what mexican border towns are safe

Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement. There are only three border crossings. Chief among them is Carlos Pea Ortiz, the mayor of Reynosa, a Mexican town along the US border which sits just 11 miles away from a Texas gun store where residents and visitors can legally buy guns. 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. More than likely, however, the biggest draw isits wild sense of possibility. Couple things. For the time being, however, the state of Jaliscos Level 3 Travel Advisory focused mainly on the states Michoacn and Zacatecas borders and travel after dark, insisting that cartel violence does not target tourists or touristic areas, but can be present in other parts of these States so some caution is advised.. But since Mexico has no billing arrangement with the toll authority, (like some other states in the US) you can't be billed for the toll. One time I actually wanted to declare some stuff and they just waved me through. Indeed, the state of Coahuila is one of 11 Mexican states recently placed under the Level 3 U.S. travel advisory. 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. The Lincoln Bridge is actually #2, with no immigration. Illegal activitiesare a big thing here which is why we should avoid it. When were not sunbathing on one of its white sandy beaches, we can enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving. Maybe google it spelled as Colombia, not Columbia, a common mistake. I have been to Mexico only once ((ta && ta.queueForLoad ? "It is relatively safe for travelers to head to tourist destinations and major urban centers such as Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey," Lopez-Aranda told CNN Travel. Writing off a country like Mexico in its entirety is a travel sin. The Laredo bridges get very busy on the weekends, as you might imagine. Any help would be appreciated. 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. 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. Ed Hewitt started traveling with his family at the age of 10 and has since visited dozens of countries on six continents. From there, traffickers andkingpins who win the turf war gain access to the voracious and lucrative USillegal substancemarket. Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a monthly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trendsand how they could affect your travel plans. AG Merrick Garland Holds News Conference on Drug Trafficking Yep, an eruption of gang violence in the noughties raised the homicide rate here to 3,500 per year. Just keep to the speed limit and you'll be fine. 3 ways of crossing the border from Mexico to Guatemala: practical tips He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. At the protest on Jan. 11, taxi drivers blocked a main road leading to Cancns hotel zone. Please advise on the top 3-5 best and worst border crossings from Mexico to Texas? Despite its stigma and gritty past, the national capital of Mexico is incredibly safe afactthats particularly remarkable when you think for a moment that it happens to be one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world (not to mention the most densely populated city in North America). 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Crossing The Border: 10 Places In Mexico We'll Love (10 - TheTravel Yet unlike most of its UNESCO World Heritage site buddies, this port city is relatively untouched by tourism and Western culture. And to top that, it offers some great cavern and cave diving as well as plenty of hotels and restaurants for every budget. This includes the southern coastal region. Regardless of its multiple plus points, were not going to mask Mexicos darker side. Other hot spots like Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa were spared from the designation. A growing favourite for tourists who hate tourists, Mrida is a wonderful alternative to nearby Cancuns Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Brownsville, Texas, on the Gulf Coast, is listed twentieth. Isla Mujeres, Chichen Itza and Playa Tortugas are some of the best things to do in Cancun. Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. 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. 15 Places In Mexico That Are Just Plain Dangerous (And 5 - TheTravel There are also significant Mayan ruins in the state of Campeche, of which the city is the capital; these arent as well known as the famous ruins to the east, and as such theyre less crowded. Despite local police efforts to shield tourists from seeing the worst of what is happening, with two club shootings in Playa del Carmen last year, the recent explosion on a ferry in the resort town this year, and a string of violence in Acapulco over the past several years, cartel-related crime seems to be crouching on tourist territory. Take out Mexican Pesos before leaving Getting your hands on the local currency is pretty easy, and saves you the hassle and anxieties of figuring it all out after a long flight. San Miguel de Allende oozes old Mexico charm from the cobblestone streets, colonial-era buildings, and the neo-Gothic steeples that are high above the skyline. Is Juarez, Mexico Safe? Safety Guide To Mexico's Border Town Drawing adventure enthusiasts from around the world, and home to both some of the best rock climbing and Mexicos third largest and very safe - city, Monterrey, the state Nuevo Len can easily be mistaken as a safe haven from violent crime. