With so many drug cartels and street gangs roaming around, Mexico remains one of the most dangerous countries in the world. The rivalry between these criminal groups has left thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of innocent people dead.
So, if you are planning to visit Mexico soon, you need to be wary of the places you visit and the people you interact with. Here is the ultimate list of the 6 safest cities in Mexico that you can visit.
6 Safest Cities in Mexico That You Can Visit
Despite the ugly reports of drugs, kidnappings, and gun fights coming from Mexico, the country is blessed with some marvelous places that tourists can visit. But as you plan your trip to this vast North American country, there are precautions you have to take to ensure that you stay safe during your trip.
First, you have to identify the safest places in the country where you can stay without any incidents. Here are the safest cities in Mexico.
1. Puebla
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Located just two hours away from Mexico City, Puebla is the fourth largest city in Mexico. This city has proved to be a great destination for many local and international travelers. It’s the capital city of the Free and Sovereign State of Puebla – one of the 32 states that form the Federal Entities of Mexico.
Puebla City is located on the southern side of Central Mexico between Mexico City and Veracruz (Mexico’s main Atlantic port). The city sits approximately 100 kilometers east southeast of Mexico City and 220 kilometers west of Veracruz. It was developed in 1531 in Cuetlaxcoapan – a Spanish name for “the place where serpents change their skin.
The city of Puebla is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to the historical and cultural significance of its architecture. Thousands of buildings in this city feature unique architectural styles and designs, including Renaissance, Classic, and Baroque. Furthermore, the city is full of churches, towers, monasteries, and other landmarks that will take your breath away with their distinguishing architectural designs.
This city is widely regarded as the cradle of Mexican Baraque design. As a major colonial city in Mexico, you should expect to find some historical sites and installations like Zona Arqueologica de Tres Cerritos, Loreto Fort Museum, Centro Historico, and Mercado el Parian, among others. Don’t worry about your stay in this city because it has some first-rate hotels that offer world-class accommodation services. Puebla City is considered one of the safest places to travel in Mexico.
2. Mexico City
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Located right in the middle of the high Mexican central plateau, in the Valley of Mexico, Mexico City is the most densely populated city in Mexico. Apart from being the capital city of Mexico, it’s the largest city in the country, with an estimated landmass of 1,495 square kilometers. By the year 2020, the city’s population was 9,209,944.
The latest census results put the population of Mexico City at 21,804,515, making it the 6th largest metropolitan area in the world, and the second-largest urban agglomeration in the Western Hemisphere. Mexico City is the largest Spanish-speaking city in the world. In 2011, the city’s GDP was $411 billion, making it the world’s most productive urban area.
Although this city has a long history of crime, continuous efforts by the Mexican government have reduced insecurity significantly, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the city’s alluring beauty and incredible sights. Currently, this city is considered one of the safest places in Mexico for local and international tourists. However, you have to be cautious, especially when visiting the downtown areas of the city.
In Mexico City, there are many things to see and places to visit, including incredible street art, colorful markets, museums, etc. Additionally, this city has some of the best hotels and entertainment joints in the world where you can find accommodation and other hospitality services.
3. Tulum
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The city of Tulum is the historical site of the pre-Columbian Mayan walled city. This city served as the main port for Coba in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. The remains of the walled city are located on a cliff, which is 12 meters tall. This historical site is found along the east coast of the Yucatan peninsula on the Caribbean Sea.
Tulum attained its greatest prominence between the 13th and 15th centuries when it was inhabited by the Maya. It was among the last cities built by the Maya people. It’s one of the most popular coastal cities built by the Maya and the best-preserved Maya city. That’s why it remains one of the most frequented tourist attraction sites in Mexico.
Tulum is considered to be a safe place to travel with your friends and family. As a resort town, Tulum hosts some of the top first-rate hotels and resorts where you can find accommodation and entertainment.
4. Huatulco
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Traditionally referred to as Bahias de Huatulco, the city of Huatulco is a popular tourist expansion in Mexico situated on the Pacific coastline in the State of Oaxaca. This city is also engrossed by the town of La Crucecita. Among the main attraction sites you can visit in Huatulco city are the nine bays scattered around the city.
This city is divided into four main districts, including Tangolunda, Santa Cruz, La Crucecita, and Chahue. Tangolunda hosts many of the city’s upscale resorts while Santa Cruz is just a small town that hosts the main marina and Santa Cruz beach. La Crucecita is also a small inland town that offers support services to the city. Lastly, Chahue is a small town located between Tangolunda and Santa Cruz.
The nine bays found in this city are small coves that stretch along the 26 km long coastline. Within these bays, you’ll find 36 white sandy beaches where locals and tourists go to unwind. As a beach city, Huatulco offers a wide range of exciting water activities like scuba diving, cruising, and snorkeling. The city is also blessed with some first-rate resorts and hotels where you can find quality accommodation.
5. San Miguel de Allende
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The city of San Miguel de Allende is the principal city within San Miguel de Allende’s metropolis. The city is situated in the eastern part of Guanajuato and is part of the Bajio region. This city is located about 274 km from Mexico City and 86 km from Queretaro. The city derives its name from two individuals: Juan de San Miguel, a friar in the 16th century, and Ignacio Allende, a martyr of Mexican independence.
During colonization, the city was the epicenter of the Chichimeca War between 1540 and 1590. This is the place where the Chichimeca Confederation won the war against the Spanish Empire in the first colonization war. That’s why part of the city is listed as World Heritage Site. The area is frequented by thousands of visitors every year.
This city is among the safest places in Mexico. Its popularity with ex-pats is quite manifest as you walk around the city. It is also known for its cobblestone streets, Spanish expatriate churches, and some great eateries.
For instance, you can visit the famous Sanctuary of Atotonilco, which is situated less than 10 miles from the central business district. There are plenty of hotels where you can find 5-star accommodation.
6. Bacalar
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Located in southeastern Mexico neighboring the Belize border, Bacalar is blessed with several exclusive attraction sites, including Lake Bacalar (the Lagoon of Seven Colors), Fuerte de San Felipe (an 18th-century fort), which houses a piracy museum exhibiting colonial-era weapons and relics, and the colonial San Joaquin Parish church.
Bacalar city is fondly regarded as the traveler’s paradise because there are hardly any incidents of pickpocketing, violent crime, or theft. But although tourists aren’t targeted for mugging and other crimes, you shouldn’t let your guard down when walking in the streets of Bacalar.