You Won’t Believe How Safe These Mexican Cities Are for Expats and Travelers

Looking for the safest places in Mexico to travel?

You’re in the right place! I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and have traveled to more than half the states in the country (most as a solo female traveler) — and I’m about to share my knowledge of the safest cities in Mexico with you.

Mexico is a big country, with an even bigger reputation. While many mislabel the entire country as unsafe, you’re about to discover that that’s simply untrue.

In fact, there are A LOT of safe places in Mexico — and this article will highlight the Top 10 safest cities in Mexico, and Top 20 safest beaches in Mexico, and the #1 safest city in Mexico.

Ready to discover the safest places to travel in Mexico? Let’s get to it!

After you see the Mexico safest cities list, don’t miss the Mexico Travel Safety FAQ at the end of the article where we do a deep dive into questions like Is it safe to travel to Mexico?

The 30 Safest Cities in Mexico to Visit 2024

1. Merida — Safest City in Mexico & Latin America

Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the safest parts of Mexico, Merida consistently ranks as the safest place to travel in Mexico.

In fact, Merida is considered the safest place in Mexico to vacation in the entire peninsula.

It is the capital of Yucatán state, which is one of the Mexico states that seems to never have U.S. State Department travel warnings.

Further still, many say Merida is definitively the safest place to live in Mexico (or one of the safe places to live in Mexico).

As someone who lived in Merida for many years, I know this to be true first-hand.

Now, this colorful colonial city is fast becoming a top Mexico travel destination.

There are so many amazing things to do in Merida, which is a great city to explore Mexico’s rich Mayan history and traditions.

⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Merida Mexico?

Wondering, What city in Mexico is considered safest with the lowest crime rate? It’s Merida, hands down.

Merida is known as many things, including the Cultural Capital of Yucatan, and the safest Mexican city.

It consistently ranks as both the safest city to visit in Mexico, and safest place for expats to live in Mexico.

As you can see in the infographic above, there’s not much crime in Merida, though of course, crimes of opportunity can happen.

You’ll want to be mindful of your belongings at all times, just as you would anywhere else.

2. Puerto Vallarta — Safest Mexico Beach City

Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest resort towns in Mexico, and safest beach towns in Mexico.

While it has these amazing Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts, you can of course stay-off resort and best just as safe.

Though it’s one of the best Mexican resort towns, many prefer the colorful homes and local charm in the Puerto Vallarta Zona Romantica, where the locals live.

In fact, when I visit Puerto Vallarta I stay here because it’s so charming 😍

Puerto Vallarta is famous for its beautiful, sandy beaches, and of course, most of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta involve the beach, the Pacific Ocean, or Banderas Bay.

When planning your Puerto Vallarta itinerary, schedule plenty of beach time.

⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?

Overall, Puerto Vallarta has very little crime. Of course, this is still a tourist town, so remain vigilant of your belongings at all times.

For such a big city in Mexico though, you have a very low probability of a crime happening to you here.

3. La Paz — Safest Mexico Beach Town

Wondering, What is the safest beach in Mexico? The up-and-coming town of La Paz Mexico just may be it.

This small town has virtually no violent crime, and isn’t a hub for criminal organizations like the drug cartels.

This a fun little city is in the beautiful state of Baja California Sur, located on Mexico’s west coast. In general, the entire Baja Peninsula is among the safest parts of Mexico; La Paz included.

While the city itself is fairly flat, it’s surrounded by the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range.

Located on the Gulf of California, La Paz is one of the best coastal cities in Mexico, with stunning views from both the beaches and the parts in the mountains at a higher elevation.

Hands down, the best thing to do is to check out one of the best beaches near La Paz.

Balandra Beach is the most popular by far, and in fact, is known as one of the best beaches in Mexico because of its calm, blue waters and photogenic appeal.

However, Tecolote Beach, located a few miles down the road, gives Playa Balandra a run for its money.

Similarly, so does Isla Espiritu Santo Island, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

⚠️ What are the crime rates in La Paz Mexico?

As one of the safest places in Mexico to vacation, La Paz has a low crime rate, and the town and beaches are regularly patrolled by police.

Visitors generally only have to worry about petty theft, which is common in any tourist city.

What makes La Paz special compared to other Mexico beaches in Baja, like Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo, is that it has retained an authentic Mexican cultural feel.

While La Paz is known to be exceptionally safe, in general, Baja California is one of the safest states to visit in Mexico (and best places to live).

4. Sayulita

The smalltown of Sayulita is located in Nayarit state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It is just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta by rental car or bus.

Over the years, the beach town of Sayulita transitioned from a sleepy fishing village to a small town beloved by artists, yogis, hippies and surfers.

Today, the Sayulita pueblo magico (magic town) thrives as a trendy hotspot where tourists, surfers and expats all get to enjoy one of the most beautiful Mexican beach towns.

For those lucky enough to call Sayulita home, it is considered one of the safest places in Mexico to live.

The overall vibe is young and laid-back, and the town is colorful and welcoming with its festive papel picado flags hanging from one side of the street to the other.

Sayulita’s quaint streets are full of bars, restaurants, boutique shops and outdoor mercados (markets), creating a fun atmosphere.

Of course, the best things to do in Sayulita involve being on the beach or in the ocean. For surfing in Sayulita, there are waves in all sizes, perfect for all levels.

If you’ve never surfed before, there are plenty of surf lessons in Sayulita, most located on the town’s main beach, Playa Sayulita.

Spiritual travelers, nature lovers and adventure seekers can enjoy beachfront yoga sessions, jungle hikes (like the famous Monkey Mountain hike), horseback rides, zip lines, in addition to the epic surf in Sayulita.

5. San Miguel de Allende

Located in Central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a charming city with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets that usually makes any “Best in Mexico” list.

In the last few decades, this Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guanajuato State has become extremely popular with American retirees.

