I have visited 18 destinations in Mexico: this is where I felt the safest

Share the article

It’s not just the unexpected chaos in Mexico this week that has drawn extra attention south of the border.

Mainstream news has long portrayed Mexico as a vague destination, even though the majority of violent crime takes place in certain areas that most tourists wouldn’t dare visit in the first place.

That said, what happened in the state of Jalisco and has happened in other regions as well 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 into a place that is unsafe.

Luckily for you, most of our team have traveled all over Mexico, including cultural cities and beach paradises for the long haul.

In my case, I have had the real pleasure of crossing 18 destinations with very few incidents, so minimal that they are not even worth mentioning.

But there are five different places in Mexico that I think are true safe havens based on personal experiences, despite what news anchors and US travel advisories have to say.

Here’s where I felt safest in Mexico, in order from unexpected to obvious:

Ixtapa: the rough diamond of Mexico

Ixtapa is a classic example of “don’t believe everything you read”.

Ixtapa is a Level 4 no-go zone according to the US Department of State and is a well-protected resort paradise in crime-ridden Guerrero (at least from a statistical perspective).

The truth is, Ixtapa feels more authentic than Cancun, more beautiful than Cabo, and doesn’t feel sketchy at all.

Even if you’re the type who ventures outside the resort (like me), Ixtapa couldn’t have felt safer, whether you went to Isla Ixtapa or were forced to take a taxi because there are no Uber services here.

And doesn’t it say something that Ixtapa and neighboring Zihuatanejo have become one of Mexico’s trendiest vacation destinations?

It’s time for a reduction in advice 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 the temptation to live so close to another country.

I have crossed the border more than 200 times.

Tijuana is also not how it is depicted. Yes, there are crime-ridden, run-down neighborhoods, but there are also elements of Polanco in Mexico City and what I consider a microcosm of Cabo in nearby Rosarito.

Tijuana is so misrepresented that you might not even realize it’s a beach city with a vibrant “Playas” district full of ceviche shacks, oceanfront Airbnbs, and a beautiful Pacific seascape.

But the ideal vacation spot is Rosarito, about a 30-minute Uber ride from the border.

It’s a safe haven for retirees who spend their retirement wisely and Californians looking for cheap food and drinks and a different party scene.

There are nice hotels on the beach, nice bars, arguably better seafood than Tijuana, the occasional swim and it undoubtedly feels impeccably safe at all times.

Current advisory status: Level 3: Rethink travel

Mexico City: Easily blend in with the city bustle

If there’s ever a city that feels like it’s running on autopilot, it’s the metropolis of Mexico City.

That doesn’t mean you’ll be bored like you’re on a treadmill – far from it. CDMX is great!

There is a palpable buzz in the city where it almost feels like you are unnoticed and that works to your advantage.

Crazy or not, I’ve walked through countless neighborhoods well after midnight and never felt out of place.

It doesn’t matter if you ride the insanely cheap metro, head to Xochimilco, or treat yourself to cocktails in Polanco, it feels strangely European for a city with taco stands on every corner.

There are countless reasons why digital nomads love to call Mexico City home – and safety may be at the top of the list.

Current advisory status: Level 2: Be extra careful

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 by how affordable and safe it was. This inland city known for its colonial charm and San Marcos Fair may be off the tourist trail, but we were always treated like house guests and many locals surprisingly spoke fluent English.

It didn’t matter whether we wandered around the main square, got lost several times trying to find a rooftop bar, or took dirt roads to beautiful wineries on the edge of town, there was not a single moment when we felt like we had to turn around.

Current advisory status: Level 2: Be extra careful

Cancun: an extension of America

Cancun may lack authenticity, but its main selling point besides the Caribbean beauty is safety.

I’ve visited Cancun twice now and understand why so many Americans choose this resort paradise as their annual destination for sun, sand and cervezas.

Feeling like you’re coming home to your loved one unscathed is Mexico’s safest bet, and rightly so.

Cancun’s hospitality is infectious, from downtown bars to resort omelet stations. Plus, heavy security is always on hand for added peace of mind, which I experienced firsthand during the unexpected series of violence in Puerto Vallarta this week.

You will see numerous security guards walking around your hotel and occasionally police on four-wheelers driving by on the beach, especially in the hotel zone.

Current advisory status: Level 2: Be extra careful

Sam Sears

Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.