It’s not just Mexico’s unexpected chaos this week that has drawn extra eyeballs south of the border.
Mainstream news has long depicted Mexico as a sketchy destination, even though a majority of violent crime takes place in select areas most tourists wouldn’t dare visit in the first place.
That said, what happened across the state of Jalisco and sprinkled into other regions is a perfect example of how crime is a fickle topic to report on.
We at Travel Off Path would never want to push any of our readers to a place that’s unsafe.
Fortunately for you, most of our team has ventured far and wide across Mexico, including calling cultural cities and beach paradises home long-term.
In my case, I’ve had the true pleasure of traversing 18 destinations with very few incidents, so minimal they’re not even worth mentioning.
But there are 5 distinct places in Mexico that stand in my mind as true safe havens based on personal experience, despite what news anchor blabbermouths and U.S. travel advisories have to say.
Here’s where I felt safest in Mexico in order of unexpected to obvious:
Ixtapa: Mexico’s Diamond In The Rough
Ixtapa is a classic example of “don’t believe everything you read”.
Being a ‘Level 4′ no-go zone according to the U.S. State Department, Ixtapa is a well-protected resort paradise in crime-riddled Guerrero (at least from a statistics standpoint).
The truth is, Ixtapa feels more authentic than Cancun, is prettier than Cabo, and doesn’t feel sketchy at all.
Even if you’re the type to venture outside the resort (like I am), Ixtapa couldn’t have felt safer, whether venturing to Isla Ixtapa or being forced to take a cab since there’s no Uber services here.
Plus, doesn’t it say something that Ixtapa and neighboring Zihuatanejo have become one of Mexico’s trendiest vacations spots?
It’s time for an advisory downgrade if you ask me…
Current advisory status: Level 4: Do Not Travel
Rosarito: Turns Out Tijuana Isn’t That Sketchy Either…
As a San Diegan, I can’t resist temptation living so close to another country.
I have crossed the border well over 200 times.
Tijuana is not how it’s depicted either. Yes, there are crime-ridden, run-down neighborhoods, but there are also elements of Mexico City’s Polanco and what I consider to be a microcosm of Cabo in close-by Rosarito.
Tijuana is so misportrayed, you may not even realize it’s a beach city with a vibrant ‘Playas’ district lined with ceviche shacks, oceanfront Airbnbs, and a gorgeous Pacific seascape.
But the ideal vacation spot is Rosarito, a roughly 30-minute Uber ride from the border.
It’s a safe haven for retirees spending their pension wisely and Californias seeking cheap food and drinks and a different party scene.
There are nice beachfront hotels, fun bars, arguably better seafood than Tijuana, occasionally swimmable waters and no doubt feels impeccably safe at all hours.
Current advisory status: Level 3: Reconsider Travel
Mexico City: Easily Blend In With The City Buzz
If there’s ever a city that feels like it’s on auto-pilot, it’s the metropolis of Mexico City.
That’s not to say you’ll feel bored like you’re on a treadmill — far from it, actually. CDMX is a blast!
There’s a tangible buzz to the city where it almost feels like you’re unnoticeable and that works in your favor.
Crazy or not, I’ve walked around numerous neighborhoods well past midnight and never felt out of place.
No matter if you’re riding the insanely cheap metro, venturing down to Xochimilco, or treating yourself to cocktails in Polanco, it feels oddly European for a city with taco stands on every corner.
There’s a myriad of reasons digital nomads love to call Mexico City home — and safety may top the list.
Current advisory status: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Aguascalientes: Mexico’s Biggest Surprise
Aguascalientes may not be on many travelers’ radars, but I’m a weirdo and decided to try it out on a whim.
My girlfriend and I were blown away with how affordable and safe it was. This inland city known for colonial charm and San Marcos Fair may be off the tourist trail, but we were always treated like houseguests and many locals surprisingly spoke fluent english.
It didn’t matter if we were wandering the main plaza, getting lost multiple times trying to find a rooftop bar, or taking dirt roads to gorgeous wineries on the outskirts of town, there wasn’t one moment we felt like we should turn around.
Current advisory status: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Cancun: An Extension Of America
Cancun may lack authenticity, but its number one selling point beyond its Caribbean beauty is safety.
I’ve visited Cancun twice now and understand why so many Americans single out this resort paradise as their annual go-to for sun, sand, and cervezas.
It’s Mexico’s safest bet to feel like you’ll get back home to loved one unscathed, and rightfully so.
Cancun’s hospitality is contagious from downtown bars to resort omelette stations. Plus, there is always a heavy security presence for extra peace of mind, which I experienced firsthand during Puerto Vallarta’s unexpected string of violence this week.
You’ll see numerous guards making rounds throughout your hotel and police on 4-wheelers cruising by on the beach occasionally, especially in the Hotel Zone.
Current advisory status: Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
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