Those who live there are known to say it’s the safest place to retire in Mexico.

Foodies also flock to San Miguel de Allende, and Top Chef filed there during Season 12.

Among the best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende, don’t miss Aperi led by Omar Henriquez, one of the best Mexican chefs.

With a large population of expats, and English widely spoken, it’s one of the easiest places in Mexico for beginner travelers since you can get by without speaking Spanish.

However, don’t pass up the chance to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, visiting local markets, shopping for handmade crafts and exploring the colorful back streets and alleyways.

Beautiful San Miguel is one of the prettiest cities in Mexico, so make sure your phone camera (or regular camera) is fully charged!

The best way to experience it all is to just take some leisurely strolls around town.

While walking, don’t miss the Biblioteca Pública (San Miguel de Allende Library), Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market), and Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, which is the famous San Miguel de Allende church.

There is no airport in San Miguel de Allende, and most people will travel there via Mexico City.

It is easy to get to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City by rental car or bus, as it’s only about a four hour drive.

You can also arrive by bus from other cities in Mexico, or fly into Guanajuato International Airport (code: BJX).

BJX Guanajuato Airport is the closest airport to San Miguel de Allende. It is located near Guanajuato City, and about 1.5 hours from San Miguel de Allende by car.

6. Huatulco

Bahías de Huatulco, which means Bays of Huatulco, is located in the state of Oaxaca on the southern coast of Mexico. It sits on the Pacific Ocean.

Usually just called Huatulco, the town is known as one of the best beach cities in Mexico. It has an astounding nine bays and 36 beaches to explore.

The best things to do in Huatulco involve being in and around the water.

Popular activities at the beaches include swimming, snorkeling and diving, as well as just laying around and watching the area’s epic sunsets at the many beaches in Huatulco.

Those looking for a little adventure can book a rafting trip on the Copalita River or swim in the Copalitilla Waterfalls, which is one of the most popular Huatulco tours.

Huatulco National Park is also a popular place to visit.

Wondering, Is Huatulco Mexico safe? or even, What are the safest cities in Mexico for American expats? Huatulco certainly ranks high atop that list.

Not only is it safe, but there’s great weather and plenty of Huatulco things to do, especially for beach lovers and scuba divers.

It has a large expat population from the United States and Canada, and many who come to Huatulco for the winter to escape the cold.

In fact, winter is the Huatulco busy season, and prices increase A LOT — so plan accordingly.

As it’s very safe with great infrastructure and gorgeous beaches, many consider Huatulco one of the best cities in Mexico to live. 

With its small town feel, travelers will find Huatulco to be a very safe and welcoming place to visit.

✈️ Want to check it out?

There are a lot of nice Huatulco resorts and hotels that aren’t very expensive, and you can fly directly into the city at Bahías deHuatulco International Airport (code: HUX).

7. Puebla de Zaragoza (Puebla City)

Though it’s one of the biggest cities in Mexico — the fifth largest by population, in fact — Puebla City is among the safest vacation spots in Mexico.

Puebla City is the capital of Puebla State, and a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Puebla is one of those great travel destinations, with lots of history, colorful colonial architecture and amazing cuisine. It also has Mexico’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Start your exploration in the beautiful Zocalo (Main Square), where you’ll spot the impressive Puebla Cathedral.

Another church to visit is Iglesia Santo Domingo; though there are beautiful churches all over Puebla, and in fact, this city is known for its abundance of churches.

Beyond sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Puebla is eat — as it’s one of Mexico’s culinary capitals.

Puebla’s local Poblano cuisine is revered throughout Mexico, and there are plenty of local specialties to try like cemitas(giant sandwiches), tacos arabes, mole poblano, and chile en nogada.

When in Puebla City, don’t miss seeing the neighboring towns of Atlixco Puebla, and Cholula pueblo magico (magic town) — two of the best cities in Puebla, Mexico.

Cholula is not only colorful, historic and charming, it’s also home to the largest pyramid on Earth by volume, the Great Pyramid of Cholula.

The laid-back Mexico island is definitely worth a visit.

With its semi-remote, off the beaten path location, it’s not uncommon for Holbox to be labeled as the safest destination in Mexico.

The island’s roads are “paved” in beach sand, and the best way to get around is by bike or golf cart. In fact, there are no cars allowed on the island.

If you’re traveling by rental car, you will have to leave it overnight in one of the paid lots next to the Chiquila ferry dock.

The lots have security guards, and cost about $7 USD per day per car.

Holbox Island has a small town feel, but also a bit of a lively side at night with a few restaurants and bars that stay open late into the evening.

However, this is not the place to come for all night parties and the same nightlife you’d expect in nearby Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

Isla Holbox is among the safest beach cities in Mexico, with a close-knit local community. People in Holbox are helpful and friendly, and you’ll always feel welcomed.

It is a much less touristy place than islands like Cozumel or Isla Mujeres, so safety is basically never an issue in this sleepy town with virtually nonexistent levels of crime.

Holbox is known for its incredible underwater world, and near-virgin beaches.

Among the best things to do in Holbox Island is swim with whale sharks (May 15-September 17), take a boat tour to go snorkeling to see the turtles and manta rays, or just lay in a hammock in the Caribbean Sea.

There’s also a nightly market in the center of town with lots of delicious things to try. Here, you can try all the best Mexican food specialities, like esquites and marquesitas.

If you prefer, you can also dine in the restaurants near the center of town. 🍕 Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for restaurants serving the famous Holbox lobster pizza.

9. Mexico City

When speaking of the world’s major cities, Mexico City has to be included in every conversation.

However, for many it wouldn’t be the first place you think of when discussing the safest city in Mexico to travel — which is unfortunate!

I lived there for one year as a solo woman, and even Mexico City solo travel felt quite safe.

This is a vibrant, cultural wonderland with many amazing things to do in Mexico City, delicious restaurants, plenty of fun day trips, and more.

