Experts Call These the 10 Safest Cities in Mexico for Travelers (#5 Will WOW You)
Looking for the safest places in Mexico to travel? You’re in the right place!
I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and have traveled to more than half the states in the country (most as a solo female traveler) — and I’m about to share my knowledge of the safest cities in Mexico with you.
Mexico is a big country, with an even bigger reputation. While many mislabel the entire country as unsafe, you’re about to discover that that’s simply untrue.
In fact, there are A LOT of safe places in Mexico — and this article will highlight the Top 10 safest cities in Mexico, so let’s get to it!
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1. Merida — Safest City in Mexico & Latin America
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the safest parts of Mexico, Merida consistently ranks as the safest place to travel in Mexico.
In fact, Merida is considered the safest place in Mexico to vacation in the entire peninsula.
It is the capital of Yucatán state, which is one of the Mexico states that seems to never have U.S. State Department travel warnings.
Further still, many say Merida is definitively the safest place to live in Mexico (or one of the safe places to live in Mexico).
As someone who lived in Merida for many years, I know this to be true first-hand.
For years, Merida flew under the tourist radar. However, thanks to great press like what you see below, more travelers began to discover Merida.
- In 2019, CEOWorld Magazine declared it the second safest city on the entire Americas Continent.
- In 2021, CEOWorld Magazine readers also voted Merida #3 on their Best Small Cities in the World list.
- In 2022, Merida was named the #4 Best City in the World by Conde Nast Traveller Magazine readers.
Now, this colorful colonial city is fast becoming a top Mexico travel destination.
There are so many amazing things to do in Merida, which is a great city to explore Mexico’s rich Mayan history and traditions.
2. Puerto Vallarta — Safest Mexico Beach City
Puerto Vallarta is considered one of the safest resort towns in Mexico, and safest beach towns in Mexico.
While it has these amazing Puerto Vallarta all inclusive resorts, you can of course stay-off resort and best just as safe.
Though it’s one of the best Mexican resort towns, many prefer the colorful homes and local charm in the Puerto Vallarta Zona Romantica, where the locals live.
In fact, when I visit Puerto Vallarta I stay here because it’s so charming 😍
Puerto Vallarta is famous for its beautiful, sandy beaches, and of course, most of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta involve the beach, the Pacific Ocean, or Banderas Bay.
When planning your Puerto Vallarta itinerary, schedule plenty of beach time.
To catch all the beachy highlights, you can go parasailing, jet skiing, horseback riding on the beach, snorkeling around Los Arcos, and more.
You can spend a good deal of time walking on the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta, like Playa los Muertos, and the famous Malecon (Boardwalk) — but don’t miss the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta at Pancho’s Takos.
3. La Paz — Safest Mexico Beach Town
Wondering, What is the safest beach in Mexico? The up-and-coming town of La Paz Mexico just may be it.
This small town has virtually no violent crime, and isn’t a hub for criminal organizations like the drug cartels.
This a fun little city is in the beautiful state of Baja California Sur, located on Mexico’s west coast.
In general, the entire Baja Peninsula is among the safest parts of Mexico; La Paz included.
While the city itself is fairly flat, it’s surrounded by the Sierra de la Laguna mountain range.
Located on the Gulf of California, La Paz is one of the best coastal cities in Mexico, with stunning views from both the beaches and the parts in the mountains at a higher elevation.
Hands down, the best thing to do is to check out one of the best beaches near La Paz.
Balandra Beach is the most popular by far, and in fact, is known as one of the best beaches in Mexico because of its calm, blue waters and photogenic appeal.
However, Tecolote Beach, located a few miles down the road, gives Playa Balandra a run for its money.
Similarly, so does Isla Espiritu Santo Island, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Sayulita
The small town of Sayulita is located in Nayarit state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. It is just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta by rental car or bus.
Over the years, the beach town of Sayulita transitioned from a sleepy fishing village to a small town beloved by artists, yogis, hippies and surfers.
Today, the Sayulita pueblo magico (magic town) thrives as a trendy hotspot where tourists, surfers and expats all get to enjoy one of the most beautiful Mexican beach towns.
For those lucky enough to call Sayulita home, it is considered one of the safest places in Mexico to live.
The overall vibe is young and laid-back, and the town is colorful and welcoming with its festive papel picado flags hanging from one side of the street to the other.
Sayulita’s quaint streets are full of bars, restaurants, boutique shops and outdoor mercados (markets), creating a fun atmosphere.
Of course, the best things to do in Sayulita involve being on the beach or in the ocean. For surfing in Sayulita, there are waves in all sizes, perfect for all levels.
If you’ve never surfed before, there are plenty of surf lessons in Sayulita, most located on the town’s main beach, Playa Sayulita.
Spiritual travelers, nature lovers and adventure seekers can enjoy beachfront yoga sessions, jungle hikes (like the famous Monkey Mountain hike), horseback rides, zip lines, in addition to the epic surf in Sayulita.
