One of the most surprising parts of my research is how dangerous the Mexico side of the border is, but just a few feet into America, it's so much safer. Top 5 safest & top most dangerous Mexico/Texas border By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Its all about being in the wrong place at the wrong time., Mr. de Hail recommends researching the resort and news from the area youre visiting. 4. Its one of five Mexican states that received the highest travel advisory ranking of Level 4 "Do Not Travel" under a revamped U.S. State Department program unveiled earlier this year. The citys police force has been successful in reducing violent crime, particularly homicides, and the number of killings has been cut almost in half over the past three years. Sign up for our free newsletter. Turmoil among taxi drivers in Cancn. In terms of safety, Mrida actually has the honor of being considered the safest city in Mexico. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. It was considered one of theleast safecities in the world just a few short years ago. Youre a fish out of water.. Located on the lapping waters of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz sits within the popular Baja California Sur region. Whether you want to explore the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, the Templo Mayor or justexperience the citys food and nightlife scene, every visitor is guaranteed to find something here in this bustling city. Playa del Carmen. This is one of my favorite secrets spots in Mexico; the lagoon there is unbelievable.. Fromcolourful streets, perfect weather, and friendly locals, to incredible food (okay, I admit, that ones pretty much a Mexico-wide thing), and endless sources of inspiration, there are no worries. Granted, Egypt's Great Pyramid of Giza is often on everyone's bucket list. No gang violence here, butthrill seekers can still get their fix, from its 680 metre long telefrico (cable car), to its 80 metre high ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Izta and Popo, to its famed twin volcanos Iztacchuatl and Popocatpetl, the former of which is even open for climbing and sight-seeing. 1. I wrote this post the first time I crossed the Mexican border in 2017 during my solo trip . This Mexican border town is open to adventure and tourism. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. And theres more. The State Department has issued warnings advising against travel to Mexican border states and . Where to Stay: Posada La Poza has a fantastic oceanfront location at very reasonable rates. It is a quiet and family-friendly city located right on the Mexican border deep in South Texas. The Americans were attacked as a result of confusion, according to Irving Barrios, the state prosecutor in Tamaulipas. 74.81 / 100. As well, it comes complete with well-preserved fortifications and roving night guards. Travel Guide: Safety in Juarez and El Paso [2023] - The Present Perspective Visitors to the area are mostly native Mexicans, so you can immerse yourself in the culture fairly well; try a miners enchilada if you get a chance. Generally speaking, resorts are some of the safest places you can visit in Mexico, due to the added security presence (even in the more dangerous cities too!). As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning Level 4: Do Not Travel for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. No matter where you go while traveling abroad, youll want to follow common-sense rules such as drinking only in moderation, getting a cab instead of wandering around after dark, and leaving your valuables at home. A state on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, Guerreros tourism is mainly focused on Acapulco. For the most authentic experience in Mexico, head to Guadalajara. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. Number who cross each day: 25,000 people on average. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had very bad luck, Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs. The group was found Thursday morning in Sonoyta, a border town where there are many safe houses that coyotes usually use to cross . Even though its a stunning place with much to offer, Cancun is one of the most affordable vacation destinations in the area. Todos Santos is located in the Baja California Sur, where there are currently no U.S. government restrictions for travel, and that includesthenearby glossy tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. When we visit exotic countries, most of us want to witness its traditional culture and cuisine. Walk up and through its massive Plaza de la Constitucin(themain square is called the Zcaloby locals, if you want to fit in), andbe sure to check out Frida Kahlo's old studio, the 13th-century Aztec Templo Mayor and its baroque-style Catedral Metropolitana de Mxico. In a (coco)nut shell (and at the risk of sounding like a tacky old commercial), there really is something for everyone in Puebla, so much so that, often enough, youll find and entire street named dedicated to that something, from Frog Alley for antique lovers, to one of the finest libraries in the world (the Biblioteca Palafoxiana) for bookworms, to Calle de los Dulces (also known