As with any big city, you do have to be aware of your surroundings and belongings (especially in Mexico City after dark).

👩‍🎨 Best Mexico City Museums

If it’s culture you’re after, then you could spend weeks just visiting the 150 or so museums in Mexico City.

Located in Bosque de Chapultepec Park, there are other nearby museums to see located near the Anthropology Museum as well. I personally love the Museo Tamayo.

🇲🇽 Centro Historico: Downtown Mexico City

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Centro Historico, including a visit to the Templo Mayor, the main Aztec temple in Mexico.

Located about one hour outside of the city, don’t miss the famous Teotihuacan Ruins, a Mexico UNESCO Heritage Site.

For a truly unique experience, book one of these Teotihuacan hot air balloon tours to see this ancient site from above.

As some of the closest Mexico City ruins, this is a giant site, and the best way to see it is from above.

10. Cozumel Island

Often called the safest place to visit in Mexico on the Caribbean side, some refer to Cozumel as the Oahu of the Caribbean Sea.

One of the best islands and safest places to go in Mexico, it has a mellow, tropical vibe, the water is always warm, the snorkeling is fantastic, and everyone is so friendly.

Although it’s only a short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, it feels like a world away. It’s no wonder why Cozumel is one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen.

One of the best things to do in Cozumel is snorkel. Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, it actually has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (AKA Great Mayan Reef) is also the second biggest reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.

You can stop at any beach club and snorkel for free, which isn’t usually the case in popular tourist destinations.

For a beginner-friendly place, head to Money Bar to see the colorful fish, marine life and healthy coral just off-shore.

While visiting Cozumel, make sure to stop at some of the eco parks like Chankanaab Park (located inside the Cozumel National Reef Marine Park) and Punta Sur.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, located on the southern part of the island, is a favorite thanks to its lagoons, wildflowers, white sandy beaches, and an enormous lighthouse.

There’s also the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins site to explore. These are some of the coolest ruins in the Mexican Caribbean, and the only ruins in Cozumel Mexico.

With so much to see and do, and such a gorgeous location, it’s no wonder Cozumel is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.

11. Cancun

Cancun is among the best vacation cities in Mexico for good reason.

As one of the Top 3 major cities of Mexico for travelers, there’s no shortage of amazing things to see in Cancun.

It also has some of the safest all inclusive resorts in Mexico, which keep visitors returning year after year.

The Hotel Zone in Cancun is only about 15 minutes from Cancun international Airport.

There’s even an inexpensive bus that offers 24-hour service between the airport and the Hotel Zone.

In general, it’s very safe to get around the city by public transportation or taxi. There is also Uber in Cancun, and other ride-share apps, like DiDi.

As you might have guessed, the best things to do in Cancun involve the beach.

From water sports, diving, snorkeling, relaxing, sunbathing, and even dining and nightlife, it all happens on Cancun beach — and sometimes under its waters, as with the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA).

However, there’s other Cancun sites besides the beach, like the Museo Maya de Cancun (Cancun Mayan Museum) and a small Mayan archeological site, El Rey, right in the city.

To see some larger Mayan ruins near Cancun, rent a car or join a group tour to visit Chichen Itza and the Tulum Ruins.

As one of the top Mexico travel destinations and best beach towns in Mexico, Cancun has welcomed visitors for decades.

It has a well-developed travel infrastructure and plenty of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shops and attractions to suit visitors of all budgets and travel styles.

12. Guadalajara

Guadalajara is located in the state of Jalisco, and that state’s capital. It is also Mexico’s second largest city — but you wouldn’t know it by visiting.

This city has a much smaller feel compared to Mexico City, with its colonial historic center and quaint neighborhoods.

The locals are some of the kindest people you will meet, and you can pretty much always expect beautiful sunny days in Guadalajara.

As one of the top cities to visit in Mexico, and the second biggest city in the country, there’s no shortage of things to do in Guadalajara Mexico.

You can easily spend a couple of days visiting Guadalajara. It is a walkable city, and all the main sights are within a short distance of Plaza Guadalajara (Main Plaza).

Take a day to explore Centro Historico (Historic Downtown), including the famous Guadalajara Cathedral and Hospicio Cabanas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

🚗 Best Day Trips from Guadalajara

One of the best Guadalajara day trips, don’t miss the famous El Parián in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco Mexico.

There are so many great things to do near Guadalajara as well, starting with the picturesque suburb of Tlaquepaque (pronounced tlah-kay-pah-kay).

This is one of the Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns), and located only about 30 minutes from downtown Guadalajara.

Don’t miss out on the amazing food options, and of course, trying some authentic tequila from the nearby town of Tequila, Mexico.

Also among the top cities in Mexico for expats, head to nearby Ajijic pueblo magico (magic town), on the shores of Lake Chapala.

13. Mazatlan

When looking for the safest tourist destinations in Mexico, Mazatlan may not appear at the top of your list — but you have nothing to fear.

However, there are many gorgeous Mazatlan beaches, and in fact, it’s one of the 30 Best Mexican Beach Towns.

Despite the reputation of the state of Sinaloa, where Mazatlan is located, you’ll encounter a safe haven in this city.

If in doubt, stay within the Zona Dorada, or Golden Zone. This is one of the main tourist areas in town.

The Golden Zone is home to some of the best hotels in Mazatlan, as well as great restaurants with live entertainment.

Start off by exploring Plaza Machado to soak in the historic colonial architecture and beautiful city views. It is located not far from the Golden Zone and Downtown.

During the evening, head to the Mazatlan Malecon (Boardwalk) that overlooks the Pacific Ocean, and take in the sunset.

Thrill-seekers will enjoy everything from zip lining in Mazatlan to doing an ATV tour in the Sierra Madre mountains, and even snorkeling on Deer Island.

