If you’re like a lot of Americans, your impression of Mexico is what you’ve seen from watching shows like Narcos, Queen of the South, or El Chapo or from reports of wild partying during spring break. Sadly, over the years, Mexico has developed a reputation for having a fairly high crime rate and as a party place.
And, while it’s true that certain Mexican states and cities have become infamous over the years for cartel activity and violence — Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Tamaulipas and cities such as Acapulco, Juarez, and Tijuana — most of Mexico is safe for visiting. As long as you do your due diligence before planning your vacation, you’ll discover that there are many beautiful as well as safe cities and towns all over Mexico.
Whether you’re traveling solo or visiting with family, Mexico is home to some of the best vacation spots in the world. With miles of beautiful beaches on both coasts, a vibrant culture rich in history, friendly people, and mouth-watering food, Mexico is a great choice if you want to get a taste for international travel close to home.
When making your travel plans, not only do you need to know about the safest cities in Mexico, but also what these destinations have to offer in terms of cultural attractions, great restaurants, beautiful beaches, and, if you’re into it, exciting nightlife.
Top 10
The top ten safest cities to visit in Mexico are:
- Tulum
- Puerto Vallarta
- Mexico City
- Huatulco
- Merida
- San Miguel de Allende
- Puebla
- Oaxaca City
- Bacalar
- Izamal
Some other places to consider when coming up with your vacation itinerary are Todo Santos, a small surf town located in Baja California Sur, Campeche, located on the western coast of Yucatan and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Guanajuato with its “Alley of the Kiss” and famous miner’s enchiladas.
Planning ahead
No matter what kind of Mexican vacation you’re planning — city hopping or simply staying in one place and taking in everything it has to offer — you should also do some research about what to pack for a vacation to Mexico. The key to packing for your trip? Layers and comfortable shoes!
And, don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and some good books to read if and when you have some down time. If you want to immerse yourself in everything Mexico during your vacation, “Del Rio” and “Palace of the Butterfly” should be on your short list of books to pack.