5. San Miguel de Allende
Located in Central Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is a charming city with colorful buildings and cobblestone streets that usually makes any “Best in Mexico” list.
In the last few decades, this Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site in Guanajuato State has become extremely popular with American retirees.
Those who live there are known to say it’s the safest place to retire in Mexico.
Foodies also flock to San Miguel de Allende, and Top Chef filed there during Season 12.
Among the best restaurants in San Miguel de Allende, don’t miss Aperi led by Omar Henriquez, one of the best Mexican chefs.
With a large population of expats, and English widely spoken, it’s one of the easiest places in Mexico for beginner travelers since you can get by without speaking Spanish.
However, don’t pass up the chance to immerse yourself in Mexican culture, visiting local markets, shopping for handmade crafts and exploring the colorful back streets and alleyways.
Beautiful San Miguel is one of the prettiest cities in Mexico, so make sure your phone camera (or regular camera) is fully charged!
The best way to experience it all is to just take some leisurely strolls around town.
While walking, don’t miss the Biblioteca Pública (San Miguel de Allende Library), Mercado de Artesanias (Artisan Market), and Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, which is the famous San Miguel de Allende church.
There is no airport in San Miguel de Allende, and most people will travel there via Mexico City.
It is easy to get to San Miguel de Allende from Mexico City by rental car or bus, as it’s only about a four hour drive.
You can also arrive by bus from other cities in Mexico, or fly into Guanajuato International Airport (code: BJX).
BJX Guanajuato Airport is the closest airport to San Miguel de Allende. It is located near Guanajuato City, and about 1.5 hours from San Miguel de Allende by car.
6. Huatulco
Bahías de Huatulco, which means Bays of Huatulco, is located in the state of Oaxaca on the southern coast of Mexico. It sits on the Pacific Ocean.
Usually just called Huatulco, the town is known as one of the best beach cities in Mexico. It has an astounding nine bays and 36 beaches to explore.
The best things to do in Huatulco involve being in and around the water.
Popular activities at the beaches include swimming, snorkeling and diving, as well as just laying around and watching the area’s epic sunsets at the many beaches in Huatulco.
Those looking for a little adventure can book a rafting trip on the Copalita River or swim in the Copalitilla Waterfalls, which is one of the most popular Huatulco tours.
Huatulco National Park is also a popular place to visit.
One of the largest protected areas in Mexico, Huatulco National Park spans 29,400 acres (11,890 hectares) of land and water space.
The park is located just a few minutes west of La Crucecita (AKA Downtown Huatulco), and is the perfect place for hiking, nature walks, snorkeling, and to rent a bike or ATV.
Wondering, Is Huatulco Mexico safe? or even, What are the safest cities in Mexico for American expats? Huatulco certainly ranks high atop that list.
Not only is it safe, but there’s great weather and plenty of Huatulco things to do, especially for beach lovers and scuba divers.
It has a large expat population from the United States and Canada, and many who come to Huatulco for the winter to escape the cold.
In fact, winter is the Huatulco busy season, and prices increase A LOT — so plan accordingly.
As it’s very safe with great infrastructure and gorgeous beaches, many consider Huatulco one of the best cities in Mexico to live.
With its small town feel, travelers will find Huatulco to be a very safe and welcoming place to visit.
7. San Cristobal de las Casas
San Cristóbal de las Casas (often just called San Cristóbal) is a beautiful colonial city and pueblo magico in Chiapas State.
It has amazing architecture, culture, stunning nature, and a history where Spanish conquistadors meet indigenous communities.
It is located in southeastern Mexico, right next to Oaxaca State — two Mexican states known to provide a true cultural experience in one of the safest areas of Mexico.
Chiapas is the epicenter of the Zapatista movement and surrounded by indigenous communities that culturally-minded travelers will want to check out.
These include San Juan Chamula and Zinacantan, who’s artisans who regularly travel to San Cristobal to sell their handicrafts at the markets.
In decades past, Chiapas had a reputation of being an unsafe region in Mexico.
However, as is often the case with reputations, they are based on a few events only and do not represent the whole story.
For those who have visited, Chiapas State has some of the nicest cities in Mexico.
As with anywhere in the world, you’ll want to avoid traveling in Chiapas at night and follow general travel safety measures.
However, as a solo female traveler in Mexico, I never felt unsafe in San Cristobal or anywhere in Chiapas.
Some of the best things to do in San Cristobal de las Casas include exploring the local markets, joining the free walking tour, and admiring the colonial architecture in downtown.
There’s some beautiful nature surrounding the city, like Canyon del Sumidero, and one of the best Mayan ruins in Mexico, Palenque, about four hours away.
The Templo de San Juan in the pueblo of San Juan de Chamula is one of the most fascinating examples indigenous religion blended with Catholicism.
This unique place truly is a must see San Cristobal experience, and has a fascinating religious ceremony that visitors come from all over the country (and the world) to see.
8. Isla Holbox Island
Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is located a few hours from Cancun, but feels like it’s a world away from all its hustle and bustle.
