These Are Mexico’s 5 Safest Cities According To The US State Department

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The U.S. State Department’s travel map for Mexico can look pretty intimidating. With various regions tagged with intense warnings amid recent isolated events, it is easy to assume the whole country is off-limits. But that’s a massive misconception. State lines matter.

Right now, there are exactly two states in Mexico that hold the coveted Level 1: “Exercise Normal Precautions” advisory.

That is the exact same safety rating the U.S. government gives to countries like Japan and Switzerland.

Those two states are Yucatán and Campeche. Because of their geographic isolation on the peninsula and heavy investments in local security, they operate like a completely different world compared to the border regions or the cartel-heavy transit corridors.

Here are the 5 safest cities in Mexico where you can drop your guard, put your phone in your pocket, and just enjoy the culture.

1. Mérida (Yucatán)

The Elegant Capital

Often called “The White City,” Mérida is the cultural and culinary heartbeat of the Yucatán Peninsula. It consistently ranks not just as one of the safest cities in Mexico, but in all of the Americas. The streets are clean, the locals are fiercely proud of their Mayan heritage, and the police presence is highly visible but incredibly friendly.

The Strategy: * Sunday Mornings: The city shuts down its main boulevard, Paseo de Montejo, for the BiciRuta. Rent a bike and pedal past the massive 19th-century European-style mansions without worrying about traffic.

• The Food Scene: This is the undisputed heavyweight champion of Yucatecan food. Seek out authentic sopa de lima and slow-roasted cochinita pibil. The street food here is as safe as it is legendary.

2. Valladolid (Yucatán)

The Colonial Basecamp

Most tourists only see Valladolid through the window of a tour bus on their way to Chichén Itzá from Cancún. That is a massive mistake. This vibrant, pastel-colored colonial town is incredibly safe to wander through at any hour. It has a slow, jungle-town rhythm that forces you to relax.

The Strategy:

• The Downtown Cenote: You don’t even have to leave the city to find a sinkhole. Cenote Zaci is literally right in the middle of town. It’s the perfect place to cool off when the midday jungle heat peaks.
• Nighttime Strolls: The main plaza (Parque Principal) comes alive after dark with food carts and families hanging out. Grab a marquesita (a crispy crepe filled with Nutella and Edam cheese—trust the local palate on this one) and just people-watch.

3. Progreso (Yucatán)

The Local’s Beach

If you want the Gulf of Mexico without the sterile, walled-off resort vibe of the Riviera Maya, head to Progreso. It’s located just 40 minutes north of Mérida and serves as the weekend beach getaway for the locals. It is incredibly laid-back, highly secure, and famously boasts the longest pier in the world (stretching four miles into the ocean).

The Strategy:

• The Malecón: The newly renovated boardwalk is built for long, safe walks. It is lined with open-air restaurants where you can eat fresh ceviche with your toes in the sand.
• Skip the Cruise Days: If you want the ultimate quiet experience, check the cruise ship schedule. Visit on a day when there isn’t a massive ship in port, and you will practically have the beach to yourself.

4. Campeche / San Francisco de Campeche (Campeche)

The Pirate Fortress

Stepping into Campeche feels like walking onto a movie set. Because it was constantly attacked by pirates in the 1600s, the historic center is surrounded by massive stone walls and bastions. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and arguably the quietest, safest capital city in the country. The facades of the buildings are meticulously painted in alternating pastel colors.

The Strategy:

• Walk the Ramparts: You can actually walk along the top of the old pirate-defense walls. Doing this right at sunset gives you an unmatched view of the Gulf on one side and the perfectly gridded, colorful city on the other.
• Calle 59: This is the main pedestrian artery. It’s lined with art galleries, cafes, and restaurants that set their tables right out on the cobblestones. It is pedestrian-only and incredibly secure.

5. Izamal (Yucatán)

The Yellow City

Izamal is a designated Pueblo Mágico (Magical Town), and it earns the title. Almost every single building in the historic center is painted the exact same shade of golden yellow. It is visually stunning, incredibly tranquil, and small enough that crime is virtually nonexistent.

The Strategy:

• The Urban Pyramid: Izamal was built directly on top of an ancient Mayan city. You can walk right up to the Kinich Kakmó pyramid—which is sitting right in the middle of town—and climb it for free. The panoramic view of the yellow town from the top is spectacular.
• The Convent: The Convento de San Antonio de Padua is the centerpiece of the town. Its massive yellow atrium is the second largest in the world (behind only St. Peter’s in Rome).

Now for the fun part! Take the quiz below to find your perfect safe getaway!