.S. government employees must travel by air only and limit activities to the city center or port areas.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of the state of Michoacan, including the portions of the  Monarch Butterfly Reserve  located in Michoacan.

Morelos state – Reconsider Travel

Violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Morelos state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Morelos state.

Nayarit state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout Nayarit state.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in Nayarit state.

Nuevo Leon state – Exercise Increased Caution

Exercise increased caution due to crime and kidnapping.

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Nuevo Leon state.

Oaxaca state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence occur throughout the state.

U.S. travelers are reminded that U.S. government employees must adhere to the following travel restrictions:

• Isthmus region:  U.S. government employees may not travel to the area of Oaxaca bounded by Federal Highway 185D to the west, Federal Highway 190 to the north, and the Oaxaca-Chiapas border to the east.  This includes the cities of Juchitan de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.  
• Federal Highway 200 northwest of Pinotepa:  U.S. government employees may not use Federal Highway 200 between Pinotepa and the Oaxaca-Guerrero border.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees to other parts of Oaxaca state, which include tourist areas in:  Oaxaca City ,  Monte Alban ,  Puerto Escondido,  and  Huatulco .

Puebla state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Puebla state.

Queretaro state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Queretaro state.

Quintana Roo state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur in any location, at any time, including in popular tourist destinations.  Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

While not directed at tourists, shootings between rival gangs have injured innocent bystanders.  Additionally, U.S. citizens have been the victims of both non-violent and violent crimes in tourist and non-tourist areas.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo state. However, personnel are advised to exercise increased situational awareness after dark in downtown areas of Cancun, Tulum, and Playa del Carmen, and to remain in well-lit pedestrian streets and tourist zones.

San Luis Potosi state – Exercise Increased Caution

Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state.  U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in San Luis Potosi state.

Sinaloa state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime is widespread. Criminal organizations are based in and operating in Sinaloa. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Mazatlan:  U.S. government employees may travel to Mazatlan by air or sea only, are limited to the Zona Dorada and historic town center, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport and sea terminal.
• Los Mochis and Topolobampo:  U.S. government employees may travel to Los Mochis and Topolobampo by air or sea only, are restricted to the city and the port, and must travel via direct routes between these destinations and the airport.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Sinaloa state.

Sonora state – Reconsider Travel

Sonora is a key location used by the international drug trade and human trafficking networks. Violent crime is widespread. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Travelers should maintain a heightened level of awareness of their surroundings in all their travels in Sonora.  Security incidents may occur in any area of Sonora.

• Travel between Hermosillo and Nogales:  U.S. government employees may travel between the U.S. Ports of Entry in Nogales and Hermosillo during daylight hours via Federal Highway 15 only. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid unnecessary stops as security incidents, including sporadic, armed carjackings, and shootings have been reported along this highway during daylight hours. Travelers should have a full tank of gas and inform friends or family members of their planned travel.
• Nogales:  U.S. government employees may not travel in the triangular area north of Avenida Tecnologico, west of Bulevar Luis Donaldo Colosio (Periferico), nor east of Federal Highway 15D (Corredor Fiscal). U.S. government employees also may not travel in the residential and business areas to east of the railroad tracks along Plutarco Elias Calle (HWY 15) and Calle Ruiz Cortino, including the business area around the Morley pedestrian gate port-of-entry. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Nogales due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.  
• Puerto Peñasco:  U.S. government employees may travel between Puerto Peñasco and the Lukeville-Sonoyta U.S. Port of Entry during daylight hours via Federal Highway 8 only. They may not travel on any other route to Puerto Peñasco. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in Puerto Peñasco. due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Triangular region near Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry:  U.S. government employees may not travel into or through the triangular region west of the Mariposa U.S. Port of Entry, east of Sonoyta, and north of Altar municipality.
• San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea, and Agua Prieta : U.S. government employees may travel directly from the nearest U.S. Port of Entry to San Luis Rio Colorado, Cananea (via Douglas Port of Entry), and Agua Prieta, but may not go beyond the city limits. Travel is limited to daylight hours only. Travel between Nogales and Cananea via Imuris is not permitted. U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these cities due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
• Eastern and southern Sonora (including San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos):  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora east of Federal Highway 17, the road between Moctezuma and Sahuaripa, and State Highway 20 between Sahuaripa and the intersection with Federal Highway 16. U.S. government employees may travel to San Carlos Nuevo Guaymas and Alamos; travel to Alamos is only permitted by air and within city limits.  U.S. government employees may not travel to areas of Sonora south of Federal Highway 16 and east of Federal Highway 15 (south of Hermosillo), as well as all points south of Guaymas, including Empalme, Guaymas, Obregon, and Navojoa.  U.S. government employees may not use ANY taxi services, public buses, nor ride-share applications in these areas due to a lack of secure vetting and/or dispatching procedures and the danger of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

U.S. government employees may travel to other parts of Sonora state in compliance with the above restrictions, including tourist areas in: Hermosillo , Bahia de Kino , and Puerto Penasco .

Tabasco state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tabasco state.

Tamaulipas state – Do Not Travel

Organized crime activity – including gun battles, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, forced disappearances, extortion, and sexual assault – is common along the northern border and in Ciudad Victoria. Criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.

Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo.  In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime. Law enforcement capacity is greater in the tri-city area of Tampico, Ciudad Madero, and Altamira, which has a lower rate of violent criminal activity compared to the rest of the state.

U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Matamoros and Nuevo Laredo:  U.S. government employees may only travel within a limited radius around and between the U.S. Consulates in Nuevo Laredo and Matamoros, their homes, the respective U.S. Ports of Entry, and limited downtown sites, subject to an overnight curfew.
• Overland travel in Tamaulipas:  U.S. government employees may not travel between cities in Tamaulipas using interior Mexican highways. Travel between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey is limited to Federal Highway 85D during daylight hours with prior authorization.

U.S. government employees may not travel to other parts of Tamaulipas state.

Tlaxcala state – Exercise Increased Caution

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Tlaxcala state.

Veracruz state – Exercise Increased Caution

Violent crime and gang activity occur with increasing frequency in Veracruz, particularly in the center and south near Cordoba and Coatzacoalcos. While most gang-related violence is targeted, violence perpetrated by criminal organizations can affect bystanders. Impromptu roadblocks requiring payment to pass are common.

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Veracruz state.

Yucatan state – Exercise Normal Precautions

There are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Yucatan state, which include tourist areas in:  Chichen Itza ,  Merida ,  Uxmal , and  Valladolid .

Zacatecas state – Do Not Travel

Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.

• Zacatecas City : U.S. government employee travel is limited to Zacatecas City proper, and employees may not travel overland to Zacatecas City.
• U.S. government employees may not travel to other areas of Zacatecas state.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Yucatan Peninsula
• Central Mexico
• Pacific Coast
• Northern Mexico
• Mexican Culture
• Trip Planning

15 Safest Cities in Mexico To Travel: Safe Places in Mexico For Travel

As a family looking for Mexican places to visit beyond the popular tourist destinations, you want to know that the places you visit are safe for you and you family. While anecdotal advice can be helpful to determine safe places in Mexico for travel, a more useful tactic is to identify the safest cities in Mexico based on data.

That's why you need this list of the 15 safest cities in Mexico for travel! We reviewed data from Mexican crime reports and survey data from Numbeo to select the top safe areas in Mexico for families to visit. These cities offer history, nature, and exciting attractions. And best of all, they’re safe for families to travel to!

This post may contain affiliate links. That means this blog will receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase something. However, this will not result in any extra costs to you.

Table of Contents

Is Mexico safe? The top 10 safest cities in Mexico for travelers to visit

While Mexico is not necessarily the safest country in the world, it's also not the most dangerous either. Before you start worrying about how dangerous Mexico is, know that there are plenty of safe places in Mexico to travel. In fact, the most dangerous parts of Mexico make up only 22% of the country. The majority of the country is safe!

Even though safety shouldn’t be the primary factor for choosing your Mexico family vacation destination, it can be a helpful element. To start off this list of safest places in Mexico, we wanted to highlight the top 10 safest cities in Mexico overall.

To determine the top 10 safest cities in Mexico for travelers, we chose cities that had a Numbeo crime index score of less than 40. Then we filtered those safe places in Mexico down to ten cities that had the lowest reported crime rates.

Here are the top 10 safest Mexican destinations for travel:

• Merida, Yucatan
• Saltillo, Coahuila
• Campeche, Campeche
• Torreon, Coahuila
• Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
• San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas
• La Paz, Baja Sur California
• Los Cabos, Baja Sur California
• Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco
• Querétaro, Querétaro

These cities are perfect starting off points for a Mexican vacation. You can use these Mexico guidebooks to prepare you for your trip to these safe cities.

Eyewitness Mexico

Lonely Planet Mexico

The Rough Guide to Mexico

Want to learn about Mexican culture? Read these books about Mexico with your kids.

Safest places in Mexico by region

To learn more about these safe cities in Mexico, we've collected information about the top things to do in these cities. Besides the ten safest Mexico destinations we've listed above, we're also highlighting five other safe areas in Mexico worth visiting. 

For ease of reading, we’ve organized this list of safe places in Mexico into the following regions:

Scroll down to your favorite region to learn about the best safe places Mexico destinations you should visit with your family.

Safest cities in Mexico in the Yucatán Peninsula

In general, the Yucatán Peninsula is one of the safest places in Mexico to visit. The area’s tropical climate and proximity to beaches is a big draw for travelers. And the rich Mayan culture of the area allows visitors to experience things like magnificent archaeological sites, delicious cuisine, and memorable cacao and temazcal ceremonies .

While there is crime in Tulum, and in other tourist areas like Cancun , Playa del Carmen, and Isla Mujeres , there are many safe places in Mexico in this region as well. The safest cities in Mexico in this region include Merida and Campeche. Other safe places include Valladolid, Yucatán; Cozumel , Quintana Roo; and Chetumal, Quintana Roo.

1. Mérida, Yucatán

By far, the city of Mérida , located in Yucatán state, tops the list of being one of the safest places to live in Mexico, as well as to travel. Mérida was built on an ancient Mayan city called T'hó. Later during Spanish colonization and beyond, Mérida became known for its production of henequen, an agave fiber used for making rope. 

Today, Mérida is a popular spot for Mexican and international tourism due to its historic colonial buildings, its vibrant Mayan culture, and close proximity to archaeological and natural sites. Its low crime rate also makes it a great destination for the safest Mexico vacations.

Points of interest in Mérida include the Gran Museo del Mundo Mayo (Yucatan’s Mayan museum) and the Catedral de San Ildefonso, or Mérida Cathedral (one of the oldest cathedrals in the Americas).

Take this walking tour of Mérida to get to know the city through its food: 

Merida Street Food Walking Tour

Mérida by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 1.9 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 25.13
• Population: 1.2 million (in 2022)

2. Campeche, Campeche

The coastal city of Campeche, officially known as San Francisco de Campeche, is a historic city located in the state of Campeche. Founded in 1540 by the Spanish on the site of an indigenous village called Ah Kim Pech, Campeche served as one of the main ports for the Spanish in the Yucatan Peninsula. Campeche is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well preserved historic architecture.

