Mexico is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations on this planet, and with good purpose.
However not all components of Mexico are protected for vacationers. On this article, we’ll check out essentially the most dangerous cities in Mexico in 2023.
Advised: Is it protected to go to Mexico now? (Full information)
Tijuana
Tijuana is taken into account essentially the most harmful metropolis in Mexico as a consequence of its excessive price of homicides and drug-related violence.
The murder price is 138 per 100,000 individuals. As the principle entry level for medication coming from South America, Tijuana is a hotbed of cartel exercise. Being near the border with the US, additionally it is a serious heart for human trafficking and arranged crime.
Tijuana can also be thought-about essentially the most harmful metropolis on this planet, in response to murder price stats.
Acapulco
Whereas many vacationers nonetheless flock to Acapulco for its seashores, additionally it is probably the most harmful cities in Mexico. Town’s murder price is 111 per 100,000 individuals. Acapulco has seen a pointy rise in drug-related violence as varied cartels battle for management of town’s profitable drug commerce. This metropolis can also be located inside Guerrero, the notorious state identified for its excessive ranges of violence, turmoil as a consequence of turf wars between gangs, and for its manufacturing of heroin.
Ciudad Victoria
Positioned in Tamaulipas state, Ciudad Victoria is likely one of the most violent cities in Mexico. The murder price right here stands at 86 per 100,000 individuals and it’s one other scorching spot for drug-related violence. It is usually an entryway metropolis, with Tamaulipas sitting simply past the U.S. border. Members of the Northeast Cartel actively run their operations in Ciudad Victoria.
Ciudad Juarez
One other border metropolis, residents of El Paso can see Ciudad Juarez from their facet of the Rio Grande. It is likely one of the most violent cities in Mexico, with a murder price of 86 per 100,000 individuals. Town is one other hotbed for drug trafficking and has seen a pointy rise in violence as a consequence of turf wars between the Juarez and Sinaloa cartels. Each of those highly effective cartels have a robust presence in Ciudad Juarez.
Irapuato
Irapuato is situated within the central state of Guanajuato, and previously three years has seen a pointy enhance in homicides as a consequence of drug-related violence. Town has a murder price of 81 per 100,000 individuals, making it probably the most unsafe cities for vacationers and, sadly, locals that decision this metropolis residence. Murders listed below are largely attributed to turf wars between the Jalisco Cartel New Era and the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel.
Cancun
Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has just lately warned vacationers in regards to the risks of visiting Cancun after a string of cartel-related shootings, robberies, and assaults on vacationers within the metropolis. The murder price right here is 64 per 100,000 individuals, making it far much less lethal than different cities in Mexico, however nonetheless infamous for its excessive ranges of violence.
Culiacán
Whereas Culiacan was as soon as seen as a mid to low-level harmful metropolis, it’s now the positioning of a lethal battle that occurred as a result of arrest of cartel chief El Chapo’s son, Ovidio Guzman. Town has a murder price of 61 per 100,000 individuals and is taken into account the central metropolis in Sinaloa. The Sinaloa Cartel has a agency grip on town and its residents, making it extremely harmful for vacationers to go to.
Uruapan
In Uruapan, violence has steadily elevated for this mountainside metropolis in Michoacan. Sadly, it appears as if the violence right here solely continues to escalate. The as soon as quiet city is now residence to battling cartels that persistently change fingers and names. Killings happen in essentially the most indiscreet areas, akin to arcades and bars. The present murder price right here is 55 per 100,000 residents.
Ciudad Obredón
Cuidad Obregon is the second largest metropolis in Sonora, however now has a brand new notoriety – being named the fourth most harmful metropolis on this planet in 2022. This rise in violence is not only in Ciudad Obredon, however within the surrounding space of Cajame, the state’s southernmost area. Solely time will inform if this steep enhance in crime will proceed to carry. Its present murder price is 52 per 100,000 residents.
Coatzacoalcos
With a murder price of 48 per 100,000 residents, Coatzacoalcos was as soon as a vibrant vacationer spot in Veracruz. Right now, it’s the sight of violence the place just lately 9 our bodies have been left on the road. Homicide, theft, and violent crime make this metropolis one of many prime ten most harmful in Mexico.
Celaya
The accounts state that over 1000 individuals have been brutally murdered every year. The rise in drug gross sales, thefts, and human trafficking have been all famous, so the story doesn’t finish right here. It’s unsafe to spend your vacation in Celaya.
Presently, Celaya is thought to be probably the most harmful cities on this planet, with 109.38 killings per 100,000 residents.
Ensenada
Solely different components of Mexico, 1,400 miles away, have official U.S. State Department travel warnings or restrictions.
In accordance with residents and press studies, violence has elevated. Nonetheless, tourism and locals haven’t been affected by this unrest.
Within the final months, the variety of violent murders in Ensenada and Tijuana has elevated, largely at night time and outdoors town heart. Town heart continues to be very protected, though there are some dangers within the ungated neighborhoods additional out. Day journeys or journey by the Vine Valley usually are not affected by this shift.
Tepic
Tepic shouldn’t be a vacationer city. That doesn’t imply vacationers aren’t welcome. The principle city heart of this thriving agricultural area is Tepic, the place sugar cane, tobacco, and citrus fruits are among the many most vital crops. The city, initially referred to as Villa del Espíritu Santo de la Mayor España, was based in 1531.
Rated thirty sixth final 12 months amongst world cities by murder price, Tepic, Mexico had a homicide price of 45 per 100,000 inhabitants.
• Homicides per 100,000 in 2018: 45
• Homicides in 2018: 230
That’s greater than twice Chicago’s homicide rate (Which was 24 in 2017, and decreased considerably in 2018 to round 20)
In accordance with the US State Division vacationers ought to keep away from Tepic and San Blas. Please go to the US State Division web site for up-to-date recommendation on journey security in Nayarit.
Reynosa
Located immediately throughout the Rio Grande from the US border, Reynosa stands as a big city heart. Regrettably, it has earned a status as one among Mexico’s perilous cities as a consequence of persistent clashes involving prison gangs. Given the prevailing safety considerations, touring to this area is strongly discouraged.
However, it’s vital to acknowledge that beneath its difficult picture, Reynosa serves as a significant industrial hub for Northern Tamaulipas and the Rio Grande Valley. Town contributes considerably to the financial panorama of the world, driving varied industrial actions and serving as a vital hyperlink in cross-border commerce and commerce. Regardless of the continuing safety points, Reynosa’s position in fostering financial improvement and connectivity inside this a part of Mexico stays noteworthy.
