Safe Cities and Places in Mexico 2025

Overview

Mexico offers numerous safe destinations for tourists and expats, despite some areas having security concerns. The safety situation varies significantly by region, with many areas maintaining low crime rates and strong tourism infrastructure. This guide highlights the safest cities, regions, and travel tips for 2025.

General Safety Regions

Yucatan Peninsula ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The safest region overall, including:

• Cancún - Major resort destination with enhanced security
• Playa del Carmen - Popular beach town with strong expat community
• Tulum - Bohemian coastal destination with ancient ruins
• Mérida - Colonial capital, rated 2nd safest city in Latin America

Pacific Coast

Generally safe coastal areas:

• Puerto Vallarta - Family-friendly resort city
• Huatulco - Quieter beach destination in Oaxaca
• Ensenada - Wine country and seafood capital

Baja California Sur

Low crime peninsula including:

• Los Cabos - Luxury resort destination
• La Paz - Peaceful capital city
• San José del Cabo - Upscale beach town

Central Highlands

Colonial cities with rich culture:

• San Miguel de Allende - UNESCO World Heritage expat haven
• Guadalajara - Mexico's cultural capital
• Querétaro - Business-friendly with large English-speaking population

Top 20 Safest Cities in Mexico 2025

1. Mérida, Yucatán

• Safety Level: Exceptional
• Cost of Living: $600-800/month
• Highlights: Colonial architecture, Maya ruins nearby, second safest city in Latin America
• Best For: Retirees, culture enthusiasts, first-time Mexico visitors

2. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco

• Safety Level: Very High
• Cost of Living: $1,200-2,500/month
• Highlights: LGBT-friendly, beaches and mountains, excellent infrastructure
• Best For: Families, couples, active lifestyle seekers

3. Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo

• Safety Level: High
• Cost of Living: $1,000-2,500/month
• Highlights: 186,000+ expats, white sand beaches, cenotes
• Best For: Beach lovers, digital nomads, nightlife enthusiasts

4. San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato

• Safety Level: Very High
• Cost of Living: $1,500-2,500/month
• Highlights: UNESCO site, 8,000+ foreign residents, art scene
• Best For: Artists, retirees, culture lovers

5. Cancún, Quintana Roo

• Safety Level: High
• Cost of Living: $1,200-2,000/month
• Highlights: World-class resorts, enhanced security, international airport
• Best For: Beach vacations, resort stays, water sports

6. La Paz, Baja California Sur

• Safety Level: Very High
• Cost of Living: $800-1,500/month
• Highlights: Beautiful beaches, whale watching, relaxed atmosphere
• Best For: Nature lovers, budget-conscious travelers, retirees

7. Tulum, Quintana Roo

• Safety Level: Good
• Cost of Living: $1,000-2,000/month
• Highlights: Ancient ruins, bohemian vibe, eco-tourism
• Best For: Wellness retreats, yoga enthusiasts, Instagram-worthy destinations

8. Cozumel, Quintana Roo

• Safety Level: Very High
• Cost of Living: $800-1,500/month
• Highlights: World-class diving, pristine beaches, island life
• Best For: Divers, snorkelers, cruise passengers

9. Los Cabos, Baja California Sur

• Safety Level: High
• Cost of Living: $1,500-3,000/month
• Highlights: Luxury resorts, golf courses, sport fishing
• Best For: Luxury travelers, golf enthusiasts, fishing

10. Querétaro, Querétaro

• Safety Level: Very High
• Cost of Living: $700-1,200/month
• Highlights: Business hub, English-speaking population, colonial charm
• Best For: Business travelers, families, expats

11. Puebla, Puebla

• Safety Level: High
• Cost of Living: $500-800/month
• Highlights: 2 hours from Mexico City, volcano access, affordable
• Best For: Budget travelers, culture enthusiasts, students

12. Huatulco, Oaxaca

• Safety Level: High
• Cost of Living: $1,000-1,500/month
• Highlights: 9 bays, 30+ beaches, eco-certified destination
• Best For: Eco-tourists, retirees, beach lovers

13. Campeche, Campeche

• Safety Level: Very High
• Cost of Living: $500-800/month
• Highlights: Gulf coast, fortified colonial city, budget-friendly
• Best For: History buffs, budget travelers, peaceful getaways

14. Sayulita, Nayarit

• Safety Level: High
• Cost of Living: $600-1,000/month
• Highlights: Surf town, bohemian culture, near Puerto Vallarta
• Best For: Surfers, digital nomads, alternative lifestyle

