what mexican border towns are safe what mexican border towns are safe

Its definitely a great place to go for an authentic holiday. A growing favourite for tourists who hate tourists, Mrida is a wonderful alternative to nearby Cancuns Playa del Carmen and Tulum. 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. 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). Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. The nearby Sanctuary of Atotonilco, less than 10 miles away, is also a World Heritage Site and an important pilgrimage site for penitent Mexicans and tourists alike. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico for both living and for vacation. 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, youll 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. Yet it still offers plenty of vacation-worthy attractions, like the excellent seafood restaurants along its waterfront, an incredibly warm vibe thanks to its friendly Campechanos, a city square often brilliantly aglow at night with stunning views onto its Plaza Principale, and even a 7km-long boardwalk (malecn). Its an archaeological site that sits on the seafront, making it one of the most photogenic places in the whole of Mexico. Though, of course, this is except for pretty much everywhere else in the state. This 80-mile stretch of coast runs along the Yucatn Peninsula from Cancn to Tulm. 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. Walk in, though. Between Parras Valley and Sierra Madre Oriental pine-oak forests, theres no doubt about it that Coahuila is a beautiful place. Topped by the Spanish colonialVirgen de Los Remedios church, and only a 20-minute ride by collectivofrom Puebla City, the Great Pyramid of Cholula is covered in vegetation. And theres more. Where to Stay: Posada La Poza has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates. She will need to pay a very cheap fee in advance ($3 or $4USD, can't remember the exact amount) using a major credit card. 74.81 / 100. Dont let the warnings of some places put you off coming to Mexico altogether. 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. Think old mines, a mummy museum, and streets so narrow that one is called the Alley of the Kiss because couples can smooch one another from opposite sides. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated almost right in the middle of Mexico and offers cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial churches, and plenty of great restaurants. In case you want to change your travel plans,itcurrently happens to be a safe bet, with no travel restrictions. Nor did they even bother to check our cat's papers. And whilelikeany other place along the Pacific coast, the usual natural hazards (sharks for swimmers and your odd rogue wave during hurricane season), Todos Santos is continually growing in popularity. Over 8,000 Canadian, British, and American expats live in San Miguel de Allende, which has beautiful Spanish colonial churches, great restaurants, and heritage sites. It gets hot here too, with an average high of between 90-100 F all year. It is a quiet and family-friendly city located right on the Mexican border deep in South Texas. Re: Top 5 safest & top most dangerous Mexico/Texas border. By Wall Street Journal May 01, 2023 2:30 am. These numbers show the border cities compare favorably to comparably-sized stand-alone cities in Texas, though are generally more dangerous than higher-income . 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. Where to Stay: There are numerous places to stay in Puebla that wont break the bank. 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. It is one of Mexicos oldest and most famous beach resorts, which used to be the getaway for 1950s Hollywood stars and millionaires. more. Head to Palancar Beach, Paradise Beach or Faro Celerain Eco Park for amazing views and spectacular diving. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. 3 in the 2022 Safest Cities in America survey out this week by WalletHub. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? There are also a number of security measures in place to keep residents and visitors safe, including fences and surveillance cameras. 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. However, it is also important to stay wary of rural areas in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende is not only a fardistance from cartel wars but fromjust about any care in the world. Its best to research the different areas, as some parts of Cancn can be dangerous. 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.". Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? Tulum is a popular resort town in Mexico, especially for luxury travellers. There is something for everybody. My husband already had his temporary visa, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods. Some areas of Mexico have increased risk of crime and kidnapping. 64K views, 133 likes, 45 loves, 255 comments, 111 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from NowThis Politics: U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland holds a news. But even if we stick to lying all day on the beach, we doubt well go home disappointed. A state on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Guerreros tourism is mainly focused on Acapulco. This number includes two dams, one hand-drawn ferry, and 25 other crossings that allow commercial, vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 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. Just keep to the speed limit and you'll be fine. 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. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived. 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 . However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists Los Cabos, at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists. Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. We are crossing in three days and at times so much of the information found online makes me feel confused and afraid. 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. Violence in Sonora. Its the perfect place to visit for a spring break holiday. They say their aim is to reach Mexico City. Whats not to love about this place? I do not represent World Nomads. As of right now we are choosing to go through the downtown Laredo bridge. Nogales, a city. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Violent crime increased 46.4% in 2020, according to the Mexico Peace Index. Mexico is a vast country, with heaps of beautiful and interesting places to see, and some 28 million Americans safely travel there each year. Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana. Its main activities tend to be around key border towns in the north. I'm a local from (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. The highway heading into NL is like 6 lanes wide, but the speed limit I believe is 60 KM, but go the limit and you'll have no problems. Playa del Carmen is a beachy tourist destination so were not really going to get a taste of Mexicos culture, but we still can soak up its delightful scenery and amazing food. Asked to steer clear of all adult clubs and gambling establishments when traveling to Coahuila, U.S. travelers are only permitted to visit the areas of Saltillo, Bosques de Monterreal, and of course, the lovely Parras de la Fuente. Since then, it has continued to get worse in terms of violence. Columbus-Puerto Palomas State Road 11, Columbus, New Mexico - Calzada 5 de Mayo, Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua. Set at the slightly less restrictive notch of Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), the statewhichthe cute, feisty little dog is named after has a not-at-all-cute reputation for widespread illicit activity. 