If you visit Campeche, be sure to spend time walking through the downtown historic neighborhoods. Being one of the safe places in Mexico for travelers, this city is very walkable. The San Francisco de Campeche Cathedral is a popular point of interest. Campeche is also home to the oldest Carnival celebration.

Take this guided tour of Campeche to learn about the history of the city:

Daylight Tour to the City of Campeche with Guide

Campeche by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 4.7 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 29.78
• Population: 220,389 (in 2010)

Safest cities in Mexico in Central Mexico

Central Mexico is known for its mountainous and somewhat desert climate. But it’s also filled with colorful historic towns and wonderful natural landscapes that are some of the safest places in Mexico to visit.

Although there are some dangerous places in Mexico in this region due to cartel activity, especially in Guanajuato state, there are also many safe places in Mexico in this area. Guanajuato City and San Miguel de Allende are generally safe cities to visit. Additionally, Aguascalientes City in Aguascalientes state and Querétaro City in Querétaro state are also safe areas in Mexico for travelers.

Within Mexico State, the cities of Cuauhtémoc (actually a borough of Mexico City), Toluca, and Valle de Bravo are one of the safest areas in Mexico. Other cities that are some of the safest places to go in Mexico are Puebla City in the state of Puebla, as well as San Juan del Rio and Tequisquiapan in Querétaro state. 

3. Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes

Literally translating to “hot waters”, the city of Aguascalientes, in the state of Aguascalientes, is host to Mexico’s largest festival, San Marcos Fair, held every year in April. The city’s historic Centro is home to a handful of museums and gardens. And it's a great option for safe places in Mexico to travel.

Highlights of Aguascalientes include Templo de San Antonio, Jardín de San Marcos, and Parque Tres Centurias. Additionally, the National Museum of Death offers a unique glimpse into Mexico’s Day of the Dead traditions.

Aguascalientes by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 5.3 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 34.06
• Population: 934,424 (in 2012)

4. Querétaro, Querétaro

The city of Querétaro in Querétaro state, and known officially as Santiago de Querétaro, has been settled by people groups since 200 AD. During the pre-colonial era, the area was settled by the Otomi people. Later, under Spanish rule, the city became a training site for missionaries.

Today, Querétaro is a bustling city of industry and culture, in addition to being one of the safe places in Mexico to visit in Central Mexico. One of the highlights of Querétaro is the Festival of Santiago de Querétaro , which takes place during Holy Week. The city is also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the preservation of Otomi and Spanish city design.

Querétaro by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 9.5 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 36.14
• Population: 1.6 million (in 2020)

5. Guanajuato, Guanajuato

The city of Guanajuato in Guanajuato state is an underrated gem! From outdoor activities to cultural treasures, there are so many things to do in Guanajuato. The city of Guanajuato is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its mining history, architecture, and the role the city played in the Mexican revolution make Guanajuato an important city for Mexico.

When visiting Guanajuato, be sure to visit the Centro, where the beautiful Teatro Juarez is located. Another popular place to visit is the Callejon de Beso, a narrow, yet beautiful alleyway. In fact, Guanajuato’s many alleys and walkways make it a gorgeous city to walk through!

For a different side of Guanajuato, take this fun horseback riding tour through the mountains of Guanajuato, offered by Turismo Alternativo En Guanajuato:

Mexican Equestrian Experience

Guanajuato by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 11.5 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 50.06
• Population: 194,500 (in 2020)

6. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

With fantastic food, historic architecture, and beautiful landscapes, the city of San Miguel de Allende , in the state of Guanajuato, is a popular favorite among travelers. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Miguel de Allende appeals to travelers because of its picturesque historic buildings and walkable streets. Many people who live in San Miguel de Allende consider it to be one of the most beautiful safe places in Mexico to visit.

Points of interest in San Miguel de Allende include the Spanish colonial churches such as the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel. The Mercado de Artesanía, San Miguel de Allende's artisan market, is also fun to visit. Families also won’t want to miss spending an afternoon playing at the Parque Benito Juárez.

If you're a food lover, take this walking tour offered by Taste of San Miguel to experience all the flavors of Mexico:

Tacos and Tequila Food Walking Tour in San Miguel de Allende

San Miguel de Allende by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 20.1 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 51.33
• Population: 139,297 (in 2005)

Safest cities in Mexico in the Pacific Coast states

The Pacific Coast states are known for their tropical climates. Along the coast of these states, families can find plenty of beach destinations for the safest vacations in Mexico. But inland cities are also worth visiting.

Amazing cities in this region that are among the safest places to visit in Mexico include Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco state, Oaxaca City in Oaxaca state, and San Cristobal de las Casas in Chiapas state. Other safe places in Mexico to consider visiting include the city of Tequila in Jalisco, and the cities of Palenque, Tuxtla-Guitierrez, and Tapachula in the state of Chiapas. Additionally, the city of Santa Maria Huatulco, a beach town located near the small town of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca state is a beautiful and safe beach destination.

7. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

Located in the state of Chiapas, the city of San Cristobal de las Casas, known as Jovel in the Tzotzil Mayan language, offers travelers a glimpse into indigenous Mayan culture. Nestled among mountains, and approximately an hour and a half to two hours away from Ángel Albino Corzo International Airport, San Cristobal de las Casas is full of colorful streets and a laid-back mountain town vibe.

Not to be missed are the markets and museums, as well as the Mirador de la Escuela Solmaya, which offers a breathtaking view of the city. Also visit the Andador de Guadalupe, a pedestrian street full of restaurants and shops. San Cristobal de las Casas is easily one of the most walkable safe places in Mexico to visit.

San Cristobal de las Casas by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 5.6 per 100,000
• Numbeo crime index: 18.95
• Population: 185,917 (in 2010)

8. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

Puerto Vallarta , located in the state of Jalisco, is a vibrant city full of history and beauty. From boat excursions to beach exploration, cooking classes to snorkeling adventures, there really is something for everyone when you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta.

For families, some of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta include taking dolphin and whale watching excursions and riding the Marigalante Pirate Ship. But you also don’t want to miss out on walking along the Malecon and sampling food from the local restaurants. Also, plan excursions to nearby cities of Sayulitas, Bucerias, and Yelapa (all of which area also safe places in Mexico to visit) to gain more experiences of the area.

For a unique nature experience in Puerto Vallarta, take this tour from Eco Tours Vallarta to experience swimming with wild dolphins:

Half day - Wild dolphins encounter & snorkeling at Los Arcos

Puerto Vallarta by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 9.3 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 34.86
• Population: 221,200 (in 2014)

9. Oaxaca de Juarez, Oaxaca

For families who love food, the city of Oaxaca in Oaxaca state, is the place to be! Oaxacan cuisine is known for its mole , a slow-cooked sauce made with roasted peppers and spices. But there are also other popular dishes like tlayudas, chapulines (roasted grasshoppers), tamales, and cheese.

Oaxaca is a beautiful spot for safe places in Mexico to visit. If you’re visiting Oaxaca City, be sure to visit the Jardín Etnobotánico de Oaxaca and the many museums of the city. Additionally, take some excursions to archaeological sites such as Monte Alban and Mitla, as well as the artisan villages surrounding Oaxaca City. Many of these villages around Oaxaca are also safe places in Mexico.

Get to know the many markets of Oaxaca with this walking tour:

Earth, Corn & Fire: Tasting the Roots of Oaxacan Cuisine

Oaxaca by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 17.8 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 36.83
• Population: 715,000 (in 2021)

Safest cities in Mexico in the Northern Mexican states

The states of Northern Mexico are generally known for their desert climates and natural landscapes. But there are also some beautiful coastlines in the north too. While some states along the United States-Mexico border have particularly high crime rates, there are still some safe places in Mexico within this region.

Some of the safest places in Mexico to visit in this region are in the state of Baja California Sur, with cities like La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, and Loreto. Cities like Saltillo, Torreón, and Piedras Negras in Coahuila state, and Mazatlán and El Fuerte in Sinaloa state are also safe areas in Mexico to visit. The city of Hermosillo in Sonora is fairly safe to visit, although the overall crime rate in that state is relatively high.

10. Saltillo, Coahuila

In the northern Mexican state of Coahuila, the city of Saltillo is a good option for safe places in Mexico. The city offers visitors a glimpse into the Mexican manufacturing industry. Not usually considered a tourist city, Saltillo is a hub for automotive manufacturing.

But the city of Saltillo is also steeped in history, as it’s one of the oldest cities in Northern Mexico. It also boasts over 20 museums! Not to be missed is the Museo del Sarape, which showcases the traditional serape, a men’s garment from the area. The Desert Museum also has an extensive collection of fossils and plants from Mexico.

Saltillo by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 3.2 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 38.96
• Population: 807,537 (in 2015)

11. Torreón, Coahuila

Another historical city in Northern Mexico is Torreón, located in the state of Coahuila. Archaeological findings show this area of Mexico has been settled since 10,000 BC. But more recently, Torreón played an important role in the Mexican Revolution.

Sites to see in Torreón include the Cristo de las Noas, the third largest Christ statue in Latin America. Also take a visit to Museo Aroceno, which holds pre-Hispanic art and exhibits about Mexican history. It's certainly one of the more off-the-beaten-path safe places in Mexico.

Torreón by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 4.8 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 39.74
• Population: 735,340 (in 2021)

12. La Paz, Baja Sur California

The city of La Paz, within the state of Baja Sur California, is a prime spot for outdoor enthusiasts and seafood lovers. Located along the Gulf of California in the southern half of the Baja Peninsula, La Paz exudes the laid back vibe of California living with a Mexican flair. And being one of the safe places in Mexico, La Paz offers visitors plenty of activities to partake in.

One of the popular activities for families is to see whale sharks in La Paz . These giant fish migrate to the area between the months of October to March. Other popular La Paz activities include whale watching and snorkeling near Isla Espíritu Santo. For a relaxing evening, head to the Malecón, where you’ll find ample restaurants serving locally caught seafood.

Experience marine life around La Paz with this snorkeling tour:

Snorkeling Adventure at Espiritu Santo Island National Park

La Paz by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 6.2 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 33.91
• Population: 250,141

13. Cabo San Lucas, Baja Sur California

Located in the southern tip of Baja Sur California, and about an hour away from La Paz, the city of Cabo San Lucas offers families the perfect combination of Mexico family travel: beaches, snorkeling, and nature! This city, along with the city of San Jose del Cabo, makes up the municipality of Los Cabos and is a popular tourist destination among the safe places in Mexico. 

Cabo San Lucas is a great jumping off point for excursions to see marine life and whales. Don’t miss an opportunity to see sea lions at El Arco de Cabo San Lucas. Additionally, sailing cruises, fishing excursions, and outdoor activities are popular things to do. 