Holbox is a Mexican Caribbean island, and a beautiful place to visit for all types of travelers, especially beach and nature lovers, and those looking for serenity.
The laid-back Mexico island of Holbox is definitely worth a visit.
With its semi-remote, off the beaten path location, it’s not uncommon for Holbox to be labeled as the safest destination in Mexico.
The island’s roads are “paved” in beach sand, and the best way to get around is by bike or golf cart. In fact, there are no cars allowed on the island.
If you’re traveling by rental car, you will have to leave it overnight in one of the paid lots next to the Chiquila ferry dock.
The lots have security guards, and cost about $7 USD per day per car.
Holbox Island has a small town feel, but also a bit of a lively side at night with a few restaurants and bars that stay open late into the evening.
However, this is not the place to come for all night parties and the same nightlife you’d expect in nearby Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
Isla Holbox is among the safest beach cities in Mexico, with a close-knit local community. People in Holbox are helpful and friendly, and you’ll always feel welcomed.
It is a much less touristy place than islands like Cozumel or Isla Mujeres, so safety is basically never an issue in this sleepy town with virtually nonexistent levels of crime.
Holbox is known for its incredible underwater world, and near-virgin beaches.
Among the best things to do in Holbox Island is swim with whale sharks (May 15-September 17), take a boat tour to go snorkeling to see the turtles and manta rays, or just lay in a hammock in the Caribbean Sea.
There’s also a nightly market in the center of town with lots of delicious things to try. This includes some of the best Mexican street foods, like esquites and marquesitas.
If you prefer, you can also dine in the restaurants near the center of town. 🍕 Pro Tip: Be on the lookout for restaurants serving the famous Holbox lobster pizza.
9. Valladolid
Wondering, Where is the cheapest and safest place to live in Mexico? If you like small towns, Valladolid is a great contender
As one of the least inexpensive of all safe cities in Mexico, petty crime and criminal activity are virtually nonexistent in this safe city.
The charming Valladolid pueblo magico (magic town), one of the prettiest colonial cities in Mexico, is located in Yucatan State in the Yucatan Peninsula.
It is about two hours from Merida, Mexico, by rental car or bus, and makes for one of the best day trips from Merida.
When visiting, you’ll notice the Old World meets New World feel in Valladolid which has made the town a Mexico must see destination in the Yucatan Peninsula.
As you walk around the city, you’ll fall in love with the colonial style buildings, haciendas that are now home to funky cafes, open air restaurants, and boutique shops offering one-of-a-kind pieces.
Downtown Valladolid boasts numerous things to see, whether you’re a lover of art, history, nature and food.
In fact, you’ll find all the best local mercados (markets) are here, and the best Valladolid restaurants, like La Casona de Valladolid.
One of the safest places to drive in Mexico, you’ll love road trippin’ around the area just as much as staying in town.
Among the best things to see in Valladolid and best things to do near Valladolid, don’t miss these:
✅ Chichen Itza Ruins: One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, these famous Mayan Ruins are located about 30 minutes from Valladolid.
✅ Valladolid Cenotes: Some of the best cenotes in Yucatan are in or near Valladolid, like Cenote Zaci, just a 10 minute walk from downtown, and Cenote Ik Kil, about 10 minutes by car from Chichen Itza.
✅ Calzada de los Frailes: Considered the most beautiful street in Valladolid, the Calle de los Frailes is a great place for photos, shopping and a casual bite to eat.
✅ Casa de los Venados: This private home showcases the country’s largest collection of Mexican folk art, including handcrafted pottery, paintings, colorful textiles and even artistic pieces of furniture.
10. Cozumel Island
Often called the safest place to visit in Mexico on the Caribbean side, some refer to Cozumel as the Oahu of the Caribbean Sea.
One of the best islands and safest places to go in Mexico, it has a mellow, tropical vibe, the water is always warm, the snorkeling is fantastic, and everyone is so friendly.
Although it’s only a short ferry ride away from Playa del Carmen, it feels like a world away. It’s no wonder why Cozumel is one of the best day trips from Playa del Carmen.
One of the best things to do in Cozumel is snorkel. Part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, it actually has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (AKA Great Mayan Reef) is also the second biggest reef in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.
You can stop at any beach club and snorkel for free, which isn’t usually the case in popular tourist destinations.
For a beginner-friendly place, head to Money Bar to see the colorful fish, marine life and healthy coral just off-shore.
While visiting Cozumel, make sure to stop at some of the eco parks like Chankanaab Park (located inside the Cozumel National Reef Marine Park) and Punta Sur.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, located on the southern part of the island, is a favorite thanks to its lagoons, wildflowers, white sandy beaches, and an enormous lighthouse.
There’s also the San Gervasio Mayan Ruins site to explore. These are some of the coolest ruins in the Mexican Caribbean, and the only ruins in Cozumel Mexico.
With so much to see and do, and such a gorgeous location, it’s no wonder Cozumel is one of the best places to visit in Mexico.
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