15. Ensenada, Baja California

• Safety Level: High
• Cost of Living: $1,000-1,800/month
• Highlights: Wine country, seafood, close to US border
• Best For: Wine enthusiasts, weekend trips from California

16. Oaxaca de Juárez, Oaxaca

• Safety Level: Good
• Cost of Living: $900-1,500/month
• Highlights: UNESCO site, culinary capital, indigenous culture
• Best For: Foodies, culture enthusiasts, Spanish speakers

17. San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas

• Safety Level: Good
• Cost of Living: $400-800/month
• Highlights: Indigenous culture, cobblestone streets, mountain setting
• Best For: Budget travelers, cultural immersion, nature lovers

18. Morelia, Michoacán

• Safety Level: Good
• Cost of Living: $500-900/month
• Highlights: Spring-like climate, colonial architecture, central location
• Best For: Retirees, culture enthusiasts, budget-conscious

19. Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca

• Safety Level: Good
• Cost of Living: $600-1,200/month
• Highlights: World-class surfing, laid-back atmosphere, beach culture
• Best For: Surfers, digital nomads, beach lifestyle

20. Guadalajara, Jalisco

• Safety Level: Moderate
• Cost of Living: $500-1,200/month
• Highlights: Cultural capital, mariachi birthplace, international cuisine
• Best For: Urban experiences, cultural activities, nightlife

All-Inclusive Resorts vs. Regular Hotels

All-Inclusive Resort Benefits:

• Enhanced security measures
• Controlled environments
• 24/7 staff presence
• Medical facilities on-site
• Organized activities and transportation

Considerations:

• Location matters more than resort type
• Research specific resorts thoroughly
• Read recent traveler reviews
• Verify security protocols

Areas to Avoid in 2025

High-Risk States:

• Guerrero - High organized crime activity
• Michoacán - Cartel presence outside safe cities
• Tamaulipas - Border violence concerns
• Sinaloa - Drug trafficking issues

Border Cities (Exercise Extra Caution):

• Tijuana (except tourist zones)
• Ciudad Juárez
• Nuevo Laredo
• Reynosa

Essential Safety Tips for Mexico Travel

Before You Go

1. Check current US State Department travel advisories
2. Register with your embassy
3. Get comprehensive travel insurance
4. Research your specific destination

While in Mexico

1. Stay aware - Pay attention to surroundings
2. Avoid displays of wealth - No expensive jewelry or large cash amounts
3. Use hotel safes - Store passport, money, and valuables securely
4. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong, leave
5. Stay in tourist areas - Especially at night

Transportation Safety

• Use official hotel shuttles when possible
• Book reputable tour companies
• Avoid driving at night
• Use ride-sharing apps in cities
• Don't hitchhike

Health Precautions

• Drink bottled or filtered water
• Eat at busy, popular restaurants
• Use mosquito repellent
• Bring hand sanitizer
• Pack basic medications

Best Times to Visit

Peak Season (December-April):

• Driest weather
• Highest prices
• Most crowded
• Best for beach destinations

Shoulder Season (May-June, October-November):

• Good weather
• Moderate prices
• Fewer crowds
• Best overall value

Low Season (July-September):

• Rainy season
• Hurricane risk (coastal areas)
• Lowest prices
• Hot and humid

Emergency Contacts

• Mexican Emergency Services: 911
• Tourist Police: Available in major destinations
• US Embassy Mexico: +52-55-5080-2000
• Canadian Embassy Mexico: +52-55-5724-7900

Money and Banking Safety

• Use ATMs inside banks or hotels
• Notify banks of travel plans
• Carry backup cards
• Keep some cash in small bills
• Avoid currency exchange on streets

Final Recommendations

For First-Time Visitors: Start with established destinations like Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, or Mérida.

For Expats: Consider San Miguel de Allende, Playa del Carmen, or Puerto Vallarta for established communities.

For Budget Travelers: Explore Mérida, Campeche, or San Cristóbal de las Casas.

For Luxury Seekers: Los Cabos, Tulum, or upscale areas of Puerto Vallarta.

Mexico offers incredible diversity in safe destinations. By choosing the right location, taking standard precautions, and staying informed, you can have a wonderful and secure experience exploring this beautiful country's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.

Last updated: September 2025. Always check current conditions and travel advisories before planning your trip.