Mexico’s super-bright, infinitely varied artesanías (handicrafts) are today’s successors to the lavish costumes and beautiful ceramics of the pre-Hispanic nobility, and to the everyday handcrafted clothes, baskets and pots of their humbler subjects. Thankfully, with both the city and the state under zero travel restrictions, they can continue to do so. Despite its stigma and gritty past, the national capital of Mexico is incredibly safe – a fact that’s 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). Like many of the best cities in Mexico, Oaxaca City is – and quite rightfully so - a UNESCO World Heritage site, complete with cobblestone streets, beautiful brightly coloured buildings and remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture. No gang violence here, but thrill seekers can still get their fix, from its 680 metre long teleférico (cable car), to its 80 metre high ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Izta and Popo, to its famed twin volcanos Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl, the former of which is even open for climbing and sight-seeing. So check the latest United States Department of State Travel Advisories for Mexico before you go. If fact, they’ve won its town, Parras de la Fuente, a rare place on the country’s coveted "Magic Town" list. Not many people known that New Mexico has its own badlands, with uniquely and naturally carved out rock formations that have colorful stripes of sediment built up and eroded down over time. In Mexico, this means having a big breakfast, waiting past your usual lunchtime to have the main meal of the day in the afternoon between 2 and 4 p.m., and then having a smaller meal at night. Reynosa is a major city in Tamaulipas, and one of the most dangerous. Todos Santos is located in the Baja California Sur, where there are currently no U.S. government restrictions for travel, and that includes the nearby glossy tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz. Though it was initially considered safe enough, in April, Acapulco was suddenly slapped with the hard advisory level for the first time ever. There has been a major increase in bad behaviour within the city, where violence has long been prevalent. You’ll love the spacious apartments with taverna-style décor and tiled stairs. We did zip line, was scary but to be honest it was awesome at the same time, we rode on mules!!! Though, of course, this is except for pretty much everywhere else in the state. Granted, Egypt’s Great Pyramid of Giza is often on everyone’s bucket list. Vibrant, mesmerizing, and just plain gorgeous, it’s no wonder the city is teeming with expats from Canada, the U.S. and Europe studying Spanish, learning to cook, or just plain enjoying la dulce vita. The Sinaloa cartel is said to be the most dangerous and powerful in the world, responsible for a huge number of lives lost in Sinaloa. A truly luxury naked experience, Heven in Zipolite is a completely chilled out clothing-optional resort where you are welcome whether you want to go au naturale or not. Its Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range is certainly remarkable, but unless you know your surroundings, it might be best to avoid. Once used as sacred wells to perform spiritual rituals and offerings to the gods by the Maya, whose influence is still very felt in the area, visitors can experience their very own shaman-led healing journey, complete with fragrant incense, medicinal plants and cocoa beans, at underground cenotes like Sacamucuy. Mexican beach resorts are often exempt from travel restrictions even in blacklisted Mexican states. Its biggest culprit? The magic of Morelos draws steady crowds of tourists despite the level 3 “reconsider travel” warning from the United States, and rightfully so. Although its common to pass through Ciudad Victoria when crossing the border from Reynosa or Matamoros, don’t plan on stopping long here or passing at night. It’s a scary reminder that this is happening just minutes from Texas. No doubt, this is a natural reaction to the highly needed tourist dollar. In many ways, Mexico is like that wild cousin you see at Christmas every year: He may have some quirks, but he’s family, and, like everything else in life, comes as a package –both good and bad. Another fun fact, although, Cholula was once the most important city in the Aztec Empire and one of the major pilgrimage destinations in the central highlands, the city is now a hotbed of lucha libre. This cartel is extremely decentralised, meaning its power lies in smaller, local groups of gangs rather than with one kingpin controlling one area of territory. While also located in the tourist-filled state of Quintana Roo, Bacalar doesn’t have a beach, making it quite a different kind of experience from its busier provincial counterparts Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The city is part of the Zetas cartel territory, who have turned to activities like extortion and carjacking in order to earn more money. Quick Answer: What’s the Best Time to Go to Cancun, Mexico? Exemptions apply. 