as La Calle de Santa Clara) for sugary treats. Nevertheless, youll want to go. Although it does attract a large number of tourists each year, Mazatlan preserves much of its natural arts and culture. He recommends making a copy of your passport, remaining alert while walking home at night and not leaving your drinks unattended. From 2020 to 2021, the overall crime rate in Laredo was down 8%, according to the police department's annual report, and robberies were down . She can overnight in the McAllen/Harlingen area where she can find hotels starting at $40USD/night or she can overnight here in Monterrey that is full of affordable and comfortable hotels and drive straight to Houston the next morning without making stop on the Texas Valley area. Its not as busy as other tourist areas in Mexico, but its worth visiting to truly get a taste oflocal culture. The U.S. State Department provides state-by-state information about travel risks in Mexico. 66.65. Medical Tourism in Mexico | Affordable, Safe and Quality Medical Tourism But most visitors stay in McAllen but go about 15 miles east from McAllen and cross into Mexico at a small town called Progreso. Google Jalisco and the first thing youll see are news articles reporting violence in the area. California Mexico Border Crossings | Where to Cross the Border Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. It has caught the attention of artists, nature enthusiasts and government officials alike, the latter if which have even gone so far as to designate it a Pueblo Magico (Magical Town) an honor bestowed only to a handful of towns in the country. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. But it also has some of the best mezcal in the country. However, therest of the state remains under the highest-level travel warning for potential danger. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. This state in northern Mexico is home to cities like Monterrey, Linares, Abasolo, Agualeguas and Montemorelos. There are 2.5% of respondents who have a felony conviction; foreigners are less likely to have a felony conviction. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. ), mind-blowing art, gorgeous music, an incredibly vibrant culture (I can go on, you know), all somehow jumbled up into this wonderful little country, avoiding Mexico altogether would mean missing out on quite possiblythe most unforgettable travel experiences Of. With its rich culture and breathtaking beauty, its no surprise so many tourists keep coming back here. Page not found Instagram Its actually a real shame that Coahuila has become so limited to us because its natural sprawling beauty is spectacular and something all travellers deserve to see (like in the image below). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Mrida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatn. 2. Unfortunately, it was only to pick up again, as it often does with these things, three years later in 2016. At least 63 migrants were rescued, 13 of them minors, after being kidnapped by human traffickers in a town located in the state of Sonora on the border with the United States, Mexican authorities reported Thursday. If we know where to go, that shouldn't stop us from coming to Mexico because it really is a fascinating country . 6. Located in the state of Oaxaca, the city is home to some stunning resorts that sit amongst nine different bays. It also boasts some of the best cuisine in the Western Hemisphere. The attack in Matamoros is only the most recent example. Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico? At the protest on Jan. 11, taxi drivers blocked a main road leading to Cancns hotel zone. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. San Miguel de Allende is not only a fardistance from cartel wars but fromjust about any care in the world. But dont throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. Unfortunately, travellers are warned against coming to this state. Most of Mexicos border states and towns are the areas to avoid because they pose high safety risks. If you cross @ #1, you'd have to double back through town to get to immigration, so if you cross at downtown Laredo, #1 is what you'd want. Between Parras Valley and Sierra Madre Oriental pine-oak forests, theres no doubt about it that Coahuila is a beautiful place. 5 Places to Live in Mexicoand 3 to Avoid - International Living And in two popular destinations for foreign tourists Los Cabos, at the tip of the Baja California peninsula, and the Caribbean coast local and state officials have recently sought help from the United States to take on organized crime that threatened to drive off tourists. Everything You Need to Know about the Los Algodones Mexico Border for a This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. #1 has immigration. But theres nothing fake about this place. Coahuila is a strange beast. In October, a local politician was shot and killed in an upscale steakhouse in suburban Guadalajara as terrified diners crawled to safety. best mexican town to visit that borders Texas. - Fodor's Laredo is listed as No. [viator_tour destination=628 type=3-mod]. For a more affordable option, consider the Chillout Flat Bed & Breakfast, which earns plaudits