Mexico is a vibrant country with rich history, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. But like anywhere in the world, some areas are riskier than others.
While millions of tourists safely enjoy their trips each year, there are regions where high crime rates, gang activity, or instability make visiting a potential hazard. Knowing which places to avoid can help you plan a safer, more enjoyable trip.
Here are 20 areas in Mexico you should think twice about visiting.
Tijuana
Tijuana is infamous for its high crime rates, particularly related to gang activity and drug trafficking. While it’s a popular border city for U.S. travelers, its nightlife can come with risks.
Pickpocketing, scams, and violent crime have been reported in certain neighborhoods.
Ciudad Juárez
Ciudad Juárez has struggled with gang violence and drug-related crimes for years. Although safety has improved in some areas, certain parts of the city remain unsafe, especially at night.
Travelers should stick to well-known tourist zones and avoid isolated spots.
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Acapulco
Once a glamorous vacation destination, Acapulco has seen a rise in violence linked to organized crime. While the beaches are beautiful, the city’s struggles with safety make it less appealing for tourists today.
Culiacán
As the home of the Sinaloa Cartel, Culiacán is known for its drug-related violence. Visitors should exercise extreme caution if traveling here, as clashes between authorities and criminal groups are not uncommon.
Chihuahua
This city in northern Mexico is rich in culture but has been affected by crime, including carjackings and robberies. It’s advisable to stay alert and avoid less-frequented areas.
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Reynosa
Reynosa, located near the U.S.-Mexico border, is often a transit point for cartel activity. The city has a reputation for kidnappings and violent confrontations, making it a risky place to visit.
Nuevo Laredo
Another border city, Nuevo Laredo, is known for its unsafe conditions due to cartel influence. Travelers have reported issues like theft and violence, especially along major highways.
Iguala
Iguala is infamous for its connection to political unrest and organized crime. The disappearance of students in 2014 brought international attention to the area, highlighting its safety concerns.
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Tepic
The capital of Nayarit may not be a tourist hotspot, but it has seen its share of crime due to gang activity. Stick to safer parts of the state, like the Riviera Nayarit, if visiting the region.
Uruapan
Uruapan is known for its avocado industry but is also a hotbed of cartel violence. Visitors are advised to avoid this area due to its instability and risk of violent crime.
Matamoros
Matamoros, located in Tamaulipas, has been plagued by crime, including kidnappings and highway robberies. Even for brief visits, travelers are urged to remain vigilant.
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Chilpancingo
The capital of Guerrero state, Chilpancingo, faces ongoing issues with organized crime. Although not a major tourist destination, those passing through should exercise caution.
Mazatlán (Non-Tourist Areas)
While the tourist zones in Mazatlán are relatively safe, areas outside these zones can pose risks. Travelers should stick to well-lit, busy areas and avoid venturing too far off the beaten path.
Los Cabos (Certain Neighborhoods)
Los Cabos is generally safe for tourists, but specific neighborhoods outside the main resort zones have seen incidents of violence. Staying within designated tourist areas is key.
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Monterrey (Outskirts)
Monterrey is a bustling city with many attractions, but the outskirts have been known for gang-related crime. Avoid venturing into unknown areas without guidance.
Cancun (Non-Tourist Zones)
Cancun’s resorts are famous worldwide, but areas outside the hotel zone have higher crime rates. Avoid wandering into local neighborhoods without a trusted guide.
Veracruz
This port city has been affected by violence linked to organized crime. Travelers have reported issues like theft, scams, and sporadic violent incidents.
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Morelia
Morelia is a picturesque colonial city, but the surrounding Michoacán state has seen ongoing violence. Tourists should stick to the historic center and avoid rural areas.
Guadalajara (Certain Districts)
Guadalajara is generally safe in tourist zones, but districts like Tonalá and certain outskirts have reported higher crime rates. Keep your activities confined to well-traveled areas.
Zacatecas
Zacatecas, known for its silver mines, has seen a rise in violence between rival criminal groups. While the historic center is safer, the surrounding areas remain volatile.
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