1. In case you want to change your travel plans, it currently happens to be a safe bet, with no travel restrictions. Filled with white sand beaches, beach hammocks, swings and palm trees Tulum is not only one of the best places to vacation in Mexico, but also a magnet for cute photography. White sands, rugged coastlines, the works—these are the beaches that travelers dream of all year long. However, the rest of the state remains under the highest-level travel warning for potential danger. Twice named the American Capital of Culture, the city is beaming with brightly coloured colonial buildings, broad central plazas, beautiful 17th century cathedrals, and bustling local markets like Mercado Lucas De Galvéz and Mercado Santiago. It’s a tough pill to swallow with recent headlines in April about film students in Guadalajara being harmed by a new cartel on the block. In a country that’s already home to some of the most delicious food in the world (with Mexican cuisine being designated by UNESCO as part of the “cultural heritage of humanity”), making an international name for yourself as the foodie capital of Mexico is no small feat. It's just a short hour’s drive away, making tourists opt to stay far longer than the usual one-day outing made to the town. This is serious stuff, you know, in case you haven’t quite gotten that sense just yet. With the highest unnatural death rate in Mexico, you might want to avoid traveling to Colima. Otherwise, especially if traveling overnight, heading north of the Santa Catarina river, or anywhere outside of San Pedro Garza Garcia or Santa Catarina should basically be avoided. Some areas are hotspots of cartel activity. The U.S. Department of State has issued a level 3 warning for the state of Durango, urging travellers to reconsider trips planned to the area. Other hot spots like Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa were spared from the designation. Its northern parts are particularly restricted from travel due to crime in the area, compounded by local enforcement’s limited capability to prevent and respond to it. Tourists are warned to avoid all travel through Mexico’s poorest state as cartel presence is rampant. Safe for the northern tip’s overzealous waters, Campeche is a perfectly hassle-free Mexican marvel to travel to. 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Chihuahua and its cities battle with all manner of illicit activities. The system is designed to help travelers better understand their travel destinations. Though, admittedly, in no way should this be a cause for a tourist stampede to the area. Now, how’s that for a little perspective? All of these cells are operating not only (though mainly) in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara and its municipalities, but also throughout the state. As for the rest of the state of Chihuahua, the city by the same name has travel to the Morelos, Villa, and Zapata districts down as areas where you’re invited to “Reconsider” traveling to. It’s also Mexico’s unofficial “worst city for women”. If you’re one of those brave travellers who want to experience all the fuss about Mexico’s most gang-infested state, please do yourself a favour and visit the much safer Mazatlán area. Erin Gaura is a freelance writer based in Galway, Ireland. You simply need to know where to go – and where to avoid. This prompted the U.S. State Department to up the ante on its travel advisories to the country early this year, placing five Mexican states on 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”) . You’re best to err on the side of caution here and not plan a visit. It's a must-visit, especially for first-timers, despite the devastating earthquake that hit the city  late last year. Go watch Nacho Libre for clarification or at the very least to see Jack Black as Luchador. It was confirmed by government officials to be none other than the famous Jose Alfredo Cardenas. Mazatlán is a beach town on the Pacific coast in the state of Sinaloa. Acapulco is statistically the worst city in the country for violence, one that tourists should avoid until it is under control. Police presence here is higher than in other places, which, in turn, is safer. Ciudad Obregón lies south of Arizona in the Sonoran Desert where the land contrasts fertile hills and cactus flats. Squeeze the lime over tacos. To make matters worse, this border state is also precariously perched on the US-Mexico border. Despite the booming success of Acapulco’s tourism in the 20th century, the turn of the century saw a dramatic twist in fate for the city. It's a statistic that’s surprised many of its long-time visitors who are now found struggling to cancel their tickets. 2. Visitors in recent years have reported feeling safe, but with the new warnings for Sinaloa, you may want to visit another of Mexico’s beautiful resort towns. Trips to Los Cabos should be taken at the traveller’s own discretion. Known locally as the Pirámide Tepanapa (or Tlachihualtepetl in the in the indigenous Nahuatl language, meaning "made-by-hand mountain"), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, although built around  200 BC. 