Though many might shy away from it because it is in Sinaloa state, Mazatlan is one of the safest cities in Mexico to visit, with beautiful beaches and a unique feel.

14. Ensenada

Ensenada, in the state of Baja California, is well known for its beautiful beaches, cruise port, and as the birthplace of Mexico’s beloved fish tacos.

Located less than two hours by car from the U.S. border, many head down to Ensenada from California for a weekend getaway in this Mexico beach town.

Besides Tijuana and Rosarito, it is one of the closest cities in Mexico to get to from the U.S., and one of the safest towns in Mexico.

As Ensenada has remained immune to cartel and drug activity, and is considered safe, remain aware of your surroundings and take standard travel precautions.

If you plan on driving into Mexico from the U.S. when you visit Ensenada, check out the linked article for all the info you need.

The landscape in Ensenada is perfect for wineries, and you’ll be spoiled for choice trying the local wines from nearby Valle de Guadalupe.

This area is known as the “Napa Valley of Mexico.” Besides wine tasting, one of the best things to do in Ensenada is see La Bufadora.

La Bufadora translates to “the blowhole,” and this just so happens to be one of the world’s largest blowholes.

The seafood here is among the freshest you’ll find, so don’t miss the local markets to buy some.

In addition to Baja fish tacos, try some smoked clams — and since you’re in Mexico, wash them down with authentic tequila.

Ensenada is also one of the best places for whale watching in Mexico. This is a treat for visitors who come during the December to May migration season.

Though known as one of the best Mexico beaches, there’s also beautiful nature on land, with lots of nature walks and hikes.

15. Bacalar Lake

Laguna Bacalar is often mistaken as a Mexico beach — it even has some of the best overwater bungalows in Mexico — though it is, in fact, a lake.

Located in Quintana Roo state, the Bacalar pueblo magico (magic town) is home to the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, Laguna Bacalar Lagoon.

Gorgeous Lake Bacalar is a Mexico hidden gem located in the Yucatan Peninsula about three hours south of Tulum, and five hours south of Cancun.

In recent years, Bacalar has gained popularity thanks to Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and social media, with influencers flocking to swim in its bright blue waters.

Nicknamed the Maldives of Mexico, the Mayans native to this part of Mexico refer to Bacalar as the Lagoon of Seven Colors.

They say you can see seven shades of blues in the lake. ♻️ Note: Please practice responsible tourism in Mexico and only use reef-safe sunscreen to help keep it blue.

While the lake is the main star in town, Downtown Bacalar is also worth checking out for a bit. There’s historic forts, once used to fend off pirates, and great restaurants.

As one of the best small cities in Mexico, you can rest assured you’ll be safe in Bacalar — both day and night.

It has a true small town feel, where everybody knows everybody, and visitors are welcomed.

The locals are incredibly friendly, and since most operate their own small businesses, hospitality is the name of the game.

For now, there are no big name corporate hotels or chain restaurants in Bacalar, only small businesses. You won’t find the typical tourist T-shirt shops either.

As it’s a bit remote in one of the southernmost parts of Mexico, and takes a few hours to get to, many (sadly) don’t make it down to Bacalar.

I’ve been twice, so I can assure you that Bacalar Lagoon Mexico is both safe and worth visiting.

16. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido is a fishing village turned beach destination on the Pacific coast of Mexico. It is south of Acapulco, and north of Huatulco in Oaxaca State.

Thanks to “Mexican Pipeline,” a famous surf break that draws surfers from around the world, this is a top Mexico surfing destination.

However, natural attractions, tropical beauty and culture, there’s more beyond the beaches in Puerto Escondido — one of the best vacation cities in Mexico!

Though, you’ll of course want to spend some time on the best beaches in Puerto Escondido Mexico — Playa Carrizalillo (great for surfing), Playa Zicatela, Playa Bacocho, Puerto Angelito and Playa Marinero.

It is also a popular Mexico digital nomad destination for those who want to live and surf remotely.

While known as a Mexico surf town, many of the top things to do in Puerto Escondido don’t include surfing.

There’s also seeing the bioluminescence at Manialtepec Lagoon, participating in the baby sea turtle release programs, and trying authentic Oaxaca food at the fantastic Puerto Escondido restaurants.

I’ve lived in and traveled to Puerto Escondido solo for more than a decade, and have always felt very safe.

In fact, many solo female travelers in Mexico find Puerto Escondido to be safe for both travel and living.

17. Isla Mujeres Island

Just 15-20 minutes from the coast of Cancun, and located in the Caribbean Sea, sits the lovely island of Isla Mujeres.

With a small population of friendly, laid-back locals, it just may be the safest place to go in Mexico’s Caribbean.

Isla Mujeres translates to “Island of Women,” as it was a Mayan pilgrimage site where women went to worship Ixchel.

Nowadays, visitors flock to this Mexican Caribbean island because it’s one of the best beach cities Mexico has to offer.

As about 12,000 people live there, you have plenty of restaurants, bars, services and more — and once the daytime crowds leave back to Cancun, you also get tranquility!

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for luxury accommodations, there are great Isla Mujeres resorts and hotels, hostels and guest houses for backpackers doing budget travel in Mexico.

Even late at night, activity is thriving, and walking to and from local restaurants and bars is safe and easy.

There are so many great things to do in Isla Mujeres, like snorkeling, fishing, shopping, exploring Mayan temples, or just relaxing at the beaches.

When visiting, don’t pass up the chance to explore the Ruins of Ixchel. Ixchel was the Mayan goddess of the moon, childbirth and fertility, and the ruins’ namesake.

This is the Mayan archeological site on Isla Mujers at Punta Sur EcoPark, located on the southern tip of the island.

18. Loreto

Loreto is a pretty town on the west coast in Baja California Sur state.

It is located right on the Sea of Cortez, and has been designated as one of the Mexico pueblos magicos (magic towns), for its charm and historical importance.

