You Won’t Believe How Safe These Mexican Cities Are for Expats and Travelers

1. Merida — Safest City in Mexico & Latin America

In the Yucatan Peninsula, one of the safest parts of Mexico, Merida consistently ranks as the safest place to travel in Mexico.

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 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.

Now, this colorful colonial city is fast becoming a top Mexico travel destination.

There are so many amazing things to do in Merida, a great city to explore Mexico’s rich Mayan history and traditions.

⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Merida Mexico?

Are you wondering which city in Mexico is considered the safest with the lowest crime rate? It’s Merida, hands down.

Merida is known for 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 the infographic above shows, there is little crime in Merida, though crimes of opportunity can happen.

You’ll want to always be mindful of your belongings, just as you would anywhere else.

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 be 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.

⚠️ What are the Crime Rates in Puerto Vallarta Mexico?

Overall, Puerto Vallarta has very little crime. Of course, this is still a tourist town, so remain vigilant of your belongings at all times.

For such a big city in Mexico though, you have a very low probability of a crime happening to you here.

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 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, including La Paz.

While the city 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, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

⚠️ What are the crime rates in La Paz Mexico?

As one of the safest places in Mexico to vacation, La Paz has a low crime rate, and the town and beaches are regularly patrolled by police.

Visitors generally only have to worry about petty theft, which is common in any tourist city.

What makes La Paz special compared to other Mexico beaches in Baja, like Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Todos Santos and San Jose del Cabo, is that it has retained an authentic Mexican cultural feel.

While La Paz is known to be exceptionally safe, in general, Baja California is one of the safest states to visit in Mexico (and best places to live).

4. Sayulita

The small town of Sayulita is located in Nayarit state on Mexico’s Pacific Coast. By rental car or bus, it is just one hour north of Puerto Vallarta.

Over the years, Sayulita has 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 can 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 expat population 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 just to 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.

6. Huatulco

Bahías de Huatulco, which means Bays of Huatulco, is located in the state of Oaxaca on the southern coast of Mexico, 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.

7. Puebla de Zaragoza (Puebla City)

Though it’s one of the biggest cities in Mexico — the fifth largest by population — Puebla City is among the safest vacation spots in Mexico.

Puebla City is the capital of Puebla State, and a Mexico UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Puebla is one of those great travel destinations. It has lots of history, colorful colonial architecture, and amazing cuisine. It also has Mexico’s largest Cinco de Mayo celebration.

Start exploring the beautiful Zocalo (Main Square), where you’ll spot the impressive Puebla Cathedral.

Another church to visit is Iglesia Santo Domingo, though there are beautiful churches all over Puebla. In fact, this city is known for its abundance of churches.

Beyond sightseeing, one of the best things to do in Puebla is eat — as it’s one of Mexico’s culinary capitals.

Puebla’s local Poblano cuisine is revered throughout Mexico, and there are plenty of local specialties to try like cemitas (giant sandwiches), tacos arabes, mole poblano, and chile en nogada.

When in Puebla City, don’t miss seeing the neighboring towns of Atlixco Puebla, and Cholula pueblo magico (magic town) — two of the best cities in Puebla, Mexico.

Cholula is not only colorful, historic, and charming but also home to the largest pyramid on Earth by volume, the Great Pyramid of Cholula.

The laid-back Mexico island is worth a visit.

With its semi-remote, off-the-beaten-path location, Holbox is not uncommonly labeled 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.

🚗 Cars are not allowed on the island.

Holbox Island has a small-town feel but also 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 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.

9. Mexico City

When speaking of the world’s major cities, Mexico City has to be included in every conversation.

However, it is unfortunate that it isn’t the first place many people think of when discussing the safest city in Mexico to travel.

I lived there for one year as a solo woman, and even Mexico City solo travel felt quite safe.

This vibrant, cultural wonderland has many amazing things to do in Mexico City, delicious restaurants, plenty of fun day trips, and more.

As with any big city, you must be aware of your surroundings and belongings (especially in Mexico City after dark).

🇲🇽 Centro Historico: Downtown Mexico City

There are plenty of amazing things to do in Centro Historico, including a visit to the Templo Mayor, the main Aztec temple in Mexico.

Located about one hour outside the city, the famous Teotihuacan Ruins, a Mexico UNESCO Heritage Site, are a must-see.

For a truly unique experience, book one of these Teotihuacan hot air balloon tours to see this ancient site from above.

As some of the closest Mexico City ruins, this is a giant site, and the best way to see it is from above.

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.

It is 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 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 has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Caribbean.

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (AKA the 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 the shore.

While visiting Cozumel, make sure to stop at eco-parks like Chankanaab Park (located inside the Cozumel National Reef Marine Park) and Punta Sur.

Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, located in 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.

Ready to Book Your Mexico Vacation? Here Are Some Resources To Look At:

Mexico is a large country — the 14th largest country on Earth by size — and it’s also the 6th most biodiverse diverse country in the world.

Though it’s mostly known for beaches, there’s a lot more to Mexico than that. Check out these Mexico articles to discover parts of the country you never knew existed.

⚠️ Before You Go — Get Your FREE Guide!

Head here and enter your email address to download your FREE Mexico guide (5 Things You Don’t Want to Forget to Pack for Mexico) and get Mexico travel tips, tricks and more sent straight to your inbox.