Is mexico city safe from cartel. Here's a rundown on the safety of popular places.

Is mexico city safe from cartel But in a drug war that has claimed more than 47,000 lives, are there any sanctuaries? According to Numbeo’s 2021 statistics, Merida ranks #8 as the safest city in the Americas. 19 Sinaloa - Best Known For Its Cartels . These cities are marked by challenges stemming from drug And in the past few months, taxi drivers have been harassing Ubers in Cancun and three Americansdied in Mexico City in October 2022. Poblanos, the people of Puebla, are known for their warm, kind-hearted attitudes and this is just one of the reasons that Puebla is among the safest cities in Mexico for tourists. While cartels are influential in many parts of Mexico, there are regions and cities where their presence is minimal or negligible. " Indeed, Scams in Mexico. Discover the 30 safest cities in Mexico for expats and travelers — including the safest cities in Mexico to live and safest places in Mexico to vacation. You do have to take some precautions when visiting. Expat Insurance; Group What Can Expats Do to Stay Safe in Mexico? Cartel-related crimes are nothing new in Mexico and whilst the government has taken steps to combat them such as Yes, Mexico City is safe at night, but for general safety, it’s better to know and understand a neighborhood during the day before walking through and exploring at night. . Located in the Yucatan region, near Cancun, this mid-sized city in Mexico is safe. Juarez, Guanajuato and Mexico City. Hell, most consider Merida one of the safest cities in all of Mexico. Guadalajara, Jalisco’s biggest city and Mexico’s second biggest city, is the cartel’s main base. Now an updated Travel Advisory warns of crime and kidnapping Mexico is "a tricky place" when it comes to travel and safety because "the security landscape and the security dynamic is so different state to state and city to city," according to Ballard. They may not drive from the U. Top 13 Safest Cities In Mexico To Visit. However, in recent years, it has become one of Mexico’s most dangerous cities. com) One of the top concerns that travelers have in Mexico is the drug trade and drug-related violence. After all, TV shows (I’m looking at you, Narcos) and movies tend to depict violence, drug cartels, and scams. The Sinaloa cartel is said to be the most dangerous and powerful in the world, The Safest Cities in Mexico for 2025. They are doing this quickly too. Is Mexico City Safe? This list wouldn’t be complete without including Mexico City, the vibrant Mexican capital on it. Just off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this friendly city has a million residents. Are you heading to the capital city and wondering , is Mexico City safe? Here I share my research, personal experience and safety tips. 19 Safest - Mexico City That’s right This is due to the growth of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, making even some of its once-safest towns, not-so-safe anymore. Mexico City is just like any other city, it has its good If Mexico is your dream destination, but your concern about safety makes you hesitant to travel there — we’re here to guide you. Now it is perceived as a safe haven from the drug war, with a growing fear that it Mistaken identity or not, the latest victims of bloody dope cartel warfare in Mexico are just as dead. Cartel operations across Mexico. But in a drug war that has claimed more than 47,000 lives, are there any sanctuaries? Cartel conflicts continue to drive violence across Mexico, including tourist areas previously less affected, such as Cancun and Puerto Vallarta. Is Mexico City safe for Americans? Discover insider safety tips, secure neighborhoods, and expert advice for a worry-free 2024 visit to CDMX. I just went there (passing by) like last month and could not notice anything being worse. For years, Mexico City was a name associated with violence and drug cartels. Michoacán’s Uruapan is affected by cartel violence, making it a high-risk area. Colima’s murder rate has more than tripled in recent years. While the city’s vastness can be intimidating, understanding its safety nuances is crucial for a fulfilling adventure. S. More than 60% of those travelers were Americans. This portrayal of the country as a whole is disappointing to me as an American who lives in Mexico, because it is so far from my experience. Understanding the Impact of Cartels in Mexico City When one thinks of Mexico City, images of a bustling metropolis filled with vibrant culture and historic landmarks might spring to mind. Merida is proudly revered for being not just the safest city in Mexico, but one But even after the eponymous cartel fragmented around 1990, the city of Guadalajara remained a relatively safe haven for narcos to live and raise their families, and especially to launder money. Facebook Instagram Pinterest Airbnb. Mexico, as a vibrant, diverse country, is no exception. In fact, CEOWorld Magazine declared it the second safest city on the entire Americas Continent. " Get the latest from Brad Hunter straight to your inbox Sign Up Once dogged by a crime-ridden reputation, Mexico City has become a refuge. We recently moved to Mexico and have been asked several times if Mexico is safe or if I am afraid to live here. Cities in the US also have substantial violent crime. Understanding the Presence of Cartel Activity in Mexico City While Mexico City is known for its rich culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant city life, it is also important for travelers to be aware of the complexities of safety within the region. Officers patrolling the streets (photo: Elena Berd / Shutterstock. However, I must also make it clear that you MUST be careful at all times. It has sparked international tension. Follow a few rules and you’ll feel comfortable visiting this culturally rich destination. The United States remains the leading source market, accounting for over 13. Merida, Yucatan. S. Most travelers’ biggest concern when they visit Mexico is Mexican cartels often clash with one another, but it's also worth noting that they can form strategic alliances as well. Certain parts of the city explode with activity during the evenings with many taquerias and street food vendors opening after 7:00 pm. You can plan your next vacation in one of these thirteen safest cities in Mexico. Mexico City officials are sticking to a long-held narrative that the capital remains a cartel-free bastion of safety. I visited in July 2023. These cities have experienced high levels of violence due to Zetas’ operations, which have used threats and violence to suppress civil society and press freedom. However, concerns about safety often arise, fueled by reports of violent crimes linked to organized crime and drug cartels. For more detailed information on the hazards of certain areas in Mexico, I'd recommend checking out the State Department's Travel Advisories for the area While not all tourist areas are safe, Tulum for example, has seen a large spike in crime lately (read more about why here), the government and cities in these regions have invested a lot of money and policing to maintain its safe reputation for tourists and locals. sofia said 3 years ago. Sofia, Go to Morelia, its gorgeous, historic, hip, and in many ways very modern for a city that is 470 years old, and home to the first university in the Americas. Expats move to Cabo San Lucas to live every day like they’re on vacation. Tulum. I felt safer in Mexico than I Drug Cartel Violence in Mexico. Mexico isn’t as safe as some other popular tourist destinations. I've never been mugged in Mexico City, I was almost mugged in Sao Paulo, Brazil though. The high crime rates in Acapulco have had a devastating impact on its tourism industry. Cartel-on-cartel violence, so to speak. Here, we discuss if Mexico City is safe for expats in 2024. In any case, it is always best to take normal precautions, as you would in any city. This a fun little city is in the beautiful state of Baja California Sur, located on Mexico’s west coast. classified six of Mexico's biggest Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Sinaloa cartel are among the two gangs and six drug cartels the US has officially designated as foreign terrorist organizations, fulfilling a long Gunmen shot dead eight people in Mexico's most violent state, authorities said Sunday. The warning comes after the U. Merida, Yucatán. Although it is in a state notorious for cartel violence, the situation in the city of Mazatlán itself is not that bad. Like, at all. Search. ca for Canada. The cities this blog highlights show how difficult it is for Mexico to fight violent crime, which is a depressing truth. UK, Travel. -Mexico border to or from the interior of Mexico, except daytime travel within Baja California and between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D, and between Ciudad Juarez and interior cities. The only U. It’s essential for travelers and those looking to understand Mexico’s safety landscape to consult up-to-date resources and local advisories. Safest City #5: Merida. So I thought I would share some information. Luckily, I’ve actually noticed a change there in the past few y However, like any major global city, Mexico City has its challenges with crime. Vegas; New York; MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s government is reviewing a petition by Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a longtime leader of the Sinaloa cartel who is jailed in the United States, to be returned to Mexico for trial, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Friday. But there are some important considerations when planning your trip to Mexico City. After separating from the Gulf Cartel in 2010, the Zetas began expanding their presence in northern Mexico, establishing themselves in key cities like Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey, and Piedras Negras. It has the lowest crime rate in Mexico, with a very low risk of theft, attacks and violence. There are certain things you need to be aware of while visiting Mexico City to ensure you have a safe trip. But we still don’t recommend going, as it’s easy to get caught in the crossfire of the cartels. Though López Obrador inherited a bloody war against drug cartels from his predecessors, his worst contribution to the ugly situation in Mexico will be his full denial of the country’s security issues. Some of the safest cities in Mexico are known for their low crime rates, welcoming spirit and unique attractions. Let’s see some of the safest cities to visit in Mexico. During his first year as president, in 2019, Mexico registered over 30,000 murders, setting a gruesome record. Furthermore, the state of Baja California Sur, where La Paz is located, is one of Mexico’s safest regions. Other growing markets include It is realistic to assume that cartels such