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The home base of the Ultra-Popular Resort destination that is Cancun, an abundance of ancient Maya ruins and lively city breaks, Mexico is the Number one country For Americans who plan a trip abroad, but no journey south of the border is precisely risk -free.
![Air view on a beach in Colima, Mexico](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Americans-Are-Being-Urged-Not-To-Travel-To-These-6-Regions-Of-Mexico-In-2025.jpg)
As safe as Mexico can be in general, where very few travelers are hit by crime when they are on holiday on the Caribbean coast or the bustling capital, there are more dangerous parts of the national territory, it would be best to completely avoid .
As usual every year, the US Department of Foreign Affairs has the Mexico Travel Adviceand a total of 6 states are now placed at level 4–from 4 Since the last count.
In other words, Americans are encouraged omit From travel to these regions due to crime:
Colima
![White-covered Santorini-like building in Manzanillo](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Whitewashed-Santorini-esque-building-in-Manzanillo.jpg)
![White-covered Santorini-like building in Manzanillo](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Whitewashed-Santorini-esque-building-in-Manzanillo.jpg.webp)
A small state that extends over the Pacific coast of Mexico, Colima has never been a much sought after destination for Americans, and now it could be a longer until it returns to the little prestige it used to have, after recording at the state of DPT . The list of level 4 of level 4.
It is best known for its namesake colonial capital, endless kilometers of golden sandy beaches embraced by Azure Waters, and Manzanillo, a whitewashed resort city called the ‘Mexican Santorini’, although undoubtedly beautiful is the state is One of the worst hotspots in Mexico for crime.
According to the American authorities, most murders are ‘targeted murders’ involving gang members, but American citizens have also been the victim of kidnapping and other forms of violence.
The state DPT. However, it is not that the center of Manzanillo, which includes both the hotel zone and the port, considered saferAnd government employees themselves are not excluded from a visit.
Guerrero
![Acapulco Beachfront, Mexico](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Acapulco-Beachfront-Mexico.jpg)
![Acapulco Beachfront, Mexico](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Acapulco-Beachfront-Mexico.jpg.webp)
Just like Colima, Guerrero is a Pacific Ocean that, ironically, is far from ‘Pacific’, which has been dominated by Rivalende Bendes in recent decades.
The most important resort hub, Acapulco, used to be an excellent destination for Hollywood stars in the 50s and 60s, and despite his efforts to regain the long-lost popularity, Cabo that mantle continues to struggle if the crime levels worsen.
American authorities warn Americans on their way to this state that Armed groups work ‘independent of the government’ In many areas and it is known that they enforce roadblocks, use compulsive tactics and even force against visitors.
There are no ‘exceptions’ in Guerrero, with travel discouraged for all tourist zones, including not only Acapulco, but also Zihuatanejo, Taxco and Ixtapa.
Michoacan
![Cathedral of Morelia Seen in Sunset, Michoacan, Central Mexico, Latin -America.jpg](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cathedral-Of-Morelia-Seen-At-Sunset-Michoacan-Central-Mexico-Latin-America.jpg)
![Cathedral of Morelia Seen in Sunset, Michoacan, Central Mexico, Latin -America.jpg](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cathedral-Of-Morelia-Seen-At-Sunset-Michoacan-Central-Mexico-Latin-America.jpg.webp)
Another beautiful state on the Pacific coast that was plagued by endemic violence, Michoacan had risen in popularity as an off-the-beeted path destination for travelers until they are blacklisted by the state of DPT.
It is the home of many indigenous groups, a diverse landscape consisting of central highlands and unspoilt places of the coast, and its stately capital, Morelia is Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in MexicoWith a historic center protected by UNESCO.
Unfortunately Michoacan is is not somewhere you have to go Unless you have a very compelling, strong reason to do this whether you are used to traveling to risky areas:
‘Crime and violence are widespread’, as reported by American officials, and employees of the US government are only allowed to travel to Michoacan, land on Morelia Airport, or by using Federal Highways 43 or 48d from Federal Highway 15D.