In fact, not only did we see gigantic whales multiple times, but our boat was surrounded by a pod of about 100 dolphins flipping and jumping around us. 🐬 It was a magical experience.

Besides whale watching in Loreto, there’s more things to see in Loreto, Mexico.

You can walk around town and enjoy the colonial feel, hike to La Giganta and go scuba diving.

Don’t miss the historic San Javier Mission and the Museo de las Misiones de Baja California (Baja California Missions Museum), and other top Loreto sites.

As Loreto, Mexico is one of the safest places to live in Mexico, you’ll find a large community of both expats and locals who live in harmony.

It is obvious everyone does their part to maintain safety, and that they strive to keep the town clean and safe.

When I visited, I felt safe while walking around and traveling on my own, and it’s definitely one of the best cities in Mexico for solo travel.

In fact, I liked it so much that I’ve traveled to Loreto twice, and the second time I stayed for one full week to enjoy all these best things to do in Loreto.

19. Akumal

Akumal is located about 30 minutes north of the popular town of Tulum, and about two hours south of Cancun.

Here’s a comprehensive guide on Cancun to Akumal travel showcasing the Best Ways to Get to Akumal Mexico.

It is much more up-and-coming than places like Tulum and Cancun, and has a charming pueblo (small town) feel.

One of the safest small towns in Mexico, you’ll feel secure walking around here, day and night.

A must see attraction is to swim with the turtles in Akumal Bay.

For many Yucatan Peninsula visitors in the Mexico beach town of Akumal, this is what they visit Akumal for.

In recent years, Akumal residents have had to limit the number of visitors to protect the rare sea turtles and the marine life of the area, so now you must book a tour to go.

🐢 Note: I have done the turtle swim, and it was amazing!

Besides the turtles, one of the best things to do in Akumal is visit nearby Yal Ku Lagoon.

This is a protected lagoon where freshwater meets the saltwater of the Caribbean Sea, and the snorkeling is incredible.

The Akumal hotels and resorts, known as some of the safest all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, are in a gated area patrolled by security.

Akumal is a small town, and when combined with this added security measure, you get some of the safest beach resorts in Mexico on your Akumal vacation.

The entire area around Akumal Beach is a pleasant place to shop, dine and sightsee.

It’s easy and safe to ride bicycles or walk the road along the sand to get to different Akumal beaches. In fact, it’s just easy to have a safe trip to Akumal Mexico.

20. Oaxaca de Juarez (Oaxaca City)

Oaxaca City, the capital of Oaxaca state, is a must-visit in Mexico and all North America.

The vibrant and bustling city is known for its Spanish colonial churches and architecture, lush mountains, mezcal production, and one of the best Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico.

There are numerous markets in Oaxaca to visit, but don’t miss Mercado Benito Juarez and Mercado 20 de Noviembre.

Here, you can try all the quintessential Oaxacan foods and drinks, like mole (pronounced moe-lay), tlayuda (tuh-lie-you-dah) and tejate (tay-ha-tay).

In the main Oaxaca mercado, Central de Abastos, you can try the famous memelas made by Doña Vale.

These are very well-known, and have been seen on the Oaxaca episode of the Netflix shows, Street Food: Latin America and Somebody Feed Phil.

21. Cabo San Lucas

Cabo San Lucas is one of the best Mexico travel destinations and best resort towns in Mexico.

Not only are there so many things to do in Cabo San Lucas, but it’s easy to get there (you’ll fly into Los Cabos Airport) — and also one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.

Whether you’re going with a group, a partner, or doing solo travel in Cabo, it’s easy to spend a week or a weekend in Cabo.

A year-round destination, Cabo sees an astounding 300 days of sunshine annually*, so there’s no official best time to visit Cabo, because it has sunny days all year.

*Some sources say Cabo has 350 days of sunshine ☀️ Regardless of the actual number, know that a trip to Cabo means sun and fun.

At the end of the day, Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos Mexico are so popular because they have a lot to offer visitors.

Whether you want to snorkel, do a Cabo boat cruise, go fishing in Cabo, ride ATVs in the desert, play golf in Cabo, or just relax on the beach and eat some fresh fish tacos.

22. Playa del Carmen

Wondering, Where are the safest places in Mexico to live?

For the throngs of Mexico digital nomads and Mexico expats who live there, many would add Playa del Carmen to the top of that list.

In recent years, Playa (as the locals call it) has become a hot spot for remote workers and retirees thanks to its great infrastructure, fast WiFi, and relatively low cost of living.

If you want to network with other digital nomads in Playa del Carmen, this Facebook group is where you can get updated info on what it’s like to live in Playa del Carmen Mexico.

For those unfamiliar, Playa is located about one hour south of Cancun, within Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

It’s easy to get from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, and very cheap if you take the ADO bus. There’s no airport in Playa, so you’ll have to fly into Cancun Airport.

23. Riviera Maya

Wondering, What’s the safest place in Mexico to vacation with family?

The Riviera Maya is certainly a strong contender for the title, thanks to the family-friendly all-inclusive resorts and countless things to do.

The Riviera Maya is a long stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, located in-between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

It’s not a city per se, but it is one of the safest Mexico vacation destinations.

It is home to many of the best resorts in Yucatan — and in fact, many visitors don’t even leave their resorts because they’re so beautiful.

A standout is the Grand Velas Riviera Maya All Inclusive, a 5 Diamond Mexico hotel that’s known as the safest resort in Mexico.

Chiapas is the epicenter of the Zapatista movement and surrounded by indigenous communities that culturally-minded travelers will want to check out.

These include San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, who’s artisans who regularly travel to San Cristobal to sell their handicrafts at the markets.

In decades past, Chiapas had a reputation of being an unsafe region in Mexico.

However, as is often the case with reputations, they are based on a few events only and do not represent the whole story.