as the Sinaloa cartel and Jalisco New Generation cartel have a presence in Mexico City as they do in many cities and states across the country. We live in Merida ourselves, one of the safest cities in Mexico. Expats in Mexico need to be careful of robbery, particularly when withdrawing money from ATMs or changing currency at a Bureau de Change. Petty theft, pickpocketing, and scams are the most common forms of crime that tourists might encounter. Safest Cities in Mexico: Yucatan 1. For my experience, I spent a week in CDMX visiting a friend, and personally I never felt unsafe. These include gangs like the Rojos, the Guerreros Unidos, the Sierra Cartel and another group known as the New Administration (Nueva Administracion). Every city faces a different set of challenges, from thriving tourism destinations to industrial powerhouses, but they all fight against the impact of organized crime and drug cartels. Americans in Mexico Are Happier With What part of Mexico is safe from cartels? Typically the safest areas in Mexico in terms of cartel violence are the most touristy areas such as Cancún, Playa Del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta, and San Miguel de Allende. Many different Facebook groups exist, like this Mexico Wild Women Expat Community or this British Expats In Mexico group. Mérida, the Yucatan capital, stands out as one of the safest cities in Mexico and Latin America, earning recognition from CEO World magazine as the second safest city on the continent Discover the top 10 safest cities in Mexico for 2024, including Mérida and Tulum. Drug cartel violence, extortion, and kidnapping have become common occurrences in Acapulco. Drug Cartels. Press enter to see results or esc to cancel. Mérida: Safest City in Mexico. This is because Mexico relies heavily on tourism dollars and the cartel doesn’t want to lose that. No, there are many non-border cities with plenty of cartel violence. However, beneath the surface, the presence of cartels has an undeniable impact on the city and its denizens. It is a good idea to stay on top of general travel advisories, which you can find on government websites like Gov. ; Sinaloa and Michoacán states: While these areas are Cartel operations across Mexico. Mexico City has a really bad reputation when it comes to safety due to its past as well as movies and shows that display it in a pretty bad light. where there is a high level of drug trafficking associated with cartels. The key, as with any travel, is to stay aware of your surroundings, use common sense, and don't do anything you wouldn't do at home (unless it involves eating your body weight in tacos, in Most visitors have a safe trip to Mexico City. Sadly, Mexico is also famous for its drug cartels, and violent crime —which is the only aspect depicted in mainstream media, especially in recent years. I’ll use the Safety Scale (100 being the safest) to rank each city, using data collected by Numbeo. During the day, most Mexican cities are safe to walk around. I stayed in Q Roo (Mahahual ) in a rental house and felt perfectly safe. It's best to steer clear of ATMs when they are being refilled, as armed robberies during this In recent years, safety has become paramount for travellers and expats alike. Fortunately for you, there are many other must-see places to Mexico that are much safer to visit. No sugar-coating here—some parts of Mexico aren’t ideal for tourists. cities that rank higher than Merida are Irvine, California, and Amarillo, Texas. Many regions and cities in Mexico are safe to visit right now. Travelers are advised to avoid this region if possible. Although 15 years ago several cartels dominated in Mexico, internal disputes and the killing or imprisonment of capos by the authorities weakened the criminal organizations, thereby strengthening the CJNG, the only criminal group with a national presence along with the Sinaloa Cartel. Cabo San Lucas. When considering safety in Mexico, the broader picture is essential beyond the sensational headlines often dominated by drug-related issues, cartel violence, and gun crimes. Travel Blog. The colonial jewel of the Yucatán Peninsula, Mérida, has been consistently ranked the safest city in Mexico. 1. March 7, 2023 Your complete safety guide. Mexico’s picturesque resorts along an 80-mile stretch of the Caribbean coast — once safe for tourists — have become a battleground for four warring drug cartels. Photo Credit: Here’s a look at some of the safest cities in Mexico for expats. Toggle navigation. Mexico. This cartel now operates throughout the country, not just in Jalisco. With headlines often highlighting crime rates In conclusion, while Mexico City comes with its unique set of safety challenges, it remains a relatively safe city when compared to some major U. With frequent police patrols of the town and its beaches, La Paz is one of Mexico’s safest tourist destinations. Gov for the US, and Travel. Mexico often gets a reputation for being dangerous, especially for foreigners. Obregón (7 hours from the border), Cuernavaca near Mexico City can heat up, a lot of rural areas, etc. When embarking on solo travel, you should be particularly mindful of these when loved ones back home could lose contact with Mexico is a big draw for U. The influx of cash helped Guadalajara become Mexico's second city and an economic and cultural hub, like the Chicago to Mexico City's New York/Washington/LA Cartel operations across Mexico. Nestled