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Campeche is a walled Spanish colonial city that has been superbly restored nearly to its former glory. It's a real shame that such a beautiful place has no been outlawed, for the most part. 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. Located in the popular state of Oaxaca, theres plenty of picturesque Pacific beaches to choose from. Located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, and home to some of the most visited archeological sites, like the incredible Templo Dios del Viento (God of Winds Temple) off the Yucatan coast, Tulum does attract its fair share of tourists (over 2.2 million in last year alone). By the numbersrate of violent crime nationally was 366.7 . 10 Most Dangerous Places in Mexico (Most Deadliest Cities 2023) Mexicali Safety: The whole of Baja California is safe for American tourists. But between San Luis Potosi and Saltillo, the only decent hotels to be found are in Matehuala. [viator_tour destination=628 type=3-mod]. For a more affordable option, consider the Chillout Flat Bed & Breakfast, which earns plaudits for friendly service and homemade granola. 10 Safest - Cholula. No matter where you go while traveling abroad, youll want to follow common-sense rules such as drinking only in moderation, getting a cab instead of wandering around after dark, and leaving your valuables at home. 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. There is a new City Express on the highway by Monterrey, otherwise there are no hotels between Monterrey and the border. Life. Still, its a great pity that tourists are warned against this state because it used to be so peaceful and still is beautiful. Mrida. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.). 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. If were looking to experience more traditional culture, this probably isnt the ideal place. Between Parras Valley and Sierra Madre Oriental pine-oak forests, theres no doubt about it that Coahuila is a beautiful place. The attack spurred questions on whether it's safe to travel to Mexican border cities and towns, even in Sonora, which is more than 1,000 miles from where the killings took place. Though, admittedly, in no way should this be a cause for a tourist stampede to the area. Mexico still offers safe places to visit without the travel caution. And, indeed, with all theheadlines, many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, and opting to avoid the country altogether. This local guide . It is a quiet and family-friendly city located right on the Mexican border deep in South Texas. Withcartel conflictscaring the locals, many are avoiding this state like the plague. Those vivid colonial buildings, cobblestoned streets, and dont even get us started on those white sandy beachesahhh, bliss. Editors note: This story was originally published in 2018. It's a statistic thats surprised many of its long-time visitors who are now found struggling to cancel their tickets. But it also has some of the best mezcal in the country. Where to Stay: There are numerous places to stay in Puebla that wont break the bank. 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. In early March 2023 in the . It distracts from business. In this case, try not to wear fancy clothing or flash money around that will only attract unwanted attention. It was confirmed by government officials to be none other than the famous Jose Alfredo Cardenas. The places where thousands cross the US-Mexico border on foot - CNN Mr. de Hail also suggests buying travel insurance in case of a medical emergency or theft, and recommends that tourists keep a low profile to avoid attracting attention, he said, warning that it is easy to misread situations. Mexican beach resorts are often exempt from travel restrictions even in blacklisted Mexican states. 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. How Safe Is Laredo for Travel? - Travel Safe - Abroad A state on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Guerreros tourism is mainly focused on Acapulco. As you'll inevitably discover, this city is literally pulsing with creativity and is a magical mecca in its own right for writers, musicians, artists, dancers or photographers both gringos and Mexicans alike. A couple of other things. It also boasts some of the best cuisine in the Western Hemisphere. Over 40 narco cells are currently in Jalisco dedicated tothe harming ofextortion targets. Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitorsincluding street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums. A stray bullet fired by cartel gunmen shooting at a Mexican military plane as it landed at the airport in the state capital, Culiacn, clipped an Aeromexico plane preparing to take off for Mexico City. After all, as the Mexican tourism board likes to remind us, of its 31 one states, only fiveare restricted, and most of the violence is rarely, if at all, directed at tourists. Unfortunately, travellers are warned against coming to this state. Though located on the beautiful Pacific coast, Sinaloa is a state where nefarious organizations are known to be based and operating. He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel. The federal government sent National Guard units to patrol the beaches, and Quintana Roo state authorities asked U.S. law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, to provide intelligence, Mr. Guerrero said. ( NewsNation) Since the start of 2023, the U.S. Department of State has issued travel advisories for Mexico and four other countries in Central America due to crime. Where to Stay: Posada La Poza