Enjoy a variety of sea activities with this tour departing from Cabo San Lucas:

Los Cabos Sea Adventure: Snorkeling, Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Cabo San Lucas by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 6.6 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 44.93
• Population: 202,694

Safest cities in Mexico in the Gulf Coast states

Mexico’s Gulf Coast has some of the country’s oldest Spanish settlements and plenty of safe places in Mexico to visit. The area is also home to several indigenous archaeological sites, including El Tajin in the state of Veracruz. 

Cities like Veracruz in the state of Veracruz and Villahermosa in the state of Tabasco offer visitors a glimpse into the country’s Spanish colonial history. They are also two of the safest places in Mexico to visit in this region. Other safe cities in Mexico to visit include Coatzacoalcos, Xalapa, and Tlacotalpan. All of these cities can be found in Veracruz state.

14. Veracruz, Veracruz

The historic city of Veracruz in the state of Veracruz is Mexico’s oldest port city. Known officially as Heroica Veracruz, this city is not often visited by tourists. However, it’s a city teeming with culture, drawing from its indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Cuban communities, and it's a great spot for safe places in Mexico to travel.

Points of interest for families include the Veracruz Aquarium and the City Museum. The vibrant main plaza, known as the Zocalo, is also worth visiting. Another well-known spot to visit is the Malecón, the kilometers long boardwalk. Excursions to the islands around Veracruz is also a popular activity.

Veracruz by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 6.8 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 47.47
• Population: 607,209 (in 2020)

15. Villahermosa, Tabasco

Within the state of Tabasco, the city of Villahermosa was established during Spanish colonization as a fort to protect the coast against pirates. Today, the city is one of the safest cities in Mexico and is thriving with industry, primarily in oil and gas operations, as well as retail. It's one of the economically booming safe places in Mexico.

But Villahermosa also has a lot of draw for travelers too. Parque Tomas Garrido Canabal is a popular park, with a beautiful lagoon. And La Venta Museum-Park is a small zoo that also has some artifacts from the ancient Olmec on display. Villahermosa also has a children’s museum called Papagayo Children’s Museum that families can visit.

Learn about Mexican history with this Villahermosa tour:

Half-Day Villahermosa Tour with La Venta Museum

Villahermosa by the numbers:

• Reported crime rate: 11.3 per 100,000 people
• Numbeo crime index: 47.04
• Population: 640,359 (in 2010)

Budgeting for a trip to Mexico? Here are our top Mexico travel budget tips .

Mexico travel safety tips

No matter where you travel to Mexico, there are plenty of ways to make your trip to Mexico safe. Some useful travel tips for staying safe in Mexico include avoiding staying out too late and flashing expensive things. Also, just like in any major city, use common sense when walking around. Avoid doing activities that may put you in dangerous situations, and learn a few basic Spanish phrases for travel to help you get around.

If you’re also asking yourself, “is Mexico safe for kids?” the answer is yes. You’ll find that many places in Mexico are very accommodating for children due to their family-oriented culture. You will, however, need to make sure that kids stay safe while walking on streets, as sidewalks can be quite narrow. And building codes in Mexico are not the same as other countries, so be mindful of that. 

Using data to choose safe places in Mexico to travel

When it comes to choosing the safest cities in Mexico to travel, most travelers rely on anecdotal stories from friends and family members who have previously traveled to Mexico. Alternatively, travelers rely on news stories to determine safe places in Mexico to travel to, and what parts of Mexico to avoid.

While anecdotal evidence is fine, a better basis for your travel decisions is data. Fortunately, there are several data sources you can use to find the safe areas in Mexico to visit. 

According to the World Bank , Mexico does have a high rate of homicides per 100,000 people among all the countries in the world. Most of these homicides are due to cartel activity , according to the Council on Foreign Relations.

For this post, we relied mainly on two quantitative data sources to compile this list of the top safest places in Mexico to travel. Our hope is that this will allow you to make more informed decisions about your Mexico travel plans. 

The list we shared in this post can help you narrow down your choice of safest places to vacation with family, and also identify places to avoid in Mexico.

Data sources for safe places in Mexico

One good source for determining the safest places in Mexico is Numbeo . This website publishes crime and safety indexes for many cities around Mexico.

It’s important to note, though, that the data for Numbeo comes from survey questions asked to members of the site. So while the survey questions are extensive, the responses are subjective.

Another source of data for determining safe areas in Mexico is Crimen En Mexico. This website uses data from monthly crime reports published by the Mexican government and turns them into maps to show users what are the safest cities in Mexico and what are the least safe cities.

For travelers, Crimen En Mexico displays a map that shows crime in 50 tourist destinations around Mexico. This is helpful in visualizing the safe places in Mexico to potentially visit.

How we chose the best safe places in Mexico

In writing this post, we wanted to showcase the areas in Mexico that are safe for travelers to visit. Through research, we came up with this safest cities Mexico list featuring the top 15 safest places in Mexico. 

For this post, we looked at the data provided in Numbeo and the 50 tourist cities list on Crimen En Mexico to identify safe places in Mexico for tourists. We chose cities with populations over 100,000 that had a handful of tourist draws and family-friendly activities. We also wanted to offer options for safe areas in Mexico across all the different regions.

The Crimen En Mexico data is based on municipalities, so when determining the safe areas of Mexico to recommend, we picked the largest city in those municipalities. We also cross referenced this list of cities with the Numbeo data to understand what travelers and residents thought about the safety of a destination.

Get a FREE Mexico packing list!

Sign up for the Mexico Travel Tuesday newsletter and instantly get a FREE packing checklist for your Mexico vacation.

Making family vacation memories in these safe places in Mexico

Like any place in the world, Mexico has its share of crime. But don’t let this deter you from coming to visit this beautiful and culturally rich country, and experience the many safe places in Mexico for travelers. 

For families planning to visit Mexico, this safe city Mexico list is a great tool for determining where to take your kids. Knowing where the safest places in Mexico are to visit with kids can help bring peace of mind to your family vacation, and allow you to focus your attention on the things that matter most: having fun!

So get ready to make those Mexico family vacation memories! Go visit one of these 15 safest cities in Mexico.

This post was originally published on May 23, 2022.

Need some ideas for a 10 day Mexico itinerary ? Check out our suggestions.

Sharing is caring!

Related Mexico Posts

Sign up to get Mexico travel tips in your inbox!

Bon Voyaged

25 Most Dangerous Places To Avoid In The World

Posted: April 10, 2024 | Last updated: April 10, 2024

The 25 most dangerous places in the world encompass regions facing a myriad of formidable challenges. From Syria’s devastating and prolonged civil war to Afghanistan’s persistent conflict and terrorism, these areas are marked by political instability, violence, and humanitarian crises. South Sudan grapples with ethnic violence and political turmoil, while Yemen faces a complex and protracted conflict, leading to dire humanitarian conditions. Venezuela contends with economic collapse and political unrest, resulting in protests and violence. El Salvador and Honduras struggle with high crime rates and gang violence, posing risks to residents and visitors alike. Libya remains marked by political instability and conflict, while Iraq deals with ongoing violence and extremism. Somalia faces decades of conflict, piracy, and militant groups, and Lebanon confronts political instability and economic crisis, along with security concerns. The presence of armed extremist groups in certain regions of Mozambique adds to the list of dangerous places. These areas underscore the importance of staying informed, exercising caution, and heeding official travel advisories when considering travel or residence in these challenging environments.

Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo is regarded as one of the most dangerous places in the world due to a combination of factors that have persisted for decades. Political instability, a history of conflict, and ethnic tensions have fueled ongoing violence and insecurity, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. These areas are characterized by the presence of numerous armed groups vying for control over valuable resources, including minerals, and engaging in sporadic fighting. The result is a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced from their homes and facing severe food and healthcare shortages. The weak central government’s limited ability to enforce law and order exacerbates the security challenges, making the DRC a hazardous environment for both its citizens and those working to address the complex issues plaguing the nation.

Central African Republic

The Central African Republic is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world due to a combination of factors. Political instability has been a chronic issue, leading to frequent changes in government and an inability to establish effective governance structures. Ethnic and religious tensions have resulted in recurring violence, often along sectarian lines, and armed groups control large portions of the country, engaging in activities like looting, extortion, and violence against civilians. CAR also faces severe economic challenges, with limited access to basic services, which further exacerbates the security situation. The presence of multiple armed groups, some of which are involved in illicit activities like poaching and resource smuggling, makes it a highly volatile and unpredictable environment. The ongoing violence, displacement of civilians, and lack of a functioning justice system have contributed to the dangerous conditions prevailing in the Central African Republic.

Mali is considered a dangerous place due to a combination of factors that have led to a volatile security environment. The presence of various Islamist extremist groups, including al-Qaeda affiliates and ISIS, has fueled conflict and terrorism in the northern regions of the country. These groups have been responsible for numerous attacks, kidnappings, and acts of violence, targeting not only security forces but also civilians. Mali’s political instability and a lack of effective governance in some areas have further exacerbated the security situation. Ethnic tensions and communal violence have also added to the instability, leading to displacement and humanitarian crises. The complex interplay of these factors has created a hazardous environment in which residents and travelers alike are at risk, necessitating extreme caution and vigilance when navigating Mali’s challenging landscape.

Nigeria faces significant security challenges that contribute to its reputation as a dangerous place. One of the most prominent issues is the persistent insurgency by Boko Haram, a jihadist extremist group, primarily in the northeastern part of the country. Boko Haram has been responsible for numerous deadly attacks, kidnappings, and acts of violence, leading to instability and fear in affected areas. Communal violence, conflicts over land and resources, and clashes between herders and farmers have resulted in further bloodshed and displacement of communities. Kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative criminal enterprise, with both opportunistic and organized criminal groups targeting residents and foreigners alike. The prevalence of these security concerns, coupled with corruption, political instability, and underdevelopment in certain regions, makes Nigeria a challenging and dangerous place, especially in some northern and northeastern areas.

Mexico’s reputation for being a dangerous country is rooted in several complex factors. High levels of violence and insecurity can be attributed to the presence of powerful drug cartels, which engage in territorial disputes, drug trafficking, and criminal activities. These cartels often operate with a degree of impunity, contributing to the country’s challenges in maintaining law and order. Corruption within law enforcement and government institutions has further exacerbated the problem, hindering efforts to combat organized crime effectively. Socioeconomic disparities, poverty, and limited access to education in certain regions create an environment where criminal activity can thrive. While Mexico is a vast and diverse country with many safe areas, travelers are advised to exercise caution, stay informed about local conditions, and heed travel advisories when visiting certain regions that are more prone to violence and crime.

Brazil faces a complex set of factors that contribute to its reputation as a country with areas of high crime and danger. Several factors contribute to Brazil’s safety challenges, including socio-economic disparities, drug trafficking, and urban violence. Many of its cities, such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, grapple with significant income inequality, with impoverished favelas juxtaposed against affluent neighborhoods. This economic disparity can lead to high levels of crime, as some individuals turn to criminal activities as a means of survival. Brazil is a major transit and consumption hub for illegal drugs, fueling drug-related violence and organized crime in various parts of the country. Gangs and criminal organizations often clash over control of drug trade routes, leading to violence that can spill over into urban areas. While Brazil is a diverse and culturally rich country with many safe regions, these challenges in certain areas contribute to its perception as a dangerous place. Visitors and residents alike are advised to exercise caution, stay informed about local conditions, and take appropriate safety measures.

