Every year Mexico attracts approximately 42 million international tourists, many of whom choose the Mexican Caribbean– widely considered one of the safest destinations in the country.
The United States remains the most important source market, accounting for more than 13.5 million air travelers per year, followed by Canada with approximately 2.5 million. Other growth markets include Colombia, the United Kingdom and Spain.
Official travel advice for the US
The US Department of State has provided an update are travel advisories for all Mexican states in September 2024. These are the states to avoid or reconsider due to high levels of violent crime.
Do not travel to:
Reconsider traveling to:
10 Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico by Murder Rate
Methodology explained
The data collection and selection process is based on a national heat map by Mexican data scientist Diego Valle-Jones. This map visualizes the murder rates in individual cities based on statistics from the Mexican justice system over the past twelve months. The dataset was filtered to include only cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, as smaller populations may cause outliers due to limited sample size.
10. Tijuana, Baja California
Just a 30-minute drive separates San Diego from the beautiful beaches of Tijuana. In the past, this destination was a favorite among Americans, but the number of tourists has declined due to a significant increase in drug trafficking.
As a result, the homicide rate has risen to 80.8 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.
9. Zamora, Michoacan
As of 2021, Zamora in the state of Michoacán has consistently ranked among the most violent cities in Mexico, with a murder rate of 91.6 per 100,000 residents out of a population of 108,000.
This alarming level of violence is mainly caused by conflict between local drug cartels, especially the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which controls the region.
8. Tecate, Baja California
With a population of approximately 112,000 residents, Tecate, Baja California – another border city – has experienced a staggering 146.9% increase in intentional homicides, according to official data.
This sharp increase is linked to violent clashes between drug cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the deadly Sinaloa Cartel.
Travelers are strongly advised to exercise caution and stay informed of local conditions before crossing the border.
7. Yautepec de Zaragoza, Morelos
Yautepec de Zaragoza is a popular destination just a short drive from Mexico City. Unfortunately, the city currently has a murder rate of 97.2 per 100,000 residents.
Once again, this level of violence is the result of clashes between criminal groups operating in the area.
U.S. and other international visitors should remain vigilant and informed about local news, both before traveling and during their trip.
6. Cuatla, Morelos
Cuaula, another town in Morelos, is among the most dangerous destinations in the country, with 192,000 residents facing a murder rate of 113.1 per 100,000 residents.
This number of deaths is attributed to conflicts between criminal organizations active in the region. Recent reports of kidnappings and violent crimes have further heightened security concerns, prompting international agencies to exercise caution.
To reduce risks, stay away from remote or high-risk areas and prioritize travel during the day, which can significantly reduce the chance of kidnappings.
5. Villa de Álvarez, Colima
This city, located in the Mexican state of Colima, has a murder rate of 114 per 100,000 inhabitants out of a population of 158,000.
This figure places Villa de Álvarez among the most dangerous destinations in the country. As in many other Mexican cities, organized crime is the main driver of violence.
Visitors are strongly advised to exercise caution, avoid unfamiliar areas after dark and stay abreast of local advisories to ensure a safer journey.
4. Temixco, Morelos
Relatively close to Mexico City, this municipality has a homicide rate of 115 per 100,000 residents, reflecting the risks travelers may encounter when visiting this municipality.
Much of the violence stems from territorial disputes between criminal organizations. Visitors are advised to avoid remote areas and limit unnecessary trips at night.
Please note that crimes such as armed robberies and random shootings can occur in this city without notice. To minimize risks, visitors should stick to densely populated areas and plan their trip carefully before traveling.
3. Apatzingán, Michoacán
Apatzingán, in the state of Michoacán, faces a worrying murder rate of 128.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, making the city the third most dangerous place in the country.
In recent years, the destination has become home to deadly drug cartels and a major hub for methamphetamine production, fueling violence and instability.
Authorities are currently working on strategies to curb the influence of cartels, but security concerns remain. This forces travelers to be on their guard at all times.
2. San Luis, Sonora
San Luis, Sonora, located just south of Yuma, Arizona, often attracts American visitors who overlook safety hazards due to its proximity.
Despite this, this city, with a population of 209,000, has a murder rate of 128.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, making it the second most dangerous city for international travelers in Mexico.
Easy access to the United States facilitates smuggling and drug trafficking by criminal groups, increasing risks for visitors.
1. Manzanillo, Colima
This time, Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, has earned the grim distinction of becoming Mexico’s most dangerous city for travelers by 2025, with a staggering murder rate of 134 per 100,000 residents.
Contrary to what you might think, Manzanillo is far from deserted. In fact, it serves as a major shipping port and hub for domestic air travel, which is exactly what makes it a critical hotspot for cartel activity.