For those who have visited, Chiapas State has some of the nicest cities in Mexico.

As with anywhere in the world, you’ll want to avoid traveling in Chiapas at night and follow general travel safety measures.

However, as a solo female traveler in Mexico, I never felt unsafe in San Cristobal or anywhere in Chiapas. 

Some of the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas include exploring the local markets, joining the free walking tour, and admiring the colonial architecture in downtown.

There’s some beautiful nature surrounding the city, like Canyon del Sumidero, and one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, Palenque, about four hours away.

The Templo de San Juan in the pueblo of San Juan de Chamula is one of the most fascinating examples indigenous religion blended with Catholicism.

This unique place truly is a must see San Cristobal experience, and has a fascinating religious ceremony that visitors come from all over the country (and the world) to see.

The charming Valladolid pueblo magico (magic town), one of the prettiest colonial cities in Mexico, is located in Yucatan State in the Yucatan Peninsula.

It is about two hours from Merida, Mexico, by rental car or bus, and makes for one of the best day trips from Merida.

When visiting, you’ll notice the Old World meets New World feel in Valladolid which has made the town a Mexico must see destination in the Yucatan Peninsula.

As you walk around the city, you’ll fall in love with the colonial style buildings, haciendas that are now home to funky cafes, open air restaurants, and boutique shops offering one-of-a-kind pieces.

Downtown Valladolid boasts numerous things to see, whether you’re a lover of art, history, nature and food.

In fact, you’ll find all the best local mercados (markets) are here, and the best Valladolid restaurants, like La Casona de Valladolid.

One of the safest places to drive in Mexico, you’ll love road trippin’ around the area just as much as staying in town.

Among the best things to see in Valladolid and best things to do near Valladolid, don’t miss these:

✅ Chichen Itza Ruins: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, these famous Mayan Ruins are located about 30 minutes from Valladolid.

✅ Valladolid Cenotes: Some of the best cenotes in Yucatan are in or near Valladolid, like Cenote Zaci, just a 10 minute walk from downtown, and Cenote Ik Kil, about 10 minutes by car from Chichen Itza.

26. Monterrey

Wondering, What part of Mexico is safe in the north part of the country?

While there are more places than you might think, one of the obvious answers is Monterrey.

Though big cities in Mexico that border the U.S. in Northern Mexico have a reputation for being unsafe, Monterrey proves otherwise.

If you’re thinking, Is Monterrey Mexico safe? — for the majority of visitors, yes, it is.

It is located in the northern Mexico state of Nuevo Leon, less than three hours by car from the Texas-Mexico border.

🚙 Driving to Mexico? Check out the linked guide for more info.

Monterrey is one of the largest cities in Mexico, but it is also surrounded by breathtaking mountain ranges and natural parks.

Because of this, Monterrey offers a nice blend of big city amenities and tranquil natural areas.

Although not on the traditional Mexico tourism radar for international travelers, Monterrey is popular with national tourism.

It’s a wonderful city to visit for the best of both worlds — beautiful nature and modern infrastructure.

The stunning viewpoint from this park overlooks the entire city, and if you’re lucky, you’ll even see black bears, coati, and many different bird species while up there.

There are also beautiful limestone mountains to see in the Parque La Huasteca, which many go to for biking, hiking, and even rappelling.

Also in this park, don’t miss the Grutas de Garcia, a cave with unique stalagmite and stalactite rock formations, which you have to access by cable car.

27. Santiago de Queretaro (Queretaro City)

Santiago de Queretaro (usually just called Queretaro) is one of my favorite cities in Mexico.

Though you might not have heard of it, Queretaro is brimming with art and history museums, beautiful colonial buildings and an eclectic culinary scene.

One of the best things to do in Queretaro is join a city tour on a historic bus.

On these tours, a knowledgeable guide will tell you all the incredible stories and legends about the city and show you the highlights of Queretaro.

Queretaro City is the capital of Queretaro State, and though it’s the main draw, there’s more to see.

There are also great Queretaro day trips to explore the nearby pueblos magicos (magic towns) of Tequisquiapan and Bernal.

If you have time, explore the spectacular Sierra Gorda, a region renowned for its incredible biodiversity.

There are also the five Franciscan Missions of the Sierra Gorda, one of the two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Queretaro State.

For me, Queretaro has been one of the safest states in Mexico to visit.

Located on the Caribbean Sea in Quintana Roo state, Tulum is one of the safest beach destinations in Mexico, and a must visit Yucatan pueblo magico (magic town).

Once little more than a small fishing village, in the last decade, Tulum has become one of the most popular cities in Mexico.

This is because Tulum has a lot to offer its visitors, and there are a ton of amazing things to do in Tulum.

There’s everything from oceanfront Tulum beach houses and eco chic Tulum glamping to Tulum treehouse hotels — and restaurant options ranging from Thai to Turkish to tacos, and even fine dining at places like Arca.

During the day, even the Tulum beach clubs have a lively atmosphere, with endless cocktails, top quality service, and amazing esthetic designs.

If lazing on the beach gets too hedonistic for you, visit the Tulum Ruins, one of the most spectacular Mayan Ruins in Mexico.

As the last Mayan city to be built, these ancient ruins offer an unmissable experience in Mexico, and will give you a chance to get a glimpse into authentic Mayan culture.

🪅 Tulum Off the Beaten Path

While the beach is the main draw, Tulum visitors will also want to check out the Tulum cenotes, and Tulum Town neighborhood (AKA Downtown Tulum or Tulum Pueblo).

Though it’s not the Tulum you’ve seen on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, downtown comes alive in the evenings.

Here, you have amazing street food taco shops and awesome bars with live music, like Batey Bar. This fun bar is home to the best mojitos in Tulum!

While Tulum has certainly grown with an influx of tourists eager to enjoy the beautiful beaches, this has also made it one of the safest places to visit in Mexico.