has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates. Visitors can expect an unforgettable stay when they come to Mexico City. San Miguel de Allende, a haven for U.S. retirees, is an island of relative peace in a state, Guanajuato, that has been riddled with cartel violence. And, after we cross do we have to drive along the Rio Bravo road on the Mexican side? Most of Mexicos border states and towns are the areas to avoid because they pose high safety risks. Tipping in Mexico: The Mexico Tipping Guide, 10 Puerto Vallarta Hotels for Every Type of Traveler, 10 Incredible Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead. Even in states where crime is very high, tourist areas have generally been spared. Beingjust two hours from the more popular Merida, it's easy to travel from one to the other. MATAMOROS, Mexico About two dozen makeshift tents were set ablaze and destroyed at a migrant camp across the border from Texas this week, witnesses said Friday, a sign of the extreme risk that . Playa del Carmen. Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana. All Rights Reserved. The U.S. State Department might be right to ask visitors to reconsider travel due to crime while underscoring the point that violent crime and gang activity are common in parts of Nuevo Leon state. You can also read about a little adventure I had during my crossing. Nevertheless, youll want to go. Outside of the city limits of Nuevo Casas Grandes are prohibited after dark. best mexican town to visit that borders Texas. - Fodor's My husband already had his temporary visa, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods. Youre a fish out of water.. Todos Santos is located in the Baja California Sur, where there are currently no U.S. government restrictions for travel, and that includesthenearby glossy tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Get to know the Areas Whether heading to Cancun, Mexico City or beyond, read online to get to know the best areas for a stay. Since certain newsworthy events occurred in 2014, Guerrero has long been a well-known do-not-travel state. Whats not to love about this place? Wealthy expats and holidaying Europeans vacation at the beachside lounges of the gorgeous Playa del Carmen which, by the way, has the best beaches in Mexico. Roads that are indeed all too reminiscent of the "dark desert highway" leading up to the iconicHotel California, which, if local lore has it right, is the very one famously referred to in the classic 1970s Eagles hit song. The migrants set out early Sunday from the city of Tapachula, near the Guatemalan border. Safest Cities in Mexico: Safe Places to Visit (2023) Like Todos Santos mentioned below, Bacalar holds the official designation as a Pueblo Magico, or Magical Town, due in large part to the lagoon. Its best to stick more to the tourist resorts and avoid any of the five states the US State as deemed as too dangerous for travellers. Its also a city filled with churches a total of 365 to be exact. They rescue 63 kidnapped migrants in a Mexican town on the US border Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. Algodones, Mexico, is a popular border town destination for medical tourism for residents of the United States and Canada, offering more pharmacies, doctors, dentists, and opticians in a concentrated area than anywhere else in the world.Here, Americans and Canadians can find heavily discounted prescriptions, eyeglasses, and medical and dental care, each as high quality as the same procedure or . This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated almost right in the . With so much to offer, aren't you glad to learn thatMexico City is one place you don't have to avoid? About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. They are doing this quickly too. Its spectacular coastline featuring azure waters and soft sandy beaches is another great reason for choosing this safe Mexican destination. That is a sharp rise from the 1,700 migrants that Border Patrol agents encountered in the first two weeks of April, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials. See my site Policies Read More FILE - Migrants who crossed the border from Mexico into the U.S. wait next to the U.S. border wall where U.S. Border Patrol agents stand guard, seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico . 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. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety. As of right now we are choosing to go through the downtown Laredo bridge. Is Mexico Safe for Solo Travel - Bald Girl Will Travel - Solo Travel There is too much random risk, he said. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Safest route from Chihuahua City to the border? Even for those stunning untouched beaches, we dont think well take the risk; especially as there are plenty of nicer options to visit in Mexico. Michoacan might be known as one of Mexicos most beautiful states, but when we look at itsdanger statistics, it sort of makes it a little less beautiful to us. Is Mexico Safe for Travel? (Honest Advice for 2023) The Mexican border towns of California are some of the safest in the world. Discover the Arizona Sonora Border Region - Explore Sonora Go watch Nacho Librefor clarification or at the very leastto see Jack Black as Luchador. Texas-Mexico border crossings There is something for everybody. 