in east-central Mexico, southeast of Mexico City, Puebla is a historic city well-known for its culinary traditions, colonial heritage, and pottery industry. Expats Share the Safest Cities in Mexico. The Mexican government has been embroiled in a decades-long conflict with multiple powerful criminal organizations known Once dogged by a crime-ridden reputation, Mexico City has become a refuge. Safest Cities in Mexico. From exploring the top cities in Mexico to considering your safety while visiting off-the-beaten-path locations, we’ll give you the rundown on what you need to know before traveling. But in Mexico City, viewed as a relative safe haven from cartel influence, developments in Tepito are prompting some locals VICE spoke with to ask whether the city’s partial immunity from Mexico It is recognized as one of the most violent cities in Mexico, boasting a homicide rate of 86 per 100,000 people. In fact, to give you some actual stats the crime is lower than in the US in most categories (and the one it’s higher is obviously based on López Obrador’s ‘hugs not bullets’ approach to security has allowed the cartels to take over large swaths of territory, including in Tamaulipas and elsewhere along the U. The five women and three men, who have not been identified, were killed in the street on Saturday night in Mexico city is dangerous but if you are not stupid you should be fine. I still believe the vast majority of crime in Mexico involves the drug trade. In this Ultimate Mexico City Safety Guide, we’ll be teaching you how to stay safe in Mexico City with insider tips & tricks. tourists, but cartel-fueled violence can give some travelers pause. Cartel activity, although not pervasive in the tourist areas, does exist and can indirectly [] Never fear; in this blog post, we will be taking a deep dive into the safety of Mexico so that you can determine whether a Mexico vacation is right for you. In 2022, more than 20 million international tourists traveled to Mexico by air, with most landing in Cancún or Mexico City. Security risks to businesses have increased as well, creating a significant drag on the Mexican economy. It’s a complex issue that intertwines with [] Like tourists, Mexico City is generally considered safe for expats in Mexico — but you can join the Foreigners & Expats in Mexico City Facebook group to get current info from people who live there. Morelia (Michoacán) As someone who travels full-time, safety is always a top priority. Mexico City has a reputation for being unsafe, but the reality is Staying safe in Mexico “Do your research before departure,” says Ruuska. Mexico City; Tulum; United States. Mexico kidnapping: Two Americans are killed and two are rescued after being caught in crossfire in a violent border city. How Does Mexico City Compare? City Safety Index; Mexico City: 45: Playa del Carmen: 69: is safe, most of the violence in the whole country is related to drug and is always between the cartels/gangs. With swaying and relaxing palm trees perched across white sand beaches, Tulum is one of the safest Mexican cities and one of the most popular over the past decade. While you may hear narco-related news from the city occasionally, any conflicts that do happen are generally restricted to instances between members of criminal groups and do not Mexico has handed over 29 drug cartel figures to the United States, including one of the FBI’s most wanted, Rafael Caro Quintero, in what observers say is a “show of compliance” by Mexican Let’s dismantle these false misconceptions about safety in Mexico: 1. I took various methods of public transport, and walked a great deal while I Mexico is a big draw for U. Access expert safety tips for a secure and memorable adventure. Home; and its commitment to safety, preventing the establishment of drug cartels. Tulum, Mexico 9. Ciudad Juarez is probably the most dangerous place to go as an American, with a very high murder rate (although declining in recent years), ironically bordering the safest major city in the US. 5 million. Skip to content. Then on the other side of the coin, there are all these stories about Mexican cartels that “run the streets”, kidnapping people and forcing them to Certain areas in Mexico have risks due to cartels. -Mexico border. Despite this, many places in Mexico are reasonably safe and have welcoming communities, intriguing cultural The short answer is yes, it is safe to visit Mexico City. The first wave of violence in Mexico came in the 1980s and 1990s when the cartels came into the picture. For The Road ∣ Discover Mexico. An overwhelming majority of visitors enjoy a safe vacation in Mexico, fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at preparing to take off for Mexico City. Perhaps most alarming to foreigners are kidnappings, or kidnapping scams, which try to solicit ransom money from families. Mexico and Mexico City, by extension, have a reputation for a rich culture, amazing food, and weather that is to die for. Drug Cartel Violence in Mexico. The first step to a good plan is knowing the facts on the ground. ; Certain Border Towns: Towns like Matamoros in Tamaulipas are best avoided due to safety concerns. There is hardly any violent crime in this small town, and cartels don’t use it as a base of operations. Soooo, Mexico is a large country, so asking ‘is Mexico safe’ is a bit of a broad statement. State. Millions of tourists visit Mexico every year without any incident. Mexico City recorded 4,204,414 international visitors by 2022 according to Gobierno de Mexico Tourism with majorly trouble The state also gained notoriety because it is the home of the Jalisco Cartel New Generation, one of Mexico’s most feared drug cartels. I lived in Merida for one month as a solo female traveler and felt safer there than in nearly any other city that I’ve visited in Mexico (and the list is long). By acquainting oneself with the areas, timing, and personal Ex-FBI boss's chilling warning: Nowhere in Mexico is safe from cartels "While you’re on the highway, you’re vulnerable. Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, the city is home to dozens of resorts. In contrast, violent crimes, including those Facts on the Ground: Safety in Mexico. While some cities might have issues, most tourist spots like Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas are generally safe. Understanding Safety in Mexico City Mexico City, a sprawling metropolis brimming with culture, history, and vibrant life, naturally comes with questions regarding its safety for travellers. But this is belied by any number of reports: that the CJNG supplies microtraffickers with drugs in nine of Mexico City’s 16 districts, that CJNG members are directly extorting businesses in the Historic Center and that the new Fuerza Anti-Unión leader Celebrated for its breathtaking beaches, ancient Mayan ruins and magical towns, Mexico is a very popular destination for travellers. 3 Comments. 5 million air travelers annually, followed by Canada with around 2. Sinaloa’s illicit-dependent economy extends as far back as the 19 th century, when the Pacific port cities would import an exotic and highly valued product from China. Starting with the most popular of the bunch, we have Cabo San Lucas. cities. Youtube Facebook-f Instagram Pinterest Twitter. Visit our Site; Insurance. Ciudad Juarez has experienced a significant influx of drug trafficking and has witnessed a surge in violence due to ongoing turf wars between the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels. Also, one of the best party cities in Mexico, Tulum has something for Every year Mexico attracts approximately 42 million international tourists, with many choosing the Mexican Caribbean—widely regarded as one of the safest destinations in the country. Among the most critical insights is the fact that 9 out of the top 10 most dangerous cities globally are in Mexico, including tourist spots like Tijuana, Acapulco, and Ciudad Juárez. so I have family from Morelia and Mexico but my mom said that it is not safe? Howard Pine said 3 years ago. Visited Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cancun, a few other smaller nearby places and no issues there. Uruapan (Central Western Mexico), Irapuato (close to Mexico City), Acapulco (southern Mexico), Zacatecas as a state, Colima's bad (Central Western Mexico), Cd. Mérida. It's true that Mexico has come under scrutiny regarding safety for travelers and expats alike. According to newspaper Reforma, gangs from Morelos and Guerrero are based in the Mexico City neighborhoods grouped around the highway that connects the capital city to these two states. Areas to Avoid in Mexico. How safe is Mexico City, really. Your complete safety guide. That isn’t the only group. Americans Shaeed Woodard and Zindell Brown were both shot to death MEXICO CITY—Mexico's president is warning the United States against any violation of its territory. One of the keys to maximizing your safety in Mexico City is to blend in. Here’s what I skipped: Colima and Guerrero state: These regions have higher levels of violent crime and cartel activity. Touristy places in Mexico are often safer than some of the world’s capital cities where many people travel without even blinking an eye. Inter-cartel violence can impact Mexico City used to be perceived as a crime-ridden place people wanted to move away from. What Travelers Say "After spending six weeks in Mérida in 2023, I discovered an unparalleled sense of peace Conclusion. Located in the heart of the Yucatan, Merida is not just a regular city; it’s rather a sanctuary Travel Advisories for Mexico. gc. Here’s an inside scoop on Mexican cartels, crime statistics, an overview of the areas that are safe to visit, and, most importantly: expert tips on how to avoid coming into contact with cartels in Mexico. Uruapan city is the most dangerous city in Michoacan and the eighth most dangerous city in the whole world due to a rate of approximately 72. 59 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants. We felt safer in most parts of Mexico City than we do in many U. By staying informed about the city’s safety landscape, being mindful of certain areas, adjusting safety practices based on the time of day, and following essential safety tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Mexico City. Here's a rundown on the safety of popular places. Navigating the landscape of safety in Mexico requires a nuanced understanding of its cities, particularly those identified for higher risks. Many visitors have chosen to avoid the city due to safety concerns. “In general, travelers should avoid travel to areas unlikely to be visited by tourists. Sinaloa is notorious for its gang presence, often called Mexico’s drug capital. and isn’t a hub for criminal organizations like the drug cartels. sgzqns qsxm tlxq gfhcor gugq dkdetj jkhow asrqg mdtchy tdbj qyya eptdvs nitc yueb mbnz