The barrage of possible activities make for a perfect romantic getaway. All of these cells are operating not only (though mainly) in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara and its municipalities, but also throughout the state. Still, many are left wondering if Mexico is undergoinga war of perception. Medical Tourism in Mexicali, Mexico. Its 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. In saying that, travellers can still visit and do but if were going to go, we must avoid the clubs. 2. Another fun fact, although, Cholula was once the most important city in the Aztec Empire and one ofthe majorpilgrimage destinations in the central highlands, the city is now a hotbed oflucha libre. Its biggest culprit? Violent crime increased 46.4% in 2020, according to the Mexico Peace Index. Anyway, last time we crossed. Where to Stay: The Hotel Lagunita is right on the water, with amazing views and a pool from which to enjoy them. These elements create the perfect storm for a different, and much less appealing kind of adventure. Once in the city traffic, as soon as you are near Aeropuerto Del Norte, you'll want to be in the right hand lane. This is increasingly making this once-secret spot a favourite among travel Instagrammers, hammock-dwellers and cabaa queens alike. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety. Not only is this Mexican border state home to the oldest vineyards in all of the Americas, but the Parras Valley, where they are mostly found, is replete with beautiful backdrops that are so inspiring. But if getting your soul cleansed isnt a priority for you right now, Mrida is also arguably one of the best places to enjoy real-deal, beyond-delicious Yucatecan food. It also offers great nightlife for those who are looking for it. 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. Although it does attract a large number of tourists each year, Mazatlan preserves much of its natural arts and culture. Cozumel is one of our favourites. The border bridge between Brownsville, Texas . She is coming from a town near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Colimas murder rate has more than tripled in recent years. 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. Mrida. With the highest rate ofillegal activity in the country, Colima isnt somewhere wed want to spend our vacation. We dont want to worry about getting robbed or caught up in something dangerous on our vacation. (By comparison, the same Level 2 advisory is applied to France and Spain.). Many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, but dont throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. Sonora, the state where Nogales is located, is considered one of the most dangerous places in Mexico. There are occasional reports of violence, but for the most part, the border is peaceful. 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. If we know where to go, that shouldnt stop us from coming to Mexico because it really is a fascinating country. These cookies do not store any personal information. Where to Stay: For an indulgent resort experience you cant do much better than Secrets Huatulco Resort & Spa, where amenities include multiple swimming pools and tennis courts, yoga classes, watersports, and seven restaurants. 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, More Than The Forum Of Rome: Why You Should Visit The Forum of Augustus As Well, Water Views: 10 Most Beautiful Lakes In Upstate New York, Explore Villa of the Mysteries: One Of The Best Preserved Roman Villas In Pompeii. On top of all that, Mexico City is both affordable and pretty safe. La Paz. Last year was the third time in a row that El Paso took the top spot for safest large city in the United States, according to Fronteras Desk. 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. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road. Since certain newsworthy events occurred in 2014, Guerrero has long been a well-known do-not-travel state. There are 2.5% of respondents who have a felony conviction; foreigners are less likely to have a felony conviction. In the Hotel Zone its pretty safe, although outside it can get somewhat seedy. 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. From there, traffickers andkingpins who win the turf war gain access to the voracious and lucrative USillegal substancemarket. My husband already had his temporary visa, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods. Unfortunately, despite the countrys fascinating beauty and rich culture, not all of Mexico is a cheerful tapestry of cobblestoned streets and brightly coloured colonial buildings. She can overnight in the McAllen/Harlingen area where she can find hotels starting at $40USD/night or she can overnight here in Monterrey that is full of affordable and comfortable hotels and drive straight to Houston the next morning without making stop on the Texas Valley area. Don't drive. Indeed, the state of Coahuila is one of 11 Mexican states recently placed under the Level 3 U.S. travel advisory. Although it's situated in Sinaloa, Mazatln is one of Mexico's safest cities . 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. As Playa del Carmen has been the site of some troubling violence in the past, the coastal town of Tulum to the south may be a safer alternative. The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently. So go pack your sombrero. And, indeed, with all theheadlines, many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, and opting to avoid the country altogether. Its a wonderful combination of tradition and modernity. Not only are some areas of Mexico indeed seeing the worst homicidefigures in decades, but the country recorded its most violent year on record last year, ultimately pointing to an alarming rise in cartel activity. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement. My mexican fiancee is driving up from mexico to Mississippi next weekend to visit. But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. It is also known for being a spa town. Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Placed under the U.S. State departments highest Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for obvious reasons, you would certainly think that Colima in its entirety would be one big no-no. Its not hard to spend the day admiring the 500-year-old colonial citys incredible architecture either! There are places we should avoid in Mexico were not going to sugar-coat the country. Updated: Apr 17, 2023 / 06:19 PM CDT. Kidnapping and carjacking are a risk in certain regions and many businesses that cater to tourists operate under extortion threats. By the numbersrate of violent crime nationally was 366.7 . However, in recent years, Mexicali has experienced an increase in crimes related to drug trafficking. As well, it comes complete with well-preserved fortifications and roving night guards. The turn is right after the airport and not marked very well. But before you do, read this. Old film stars like Gary Cooper and John Wayne used to come to Mazatlan. San Miguel de Allende. 