There’s a relaxed, non-threatening vibe and a friendly, busy atmosphere at night, so you never feel alone or secluded — even if you’re doing Tulum solo travel.

With the Tulum Airport now open, it’s easier than ever to visit.

29. San Jose del Cabo

San José del Cabo is a fantastic little beach town in Mexico, perfect for those who appreciate culture, art and art galleries, sightseeing and of course, beaches.

There are plenty of things to do in San Jose del Cabo, and this little town should be high on your Mexico bucket list.

San Jose, as it’s known by the locals, is easy to get to because the Los Cabo International Airport (code: SJD) is right in town.

You can easily rent a car in Cabo Airport and explore the whole area.

While Cabo San Lucas is more popular, many of the best resorts in Los Cabo are closer to San Jose del Cabo.

These include two of the best Mexico resorts, Grand Velas los Cabos All Inclusive and Las Ventanas al Paraiso.

30. Punta Mita

Punta Mita is an exclusive area with posh resorts in an area called the Riviera Nayarit.

Located in Nayarit state, one of the Mexico Pacific States, what also makes Punta Mita popular is that it’s only about one hour from Puerto Vallarta.

While there are budget options, Punta Mita is all about luxury stays — so this is not really the place for Mexico budget travelers.

If this sounds like your kind of place, pack your bathing suit because Riviera Nayarit has many great beaches that feel private and exclusive.

The Riviera Nayarit beaches have something for everyone — whale watching in winter, calm beaches for swimming and great beaches for surfing.

With everything from inexpensive hostels to some of the best 5 Star resorts in Mexico, like Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, and places in-between like the Marival Armony Luxury Resort, there’s a place for everyone.

When looking for the best luxury resort in Mexico, look no further than the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, one of the AAA 5 Diamond resorts in Mexico.

Besides Grand Velas, there’s also the Four Seasons Punta Mita and St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.

Safest Cities in Mexico Map

Need a visual of all the safest places in Mexico? I got you!

TheMexico Map above shows you where all the safest cities to visit in Mexico are located.

Each city on it is featured in this article, and comes recommended by past visitors who have taken the time to vouch for the safety of that travel destination.

If you’re seeking out the safest cities in the country, these are them!

It has low crime rates in all categories, including robberies, burglaries, vandalism, theft, assault, and drug-related crimes.

safest cities in mexico

In a Level 1 Travel Zone, travelers need only exercise “normal precautions” while visiting this popular region of Mexico.

For some time now, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has been considered the safest area in Mexico.

BONUS: It also has some of the best cities in Mexico for travelers, like Merida, Tulum, Valladolid, Cancun, Isla Holbox, Laguna Bacalar, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, Puerto Morelos, and more.

safest cities in mexico

This part of the country has some of the safest resort towns in Mexico, and so many great things to do.

safest cities in mexico

However, if you’re following general travel safety guidelines, you should be just as safe on-resort as off-resort.

These include not walking alone at night, leaving your valuables at home, and staying aware of your surroundings.

There’s also Mexico resort safety considerations you should make to ensure safety.

These include leaving your valuables in the room safe, using good sunscreen, and not drinking too much if your resort has an open bar.

With so many amazing things to do in Mexico, I think it would be a shame to visit Mexico and not leave your resort.

However, you do need to make your own safety your highest priority.

safest cities in mexico

The small town of Ajijic (pronounced ah-he-heek) might not be on everyone’s radar, but it is a great option.

The town sits on Lake Chapala in Jalisco State, and has peaceful vibes. The largest lake in Mexico, Chapala covers an area of 417 square miles (1,080 square km).

safest cities in mexico

safest cities in mexico

safest cities in mexico

safest cities in mexico

Of course, you will want to use the same “travel common sense” as you would anywhere else.

While many want a definitive yes/no answer to the question Is Mexico safe for travelers?, there just isn’t one.

That’s because this is a complex question, and the answer is really yes and no.

Yes, Mexico is safe for nearly all travelers; but no, it’s not always safe if you don’t make personal safety your top priority.

As one of the most visited countries in the world, most travelers are safe in Mexico, but you do need to follow common travel safety measures.

🤯 Mexico Saw 66 Million Visitors in 2022

Contrary to often-sensationalized media reports, Mexico gets a bad rap.

However, it’s not totally undeserved, as there are both safe parts of Mexico and unsafe parts of Mexico.

However, American and international travelers still flock to Mexico en masse.

In fact, Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world, and according to Statista, Mexico was the top travel destination for international travelers in 2021.

So if Mexico was totally unsafe, as many claim, Wouldn’t people just stop going?

As you can see on SECTUR, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism’s site, they most certainly haven’t stopped going.

According to SECTUR, Mexico welcomed an astounding 66 million visitors in 2022 — up 19.3% from 2021.

With such a sinister reputation, and so many people convinced all of Mexico is unsafe for travel, it seems people would want to avoid Mexico at all costs.

However, the numbers show that the exact opposite is true, and that tourists love Mexico now more than ever.

Yucatan State is famous for Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the most famous of all Mexico archaeological sites.

There are also other fascinating historical sites, like Uxmal, Ek-Balam, and Mayapan.

Visitors can enjoy these best beaches in Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, like Puerto Progreso, and these stunning Yucatan cenotes (natural jungle pools).

No matter where you’re headed in Yucatan, you can enjoy the region without worry.

🇲🇽 Some Additional Safe Parts of Mexico

Baja California Sur: This southern part of the Baja Peninsula includes Los Cabos, La Paz, Loreto, and Todos Santos. It is known for laid-back vibes, desert landscapes, and whale-watching in winters.
Mexico’s Pacific Coast: Home to a rugged coastline, friendly locals, and delicious seafood, this area includes Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco and Sayulita.
Mexico’s Central Highlands and Colonial cities: Rich in history and brimming with colorful colonial architecture, you have San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca City and Guadalajara.

safest cities in mexico

The states just mentioned are known to have high levels of drug-related violence, kidnappings and robberies.