Haiti is considered a dangerous place due to a combination of factors that have created a challenging environment. Political instability has been a longstanding issue in the country, with frequent changes in leadership and a history of government corruption contributing to social unrest. Natural disasters, particularly earthquakes and hurricanes, have further strained the nation’s fragile infrastructure and economy. High levels of poverty, limited access to basic services, and a lack of effective law enforcement have led to a rise in crime rates, including violent crimes such as kidnappings and armed robberies. The country faces challenges related to inadequate healthcare and limited access to education, exacerbating its vulnerability. All these factors combined have created a hazardous situation in Haiti, impacting the safety and well-being of its citizens and visitors.

North Korea

North Korea is considered one of the world’s most dangerous countries due to its unique combination of factors. First and foremost is the secretive and authoritarian regime of Kim Jong-un, which exercises tight control over information, making it difficult for the outside world to understand the true extent of the country’s capabilities and intentions. The nation’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and long-range missile development has raised global concerns about the potential for a nuclear conflict. North Korea has a history of aggressive rhetoric and provocative actions, such as missile tests and military drills, further heightening tensions in the region. The nation’s closed-off society, strict state control, and severe human rights abuses make it a challenging and risky destination for foreigners. Overall, North Korea’s opacity, nuclear ambitions, and confrontational approach to international relations contribute to its reputation as a highly dangerous place in the world.

Sudan is considered dangerous primarily due to a combination of factors that have persisted for many years. Political instability, stemming from historical conflicts and civil wars, has left the country fragmented with numerous armed groups vying for control. The Darfur conflict, secession of South Sudan, and ongoing ethnic tensions have contributed to insecurity and violence. Humanitarian crises, such as displacement and food shortages, further exacerbate the situation. The presence of various armed militias and rebel groups adds to the overall instability. All these factors, coupled with limited access to basic services and weak governance, make Sudan a hazardous place with significant security concerns, particularly in certain regions. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution and stay updated on the evolving situation when considering travel to Sudan.

Myanmar is considered dangerous due to a combination of factors, primarily stemming from political unrest and human rights abuses. The military coup in February 2021 led to the overthrow of the democratically elected government and resulted in widespread protests, which have been met with a violent crackdown by the military junta. The security forces have been accused of using excessive force, leading to injuries and fatalities among demonstrators. Myanmar has a long history of ethnic conflicts and violence, particularly in states like Rakhine and Chin, which have seen displacement and atrocities, most notably against the Rohingya minority. This complex and volatile situation, coupled with the suppression of civil liberties, has created a highly unsafe environment, making Myanmar one of the world’s dangerous places. Travelers should exercise extreme caution and closely monitor developments before considering any visits to the country.

Philippines

The Philippines can be considered dangerous due to several factors. First, certain regions in the country, particularly parts of Mindanao and nearby islands, have faced security concerns because of the presence of militant groups like Abu Sayyaf and other armed factions. These groups have been responsible for kidnappings, bombings, and violent incidents. Second, the Philippines is susceptible to natural disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, which can result in significant damage and loss of life. Some urban areas, particularly in the capital, Manila, have high crime rates, including street crime and petty theft. While the Philippines has many safe and beautiful destinations, travelers should exercise caution, stay informed about local conditions, and follow official travel advisories when visiting the country, especially in regions with heightened security risks.

Eritrea is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world due to a combination of factors that make it a challenging and hazardous destination. The country’s closed-off government, led by President Isaias Afwerki, exercises strict control over information, limiting transparency and accountability. Mandatory and indefinite military conscription, often involving forced labor, has led to widespread human rights abuses and a climate of fear. Eritrea’s lack of political freedoms and severe restrictions on basic rights have generated significant instability and discontent among its population. Moreover, the government’s repressive measures have caused a mass exodus of Eritreans seeking refuge in neighboring countries, making the nation’s own citizens vulnerable to persecution. As a result, Eritrea’s oppressive regime, human rights violations, and limited access for foreigners combine to create a dangerous and inhospitable environment for both residents and travelers.

Ukraine has faced significant dangers and security challenges in recent years due to the ongoing conflict in its eastern regions. The conflict, which began in 2014, involves Ukrainian government forces and separatist groups in Donetsk and Luhansk, with Russian involvement suspected in supporting the separatists. This protracted conflict has resulted in casualties, displacement of civilians, and political instability. The situation remains unpredictable, and the region near the conflict zone is particularly hazardous due to sporadic fighting and the presence of landmines. Political tensions and territorial disputes with Russia continue to contribute to Ukraine’s overall precarious security environment. Travelers to Ukraine should exercise caution, especially in areas close to the conflict zone, and stay informed about the latest developments and official travel advisories.

Turkey, while a country of great historical and cultural significance, faces certain security challenges that contribute to its reputation as a potentially dangerous place. One key factor is its proximity to conflict zones, such as Syria and Iraq, which has resulted in occasional spillover violence and the presence of refugees and displaced populations. Southeastern Turkey has seen intermittent security concerns and occasional conflict-related incidents, particularly near the Syrian border. The government’s actions and policies have also led to political tensions and crackdowns on dissent, impacting civil liberties and freedom of expression. While many parts of Turkey are safe for travelers, the dynamic regional and political landscape requires visitors to stay informed about current events, exercise caution in certain areas, and heed official travel advisories to ensure their safety and well-being.

Honduras has gained notoriety for being one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to a combination of factors. High crime rates, particularly violent crimes such as homicide and armed robberies, are a significant concern, especially in urban areas like San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. Gang violence, driven by powerful criminal organizations like Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18, contributes to the pervasive insecurity. Honduras is a transit point for drug trafficking, which fuels conflicts among criminal groups and exacerbates violence. Political instability, corruption, and weak law enforcement institutions further hinder efforts to combat crime effectively. These complex challenges have collectively created an environment where residents and visitors alike face significant risks, making Honduras a hazardous place to live or travel without taking extensive precautions.

Syria is incredibly dangerous primarily due to its prolonged and devastating civil war, which has raged on since 2011. The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction, displacement of millions, and a dire humanitarian crisis. Multiple armed groups, including the notorious ISIS, have emerged in the power vacuum, making many parts of the country perilous for civilians and travelers alike. The war’s complex nature involves not only domestic factions but also international actors, contributing to a volatile and unpredictable security landscape. The use of chemical weapons, airstrikes on civilian areas, and violations of international law have further exacerbated the dangers faced by the population. The combination of ongoing violence, political instability, and a fractured society has made Syria one of the most hazardous places in the world.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world primarily due to its prolonged conflict and political instability. The presence of various armed groups, most notably the Taliban, has fueled a persistent insurgency that has lasted for decades. Terrorism remains a significant threat, with groups like Al-Qaeda and ISIS having a presence in the country. The conflict has resulted in widespread violence, displacement of civilians, and a dire humanitarian crisis. Afghanistan’s challenging terrain, porous borders, and historical tribal divisions contribute to the complexity of the security situation. The ongoing instability, coupled with weak governance and a struggling economy, has created a hazardous environment for both its population and anyone traveling to or residing in the country.

Lebanon’s precarious security situation is primarily due to a combination of factors that have escalated its level of danger. Political instability has plagued the country for years, leading to frequent protests, government resignations, and power struggles among various factions. The economic crisis has pushed Lebanon to the brink, resulting in a severe devaluation of its currency, soaring inflation, and widespread poverty, further fueling civil unrest. The catastrophic explosion in Beirut in August 2020 exposed the government’s negligence and corruption, intensifying public anger. Lebanon has seen the presence of various armed groups, including Hezbollah, which can contribute to an unpredictable security environment. These intertwined challenges, from political turmoil and economic collapse to social discontent and the presence of armed factions, make Lebanon a particularly dangerous place with risks of protests, violence, and instability. Travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution and stay informed about the evolving situation in the country.

Yemen is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world due to a complex combination of factors. First and foremost, the country has been embroiled in a protracted and multifaceted conflict since 2014, involving various factions, including Houthi rebels, government forces, and foreign actors. This ongoing conflict has led to widespread violence, displacement, and a dire humanitarian crisis, with millions of Yemenis in need of humanitarian assistance, including food and healthcare. The situation is exacerbated by frequent airstrikes, bombings, and ground clashes, making it perilous for civilians.

Venezuela is considered a dangerous place due to a combination of factors that have led to a complex and perilous environment. One of the primary reasons is the country’s economic collapse, characterized by hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods and services, and a collapsed healthcare system. This dire economic situation has fueled social unrest, protests, and political tensions, often resulting in violence. The political turmoil and power struggles within Venezuela have contributed to an unstable governance structure and a lack of effective rule of law, exacerbating the security concerns.

El Salvador

El Salvador has gained notoriety for being one of the most dangerous countries in the world due to a combination of factors. High crime rates, particularly homicides, are primarily attributed to the presence of powerful and violent gangs, such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18. These gangs have a significant presence in urban areas, where they engage in drug trafficking, extortion, and territorial disputes, leading to frequent violence. The government’s efforts to combat these criminal organizations have led to confrontations and further instability. Socio-economic disparities, a lack of educational opportunities, and limited access to social services have contributed to the allure of gang membership for many young Salvadorans, perpetuating the cycle of violence. The resulting insecurity has made El Salvador a challenging place for its residents and a risky destination for travelers, particularly in certain urban centers.

Libya is considered highly dangerous due to its protracted political instability, ongoing conflict, and security challenges. Since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been marked by a power vacuum, with multiple armed groups vying for control. This fragmentation has resulted in a lack of effective governance and law enforcement, contributing to widespread lawlessness and insecurity. The presence of militias, terrorist organizations, and armed factions further exacerbates the volatile environment. Travelers and residents face unpredictable risks, including violence, kidnapping, and attacks. The situation in Libya remains fluid, making it one of the world’s most dangerous places, where security conditions can change rapidly and without warning.

Iraq is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world due to a combination of factors. Prolonged political instability, the legacy of the U.S.-led invasion in 2003, and ongoing sectarian tensions have created a fragile security environment. The presence of extremist groups, most notably ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), has further exacerbated the situation. These groups have launched deadly attacks, controlled territories, and spread terror, resulting in significant violence and insecurity. Iraq’s complex ethnic and religious divisions have led to conflicts over power and resources, making it a breeding ground for internal strife. As a result, residents and visitors alike face considerable risks, ranging from terrorism and armed conflict to kidnapping and crime, making Iraq a perilous destination and challenging place to live.

