When it comes to the popular tourist destination of Mexico, the U.S. State Department continues to issue travel advisory levels by state rather than one all-encompassing piece of guidance.
It’s true that some states pose more of a threat to travelers than others and many safety concerns center on potential crime. However, it’s also true that the vast majority of Mexico’s premier tourist destinations are safe for visitors who practice common sense and heed the advice of local officials.
Here’s a breakdown of the latest State Department guidance for travelers visiting Mexico’s most sought-after locales this winter.
Cancun and Riviera Maya
The beachfront pool area at Secrets Moxche Playa del Carmen. (photo by Patrick Clarke)
Visitors to the Mexican Caribbean state of Quintana Roo—which includes popular tourist areas such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Akumal and Cozumel—should exercise increased caution due to crime.
Keep in mind the Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) travel advisory is the most common for countries around the world, whether related to crime, terrorism or civil unrest.
There are currently no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in Quintana Roo but “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.”
The Mexican military has guaranteed safety for travelers to Cancun but travelers should always “maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations,” officials advise.
Cancun has also stepped up beach safety ahead of the high season but tourists are encouraged to follow the direction of lifeguards and the destination’s color-coded flag system.
Los Cabos
The State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Baja California Sur due to crime but there are no restrictions on travel for U.S. government employees in the state, which is best known for the beloved resort destination of Los Cabos.
This region is home to not only amazing landscapes and an ideal climate but also some of the top all-inclusive resort and boutique hotel experiences in the world.
El Mirador Bar at Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos. (Photo Credit: Patrick Clarke)
Mexico City
Travelers are encouraged to exercise increased caution in Mexico City due to crime.
The State Department recommends that visitors “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.”
Puerto Vallarta
While the State Department advises Americans to reconsider travel to Jalisco state, it points out that there are no restrictions on travel for U.S government employees in popular tourist areas such as Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Puerto Vallarta and neighboring Riviera Nayarit, Chapala and Ajijic.
View of Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Photo Credit: Meagan Drillinger)
Puerto Vallarta in particular stands out as a safe destination for tourists who will want to venture off the resort to properly explore all that this spectacular city has to offer.
Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende
The Mexican state of Guanajuato is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered and one of the many highlights here is San Miguel de Allende, a colonial-era city that routinely ranks among the world’s best.
Although the State Department asks Americans to reconsider travel to the state due to crime, U.S. government employees are only restricted from areas south of Federal Highway 45D and are welcome to visit tourist areas like San Miguel de Allende and Guanajuato City.
San Miguel de Allende, one of Guanajuato’s Magic Towns. (Photo Credit: ferrantraite / E+)
Yucatan
Visitors to Mexico’s Yucatan state can exercise normal precautions this winter. That’s good news since the region is enhancing connectivity to the U.S. with new flights originating from major cities.
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