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. 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. San Miguel de Allende. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Known locally as the Pirmide Tepanapa(or Tlachihualtepetlin the in the indigenous Nahuatl language, meaning "made-by-hand mountain"), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, although built around200 BC. A number of recent security incidents have raised concerns about the risks of traveling to Mexico, where more than 20 million tourists flew last year to visit the countrys beaches, cities and archaeological sites, or to obtain health care. They are doing this quickly too. Now, hows that for a little perspective? 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. Where to Stay: La Casa del Atrio, across from the Museo de Arte, is both popular and affordable. Due to the dangers, we should not step foot in this state unless its an absolute emergency. Did this page help you discover some safe cities in Mexico to visit? When we visit exotic countries, most of us want to witness its traditional culture and cuisine. 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. Travel Smarter! The conflict also revolves around land. What cities it connects: San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico. When were not sunbathing on one of its white sandy beaches, we can enjoy snorkelling and scuba diving. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. So go pack your sombrero. 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. Once considered among Mexicos most peaceful areas, the countrys least populous state at just over 700,000 people has seendeaths skyrocketing in recent years. #1 has immigration. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. "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. Airports shuttered amid gang violence in Sinaloa. Mexico-California Border Towns Tijuana Popular with American debauchees during the Prohibition era, and recently blighted by drug-cartel violence, Tijuana, like a lot of Mexican border towns, has been roundly used and abused. Even so, we shouldnt let a few warnings put us off the country altogether. 7. Reynosa, Mexico is across the border and has lots of food and drink. The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. From rock climbing and art galleries to architecture sightseeing, there is a ton to do in this central Mexican city. With the highestunnatural deathrate in Mexico, you might want to avoid traveling to Colima. It has a level three travel advisory, which basically means we should steer clear if we have a brain. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancn. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Maya Spa, in particular, is a great place to visit to indulge in body wraps, massages, and yoga classes. 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. Illegal activitiesare a big thing here which is why we should avoid it. Granted, Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza is often on everyone's bucket list. You can also read about a little adventure I had during my crossing. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. With a seemingly endless barrage of headlines reporting some of the grisliest cartel violence in the country, its hard to think about traveling to Mexico without checking in with your own personal risk tolerance level, at least to some degree whether we like to admit it or not. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. For those linguistically challenged, English is widely spoken in the area, understandable given its proximity to the U.S. Payne-Camp has tried studying Spanish but is still at the basic level: the ability . 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. Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. If were looking to experience more traditional culture, this probably isnt the ideal place. . Another option is to use the toll road to Reynosa (it will cost her around $15USD) and cross to Texas using Anzalduas Bridge, using these last bridge she won't cross the Reynosa downtown area, this city has a bad reputation on security issues. 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. Truth be told, its hard to feel unsafe in a town teeming with New Age spiritualists, surfers and fisherman, let alone one that terms itself to beof All Saints. With long, gorgeous beaches, world-class waves and a refreshing distance from tourists and crowds, this pretty little town has a timeless, magical vibe to it. We have read that the Colombia bridge doesn't open until 8am. Where to Stay: The small, beautifully decorated Nima Local House Hotel is one of the best luxury hotel options in the city. 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. It really is a great place to experience Mexicos traditions and true culture. Its all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time., Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area youre visiting. It doesnt exactly get us into the holiday spirit, does it? Santa Teresa-San Jernimo NM 136 (Pete Domenici Boulevard), Santa . Colima is another state placed under the Do not travel advisory. With recent events transpiring between the United States and Mexico, Tijuana is not a spot you'd want to venture off to right now. Granted, Egypts Great Pyramid of Giza is often on everyones bucket list. And to top that, it offers some great cavern and cave diving as well as plenty of hotels and restaurants for every budget. In this case, try not to wear fancy clothing or flash money around that will only attract unwanted attention. Couple things. One of the safest beach towns in Mexico is Puerto Escondido. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery. If we know where to go, that shouldn't stop us from coming to Mexico because it really is a fascinating country . 1. 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. It was considered one of theleast safecities in the world just a few short years ago. However, therest of the state remains under the highest-level travel warning for potential danger. 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. Safest route from Chihuahua City to the border? One of Tulums most famous sites is its Mayan Ruins, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can expect an unforgettable stay when they come to Mexico City. But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. If fact, theyve won its town, Parras de la Fuente, a rare place on the countrys coveted "Magic Town" list. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. The site of two bays, Baha de Manzanillo and Baha de Santiago, the port town is one of the most popular all-inclusive destinations in Mexico. Its spectacular coastline featuring azure waters and soft sandy beaches is another great reason for choosing this safe Mexican destination. 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. Unlike me. 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.. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. After dark, travel restriction extend to west of Eje Juan Gabriel and south of Boulevard Zaragoza. Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe. Todos Santos is slowly being discovered, but its stone streets and uncrowded beaches have earned it the official Pueblo Magico designation. Taxi drivers then began harassing and threatening Uber drivers. Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. From there, traffickers andkingpins who win the turf war gain access to the voracious and lucrative USillegal substancemarket. 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.