Somalia is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world due to a complex web of factors contributing to its extreme instability. Decades of conflict, dating back to the late 20th century, have left the country deeply divided, with a lack of central governance and competing power structures. The presence of militant groups, notably al-Shabaab, has further exacerbated the insecurity, as they engage in acts of terrorism, control territories, and impose their harsh interpretation of Islamic law. The country’s extensive coastline has also made it susceptible to piracy, with Somali pirates hijacking vessels in the Indian Ocean. The combination of these factors has led to ongoing violence, political turmoil, and a dire humanitarian crisis, making Somalia an exceptionally dangerous place for both its residents and travelers.

Mozambique is considered a dangerous place due to the escalating violence and insurgency, primarily concentrated in the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Armed extremist groups, most notably Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamaah (ASWJ), have been responsible for a series of brutal attacks, targeting civilians and security forces alike. This insurgency has resulted in widespread displacement, a humanitarian crisis, and a deteriorating security situation. Factors contributing to Mozambique’s danger include the presence of radicalized militants, economic grievances, and competition over valuable resources in the region, particularly natural gas reserves. The combination of these elements has created a highly unstable environment, making certain regions of Mozambique hazardous for both residents and travelers, necessitating extreme caution and thorough awareness of the security situation.

For the Latest Travel News, Headlines & Videos, head to Bon Voyaged

More for You

House of Representatives holds off on Ukraine aid package − here’s why the US has a lot at stake in supporting Ukraine

Expired Vitamins are Okay, and 4 Other Things You Didn't Know About Nutrients

If You’re Married, Should You File Taxes Jointly or Separately?

Victor Wembanyama put on a show in Memphis

Cornel West chooses Black Lives Matter activist Melina Abdullah as his vice president

Terry Savage: Credit card 'bewares'

2025 Toyota 4Runner Is Finally Here and Appears Worth the Wait

Francis Ford Coppola's ‘Megalopolis' to Debut at Cannes in Competition

McConnell: Failure to pass Ukraine aid ‘strategic and moral malpractice’

“I used to burn those guys up, bro, at 5-9” - Nate Robinson says he dominated Celtics teammates 1-on-1

7 top-rated mascaras for lengthening and volumising your lashes

Is the FTC calling you? Probably not. Here's how to avoid a phone scam targeting you

Urgent Warning Issued After 60-Foot Crack Found in Dam

CEO created a side hustle in his college house—now it brings in $200 million a year: His No. 1 piece of advice

First-Quarter "Safe-Harbor" Quarterly IRS Estimated Tax Payments: Why and How to Make Them

'Larger batch' of data published after cyber-attack

Ripley: a 'scintillating and noirish' adaptation

'We wanted to stay there forever': This Oklahoma family was awarded $2.9M in lawsuit against turnpike authority — here's how to fight eminent domain

Here's Everything Carrie Underwood Eats In A Day At 41—Including The Healthy Hacks From Her Own Backyard

10 Best Smelling Body Lotions for Men

Find anything you save across the site in your account

Where to See the Solar Eclipse: The 15 Best Cities to Watch the Event

By Katherine McLaughlin

If you’re a fan of astronomy or otherwise interested in unique natural phenomenons, you may be wondering where to see the solar eclipse today—or if the big event will be visible from your home. Today, a number of cities throughout Mexico , the United States, and Canada will experience brief moments of dawn- or dusk-like darkness right in the middle of the day. Officially described as a total solar eclipse, the occurrence happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth and blocks the entirety of sun’s face.

Because it’s not something that happens everyday, the marvel has been prompting locals and travelers alike to scope out the best viewing locations, but fear not if you don’t have your spot figured out yet. Todays’s eclipse will travel along a wide, densely populated path. NASA estimated that 31.6 million people live in an area that will see the total solar eclipse and another 150 million are within 200 miles of it. What’s more, there won’t be another total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous United States until 2044, according to NASA , making it all the more important to catch this one.

For most of the United States, the eclipse won’t happen until the afternoon, meaning there’s still time to figure out how you’ll watch it. Here, AD covers everything you need to know about the upcoming event, including the 13 best cities to see the eclipse.

What is a total solar eclipse?

There are a number of different types of eclipses, which offer different views of either the sun or moon. As NASA explains it, “A solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth that either fully or partially blocks the sun’s light in some areas.” A total solar eclipse means the moon will completely block the sun’s face, and if you’re in the path of the eclipse, you’ll be able to see the sun’s corona and outer atmosphere, weather permitting. Other types of eclipses, like a partial solar eclipse, occur when the moon covers only some of the sun, resulting in a crescent shape.

A total solar eclipse is seen on a partly cloudy day.

How do you safely watch the total solar eclipse?

Not only are solar eclipses special because of their relative rarity, they’re unique in how they’re watched. For the few minutes when the moon is fully blocking the sun—know as totality—viewers can look directly at the sun without any eye protection. Any other time, including the hours before and after totality when you’ll see a partial eclipse, it’s important to wear protective eye gear, such as solar eclipse glasses. “As soon as you see even a little bit of the bright sun reappear after totality, immediately put your eclipse glasses back on or use a handheld solar viewer to look at the sun,” NASA explains.

How often do solar eclipses happen?

Solar eclipses, of one kind or another, happen between two and five times a year. Total eclipses happen about once every 18 months. However, this doesn’t mean one will be visible from your home this often. According to the Natural History Museum, London , a total solar eclipse is viewable from any one place about once every 400 years. For example, the last total solar eclipse visible from the United States happened in 2017 and followed a track from Oregon towards South Carolina. This year, the solar eclipse’s path will start in Texas and move northeast towards Maine. The next total solar eclipse will happen in 2026 and will be visible from the Arctic, Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain.

How long will the 2024 solar eclipse last?

Total solar eclipses can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. The difference in totality length has to do with how far apart the sun, moon, and Earth are at any given time, since the latter two bodies both orbit in elliptical paths.

When the Earth is furthest from the sun—making the star appear smaller—and the moon is closest to the Earth—which makes the moon look big—totality can last for over seven minutes. As Astronomy Mag reports, these circumstances will line up in about 160 years, when a solar eclipse on July 16, 2186, will see almost seven-and-a-half minutes of totality. On the other extreme, if the Earth is at its closest point to the sun and the moon is at its furthest point from Earth, humans won’t see a total solar eclipse, even if all of the celestial bodies are in line. Since totality is all about the perspective of the viewer, this is also why each city will experience the 2024 eclipse differently.

This year, totality will last for a little over four minutes in some areas, which is significantly more than the two minutes that people experienced during the 2017 eclipse. As NASA notes, “During the 2017 total solar eclipse, the moon was a little bit farther away from Earth than it will be during the upcoming total solar eclipse, causing the path of that eclipse to be a little skinnier.” Seven years ago, the path of totality—which shows which parts of the world will be able to see the total solar eclipse—was only about 62 to 71 miles wide. This year, that path ranges from 108 to 122 miles wide. “Meaning at any given moment this eclipse covers more ground,” NASA explains.

How to read maps showing the 2024 solar eclipse

As noted, this year’s path of totality is about 110 miles wide. Cities closer to the center of the path will sustain total darkness longer than those on the edges. In addition to longer totality than in 2017, this year’s path of totality covers more densely populated areas than the previous one. This means more people should be able to experience the total solar eclipse.

The 2024 solar eclipse map from NASA shows where totality will occur on April 8.

Any part of the country that is not within the path may see a partial eclipse, and the closer a location is to the strip, the smaller the crescent of visible sun will be. In these locations, it won’t be safe to look directly at the eclipse without protective glasses or a viewing device. NASA has put together an interactive map , which allows viewers to see the eclipse timing in their city.

Where to see the solar eclipse

According to NASA , cities in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and small parts of Tennessee and Michigan will experience the total solar eclipse. Parts of Mexico and Canada will also fall within the eclipse’s path. Read on for the best places to see the 2024 total solar eclipse.

Mazatlán, Mexico

By Katie Schultz

By Gabriela Ulloa

Mexico’s pacific coast will be the first place in continental North America to experience the eclipse. Mazatlán, a popular resort city, is an ideal location to see the occurrence, as it is directly in the eclipse’s path. Totality will begin around 11:07 a.m. local time and last for 4 minutes and 17 seconds. Because it’s such an optimal place to see the 2024 solar eclipse, NASA is hosting a viewing event at Vidanta Mazatlán . Here, visitors will be able to watch screens showing telescope views of the eclipse in addition to other hands-on activities, such as projects for kids and touchable moon rocks.

Torreón, Mexico

Located more centrally in the country, the solar eclipse will also be visible from Torreón. Totality will start just before 12:19 p.m. local time and last for 4 minutes and 12 seconds. A partial eclipse will also be visible before and after totality, starting at 11:44 a.m. and ending at 1:54 p.m.

Texas Hill Country

Part of Texas Hill Country, Kerrville is a prime location to watch the 2024 eclipse. Near the Mexican border, it will be among the first US cities to experience totality, which will begin at 1:32 p.m. and last for almost four and a half minutes. Austin and Dallas are also in the path of totality, but will only experience the darkness for about two minutes and a little under four minutes, respectively. NASA is also hosting an event here, which will take place in Louise Hays Park and include live music, speakers, and programming for kids.

Dallas, Texas

The Dallas-Fort Worth area is among the most densely populated places from which the eclipse will be visible. Totality will last for 3 minutes and 51 seconds and begin at 1:40 p.m. The city has put together a list of ideal places within the city to watch the event, including the Dallas Zoo, Dallas Museum of Art, and White Rock Lake Park.

Russellville, Arkansas

Russellville, about 85 miles east of Little Rock, will experience 4 minutes and 12 seconds of totality, starting at 1:50 p.m. The city has planned a number of exciting programming for the historic event, including a solar eclipse festival and a concert with Grammy-winner Rhonda Vincent.

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Located along the Mississippi River, Cape Girardeau is one of the best places in Missouri to watch the 2024 solar eclipse. According to NASA’s map, totality will last for a little over four minutes, beginning at 1:58 p.m. Head to Old Town Cape, where the city is hosting a block party on the day.

Carbondale, Illinois

Informally known as Little Egypt—possibly because the area delivered grains to northern parts of the state during the 1800s famine or because the southern tip of Illinois is similar to the Nile delta region in Egypt—Carbondale will experience 4 minutes and 10 seconds of totality, beginning at 1:59 p.m. The city also experienced totality during the 2017 eclipse, though it will see a longer dark period this time around. Home of Southern Illinois University, the school is hosting public viewing at its football stadium.

Bloomington, Indiana

Much of central and southern Indiana will experience totality during the 2024 solar eclipse, but Bloomington, largely a college town and home to Indiana University, will be among the best places in the Hoosier state to watch the event, since totality will last for about four minutes. The town is home to Indiana University, which is among our list of the most beautiful college campuses in America. Spend the afternoon strolling through the campus’s Gothic- and Romanesque-inspired buildings, and then catch the eclipse at 3 p.m.

