Experts Say This is the Safest City in Mexico (And It’s Not What You Think)
Looking for the safest places in Mexico for travelers?
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 — and I’m about to share my knowledge of the safest city in Mexico with you.
It’s Merida, Mexico, which is located in the Yucatan Peninsula. As I lived in Merida for many years, you’re getting my first-hand knowledge here!
This article will highlight everything you need to know about Merida, from the Merida crime rates and statistics, to how to get there, and some things to do in Merida once you arrive.
Think of this as your Ultimate Guide to the Safest City in Mexico — so let’s get to it!
Ultimate Guide to Merida: The Safest City in Mexico
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the safest parts of Mexico, Merida consistently ranks as the safest place to travel in Mexico — and has for some time.
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 only two Mexico states that seems to never have any U.S. State Department travel warnings.
Furthermore, many say Merida is definitively the safest place to live in Mexico (or one of the safe places to live in Mexico).
As I lived in Merida for many years, I know this to be true first-hand — but so do many others.
- In 2019, CEOWorld Magazine declared it the second safest city on the entire Americas Continent.
- In 2019, Merida was named the Best Small City in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
- 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 in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
What are the Crime Rates in Merida Mexico?
Wondering, What city in Mexico is considered safest with the lowest crime rate?
When it comes to bigger cities in Mexico with a population of one million-plus, it’s Merida, hands down!
Merida is known as many things, including the Cultural Capital of Yucatan, and the safest Mexican city.
It consistently ranks as both the safest city to visit in Mexico, and safest place for expats to live in Mexico.
As you can see in the infographic above, there’s not much crime in Merida — though of course, crimes of opportunity and petty crimes do happen from time to time.
You’ll want to be mindful of your belongings at all times, just as you would anywhere else. In crowded places, things like pickpocketing can happen, though it’s rare.
Is there a U.S. State Department travel advisory for Merida right now?
For the most accurate answer, visit the U.S. State Department website to see if they have any current Merida travel warnings.
They usually don’t, but this site is the best way to stay up-to-date with the most accurate information possible regarding Mexico travel advisories.
safest city in mexico
Merida Mexico Travel Warnings
On the U.S. State Department site, you’ll see each of the 32 Mexico states ranked in one of these four categories:
- 🛑 Level 4 (Highest Level): Do Not Travel (Highest Level)
- ⚠️ Level 3: Reconsider Travel
- ⚠️/✅ Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling
- ✅ Level 1 (Lowest Level): Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling
What state is Merida located in?
Merida is in Yucatan State, which is generally at a Level 1 Warning.
This is the lowest warning level the U.S. State Department issues, and it means “Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling” — which is what you’d do anywhere.
For perspective, some other Level 1 travel destinations include Australia, Japan, Iceland and Fiji.
Now ask yourself: Would I be scared to travel to Fiji? How about Australia or Japan?
Of course you wouldn’t — and you might have even laughed at those questions.
So what’s the verdict on Merida Mexico travel safety? In general, Merida is a popular region in Mexico for Americans, as it’s a clean and safe city in the Yucatan.
As with any major tourist town, you will need to exercise some level of caution in Cancun, Mexico — but nothing major.
If you remain aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings, you can easily have a safe Cancun trip like the many other visitors just like you.
Merida Travel Guide
Nowadays, this colorful colonial city is fast becoming a top Mexico travel destination. However, there are still many people who don’t know about it.
If you’re one of them, or just need some additional tips on how to visit Merida Mexico like a pro, you’ll find all the info you need below.
safest city in mexico
Where is Merida Mexico located?
Merida is located in Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. This is a three-state region in the southeastern part of the country.
It includes Quintana Roo State (home to Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen), Campeche State, and Yucatan State. Merida is the capital city of this state.
safest city in mexico
Is there an airport in Merida Mexico?
Yes — Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport, better known as Merida International Airport (code: MID), is located near downtown.
The best, safest and most hassle way to get from the airport to your hotel is by booking this Private Merida Airport Shuttle.