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And there’s more. Once considered among Mexico’s most peaceful areas, the country’s least populous state at just over 700,000 people has seen deaths skyrocketing in recent years. The second Baja California Sur city on this list, La Paz is, at first glance, a good-looking seaside city like Los Cabos, which makes the rising illicit activity rate a sobering statistic in the previously calm state. It’s no surprise, of course, that Tamaulipas is one of the five now-notorious states in states Mexico for which the U.S. State Department issued its highest warning – Level 4: "Do Not Travel" - under its new guidelines. Tulum is located 3 … Since certain newsworthy events occurred in 2014, Guerrero has long been a well-known do-not-travel state. United States; Caribbean; Mexico; South America. Today, the stats are so high the police don’t have time to investigate each case before they’re hit with another, so the perps often run free. Europe. Tamaulipas is the first state on the U.S.’s “do not travel” list. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban. That said, certain Mexican states and cities are conversely infamous for cartel activity and violence. In 2018, there were 33,500. Sure, you probably won't get into an accident. Topped by the Spanish colonial Virgen de Los Remedios church, and only a 20-minute ride by collectivo from Puebla City, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is covered in vegetation. EXPAND LIST COLLAPSE LIST. This includes the southern coastal region. February 12, 2017 at 8:59 am. Located on the Western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula with ruggedly beautiful limestone hills, baroque Spanish architecture, and impeccably clean cobblestone streets, Campeche is a – yup, you guessed it – UNESCO World Heritage site. World. Acapulco’s fall from grace is one of the most devastating in Mexico. With beautiful and diverse cultures, mountains and waterfalls, modern cities and charming small towns, you could spend a lifetime in Mexico and still crave more. The only place to satisfy all of your guilty pleasures. About ten years ago, Tijuana’s tourism industry was flourishing with day-trippers coming over from the States, and while the city is still bustling with visitors, illicit activity in the city has gone up. And whether you’re into art or not, you’ll no doubt be blown away, whether it's by the recently opened Soumaya Museum owned by the richest man in the world, Carlos Slim, or the historic murals and public art peppered throughout the city by some of the country’s most famous artists, including the likes of Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiro. 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). Just two years ago, the biggest news out of Mexico's capital was a name change. 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”. And while both the city and the state by the same name are safe to travel to with no restrictions, you’ll want to take it easy like any traveler should when drinking in a foreign country. Mexico is a beautiful country with a dynamic history and is a fantastic holiday destination for travellers. Although Nayarit has relatively moderate levels of illicit activity compared to other states, its capital, Tepic, is plagued by gangs. 3. It is bordered by Coahuila to the west, Tamaulipas to the east and north, and San Luis Potosí to the south - all of which are currently under Level 3 Travel Advisories. From the sun-bleached buildings to sparkling Pacific waters, Los Cabos at first looks to be the ideal getaway. It’s one of five Mexican states that received the highest travel advisory ranking of Level 4 "Do Not Travel" under a revamped U.S. State Department program unveiled earlier this year. To make matters worse, this was an accident, a classic case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. While cartel activity isn’t quite as prevalent in Michoacan as in the other 4 states listed on the travel advisory, robbery and armed violence still reach sharp peaks compared to the safer tourist areas in Mexico. Named top choice for tourists by The New York Times last year, Mexico’s bustling capital city is a place everyone should visit once. No state has a Level 1 warning. So really, if you're too cheap to buy an insurance policy during your visit, you should just leave your car at home. The city was on Business Insider’s list of the world’s 50 most violent cities, earning fifth place for its rate of 84.67 people per 100,000 residents. In March 2018, the governor of Nuevo Leon warned travellers crossing the Mexico-Texas border not to cross via Reynosa’s toll bridge due to violence. According to Time Magazine, The United States State Department has issued a level 2 travel advisory for Mexico overall, which recommends international tourists be more cautious while traveling. Mexico has hundreds of cities and towns with their own history, pyramids, historic sites dating back to the 13th century and, of course, unique natural beauty. Content. Sixteen states have Level 2 warnings. November 25, 2020. iStock. The CDC Is Now Warning You Not to Go to This One Place. 