Indianapolis, Indiana

They don’t call Indianapolis the crossroads of America for no reason: The state capital is at the intersection of four major US highways, Interstate 65, Interstate 69, Interstate 70, and Interstate 74. This means it’s a relatively accessible location for those in surrounding areas and among the best places to travel to for the solar eclipse. Here, totality will last for about 3 minutes and 47 seconds and start at 3:06 p.m. NASA is hosting an event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and will have experts on-hand to answer all questions about the eclipse. The city has also suggested White River State Park as an ideal solar eclipse viewing location, where a number of food trucks, local vendors, and other activations will be set up.

Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland won’t be in a solar eclipse’s path of totality again until 2444 , making it a once in a lifetime experience for any locals hoping to watch the eclipse from their hometown. The city will experience maximum darkness at 3:15 p.m., which will last for just under 4 minutes. To commemorate the moment, the Great Lake Science Center is hosting a Total Eclipse Fest on April 6 through April 8. The free outdoor event will include speakers, concerts, performances, and hands-on science activities.

Erie, Pennsylvania

Only a small portion of northern Pennsylvania will be within the path of totality. Erie, located along the shores of the lake of the same name, will be one of the best places in the state to see the eclipse. Totality will last for 3 minutes and 42 seconds, starting at 3:16 p.m. The local government has put together a map of public parks and other viewing locations to watch the spectacle.

Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York, will see 3 minutes and 46 seconds of total darkness, beginning at 3:18 p.m. There are a number of public “ watch parties ” happening in the city, which the government has compiled for visitors and locals. Midcentury-modern architecture fans may want to use the day to visit Graycliff, a Frank Lloyd Wright–designed estate, which is hosting a special open house on April 8, allowing guests to watch the eclipse from the property.

Niagara Region, Ontario

Small parts of Canada will also witness total darkness during the 2024 eclipse. The Niagara region is the best place to see totality, which will start at 3:19 p.m. and last for 3 minutes and 15 seconds. Montreal will also experience totality, but only for a little over one minute.

Burlington, Vermont

Much of New England will miss out on totality during the 2024 eclipse, as the path will only cover parts of northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Burlington is among the best places for those in the region to travel to, as it will experience 3 minutes and 19 seconds of darkness, starting at 3:26 p.m.

Houlton, Maine

Maine is the northern most place in the United States to see the total eclipse in 2024, also making it the last place in the country to experience totality. Houlton will be among the best places in the state to watch the sight, and darkness will begin at 3:32 p.m. and last for 3 minutes and 20 seconds.

How will weather impact visibility?

Geographically, the cities listed above represent the best places to see the 2024 solar. However, weather will play a major role in just how well those on the ground will be able to see the phenomenon. It goes without saying that cloudy conditions or rain will impact visibility and make it harder to see the eclipse. Currently, meteorologist are forecasting worse conditions in the south-central United States, which could affect those in Texas and Arkansas. Those in the Midwest and northeast have better odds, where conditions are presently forecasted to be sunny and with clear skies.

What will I see during the solar eclipse if my city isn’t along the path of totality?

Though not every city will see a total solar eclipse, most of the United States will see at least a partial eclipse. For example, as NASA’s map shows, Seattle, which is one of the furthest metropolises from the eclipse’s path will still see about 20% of the sun covered by the moon. Here, peak coverage will happen around 11:29 a.m. On the south side of the country, Miami, which is also quite far from the eclipse’s path, will see 46.2% of the sun covered around 3:01 p.m.

On the other hand, cities which are not along the path of totality but are very close will see a greater percentage of the sun covered. St. Louis, for example, which is just outside the path of totality, will see the moon covering 99.1% of the sun during peak totality, which will happen at 2 p.m. For detailed information about your city, see NASA’s interactive eclipse map .

Can I watch the 2024 solar eclipse virtually?

If you won’t be within the path of totality, a number of organizations are live streaming the monumental event (This may also come in handy if a city experiences cloudy weather or rain on eclipse day). To start, NASA is offering live broadcasts in both English and Spanish and live streams from telescopes that will capture the eclipse as it moves across the country. Scientific American will capture the event with jets that have been converted into flying telescopes to chase the eclipse, offering a view that one simply can’t find on the ground.

ABC News and National Geographic are also teaming up to produce “Eclipse Across America,” a live special hosted by David Muir and Linsey Davis. Coverage starts at 2:00 p.m. ET on ABC, ABC News Live, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Disney+, Hulu and Network Social Media Platforms and will broadcast from 10 cities along the path of totality, including Mazatlán, Mexico; Russelville, Arkansas; and Houlton, Maine.

More Great Stories From AD

The Story Behind the Many Ghost Towns of Abandoned Mansions Across China

Inside Sofía Vergara’s Personal LA Paradise

Inside Emily Blunt and John Krasinski’s Homes Through the Years

Take an Exclusive First Look at Shea McGee’s Remodel of Her Own Home

Notorious Mobsters at Home: 13 Photos of Domestic Mob Life

Shop Amy Astley’s Picks of the Season

Modular Homes: Everything You Need to Know About Going Prefab

Shop Best of Living—Must-Have Picks for the Living Room

Beautiful Pantry Inspiration We’re Bookmarking From AD PRO Directory Designers

Not a subscriber? Join AD for print and digital access now.

Browse the  AD PRO Directory to find an  AD -approved design expert for your next project.

Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse myths and rumors bubble up, from radiation to food poisoning.

Bill Chappell

People visit a NASA information booth to grab solar eclipse glasses in Russellville, Arkansas. The space agency has debunked a number of myths about the total solar eclipse — including ideas about food going bad, or unborn babies being harmed. Mario Tama/Getty Images hide caption

People visit a NASA information booth to grab solar eclipse glasses in Russellville, Arkansas. The space agency has debunked a number of myths about the total solar eclipse — including ideas about food going bad, or unborn babies being harmed.

Will a solar eclipse harm a pregnant woman's baby if she looks at it? Does an eclipse emit special radiation that can instantly blind you?

Those are some of the ideas people have been asking about — and that experts have been pooh-poohing — as people in North America anticipated seeing a total eclipse, from Mazatlán to Montreal.

Here's what time the eclipse will be visible in your region

Monday's total solar eclipse begins over Mexico's Pacific Coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, moving east through Texas and up to Maine, finally leaving the continent on Newfoundland's Atlantic coast.

Solar eclipses have long triggered fanciful explanations and warnings, from religious mythology to modern-day superstition. In recent days, for instance, a message circulated online warning people to turn off their cellphones and other devices before midnight ahead of the eclipse, warning of powerful radiation and cosmic rays.

In reality, a solar eclipse brings a temporary sharp drop in solar radiation — an event that ham radio operators have been eagerly anticipating for months, with competitions and experiments looking to fill the Earth's suddenly radiation-free ionosphere with radio signals.

Persistent but unfounded beliefs even prompted NASA to devote a special page to debunking misconceptions about a solar eclipse.

Total eclipses don't produce rays that cause blindness, NASA says

During totality, electromagnetic radiation from the sun's corona will not harm you. In fact, the only time it's safe to look at the sun without eye protection, as the sun's brightness is fully obscured by the moon and its corona is visible.

But outside of totality, your eyes can be harmed during an eclipse. If the sun is only partially obscured, looking at it will damage your retina. You can look if you have special solar glasses, but don't count on those to protect you if you want to use a telescope or camera lens that doesn't have a solar filter.

As NASA says , "the concentrated solar rays will burn through the filter and cause serious eye injury."

Another thing to remember: Take breaks if you're using a special filter to look at the sun before or after totality. As the space agency says , the sun's infrared radiation can make you uncomfortable, "as it literally warms the eye."

You should look away from the sun periodically, or use an indirect viewer like a pinhole projector to track the eclipse.​

More things NASA says are NOT true about a total solar eclipse

Myth: if you are pregnant you should not watch an eclipse because it can harm your baby..

Another notion that seems to be rooted in concern about radiation. To put people's mind at ease, NASA employs a sort of "you're already soaking in it" example, citing the neutrino particles produced by the sun's nuclear fusion:

"Every second, your body is pelted by trillions of these neutrinos no matter if the sun is above or below the horizon. The only consequence is that every few minutes a few atoms in your body are transmuted into a different isotope by absorbing a neutrino. This is an entirely harmless effect and would not harm you, or if you are pregnant, the developing fetus."

MYTH: Eclipses will poison any food that is prepared during the event.

NASA gives a hypothetical: What if some bad potato salad makes people sick during an eclipse? Food poisoning is very common — and it shouldn't be blamed on a rare celestial event, the agency notes.

"The basic idea is that total solar eclipses are terrifying and their ghostly green coronae look frightening, so it is natural to want to make up fearful stories about them and look for coincidences among events around you."

Other myths have to do with omens and major events

Here are four that NASA singles out for debunking:

MYTH: Eclipses are harbingers of something very bad about to happen.

Myth: solar eclipses foretell major life changes and events about to happen., myth: solar eclipses are a sign of an exceptional celestial event taking place in time and space., myth: solar eclipses six months after your birthday, or on your birthday, are a sign of impending bad health..

NASA ascribes many of these ideas to astrological forecasts being propped up by confirmation bias.

As the agency says, "We tend to remember all the occasions when two things happened together, but forget all of the other times when they did not."

Other myths — such as the idea that the moon turns black during an eclipse, or that the Earth's two poles don't see eclipses — are simply false, the agency says.

Eclipses have deep spiritual meanings

Ideas about an eclipse's potentially powerful effects aren't new. In fact, solar eclipses do also cause some unusual things to happen .

Want to see how a solar eclipse alters colors? Wear red and green on Monday

People in totality can expect to feel a sudden drop in temperature, for instance. Stars and planets become visible in the middle of the day, and humans can experience a range of odd visual effects — from the sharpness of shadows to the movement of "shadow bands" and a change in how we perceive color.

Then there's the eerie effect of the eclipse moving from west to east, adding to the perception that time isn't moving in its normal path.

Many cultures and religions link eclipses to energy, seeing them as events of renewal and promise — or in some cases, of vital energy being drained away.

For the Ojibwe and other Indigenous peoples in the Great Lakes region, a story about a solar eclipse centers on a boy and his sister who trap the sun after it burns him.

In many folktales, magical animals try to eat the sun or the moon. In Hindu mythology, a serpent god, Rahu Ketu, wanted to eat the sun — but then his head was cut off. That created two new entities, Rahu and Ketu, according to the Folklife Today blog from the Library of Congress.

"These are the deities of eclipses and comets. Rahu is fixated on eating the sun and the moon, and will try to catch them and gobble them up," the blog notes. "Fortunately he only succeeds once in a while. Since his head was cut off, the sun or moon just falls out the hole where his neck used to be. This is an eclipse."

As Folklife Today notes, in many cultures, humans take up the duty of ending an eclipse, often by making noise and beating on drums or gongs to dispel the spirit that's attempting to take the sun.

25 Questions (and Answers!) About the Great North American Eclipse

The McDonald Observatory’s guide to one of nature’s most beautiful and astounding events: What you might see, how to view it safely, how astronomers will study it, how animals might react, and some of the mythology and superstitions about the Sun’s great disappearing act.