If this is your first trip to Mexico, you may want to opt for one of these places to visit in Mexico that are known for safety.

The (sad) reality with travel safety in Mexico is this: There are two Mexicos. As a general rule though, Mexico tourist cities are safe to visit.

One Mexico is a welcoming country with friendly people, world-class beaches, tacos so good you’ll cry, rich history, swimmable cenotes, amazing festivals like Day of the Dead.

The other Mexico is quite frankly, unsafe — and there are some dangerous parts of Mexico with high crime rates that travelers should avoid.

However, if you’re wondering What are dangerous places to avoid traveling in Mexico?, check the U.S. State Department site for any current Mexico travel warnings.

When I’m asked if Mexico is a safe place to go travel on vacation, my response is yes.

Just as you’d avoid the unsafe areas in your own city, state or country, so too should you avoid the non-safe places to travel in Mexico.

If you stick to the safe areas of Mexico, you’ll lessen the need for safety concerns.

As tourism is the #1 driving force in Mexico’s economy, the top Mexico travel destinations are safe for visitors.

The Mexican government is invested in keeping them this way, so visitors return year after year.

However, there are MANY more. As a general rule, if you’ve heard of the city, it’s usually safe for visitors.

is it safe to travel to mexico right now?

For a guide on which places are safe at this exact moment, which places to avoid in Mexico, and the most dangerous cities in Mexico — consult the U.S. State Department site for all of the most currentMexico travel advisory info.

Their guide offers up-to-date information, Mexico travel warnings, safety alerts and advisories so it’s a good idea to have a look at their site before making travel plans.

However, keep in mind they evaluate state by state, not city by city, makes more sense for travelers since you’ll likely visit just one small area within a much larger state.

For example, Sinaloa is often considered one of the least safe states in Mexico.

However, the city of Mazatlan in Sinaloa is one of the most-visited and best beaches in Mexico.

This particular city is known as one of the safest places for tourists in Mexico, though it’s located in an “unsafe” state.

safest cities in mexico

The two most-used are the San Ysidro Crossing (California) and El Paso Crossing (Texas). These are considered the safest since they’re so heavily patrolled.

🚙 Coming from California

There are six border crossings in California. The most-used is the San Ysidro Crossing (El Chaparral), but there’s also Otay Mesa Crossing not far away.

Otay Mesa often has shorter lines, but they’re both considered safe to use.

🚙 Coming from Texas

There are more than 20 locations when coming by car from Texas to Mexico, including the El Paso Crossing, one of the busiest border crossings in the world.

El Paso, Texas: Considered one of the safest and most efficient U.S. to Mexico border crossings, and though the lines can get long, they usually move fast.
Laredo, Texas: This one is widely-used as well, but considered one of the safest crossings due thanks to heavy police presence.

5 Quick Safety Tips for Traveling to Mexico

Before we conclude, I wanted to offer some Mexico safety tips. As I have lived in Mexico since 2018, and traveled all over the country, these are the tips I use myself.

No matter where you’re staying in Mexico, please keep these safety precautions front of mind to do your part to protect yourself and your belongings:

Use Travel Common Sense: First and foremost, don’t take unnecessary risks. Second, trust your instincts and intuition; when someone or something seems sketchy, assume it is.
Leave Your Valuable at Home: Don’t flaunt your wealth by wearing expensive jewelry and brand-name items, and don’t carry large amounts of cash. These things make you an obvious target for theft.
If You Must Travel With Them — Keep Your Valuables Secure: Store your passport, money, wedding ring, jewelry and other valuables in your hotel safe or another secure location. You don’t need jewelry to climb Mayan Ruins!
Research Where You’re Going: Some areas of Mexico are more dangerous than others (like Guerrero, Tamaulipas and many U.S. border towns with high levels of organized crime), so know which areas you need to avoid.
Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: For your safety, be alert to what’s happening around you, and pay attention for potential dangers.

In fact, even trying to narrow down the safest part of Mexico, safest city to visit in Mexico, or safest city in Mexico to live in, is impossible because there are many of each.

There is a safe, popular destination in allspecific areas of Mexico, as you can see on this map. Need some additional suggestions? Here they are:

Valle de Guadalupe: The “Napa Valley of Mexico,” and one of the best places in Mexico for travelers who love foodies and wine.
Mazunte: A popular destination for expats in Southern Mexico, and a gorgeous beach town on the Oaxaca coast.
Ajijic: One of Mexico’s safest cities in Jalisco state, and located about an hour from Guadalajara
Valle de Bravo: Widely considered the safest place in Mexico to travel in Estado de Mexico (Mexico State).
Bucerias: This place consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Mexico for expats.
Campeche City: In general, Campeche state is one of the safest states in Mexico, and it’s capital city is the best place to visit in it.
Morelia: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Morelia is the top destination in Michoacan state, and considered its safest place.

Given the negative perception of Mexico as a whole, I wanted to compile this article with the voices of other travelers who have personally been to the cities they wrote about.

Hopefully this will help clear up some of what I feel is unwarranted sentiment towards the amazing parts of the country.

Now, there are dangerous parts of Mexico and dangerous places in Mexico; but those are small parts of a big country.

I hope hearing stories from actual travelers helps paint a more real picture because I have found most people who say Mexico is dangerous — have never even been to Mexico 🤷‍♀️ Go figure!

Mexico Safety Tips: Register for the STEP Program

If you’re from the U.S., make sure you enroll in the FREE STEP Program before your trip. (🇨🇦 Canadians can check out Registration of Canadians Abroad here for a similar program).

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

After you’ve registered, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.

STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home, in the event of an emergency while abroad.

They can also shed light on general Mexico travel safety tips, if you’re still in doubt.