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. There's a vast list of services that can solve practically any medical situation here. Is It Safe To Visit Mexican Border Towns? - Tour By Mexico While its capital, Morelia, is certainly a safe place to travel to, and quite possibly the perfect place to explore the rich variety of world-famous Mexican dishes, the rest of the Western Pacific state, Michoacn, is oh, how do I put this delicately one big hotbed of kidnapping and crime. Walk in, though. Sadly, not all of Mexico isideal to visit. 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. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations, the alert said. Merida is also a well-known destination for celebrating equinoxes. Despite not being banned, travellers are allowed only if using the most direct routes is and toll highways. 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. So many different options, so many different outcomes. Mexico Travel Advisory - United States Department of State These cookies do not store any personal information. Located in the very heart of the country, amid its high desert mountains, and only five and a half hours from Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende is, as you would expect from any UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the safest places in Mexico be it day or night. The state of Quintana. Did this page help you discover some safe cities in Mexico to visit? With its small-town atmosphere and unique ocean fronts, PV is definitely one of the prettiest places in Mexico that feels thriving but cozy. These numbers show the border cities compare favorably to comparably-sized stand-alone cities in Texas, though are generally more dangerous than higher-income . Since 2011, however, Tamaulipas has become unsafe not only for tourists, but forlocals too. Its part of the fun of travel a big part! But the rule doesnt always hold. 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. There are occasional reports of violence, but for the most part, the border is peaceful. However, if we want to stay safe and prevent putting ourselves in any danger, its wise to avoid Sinaloa. There is so much to explore in this city that it would be impossible to get bored here. But theres nothing fake about this place. Nobody was hurt and the plane returned to the terminal. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers wont regret visiting them, he says. Why do you need Mexican insurance to drive in Mexico? It really is a great place to experience Mexicos traditions and true culture. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. Where to Stay: In Merida, consider snagging a poolside room at the Luz En Yucatan. 6. Colima is another state placed under the Do not travel advisory. As well, it comes complete with well-preserved fortifications and roving night guards. And its not surprising it boasts spectacular views. Surrounded by lush jungle mangroves and, on its Southern side, a vast array of fascinating fossil formations, this beautiful piece of lagoon paradise is not only one of the safest places in Mexico, but one of the most affordable too. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. The group was found Thursday morning in Sonoyta, a border town where there are many safe houses that coyotes usually use to cross . Some areas are hotspots of cartel activity. Bordered by Coahuila and Tamaulipas, we can see why that would be the case. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/01/travel/mexico-travel-safe.html. Bridge #2 has customs/immigration. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. How sweet is that? The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . One of Tulums most famous sites is its Mayan Ruins, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Laredo is also a good option, but as bald0neNebraska said the traffic is heavy there (more in these days due the Easter), however is the shortest distance between Monterrey and Texas. These ruins reveal one heck of a chapter in human history. With the highestunnatural deathrate in Mexico, you might want to avoid traveling to Colima. As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Dont wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. 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. In fact, we doubt weve ever have a relaxing vacation there what with all those statistics swirling around in our minds. To make matters worse, this border state is also precariously perched on the US-Mexico border. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. (The latter volcano, in case youre wondering, has been off limits to visitors since it erupted in 1994.). In addition to being one of the safest places in Mexico, Bacalar is also very affordable. Additionally, at 7,200 feet above sea level, Puebla never gets too hot, and its considered one of the safest places in Mexico. Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe. The San Ysidro Port of Entry is one of . 74.81 / 100. 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. With its rich culture and breathtaking beauty, its no surprise so many tourists keep coming back here. If we know where to go, that shouldn't stop us from coming to Mexico because it really is a fascinating country . No gang violence here, butthrill seekers can still get their fix, from its 680 metre long telefrico (cable car), to its 80 metre high ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Izta and Popo, to its famed twin volcanos Iztacchuatl and Popocatpetl, the former of which is even open for climbing and sight-seeing. Once a peaceful place with impressive architecture and stunning views, Colima is now tainted with that US State Department warning.

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