1. What’s happening?

The Moon will cross directly between Earth and the Sun, temporarily blocking the Sun from view along a narrow path across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Viewers across the rest of the United States will see a partial eclipse, with the Moon covering only part of the Sun’s disk.

2. When will it happen?

The eclipse takes place on April 8. It will get underway at 10:42 a.m. CDT, when the Moon’s shadow first touches Earth’s surface, creating a partial eclipse. The Big Show—totality—begins at about 11:39 a.m., over the south-central Pacific Ocean. The shadow will first touch North America an hour and a half later, on the Pacific coast of Mexico. Moving at more than 1,600 miles (2,575 km) per hour, the path of totality will enter the United States at Eagle Pass, Texas, at 1:27 p.m. CDT. The lunar shadow will exit the United States and enter the Canadian province of New Brunswick near Houlton, Maine, at 2:35 p.m. (3:35 p.m. EDT).

3. How long will totality last?

The exact timing depends on your location. The maximum length is 4 minutes, 27 seconds near Torreon, Mexico. In the United States, several towns in southwestern Texas will see 4 minutes, 24 seconds of totality. The closer a location is to the centerline of the path of totality, the longer the eclipse will last.

4. What will it look like?

Eclipse veterans say there’s nothing quite like a total solar eclipse. In the last moments before the Sun disappears behind the Moon, bits of sunlight filter through the lunar mountains and canyons, forming bright points of light known as Baily’s beads. The last of the beads provides a brief blaze known as a diamond ring effect. When it fades away, the sky turns dark and the corona comes into view— million-degree plasma expelled from the Sun’s surface. It forms silvery filaments that radiate away from the Sun. Solar prominences, which are fountains of gas from the surface, form smaller, redder streamers on the rim of the Sun’s disk.

5. What safety precautions do I need to take?

It’s perfectly safe to look at the total phase of the eclipse with your eyes alone. In fact, experts say it’s the best way to enjoy the spectacle. The corona, which surrounds the intervening Moon with silvery tendrils of light, is only about as bright as a full Moon.

During the partial phases of the eclipse, however, including the final moments before and first moments after totality, your eyes need protection from the Sun’s blinding light. Even a 99-percent-eclipsed Sun is thousands of times brighter than a full Moon, so even a tiny sliver of direct sunlight can be dangerous!

To stay safe, use commercially available eclipse viewers, which can look like eyeglasses or can be embedded in a flat sheet that you hold in front of your face. Make sure your viewer meets the proper safety standards, and inspect it before you use it to make sure there are no scratches to let in unfiltered sunlight.

You also can view the eclipse through a piece of welder’s glass (No. 14 or darker), or stand under a leafy tree and look at the ground; the gaps between leaves act as lenses, projecting a view of the eclipse on the ground. With an especially leafy tree you can see hundreds of images of the eclipse at once. (You can also use a colander or similar piece of gear to create the same effect.)

One final mode of eclipse watching is with a pinhole camera. You can make one by poking a small hole in an index card, file folder, or piece of stiff cardboard. Let the Sun shine through the hole onto the ground or a piece of paper, but don’t look at the Sun through the hole! The hole projects an image of the eclipsed Sun, allowing you to follow the entire sequence, from the moment of first contact through the Moon’s disappearance hours later.

6. Where can I see the eclipse?

In the United States, the path of totality will extend from Eagle Pass, Texas, to Houlton, Maine. It will cross 15 states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Tennessee, and Michigan (although it barely nicks the last two).

In Texas, the eclipse will darken the sky over Austin, Waco, and Dallas—the most populous city in the path, where totality (the period when the Sun is totally eclipsed) will last 3 minutes, 51 seconds.

Other large cities along the path include Little Rock; Indianapolis; Dayton, Toledo, and Cleveland, Ohio; Erie, Pennsylvania; Buffalo and Rochester, New York; and Burlington, Vermont.

Outside the path of totality, American skywatchers will see a partial eclipse, in which the Sun covers only part of the Sun’s disk. The sky will grow dusky and the air will get cooler, but the partially eclipsed Sun is still too bright to look at without proper eye protection. The closer to the path of totality, the greater the extent of the eclipse. From Memphis and Nashville, for example, the Moon will cover more than 95 percent of the Sun’s disk. From Denver and Phoenix, it’s about 65 percent. And for the unlucky skywatchers in Seattle, far to the northwest of the eclipse centerline, it’s a meager 20 percent.

The total eclipse path also crosses Mexico, from the Pacific coast, at Mazatlán, to the Texas border. It also crosses a small portion of Canada, barely including Hamilton, Ontario. Eclipse Details for Locations Around the United States • aa.usno.navy.mil/data/Eclipse2024 • eclipse.aas.org • GreatAmericanEclipse.com

7. What causes solar eclipses?

These awe-inspiring spectacles are the result of a pleasant celestial coincidence: The Sun and Moon appear almost exactly the same size in Earth’s sky. The Sun is actually about 400 times wider than the Moon but it’s also about 400 times farther, so when the new Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun—an alignment known as syzygy—it can cover the Sun’s disk, blocking it from view.

8. Why don’t we see an eclipse at every new Moon?

The Moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted a bit with respect to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic. Because of that angle, the Moon passes north or south of the Sun most months, so there’s no eclipse. When the geometry is just right, however, the Moon casts its shadow on Earth’s surface, creating a solar eclipse. Not all eclipses are total. The Moon’s distance from Earth varies a bit, as does Earth’s distance from the Sun. If the Moon passes directly between Earth and the Sun when the Moon is at its farthest, we see an annular eclipse, in which a ring of sunlight encircles the Moon. Regardless of the distance, if the SunMoon-Earth alignment is off by a small amount, the Moon can cover only a portion of the Sun’s disk, creating a partial eclipse.

9. How often do solar eclipses happen?

Earth sees as least two solar eclipses per year, and, rarely, as many as five. Only three eclipses per two years are total. In addition, total eclipses are visible only along narrow paths. According to Belgian astronomer Jean Meuss, who specializes in calculating such things, any given place on Earth will see a total solar eclipse, on average, once every 375 years. That number is averaged over many centuries, so the exact gap varies. It might be centuries between succeeding eclipses, or it might be only a few years. A small region of Illinois, Missouri, and Kentucky, close to the southeast of St. Louis, for example, saw the total eclipse of 2017 and will experience this year’s eclipse as well. Overall, though, you don’t want to wait for a total eclipse to come to you. If you have a chance to travel to an eclipse path, take it!

10. What is the limit for the length of totality?

Astronomers have calculated the length of totality for eclipses thousands of years into the future. Their calculations show that the greatest extent of totality will come during the eclipse of July 16, 2186, at 7 minutes, 29 seconds, in the Atlantic Ocean, near the coast of South America. The eclipse will occur when the Moon is near its closest point to Earth, so it appears largest in the sky, and Earth is near its farthest point from the Sun, so the Sun appears smaller than average. That eclipse, by the way, belongs to the same Saros cycle as this year’s.

11. When will the next total eclipse be seen from the United States?

The next total eclipse visible from anywhere in the United States will take place on March 30, 2033, across Alaska. On August 22, 2044, a total eclipse will be visible across parts of Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The next eclipse to cross the entire country will take place on August 12, 2045, streaking from northern California to southern Florida. Here are the other total solar eclipses visible from the contiguous U.S. this century:

March 30, 2052 Florida, Georgia, tip of South Carolina May 11, 2078 From Louisiana to North Carolina May 1, 2079 From Philadelphia up the Atlantic coast to Maine September 14, 2099 From North Dakota to the Virginia-North Carolina border

12. What is the origin of the word ‘eclipse?’

The word first appeared in English writings in the late 13th century. It traces its roots, however, to the Greek words “ecleipsis” or “ekleipein.” According to various sources, the meaning was “to leave out, fail to appear,” “a failing, forsaking,” or “abandon, cease, die.”

13. Do solar eclipses follow any kind of pattern?

The Moon goes through several cycles. The best known is its 29.5-day cycle of phases, from new through full and back again. Other cycles include its distance from Earth (which varies by about 30,000 miles (50,000 km) over 27.5 days) and its relationship to the Sun’s path across the sky, known as the ecliptic (27.2 days), among others. These three cycles overlap every 6,585.3 days, which is 18 years, 11 days, and 8 hours.

This cycle of cycles is known as a Saros (a word created by Babylonians). The circumstances for each succeeding eclipse in a Saros are similar—the Moon is about the same distance from Earth, for example, and they occur at the same time of year. Each eclipse occurs one-third of the way around Earth from the previous one, however; the next eclipse in this Saros, for example, will be visible from parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Each Saros begins with a partial eclipse. A portion of the Moon just nips the northern edge of the Sun, for example, blocking only a fraction of the Sun’s light. With each succeeding eclipse in the cycle, the Moon covers a larger fraction of the solar disk, eventually creating dozens of total eclipses. The Moon then slides out of alignment again, this time in the opposite direction, creating more partial eclipses. The series ends with a grazing partial eclipse on the opposite hemisphere (the southern tip, for example).

Several Saros cycles churn along simultaneously (40 are active now), so Earth doesn’t have to wait 18 years between eclipses. They can occur at intervals of one, five, six, or seven months.

The April 8 eclipse is the 30th of Saros 139, a series of 71 events that began with a partial eclipse, in the far north, and will end with another partial eclipse, this time in the far southern hemisphere. The next eclipse in this Saros, also total, will take place on April 20, 2042.

First eclipse May 17, 1501

First total eclipse December 21, 1843

Final total eclipse March 26, 2601

Longest total eclipse July 16, 2186,  7 minutes, 29 seconds

Final partial eclipse July 3, 2763

All eclipses 71 (43 total, 16 partial, 12 hybrid)

Source: NASA Catalog of Solar Eclipses: eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEsaros/SEsaros139.html

14. What about eclipse seasons?

Eclipses occur in “seasons,” with two or three eclipses (lunar and solar) in a period of about five weeks. Individual eclipses are separated by two weeks: a lunar eclipse at full Moon, a solar eclipse at new Moon (the sequence can occur in either order). If the first eclipse in a season occurs during the first few days of the window, then the season will have three eclipses. When one eclipse in the season is poor, the other usually is much better.

That’s certainly the case with the season that includes the April 8 eclipse. It begins with a penumbral lunar eclipse on the night of March 24, in which the Moon will pass through Earth’s outer shadow. The eclipse will cover the Americas, although the shadow is so faint that most skywatchers won’t notice it.

This article was previously published in the March/April 2024 issue of StarDate  magazine, a publication of The University of Texas at Austin’s McDonald Observatory. Catch StarDate’s daily radio program on more than 300 stations nationwide or subscribe online at  stardate.org .

15. How can astronomers forecast eclipses so accurately?

They’ve been recording eclipses and the motions of the Moon for millennia. And over the past half century they’ve been bouncing laser beams off of special reflectors carried to the Moon by Apollo astronauts and Soviet rovers. Those observations reveal the Moon’s position to within a fraction of an inch. Using a combination of the Earth-Moon distance, the Moon’s precise shape, Earth’s rotation and its distance from the Sun, and other factors, astronomers can predict the timing of an eclipse to within a fraction of a second many centuries into the future.