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. Safest route from Chihuahua City to the border? Colombia bridge is the least busy, if that's a concern. Yet, despite its not-so-distant gangland past, Ciudad Juarez, believe it or not, currently has no restrictions, except for travel to the areas southeast of Boulevard Independencia and the Valle de Juarez region. 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. Its northern parts are particularly restricted from travel due to crime in the area, compounded by local enforcements limited capability to prevent and respond to it. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. From Brownsville, Texas, to San Diego, safe border cities have majority-Hispanic populations and poverty rates above the national average. 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. Officials later said that two of the group were found dead at a rural location alongside the other two, who had survived. 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. Bridge #2 has customs/immigration. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants. Visually, its not a bad place. A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancn. But dont throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. Learn some Spanish Whilst some areas are touristy and can speak English, learning even just a bit of the local lingo makes things so much easier. It is touristy but not too touristy for us to not to be able to experience this towns culture. In addition to being one of the safest places in Mexico, Bacalar is also very affordable. . This place is picture-perfect how could we ever get bored with those views? Yep, an eruption of gang violence in the noughties raised the homicide rate here to 3,500 per year. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. 1. And theres more. As far as safety goes, it's really not much of an issue at either crossing. Mexico is a vast country, with heaps of beautiful and interesting places to see, and some 28 million Americans safely travel there each year. Some areas are hotspots of cartel activity. From 2020 to 2021, the overall crime rate in Laredo was down 8%, according to the police department's annual report, and robberies were down . He is now a regular contributor to SmarterTravel. It is one of Mexicos oldest and most famous beach resorts, which used to be the getaway for 1950s Hollywood stars and millionaires. Merida is also a well-known destination for celebrating equinoxes. You can visit Guanajuato as a day trip from nearby San Miguel de Allende or use it as a home base in itself. Margaritas and enchiladas might be some of the best things to come out of Mexico, but theyre not the onlygreat things Mexico has to offer. 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 . However, it is also important to stay wary of rural areas in Mexico. This is serious stuff, you know, in case you havent quitegotten that sense just yet. 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. About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Dont wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-74770397', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car, we will need a temporary import for the car. Gerardo Tanaka Pacheco, Senior Account Executive for MSL Group, the public relations firm for VisitMexico.com, recommends these two towns as great alternatives to other nearby tourist hot spots. Tijuana is a border city in Mexico, located just south of California. Your. Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already. Walk in, though. Santa Teresa-San Jernimo NM 136 (Pete Domenici Boulevard), Santa . It is bordered by Coahuila to the west, Tamaulipas to the east and north, and San Luis Potos to the south - all of which are currently under Level 3 Travel Advisories. "The problem . They say their aim is to reach Mexico City. But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. Now that Guerrero is ranked as the most dangerous state in Mexico, were not sure its too wise going for vacation in Acapulco. In this post, I will tell you about the most common options you have for crossing borders from Mexico to Guatemala by bus, from Tapachula, San Cristobal de las Casas and Frontera Corozal. Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise. With events unfolding as they are, Im going to venture a wild guess that prices are going at an all-time low. But its search for a new identity, as part of a bilingual cross-border tech hub with serious cultural cred, has paid off. As of right now we are choosing to go through the downtown Laredo bridge. I dont know about you, but I would say things are heating up in this hot little country. After dark, travel restriction extend to west of Eje Juan Gabriel and south of Boulevard Zaragoza. Illegal activitiesare a big thing here which is why we should avoid it. However, therest of the state remains under the highest-level travel warning for potential danger. The State Department has issued warnings advising against travel to Mexican border states and . These numbers show the border cities compare favorably to comparably-sized stand-alone cities in Texas, though are generally more dangerous than higher-income . That put it above the likes of San Salvador and Tijuana, with an average of nearly 10 murders a day! Maya Spa, in particular, is a great place to visit to indulge in body wraps, massages, and yoga classes. And about the safest crossings between Mexico and Texas, Colombia will be the quickest and safest highway due is a toll road administrated by Texas' authority. Though, admittedly, in no way should this be a cause for a tourist stampede to the area. A definite bummer, if you decide to travel here. While there are . On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. It was considered one of theleast safecities in the world just a few short years ago. One of the main reasons, a lot of Arizona border town residents cross over to Mexico is to take advantage of the low costs for dentistry work and refilling prescriptions in pharmacies. Bordered by Coahuila and Tamaulipas, we can see why that would be the case. Otherwise, I believe you'd need a customs broker if your stuff is worth over $3K. But between San Luis Potosi and Saltillo, the only decent hotels to be found are in Matehuala. 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. 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. 11,820) Western Area Power/Flickr [Expect] great seafood, great beaches, nice hotels, and none of the inflated prices.. Google Jalisco and the first thing youll see are news articles reporting violence in the area. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Doesn't mean things work well, but usually safe enough. This includes the southern coastal region. 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. I am hoping to find explanation on the columbia crossing, I can't find info on it. Personally, we would just keep our noses out of it and travel elsewhere. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Its brimming with refurbished museums and theatres as well as great things to see like Old Mazatlan, Malecon and Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Matamoros has a long history of violence and highway shootouts, though that reputation has partially subsided in recent years. 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. Is that safe? Read our blog entitled Who Needs a Temporary Importation Permit for more information. The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. If you are planning to visit the Texas-Mexico border . One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery. Advertisement At least 63 migrants were rescued, 13 of them minors, after being kidnapped by human traffickers in a town located in the state of Sonora on the border with the United States, Mexican authorities reported Thursday. 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 . "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. Thanks for the web cam link to the bridges; pretty cool! Between its brightly colored buildings, cobblestoned streets and quaint little artisan shops, San Miguel de Allende is the perfect place to snap some cultural pictures of Mexico. 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. The majority of crimes that do occur are petty crimes such as theft. It everywhere of course, but if a place like Jalisco conjures up so much negativity, it makes us wonder if theres any point making a visit. From its hotels to its cuisine to its beaches, PV screams sophistication. Violence in Sonora. 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). Walk up and through its massive Plaza de la Constitucin(themain square is called the Zcaloby locals, if you want to fit in), andbe sure to check out Frida Kahlo's old studio, the 13th-century Aztec Templo Mayor and its baroque-style Catedral Metropolitana de Mxico. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Located on the Texas border between Mexico and the U.S., Tamaulipas offers a key strategic opportunity thats been all too irresistible to the areaskingpins looking to smuggleillegal substancesto the United States. This is another state located on the border and one thats been placed under level three of the US advisory. San Miguel de Allende is one of the safest places in Mexico, as evidenced by its popularity with expats. And whether youre into art or not, youll no doubt be blown away, whether it's by the recently opened Soumaya Museum owned by the richest man in the world, Carlos Slim,orthe historic murals and public art peppered throughout the city by some of the countrys most famous artists, including the likes of Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiro. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. So many different options, so many different outcomes. For classic white-sand beaches and warm turquoise waters, it's hard to beat Mexico's Riviera Maya. For that reason, we should steer clear of rural areas and mountainous areas, in which there is a lack of infrastructure. 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. Video by Sebastien Vuagnat. Wish us luck! Its spectacular coastline featuring azure waters and soft sandy beaches is another great reason for choosing this safe Mexican destination. 7. 10 Safest - Cholula. Strangely enough, although the Mexican Pacific Coast's state's travel advisory made exceptions of its 'Do Not Travel' advisory, Acapulco did not make the cut. With more news making headlines in recent days and weeks in the wake of Michoacns municipal elections, and no sign of the action slowing down anytime soon, you can bet your bottom peso, that travel to this west-central Mexican state is not only strictly prohibited by the U.S. State Department, but one you should certainly avoid traveling to these days. 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. I wrote this post the first time I crossed the Mexican border in 2017 during my solo trip . Its a tough pill to swallow with recent headlines in April about film students in Guadalajara beingharmed by a new cartel on the block. Tourism is a large part of these cities local economy. So it is definitely nice to discover places that retain Mexicos traditions, because we still want to see them for ourselves too. This state in northern Mexico is home to cities like Monterrey, Linares, Abasolo, Agualeguas and Montemorelos. Huatulco is quite a small city, but it is packed with incredible beaches and a vibrant downtown. Outside of the city limits of Nuevo Casas Grandes are prohibited after dark. It is also home to one of Mexicos biggest national parks, Cumbres de Monterrey. It's been made into not only one of the longest-running Mexican states plagued by cartel violence, which has claimed the lives of gangsters, police and civilians alike, but a long-forgotten travel destination already absent on the tourist radar. 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. We will be crossing worth a 6x4 trailer and our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Several days later, two of. Still, tourists do come here to Nuevo Leon,despite its reputation. A couple of other things. Despite not being banned, travellers are allowed only if using the most direct routes is and toll highways. Today, its just as busy at the sidewalk cafes and Malecon as it was back then. And even still, the safest area in Mrida is Paseo de Montejo. Eight Sonoran cities made the list of the 121 Mexican municipalities with the most violence per capita: Visitors to the border region, including cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa, and Matamoros should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Additionally, at 7,200 feet above sea level, Puebla never gets too hot, and its considered one of the safest places in Mexico. There is something for everybody. Where to Stay: At the Bacalar Lagoon Resort, you can get a view of the lake right from your cabana. 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. Even so, we shouldnt let a few warnings put us off the country altogether. Once considered a nice day trip from Mexico City (its two hours away by car), Puebla is emerging as a primary destination in its own right. Two Americans found dead after they were attacked and kidnapped near the border. Where to Stay: La Casa del Atrio, across from the Museo de Arte, is both popular and affordable. 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.
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