23 March 2021. (Come to the Castillo temple at the right time, and catch the shadow of a serpent slithering down the pyramid's steps!). Admittedly, you can hardly walk a block without seeing a mezcaleria  (bar selling mezcal) or shop selling the stuff in the city center. While its famed Talavera ceramic tiles and architectural wonders (including some of the best preserved Spanish colonial buildings in the country) have been the main attraction to the city, recent years have also seen the growth of some serious cooking talent on the palette as well. ☞ SEE ALSO: Submerging Into Centoes – A Cave Dive in Mexico . This is increasingly making this once-secret spot a favourite among travel Instagrammers, hammock-dwellers and cabaña queens alike. Do not forget to print at least one physical copy before departure. And probably your return home, too. Pregnancy and parenting news, given to you in a way nobody else has. 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.". How To Get There. The state is home to a lot of danger regardless of its beauty, so be sure to be (very) careful. There has been a major increase in bad behaviour within the city, where violence has long been prevalent. You can go from the desert to a paradise beach in a matter of hours. Yet unlike most of its UNESCO World Heritage site buddies, this port city is relatively untouched by tourism and Western culture. There is a lack of attractions suitable for tourists and cartel involvement has gone up recently. Just me trying to look cool for Instagram at Chichen Itza As of 2021, there is no legal requirement to purchase travel insurance in order to visit Mexico. The best time to see wildlife in Cancun (like sea … The best time to go to Cancun is the shoulder months of April, May, November, and the beginning of December. Over 40 narco cells are currently in Jalisco dedicated to the harming of extortion targets. Families don’t want to travel with their children and tourists don’t want to leave their hotels at night. Its danger rate is one of the highest in the world, listed as the 36th most dangerous in 2018 by Business Insider. Even if it’s a visit to the Mezcaloteca for a tasting (which is a must and you’ll need to make a reservation), you should be careful. It’s an interesting city in that it relies on its resorts and attractions as part of its local economy, but its location within one of Mexico’s most dangerous states is a major concern for many tourists. But it’s hard to feel anything magical when the surrounding area of this same state has made another list - one that’s not so flattering. It takes place in broad daylight, even in resort areas, and innocents can get in the way of rival gangs. Questions are being asked about the level of harm in the state. 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. There are no specific warnings about Morelos’s tourist destinations, including Jardines de Mexico and the various Mayan ruins in the area. All The Unforgettable Experiences Unique To China That Families Will Love, Does The Little Mermaid Statue In Copenhagen Deserve Its Fame? World traveling, multi-platform journalist. But it also has some of the best mezcal in the country. 3. A travel ban is in place. Founded in the 1520s by Spanish colonists, Acapulco was one of Mexico’s most prized destinations beginning in the 1940s due to popularity with American movie stars and millionaires. From colourful streets, perfect weather, and friendly locals, to incredible food (okay, I admit, that one’s pretty much a Mexico-wide thing), and endless sources of inspiration, there are no worries. In a (coco)nut shell (and at the risk of sounding like a tacky old commercial), there really is something for everyone in Puebla, so much so that, often enough, you’ll find and entire street named dedicated to that something, from Frog Alley for antique lovers, to one of the finest libraries in the world (the Biblioteca Palafoxiana) for bookworms, to Calle de los Dulces (also known as La Calle de Santa Clara) – for sugary treats. Visitors are much better off getting a tan on the shores of Cancun or Tulum. Still, many are left wondering if Mexico is undergoing a war of perception. If there’s one city to avoid at all costs, its Cuidad Juarez. The lack of mega hotels and chain restaurants make it one of the cutest beach towns in Mexico. As a metropolis within Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria hasn’t got much going for it by way of tourism. The site of two bays, Bahía de Manzanillo and Bahía de Santiago, the port town is one of the most popular all-inclusive destinations in Mexico. From armed gangs targeting local politicians to a shortage of police, leaders don’t have the structure they need to