Edmond Halley made the first confirmed solar eclipse prediction, using the laws of gravity devised only a few decades earlier by Isaac Newton. Halley forecast that an eclipse would cross England on May 3, 1715. He missed the timing by just four minutes and the path by 20 miles, so the eclipse is known as Halley’s Eclipse.

16. What are the types of solar eclipses?

Total : the Moon completely covers the Sun.

Annular : the Moon is too far away to completely cover the Sun, leaving a bright ring of sunlight around it.

Partial : the Moon covers only part of the Sun’s disk.

Hybrid : an eclipse that is annular at its beginning and end, but total at its peak.

17. What are Baily’s beads?

During the minute or two before or after totality, bits of the Sun shine through canyons and other features on the limb of the Moon, producing “beads” of sunlight. They were first recorded and explained by Edmond Halley, in 1715. During a presentation to the Royal Academy of Sciences more than a century later, however, astronomer Frances Baily first described them as “a string of beads,” so they’ve been known as Baily’s beads ever since. Please note that Baily’s beads are too bright to look at without eye protection!

18. Will Earth always see total solar eclipses?

No, it will not. The Moon is moving away from Earth at about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) per year. Based on that rate of recession, in about 600 million years the Moon would have moved so far from Earth that it would no longer appear large enough to cover the Sun. The speed at which the Moon separates from Earth changes over the eons, however, so scientists aren’t sure just when Earth will see its final total solar eclipse.

19. How will the eclipse affect solar power?

If your solar-powered house is in or near the path of totality, the lights truly will go out, as they do at night. For large power grids, the eclipse will temporarily reduce the total amount of electricity contributed by solar generation. During the October 14, 2023, annular eclipse, available solar power plummeted in California and Texas. At the same time, demand increased as individual Sun-powered homes and other buildings began drawing electricity from the power grid. Both networks were able to compensate with stations powered by natural gas and other sources.

The power drop during this year’s eclipse could be more dramatic because there will be less sunlight at the peak of the eclipse.

20. What are some of the myths and superstitions associated with solar eclipses?

Most ancient cultures created stories to explain the Sun’s mysterious and terrifying disappearances.

In China and elsewhere, it was thought the Sun was being devoured by a dragon. Other cultures blamed a hungry frog (Vietnam), a giant wolf loosed by the god Loki (Scandinavia), or the severed head of a monster (India). Still others saw an eclipse as a quarrel (or a reunion) between Sun and Moon. Some peoples shot flaming arrows into the sky to scare away the monster or to rekindle the solar fire. One especially intriguing story, from Transylvania, said that an eclipse occurred when the Sun covered her face in disgust at bad human behavior.

Eclipses have been seen as omens of evil deeds to come. In August 1133, King Henry I left England for Normandy one day before a lengthy solar eclipse, bringing prophesies of doom. The country later was plunged into civil war, and Henry died before he could return home, strengthening the impression that solar eclipses were bad mojo.

Ancient superstitions claimed that eclipses could cause plague and other maladies. Modern superstitions say that food prepared during an eclipse is poison and that an eclipse will damage the babies of pregnant women who look at it. None of that is true, of course. There’s nothing at all to fear from this beautiful natural event.

21. How do animals react to solar eclipses?

Scientists haven’t studied the topic very thoroughly, but they do have some general conclusions. Many daytime animals start their evening rituals, while many nighttime animals wake up when the eclipse is over, perhaps cursing their alarm clocks for letting them sleep so late!

During the 2017 total eclipse, scientists observed 17 species at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina. About three-quarters of the species showed some response as the sky darkened. Some animals acted nervous, while others simply headed for bed. A species of gibbon had the most unusual reaction, moving excitedly and chattering in ways the zookeepers hadn’t seen before.

Other studies have reported that bats and owls sometimes come out during totality, hippos move toward their nighttime feeding grounds, and spiders tear down their webs, only to rebuild them when the Sun returns. Bees have been seen to return to their hives during totality and not budge until the next day, crickets begin their evening chorus, and, unfortunately, mosquitoes emerge, ready to dine on unsuspecting eclipse watchers.

A NASA project, Eclipse Soundscapes, is using volunteers around the country to learn more about how animals react to the changes. The project collected audio recordings and observations by participants during the annular eclipse last year, and will repeat the observations this year. Volunteers can sign up at eclipsesoundscapes.org

22. How will scientists study this year’s eclipse?

Astronomers don’t pay quite as much professional attention to solar eclipses as they did in decades and centuries past. However, they still schedule special observations to add to their knowledge of the Sun and especially the inner edge of the corona.

Sun-watching satellites create artificial eclipses by placing a small disk across the face of the Sun, blocking the Sun’s disk and revealing the corona, solar prominences, and big explosions of charged particles known as coronal mass ejections.

Because of the way light travels around the edges of an eclipsing disk, however, it’s difficult to observe the region just above the Sun’s visible surface, which is where much of the action takes place. The corona is heated to millions of degrees there, and the constant flow of particles known as the solar wind is accelerated to a million miles per hour or faster, so solar astronomers really want to see that region in detail. The eclipsing Moon doesn’t create the same effects around the limb of the Sun, so a solar eclipse still provides the best way to look close to the Sun’s surface.

For this year’s eclipse, some scientists will repeat a series of experiments they conducted in 2017 using a pair of highaltitude WB-57 aircraft to “tag team” through the lunar shadow, providing several extra minutes of observations.

Other scientists will use the eclipse to study Earth’s ionosphere, an electrically charged layer of the atmosphere that “bends” radio waves, allowing them to travel thousands of miles around the planet. Sunlight rips apart atoms and molecules during the day, intensifying the charge. At night, the atoms and molecules recombine, reducing the charge.

Physicists want to understand how the ionosphere reacts to the temporary loss of sunlight during an eclipse. They will do so with the help of thousands of volunteer ham radio operators, who will exchange messages with others around the planet. During last October’s annular eclipse, when the Moon covered most but not all of the Sun, the experiment showed a large and immediate change in the ionosphere as the sunlight dimmed.

NASA also will launch three small “sounding” rockets, which loft instruments into space for a few minutes, to probe the ionosphere shortly before, during, and shortly after the eclipse.

Another project will use radar to study changes in the interactions between the solar wind and Earth’s atmosphere, while yet another will use a radio telescope to map sunspots and surrounding regions as the Moon passes across them.

One project will piece together images of the eclipse snapped through more than 40 identical telescopes spaced along the path of totality to create a one-hour movie of the eclipse. The telescopes will be equipped with instruments that see the three-dimensional structure of the corona, allowing solar scientists to plot how the corona changes.

23. What have astronomers learned from eclipses?

Solar eclipses have been powerful tools for studying the Sun, the layout of the solar system, and the physics of the universe.

Until the Space Age, astronomers could see the Sun’s corona only during eclipses, so they traveled around the world to catch these brief glimpses of it.

Eclipses also offered a chance to refine the scale of the solar system. Watching an eclipse from different spots on Earth and comparing the angles of the Moon and Sun helped reveal the relative sizes and distances of both bodies, which were important steps in understanding their true distances.

During an eclipse in 1868, two astronomers discovered a new element in the corona. It was named helium, after Helios, a Greek name for the Sun. The element wasn’t discovered on Earth until a quarter of a century later.

An eclipse in 1919 helped confirm General Relativity, which was Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity. The theory predicted that the gravity of a massive body should deflect the path of light rays flying near its surface. During the eclipse, astronomers found that the positions of background stars that appeared near the Sun were shifted by a tiny amount, which was in perfect agreement with Einstein’s equations.

Today, astronomers are using records of eclipses dating back thousands of years to measure changes in Earth’s rotation rate and the distance to the Moon.

24. How did astronomers study eclipses in the past?

With great effort! From the time they could accurately predict when and where solar eclipses would be visible, they organized expeditions that took them to every continent except Antarctica, on trips that lasted months and that sometimes were spoiled by clouds or problems both technical and human.

During the American Revolution, for example, a group of Harvard scientists led by Samuel Williams received safe passage from the British army to view an eclipse from Penobscot Bay, Maine, on October 21, 1780. Williams slightly miscalculated the eclipse path, though, so the group missed totality by a few miles. (The expedition did make some useful observations, however.)

In 1860, an expedition headed by Simon Newcomb, one of America’s top astronomers, journeyed up the Saskatchewan River, hundreds of miles from the nearest city, braving rapids, mosquitoes, and bad weather. After five grueling weeks, they had to stop short of their planned viewing site, although at a location still inside the eclipse path. Clouds covered the Sun until almost the end of totality, however, so the expedition came up empty.

King Mongkut of Siam invited a French expedition and hundreds of other dignitaries to view an eclipse from present-day Thailand in 1868. He built an observatory and a large compound to house his guests at a site Mongkut himself had selected as the best viewing spot. The eclipse came off perfectly, but many visitors contracted malaria. So did Mongkut, who died a few weeks later.

An expedition in 1914, to Russia, was plagued by both clouds and the start of World War I. The team abandoned its instruments at a Russian observatory and escaped through Scandinavia.

The eclipse of July 29, 1878, offered fewer impediments. In fact, it was a scientific and social extravaganza. The eclipse path stretched from Montana Territory to Texas. Teams of astronomers from the United States and Europe spread out along the path. Thomas Edison stationed his group in Wyoming, where he used a tasimeter, a device of his own creation, to try to measure the temperature of the corona. Samuel Pierpoint Langley, a future secretary of the Smithsonian, was atop Pikes Peak in Colorado. Maria Mitchell, perhaps America’s leading female scientist, decamped to Denver. And Asaph Hall, who had discovered the moons of Mars just the year before, journeyed to the flatlands of eastern Colorado.

Thousands of average Americans joined the festivities, paying outrageous prices for some of the best viewing spots. Some things, it seems, never change.

25. What about lunar eclipses?

While solar eclipses happen during new Moon, lunar eclipses occur when the Moon is full, so it aligns opposite the Sun in our sky. The Moon passes through Earth’s shadow. In a total eclipse, the entire lunar disk turns orange or red. In a partial eclipse, Earth’s inner shadow covers only a portion of the Moon. And during a penumbral eclipse, the Moon passes through the outer portion of Earth’s shadow, darkening the Moon so little that most people don’t even notice it.

Lunar eclipses happen as often as solar eclipses—at least twice per year. This is a poor year for lunar eclipses, however. There is a penumbral eclipse on the night of March 24, with the Moon slipping through Earth’s faint outer shadow, and a partial eclipse on the night of September 17, in which the Moon barely dips into the darker inner shadow. Both eclipses will be visible from most of the United States.

Explore Latest Articles

Apr 10, 2024

Clint Dawson and Stephen Vladeck Honored With President’s Research Impact Award

Apr 09, 2024

UT’s Excellence and Impact On Display in Latest Graduate School Rankings

Apr 05, 2024

A UTotal Solar Eclipse