The beach city of Lazaro Cardenas is The only other destination Leaved out of the prohibition on travel, but those who are visiting are explicitly told to limit their activities to the center and port areas.
Sinaloa
![Air reproduction of Mazatlan](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Aerial-view-of-Mazatlan.jpg)
![Air reproduction of Mazatlan](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Aerial-view-of-Mazatlan.jpg.webp)
The fourth Pacific State that opens here, Sinaloa, has been the epicenter of peat wars for many years, because countless criminal organizations base their activities there.
This has not stopped major resorts such as Mazatlan, Los Mochis and Topolobampo to be added to cruise routes or favored by adventurous Americans who would like to experience a more authentic side of Mexico beyond the glitter and glamor of Cancun, Cabo and like.
Indeed, Mazatlan seems to be relatively safe for tourists and the state of Dpt. Seems to reflect that feeling because it is not limited to his employees to travel to the well-milled Zona Dorada of the city and the Picture-Perfect Colonial Center.
We have reported extensively on Mazatlan as a destination and based on feedback from our own readers, they have in any way unsafe or threatened when they are on vacation there.
Nevertheless, traveling in the wider stands of Sinaloa, especially between municipalities, and further inland, is very discouraged.
Tamaulipas
![Natural Spring in Tamaulipas, Mexico](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Natural-Spring-In-Tamaulipas-Mexico.jpg)
![Natural Spring in Tamaulipas, Mexico](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Natural-Spring-In-Tamaulipas-Mexico.jpg.webp)
Because it is a small wave state that shares a shot limit with Texas, you may think that there is not much to see and do in Tamaulipas anyway for its downgrade to level 4 to be considered a tragedy.
We would beg to differ.
It is entitled to countless well-preserved pre-Columbian archaeological zones, in particular the El Sabinito from Huastec era, distinguished by his overgrown pyramids and charming small cities that are still spoiled by mass tourism and green consingingEs.
The nature of Tamaulipas is equally fascinating, from the waterfall-shot Jungle-Expanse who is El Cielo to the bustling Miramar Beach, A proven sunny outing For Mexican locals … As you can see, there are many reasons why this less well -known state is worth a visit.
Unfortunately, It is currently a no-go zoneWith crime and kidnapping cited as the most important threats for the safety of visiting Americans.
The border zone is particularly dangerous, namely from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo, where local law enforcement is limited, while the safety levels are higher in the ‘Tri-City Zone’: Tampico, Ciudad Madero and Altamira.
Zacatecas
![View of the historic Zacatecas district and the colonial cathedral, Mexico, Latin -America](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/View-Of-The-Historic-Quarter-Of-Zacatecas-And-Its-Colonial-Cathedral-Mexico-Latin-America.jpg)
![View of the historic Zacatecas district and the colonial cathedral, Mexico, Latin -America](https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/View-Of-The-Historic-Quarter-Of-Zacatecas-And-Its-Colonial-Cathedral-Mexico-Latin-America.jpg.webp)
An unfortunate addition to the blacklist this year, Zacatecas is a historically significant state in Central Mexico that is best represented by his namesake capital, a Pink sandstone city That follows its origin back to the 16th century.
It is a UNESCO world heritage site consisting of a graceful cathedral, a largely intact colonial core, with narrow streets covered with colorful facades and a monumental Palacio de Gobierno EstatalA structure from the Spanish era where the state government still meets.
On the outskirts of the city, the El Edenmijn is a colonial system of mines that now pay tours and even descend to its depths is a nice thing, because it means that it goes on a bumpy, dizzying mine-kart ride.
The most important disadvantage is of course that Visiting Zacatecas is discouraged By American authorities, according to reports that American citizens are subject to kidnapping and other forms of crime.
The Stadscentrum of Zacatecas itself presents fewer dangers, but every trip outside the tourist zones, especially the suburbs and smaller cities in the neighborhood, is advised.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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