control illicit activity within the state. Named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the Mayan ruins at Chichen Itza are a spectacular site to behold. As the capital of Sinaloa, it invokes sour thoughts and connotes cartel authority, rarely attracting foreigners, and probably for the best. In fact, all of Mexico’s popular tourist areas are relatively safe, so whether you’re traveling for the beach or the culture, you can be assured you’ll be welcomed and safe. Here's What To Expect. I guess that’s what makes Cancun a very desirable destination for young Americans aged 18-21, who can go out in Cancun (in Mexico, you can buy alcohol if you’re 18). Take what is considered the best train ride in America Chama to Antonito on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad for the experience of a lifetime. The best weather in Cancun is between December and April. References: time.com, travel.state.gov, businessinsider.com. It’s come a long way from being known as the setting for the ideal college spring break, perfect for backpackers looking for some of Latin America’s most wicked hiking spots and history lovers in search of Mayan ruins. Mexico City. Nearby Zipolite beach is also one of the best-known nudist beaches in Mexico. ), mind-blowing art, gorgeous music, an incredibly vibrant culture (I can go on, you know), all somehow jumbled up into this wonderful little country, avoiding Mexico altogether would mean missing out on quite possibly the most unforgettable travel experiences Of. Lime and salt go on everything. Bordered in part by Colima and Guerrero, this state, like many others, takes in the overflow of illicit activity from other areas. Rainy season in Cancun runs from May to October, which is the best time to visit Cancun on a budget. Yes, in Mexico you will go to jail for being uninsured, and kept there until you pay. Travel to its seaside city, Manzanillo, is in fact still allowed, according the U.S. government. Do not go overseas. Being just two hours from the more popular Merida, it's easy to travel from one to the other. Guerrero’s tumultuous history flip-flops from a highly desirable coastal holiday destination to the backdrop for a grim struggle against illicit groups. As for Palomas and the Nuevo Casas Grandes/Paquime region, as well as Ojinaga, simply be sure you use American Highway, 67 and 11 respectively. 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. Although statistics within the city have decreased slightly, it’s still safer to be off the streets during night hours. Unfortunately, it was only to pick up again, as it often does with these things, three years later in 2016. A totally of 34,523 people were killed in Mexico in 2020, down slighty from 3 5,000 killings in 2019. This sparked headlines about how violence in Mexico is beginning to affect both tourists and the tourism industry. Top 10 Beaches — Mexico Yeah, we wish we were there, too. Merida is also a well-known destination for celebrating equinoxes. Though located on the beautiful Pacific coast, Sinaloa is a state where nefarious organizations are known to be based and operating. Confused? Website for moms seeking advice, community, and entertainment. Cuernavaca, the capital, is a city of gardens and should be on any visitor’s list for perfectly preserved colonial architecture just half an hour’s drive from Mexico City. It was considered one of the least safe cities in the world just a few short years ago. But with little interest for tourists, there really isn’t a need to pass the city, anyway. However, it wasn’t discovered until 1910 by, of all things, construction workers building an insane asylum – no joke. Do I Need Travel Insurance for Mexico? South Pacific. There are so many things to do to Mexico that are not beaches or all-inclusive resorts. Within Tamaulipas are cities Reynosa and Ciudad Victoria, the capital, both with their own respective travel warnings. With the world’s most fascinating Aztec history, unbelievably delicious food (oh my gosh, the food! As It Turns Out, This Is No Reality Show, Fish And Chips: All Your Questions About Britain's Most Beloved Dish, Answered. Normally, the main tourist thoroughfares are safe, so long as you keep near the Malecón, and on another note, you’re safest drinking bottled water and making sure your food is prepared fresh, as with all of Mexico. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit. A 65-year-old homeless woman was spotted on the streets of Tijuana, Mexico, hiding from rain and cold inside a black plastic bag. With events unfolding as they are, I’m going to venture a wild guess that prices are going at an all-time low. Asia. 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. As for the fee, it depends on how fast you want the processing to go. In January 2018, the US ordered a level 4 travel warning for the states Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Tamaulipas due to the danger posed to visitors. Aside from a few hotspots of crime, most of Mexico is safe for tourists.