- Merida Airport to Downtown Distance: 5 miles (8 km); 25 minutes
- Merida Airport to North Merida Distance: 13 miles (20 km); 40 minutes
safest city in mexico
What are the best things to do in Merida?
There are so many amazing things to do in Merida, which is a great city to explore Mexico’s rich Mayan history and traditions.
Just outside of the city, you have numerous Merida day trips to places like Valladolid and Izamal (two Mexico pueblos magicos), as well as beaches, ruins and cenotes.
Here are a few articles that will help you discover the must see Merida sites, located both in the city and just outside of it:
Safest City in Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest city in Mexico?
Merida is regarded as the safest Mexico city, and has been for some time now.
It has low crime rates in all categories, including robberies, burglaries, vandalism, theft, assault, and drug-related crimes.
safest city in mexico
Which state in Mexico has the lowest crime rate?
There are two: Yucatan and Campeche — According to U.S. State Department statistics, both Campeche State and Yucatan State have the lowest levels of crime in Mexico.
These states are located next to one another in the Yucatan Peninsula. They’re both considered a Level 1 Zone, and neither have any travel advisories.
safest cities in mexico
What is the safest part of Mexico for tourists?
Yucatan Peninsula — According to the U.S. State Department, much of the Yucatan is a Level 1 Zone with no travel warnings.
In a Level 1 Travel Zone, travelers need only exercise “normal precautions” while visiting this popular region of Mexico.
For some time now, Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula has been considered the safest area in Mexico.
🇲🇽 BONUS: It also have some of the best cities in Mexico for travelers, like Tulum, Merida, Valladolid, Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Isla Holbox, Laguna Bacalar, Playa del Carmen, Akumal, and more.
safest city in mexico
What city in Mexico has the least crime?
Merida — Given the Merida population of about 1 million, it has the lowest crime rates in Mexico per capita of any major city in the country.
safest city in mexico
What is the safest place to vacation in Mexico?
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is always a great option when it comes to safety.
This part of the country has some of the safest resort towns in Mexico, and there are so many great things to do in Yucatan too.
safest city in mexico
What city in Mexico do most Americans retire to?
Some of the best places in Mexico for retirees include San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Merida, Puebla City and Ajijic on Lake Chapala.
The small town of Ajijic (pronounced ah-he-heek) might not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s a great option when it comes to safe places in Mexico for travelers.
The town sits on Lake Chapala in Jalisco State, and has peaceful vibes. The largest lake in Mexico, Chapala covers an area of 417 square miles (1,080 square km).
safest city in mexico
Where do most Americans live in Mexico?
There are a few places that are popular for American expats in Mexico, including Ajijic, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Merida, Playa del Carmen, San Miguel de Allende, and some parts of Mexico City.
🇲🇽 large numbers of americans are moving to mexico
Did you know that American expats are relocating to Mexico in droves? (As well as Canadians and Europeans!)
According to statistics from Mexico’s Migration Policy Unit, the number of Americans who applied for or renewed residency visas in Mexico surged by an astounding 70% between 2019-2022.
safest city in mexico
What is the safest city in Mexico for Americans?
Merida — Known as the safest city in Mexico for both locals and visitors, Merida makes a great Mexico travel destination because of its low levels of crime.
safest city in mexico
What parts of Mexico are safe?
There are many safe places in Mexico, but the State of Yucatán has the lowest crime rate according to the U.S. State Department and Mexico Peace Index.
Yucatan State is famous for Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, and the most famous of all Mexico archaeological sites.
There are also other fascinating historical sites, like Uxmal, Ek-Balam, and Mayapan.
Visitors can enjoy these best beaches in Yucatan on the Gulf of Mexico, like Puerto Progreso, and these stunning Yucatan cenotes (natural jungle pools).
No matter where you’re headed in Yucatan, you can enjoy the region without worry.
safest city in mexico
Is Mexico safe to travel to right now?
For the vast majority of travelers, yes, it is perfectly safe to visit Mexico.
Of course, you will want to use the same “travel common sense” as you would anywhere else.
While many want a definitive yes/no answer to the question Is Mexico safe for travelers?, there just isn’t one.
That’s because this is a complex question, and the answer is really yes and no.
