This sparked headlines about how violence in Mexico is beginning to affect both tourists and the tourism industry. Writing off a country like Mexico in its entirety is a travel sin. Its hard to choose a favourite place in Mexico. California only borders the Mexican state of Baja California and a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) is not required to drive on the Baja Peninsula. In saying that, travellers can still visit and do but if were going to go, we must avoid the clubs. We did have an issue with a speed trap in Nuevo Laredo some months back. And even though Michoacn received quite the honour recently, with special mention by UNESCO itself just last year for its incredible traditional culinary practices, Im going to go out on a limb here and guess that the lovely United Nations agency probably wasnt referring to those taking place in the kitchens of the states fearsome cartels. Re: Safest border Town in Mexico to go to from Texas. You can visit Guanajuato as a day trip from nearby San Miguel de Allende or use it as a home base in itself. As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so can set in motion a persecution that can last years, the consequences of which can be very dissuasive, he said. Once in the city traffic, as soon as you are near Aeropuerto Del Norte, you'll want to be in the right hand lane. Its northern parts are particularly restricted from travel due to crime in the area, compounded by local enforcements limited capability to prevent and respond to it. The Mayan influence remains strong here, and the area has its own style of cuisine that diverges considerably from what you will find in other parts of Mexico. What's more, many commentators think that the large cartels are actively trying to avoid causing trouble in mainstay resorts like Mazatln in order to avoid police scrutiny and attention. The joint approach led to a lull in gangland gun battles in Quintana Roos tourist areas, and experts say that drug sales to meet foreign demand no longer take place on the street, although they are continuing more discreetly. Re: Top 5 safest & top most dangerous Mexico/Texas border. If you are planning to visit the Texas-Mexico border . Correction to my #8 post. More than you asked for, sorry for being long-winded. A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancn. Visitors can expect an unforgettable stay when they come to Mexico City. It is also less touristy than other resort towns on the Yucatan Peninsula, offering well-preserved ruins of the former Mayan city walls and other historic structures right in town. Just keep to the speed limit and you'll be fine. Its an archaeological site that sits on the seafront, making it one of the most photogenic places in the whole of Mexico. Cartel violence, by gangs including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (top right), has taken over tourist hotspots from Cancun to Tulum, Mexico, leaving foreign vacationers like Jennifer Henzold . To make matters worse, this border state is also precariously perched on the US-Mexico border. With its rich culture and breathtaking beauty, its no surprise so many tourists keep coming back here. Ive included Yelapa for folks who want a deeper Mexican experience, but note that its in one of the State Departments orange zonesso youll want to do a bit more research before choosing this part of Jalisco. In spite of the devastating effects of Hurricane Wilma, Cancun is once again a go-to destination for beautiful beaches, golfing, jet skiing and nightlife. Mrida. Admittedly, you can hardly walk a block without seeing a mezcaleria (bar selling mezcal) or shop selling the stuff in the city center. Laredo is listed as No. If you can, be sure to visit during the first two weeks of August to experience the Festival of San Joaquin de Bacalar, when the streets come alive with even more culture events, including dances, games and incredible parades. That's right, it is now home to masked wrestling. Mexicali shares a border with California, US. Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. The Border There are four main border crossings where the Northern border of Sonora adjoins the southern border of Arizona: Nogales, AZ / Nogales, Sonora Douglas, AZ / Agua Prieta, Sonora Lukeville, AZ / Sonoyta, Sonora Yuma, AZ / San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora Border towns provide a taste of Mexico after just a short walk across the border. Also known as Vallarta or just PV, Puerto Vallarta is more than just a coastal resort getaway. Lets just say its the kind of place we wouldntwant to be walking alone at night or during the day. Once a peaceful place with impressive architecture and stunning views, Colima is now tainted with that US State Department warning. Its the perfect place to visit for a spring break holiday. To help you plan your own trip, Ive gathered some of the safest places to visit in Mexico, complete with information on why you should go and where to stay. For the sake of our wellbeing, its best to steer clear of this state. The citys police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years. Reynosa, Mexico is across the border and has lots of food and drink. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, its not as touristy as somewhere like Cancun for instance. The two U.S. cities with more than 500,000 inhabitants and the lowest crime rates-- El Paso, Texas and San Diego, California -- are both located along the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the publication. . In this post, I will tell you about the most common options you have for crossing borders from Mexico to Guatemala by bus, from Tapachula, San Cristobal de las Casas and Frontera Corozal. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. Nov. 8, 2010 -- With drug wars escalating and daily reports of murders in Mexican border towns, many American tourists have been wary to visit the warm beaches to the south. Puebla is one of them. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. Ensenada ranked 13th in our blog, "The Top 10 Safest Cites for Expats in Mexico," but areas in Baja Norte along the border can be unsafe. Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. Here is the relevant paragraph: "The United States and Mexico entered a joint initiative March 21, 2020, restricting non-essential travel along the U.S.-Mexico land border to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert, urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. Safe for the northern tips overzealous waters, Campeche is a perfectly hassle-free Mexican marvel to travel to. But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. Five Mexican states received the highest Do Not Travel warning earlier this year by the U.S. State Department program. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-74770397', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, we will need a temporary import for the car. Then, in late February, one gang moved into the city to wrest control of drug sales from another, said Eduardo Guerrero, the director of Lantia Intelligence, a security consulting company in Mexico City. If you don't have a hotel yet in Saltillo, the Sheraton Four Points (formerly American Business Inn) is the closest to the highway and has secure parking. The Zona Dorada historic town center in the famous resort town of Mazatln, Los Mochis, Port Topolobampo, and all roads to and from these locations have been cleared for travel. However, it wasnt discovered until 1910 by, of all things, construction workers building an insane asylum no joke. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancn. The next day, Laredo seems a reasonable crossing. Bordered by Coahuila and Tamaulipas, we can see why that would be the case. Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, Senior Account Executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. Unfortunately, travellers are warned against coming to this state. For all its classic retro-iconic lure, Guerreros famous beach resort town Acapulco, once a major tourist destination for Hollywood celebrities, honeymooners and diplomats alike, didnt made the cut. Illegal activitiesare a big thing here which is why we should avoid it. Around 3,000 migrants have begun what they call a mass protest procession through southern Mexico to demand the end of detention centers like the one that caught fire last month, killing 40 people. Walk in, though. Even if its a visit to the Mezcaloteca for a tasting (which is a must and youll need to make a reservation), you should be careful. As one of the most sketchy states in the country, we might want to avoid stepping foot in Sinaloa, northern Mexico. The Lincoln Bridge, or bridge #1, has no customs or immigration,and the customs caseta @ KM 21 is longer. Produced by Will Reid and Michael Simon Johnson. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. The hotels/motels between Laredo and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It was confirmed by government officials to be none other than the famous Jose Alfredo Cardenas. Even so, we shouldnt let a few warnings put us off the country altogether. Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors, and concerns about violence there have receded. The US State Department currently has a "Level 4: Do Not Travel" warning for the following Mexican states: Colima state (due to crime and kidnapping) Guerrero state (due to crime) Michoacan state (due to crime and kidnapping) Sinaloa state (due to crime and kidnapping) Tamaulipas state (due to crime and kidnapping) It's a must-visit, especially for first-timers, despite thedevastating earthquake that hit the city late last year. These numbers show the border cities compare favorably to comparably-sized stand-alone cities in Texas, though are generally more dangerous than higher-income . Rio Grande City starts off our list of the cheapest and safest places to live in Texas for bigger cities. Whats not to love about this place? In case anyones itching to see Mexico and experience all its glory, weve found the top 10 places to visit and also the 10 places we shouldnt step foot in. The state is home to a lot of danger regardless of its beauty, so be sure to be (very) careful. However, travel outside Monterrey is indeed permitted during daylight though again, only on toll roads, with the exception of travel to the Monterrey airport, which is permitted at any time. Two visitors were killed in crossfire between local gangs in Tulum; a gunfight on a beach in Puerto Morelos sent tourists running for cover into a nearby hotel; a hit man gained entry to a luxury hotel in Playa del Carmen and killed two Canadian tourists believed to have links to organized crime. In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. Medical Tourism in Mexicali, Mexico. In early March 2023 in the Mexican border town of Matamoros, 4 Black American tourist were abducted in broad daylight. Even the US State Department warns citizens to avoid all non-essential travel to Sinaloa. Unfortunately, it was only to pick up again, as it often does with these things, three years later in 2016. 12. Non-essential travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. These ruins reveal one heck of a chapter in human history. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. The border crossing is actually located in nearby Anrade, California, and is open from 6 a.m. to . At the protest on Jan. 11, taxi drivers blocked a main road leading to Cancns hotel zone. Advertisement Over 40 narco cells are currently in Jalisco dedicated tothe harming ofextortion targets. But even if we stick to lying all day on the beach, we doubt well go home disappointed. My mexican fiancee is driving up from mexico to Mississippi next weekend to visit. After all, its not a small village; Puebla is Mexicos fourth-largest city, with some of the countrys best examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Visitors to the area are mostly native Mexicans, so you can immerse yourself in the culture fairly well; try a miners enchilada if you get a chance. Yelapa is Mexicos last authentic beach town, says Pacheco, and is definitely under the radar. It has a level three travel advisory, which basically means we should steer clear if we have a brain. It has caught the attention of artists, nature enthusiasts and government officials alike, the latter if which have even gone so far as to designate it a Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) an honor bestowed only to a handful of towns in the country. Driving is a bad idea. Thisprompted the U.S. State Department to up the ante on its travel advisories to the country early this year, placing five Mexican stateson its highest Level 4 "Do No Travel" advisory under its newly revamped system (yup, the same level as war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia) and 11 more on Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) . If you cross @ #1, you'd have to double back through town to get to immigration, so if you cross at downtown Laredo, #1 is what you'd want. Merida is also a well-known destination for celebrating equinoxes. For that reason, we should steer clear of rural areas and mountainous areas, in which there is a lack of infrastructure. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. And whether youre into art or not, youll no doubt be blown away, whether it's by the recently opened Soumaya Museum owned by the richest man in the world, Carlos Slim,orthe historic murals and public art peppered throughout the city by some of the countrys most famous artists, including the likes of Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiro. References: cbsnews.com, visitmexico.com, wikitravel.org, travel.usnews.com, en.wikivoyage.org, mexbound.com, Well steer clear of: Generally all rural areas, 10 Cheap Hotels In Lisbon For A Wallet-Savvy Stay, These Are The 10 Perfect US Destinations For Summer Travel In 2023, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Chicago You Should Visit This Summer, 10 Things To Do In Dubrovnik: Complete Guide To Croatia's Medieval Seaside City, 10 Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen: Complete Guide To This Riviera Maya Paradise, 8 Things To Do In Havana: Complete Guide To Cuba's Capital City, 10 Cheap Yet Highly Rated Tokyo Hotels To Enjoy Luxury Without Breaking The Bank, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Africa You Should Visit This Summer, Road Trip France: Explore 10 Beautiful Towns On The French Riviera. It is also known for being a spa town. Thanks! The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . Building on an already rich culinary history, its signature sandwich-like dish cemitas, its famous chili-chocolate flavoured mole poblano(where the national dish actually originates), and its so-local-its-exclusive-to-the-state raisin shot drink, thepasita, are only among some of the reasons visitors flock to this incredible city in droves year after year. A little bit of background. Queretaros streets are a wondrous mix of old and very old, as grid-like Spanish streets connect to the pre-Hispanic winding lanes from the time of the Otomi. The conflict also revolves around land. It's a statistic thats surprised many of its long-time visitors who are now found struggling to cancel their tickets. There is too much random risk, he said. Withcartel conflictscaring the locals, many are avoiding this state like the plague. It also offers great nightlife for those who are looking for it. Is that safe? Cozumel is one of our favourites. The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Sonora, the state where Nogales is located, is considered one of the most dangerous places in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. Rio Grande City, Texas. Though it was initially considered safe enough, in April, Acapulco was suddenly slapped with the hard advisory level for the first time ever. Statewide Texas-Mexico border crossings Texas and Mexico share 1,254 miles of common border and are joined by 28 international bridges and border crossings. Any help would be appreciated. Eight Sonoran cities made the list of the 121 Mexican municipalities with the most violence per capita: Visitors to the border region, including cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa, and Matamoros should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times. The only 2 crossings I'm familiar with are Laredo and Colombia, just to the north of Laredo. But is itreally that bad? Yet unlike most of its UNESCO World Heritage site buddies, this port city is relatively untouched by tourism and Western culture. See, its not just gangs that are the central point ofdodginess here in the country. Unlike me. Where to Stay: With its cozy common areas and brightly painted rooms, Casa de la Noche is an appealing place to rest your head. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived. Here are a few safety travel tips for snowbirds planning to make a border crossing in Los Algodones and other Mexican border towns: From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city. This city tends to rank as one of the safest cities to visit annually and has a very laid-back vibe, safe to explore in the majority of parts during both the day and night. If you're trying to get to Mexico on the cheap, my border town friends recommend getting to Laredo, taking a bus to Monterrey ($20), and catching a cheap flight to anywhere else in Mexico from there. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.). Tourism is a large part of these cities local economy. From freshly pressed juices to yoga retreats and on-site massages in private villas to decked out cabaas on the beach, this sleepy little beach town has all the fixings while remaining wonderfully devoid of any travel restrictions. Confused? And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancn, Tulum and Mexico City. Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano . Still, tourists do come here to Nuevo Leon,despite its reputation. Regardless of its multiple plus points, were not going to mask Mexicos darker side. Still, many are left wondering if Mexico is undergoinga war of perception. In the summer people come to see sights like the Zona Romantica or Los Arcos and El Malecon, but if we come in the winter, well be able to go on whale watching tours. Tour to Reserva de la biosfera el pinacate y gran desierto, Las Toninas Condos Bahia Kino Trip Report, Driving from vancouver,BC Canada to belize, Experience with Rio Dental in Juarez, Mexico. I was astounded by how much you can save by taking advantage of this opportunity. A group of Americans crossed here before being kidnapped on Friday. However, Oaxaca City has stepped up to the plate, consistently topping the list of favourite food cities by locals and foreigners alike. As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Dont wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. Huatulco. But between San Luis Potosi and Saltillo, the only decent hotels to be found are in Matehuala. An avid surfer and rower, Ed has written about and photographed rowing competitions around the world, including the last five Olympic Games. This is due to the growth of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, making even some of its once-safest towns, not-so-safe anymore. A great example of Spanish colonial influence, Merida is a walking-friendly town that is connected to Chichen Itza by a toll road, which is considered the safest way to travel in Mexico if you are driving. Number who cross each day: 25,000 people on average. About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. San Miguel has been named the best city in the world and is loved by both locals and tourists alike. Several days later, two of. So, Colombia would be the easiest, I think. Travel Smarter! Heres What You Need to Know. A veritable paradise for those who love to get around by bicycle, Tulums rustic, back-to-nature style offers visitors a decidedly different type of vacation experience. Please advise on the top 3-5 best and worst border crossings from Mexico to Texas? Colima is another state placed under the Do not travel advisory. (Come to the Castillo temple at the right time, and catch the shadow of a serpent slithering down the pyramid's steps!). On top of all that, Mexico City is both affordable and pretty safe. Its hard to believe that this is the same part of the world that is also the scene of the Great Monarch butterfly migration, when the most delicate creatures gather in the millions from all over the world into Michoacns very own forests. Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan. The road that connects Colombia to 85 that goes on to Monterrey is mostly 4 lane and has a fair amount of truck traffic. Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Texas (Over 10,000 Residents) - Our Top 4 Cities. No doubt, this is a natural reaction to the highly needed tourist dollar. When we visit exotic countries, most of us want to witness its traditional culture and cuisine. Although it's situated in Sinaloa, Mazatln is one of Mexico's safest cities . With dozens of untouched beaches and the emerald peaks of the Sierra Madre del Sur providing a lush background, its a huge shame that Michoacan as a state is brimming with unlawful activities. Its biggest culprit? Not only that, but people in Mexico will really appreciate the effort and will be warmer towards you too. You can also read about a little adventure I had during my crossing. Hundreds of thousands of Americans travel across the Mexican border every year to the tiny town of Los Algodones, in search not of sun and sand, but root canals and . But theres nothing fake about this place. One of the best is the Casona Maria Hotel Boutique, with its pretty courtyard and convenient location within walking distance of the historic center. The new U.S. travel advisory system goes so far as placing Sinaloa on the same warning level as war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia for its "greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.". Its not as busy as other tourist areas in Mexico, but its worth visiting to truly get a taste oflocal culture. A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government. Where do I find information about Kino Bay / Bahia Kino? For the most authentic experience in Mexico, head to Guadalajara. It would be a perfect backdrop for a wedding thats for sure. With its powdery sands and turquoise waters, Cozumel is practically the epitome of paradise. Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Keep in mind that bad things can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that dont appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. Huatulco is quite a small city, but it is packed with incredible beaches and a vibrant downtown. Urja Sinha. This place is picture-perfect how could we ever get bored with those views? Granted, Egypts Great Pyramid of Giza is often on everyones bucket list. The success in tamping down drug violence in Quintana Roo follows a similar improvement in Los Cabos a couple of years ago when U.S. authorities also collaborated with local officials in the state of Baja California Sur. As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning Level 4: Do Not Travel for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Another fun fact, although, Cholula was once the most important city in the Aztec Empire and one ofthe majorpilgrimage destinations in the central highlands, the city is now a hotbed oflucha libre. I do not represent World Nomads. Whether you want to explore the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, the Templo Mayor or justexperience the citys food and nightlife scene, every visitor is guaranteed to find something here in this bustling city.