Yes, Mexico is safe for nearly all travelers; but no, it’s not always safe if you don’t make personal safety your top priority.
As one of the most visited countries in the world, most travelers are safe in Mexico, but you do need to follow common travel safety measures.
In truth, there’s no guarantee of safety anywhere on Earth, but this quote from Carlos Barron, a 25-year FBI veteran, offers some perspective.
Pay extra attention to the phrase: “the numbers game.”
Millions of Americans go to Mexico on vacation every year, so if we play the numbers game, the number of incidents is very small…
—Carlos Barron (via Forbes)
There’s no denying bad things happen in Mexico. However, they are isolated incidents in Mexico much the same as they are isolated incidents in other countries.
Though bad things happen every minute of everyday in the U.S. and most European countries, they are written off isolated incidents.
Most people would call it insane to label the entire country as unsafe because of an isolated incident — but this is often done with Mexico 🤷♀️ Why?
🤯 Mexico Saw 66 Million Visitors in 2022
Contrary to often-sensationalized media reports, Mexico gets a bad rap.
However, it’s not totally undeserved, as there are both safe parts of Mexico and unsafe parts of Mexico.
However, American and international travelers still flock to Mexico en masse.
In fact, Mexico is the 7th most visited country in the world, and according to Statista, Mexico was the top travel destination for international travelers in 2021.
So if Mexico was totally unsafe, as many claim, Wouldn’t people just stop going?
As you can see on SECTUR, the Mexican Secretary of Tourism’s site, they most certainly haven’t stopped going.
According to SECTUR, Mexico welcomed an astounding 66 million visitors in 2022 — up 19.3% from 2021.
With such a sinister reputation, and so many people convinced all of Mexico is unsafe for travel, it seems people would want to avoid Mexico at all costs.
However, the numbers show that the exact opposite is true, and that tourists love Mexico now more than ever.
safest city in mexico
What are the most dangerous cities in Mexico to avoid?
These include some areas in the states of Colima, Sinaloa, Michoacan, Tamaulipas and Guerrero — though not all parts of each state are considered dangerous.
For a guide on which places are safe at this exact moment, which places to avoid in Mexico, and the most dangerous cities in Mexico — consult the U.S. State Department site.
Their guide offers up-to-date information, current Mexico travel advisory info, Mexico travel warnings, safety alerts and advisories to help you make your travel plans.
⚠️ However, keep in mind they evaluate state by state, not city by city, which would makes more sense for travelers since you’ll likely visit just one small area within a much larger state.
For example, Sinaloa is generally considered one of the least safe states in Mexico.
However, the city of Mazatlan in Sinaloa state is one of the most-visited and safest beaches in Mexico.
This particular city is known as one of the safest places for tourists in Mexico. Though it’s located in an “unsafe” state, millions of people visit each year.
Have you registered for the STEP Program yet?
If you’re from the U.S., make sure you enroll in the FREE STEP Program before your trip. (🇨🇦 Canadians can check out Registration of Canadians Abroad here for a similar program).
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, allows U.S. citizens traveling to Mexico to document your trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
After you’ve registered, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate nearest you can contact you in the event of an emergency, including natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.
STEP can also put you in touch with your family and friends back home, in the event of an emergency while abroad.
They can also shed light on general Mexico travel safety tips, if you’re still in doubt.
Final Thoughts: Safest Cities in Mexico to Visit
Given the negative perception of Mexico as a whole, I hope this article was able to shine a light on the safest city in Mexico.
However, from my personal experience living in Mexico since 2018, there are MANY other safe places in Mexico too.
Now, there are dangerous parts of Mexico and dangerous places in Mexico; but those are small parts of a big country.
I hope hearing stories from actual travelers and Mexico expats like me helps paint a more real picture of the country because I have found most people who say “Mexico is dangerous” — have never even been to Mexico 🤷♀️ Go figure!
Ready to book your Merida trip?
Here are some helpful tips and guides to the safest town in Mexico:
- Book the Best Merida Hotels here
- Find the Best Merida Tours here
- For more info, check out Is Merida Mexico Safe for Travelers?