for friendly service and homemade granola. It is also home to one of Mexicos biggest national parks, Cumbres de Monterrey. LAREDO, Texas ( Border Report) Two South Texas cities on the Mexican border have been named among the top 20 "safest cities" in America, according to a recent survey. Video by Sebastien Vuagnat. The new U.S. travel advisory system goes so far as placing Sinaloa on the same warning level as war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia for its "greater likelihood of life-threatening risks.". Santa Teresa-San Jernimo NM 136 (Pete Domenici Boulevard), Santa . Mr. Guerrero said that the authorities will try to negotiate some kind of compromise, but there was a probability of more violence ahead. It also offers great nightlife for those who are looking for it. Twice named the American Capital of Culture, the city is beaming with brightly coloured colonial buildings, broad central plazas, beautiful 17th century cathedrals, and bustling local markets like Mercado Lucas De Galvz and Mercado Santiago. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65513395', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Monterrey, Mexico and a regular user of the highways that conects my city with the Texas' borderline. That prompted the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to issue a security alert. With dozens of untouched beaches and the emerald peaks of the Sierra Madre del Sur providing a lush background, its a huge shame that Michoacan as a state is brimming with unlawful activities. Another option is to use the toll road to Reynosa (it will cost her around $15USD) and cross to Texas using Anzalduas Bridge, using these last bridge she won't cross the Reynosa downtown area, this city has a bad reputation on security issues. Yelapa is Mexicos last authentic beach town, says Pacheco, and is definitely under the radar. What is the Safest place in Mexico to vacation with family. Another fun fact, although, Cholula was once the most important city in the Aztec Empire and one ofthe majorpilgrimage destinations in the central highlands, the city is now a hotbed oflucha libre. By the numbersrate of violent crime nationally was 366.7 . Truth be told, its hard to feel unsafe in a town teeming with New Age spiritualists, surfers and fisherman, let alone one that terms itself to beof All Saints. With long, gorgeous beaches, world-class waves and a refreshing distance from tourists and crowds, this pretty little town has a timeless, magical vibe to it. Regardless of its multiple plus points, were not going to mask Mexicos darker side. (The latter volcano, in case youre wondering, has been off limits to visitors since it erupted in 1994.). Cartel expert tells tourists, 'Don't go' to Mexico right now A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers wont regret visiting them, he says. These elements create the perfect storm for a different, and much less appealing kind of adventure. From its hotels to its cuisine to its beaches, PV screams sophistication. The Ballad of 'Deepfake Drake' - The New York Times The Pacific Coast state of Jalisco, home to the resort of Puerto Vallarta, picturesque tequila country and the cultural and gastronomic attractions of the state capital, Guadalajara, is also the center of operations of the extremely violent Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Its northern parts are particularly restricted from travel due to crime in the area, compounded by local enforcements limited capability to prevent and respond to it. It is one of the safest cities in Mexico for both living and for vacation. Puebla is one of them. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Additionally, at 7,200 feet above sea level, Puebla never gets too hot, and its considered one of the safest places in Mexico. Increased border patrols and the construction of a border fence have had no effect on immigration, despite the fact that residents feel safe. Over the past 50 years, San Miguel de Allende has evolved into a hub for tourists wanting to experience the music, food, and arts of truelocal culture. As anywhere, common sense should prevail, Mr. de Hail said: Dont wear expensive watches or jewelry, and avoid dark and deserted places. With the highestunnatural deathrate in Mexico, you might want to avoid traveling to Colima. But the rule doesnt always hold. The next day, Laredo seems a reasonable crossing. Vibrant, mesmerizing, and just plain gorgeous, its no wonder the city is teeming with expats from Canada, the U.S. and Europe studying Spanish, learning to cook, or just plain enjoying la dulce vita. (Come to the Castillo temple at the right time, and catch the shadow of a serpent slithering down the pyramid's steps!). Highways 57/40/85 from central Mexico are heavily traveled, and quite safe. And its not surprising it boasts spectacular views. Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano . See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. Produced by Will Reid and Michael Simon Johnson. You can visit Guanajuato as a day trip from nearby San Miguel de Allende or use it as a home base in itself. The conflict generated widespread attention after a video of taxi drivers forcing a Russian-speaking family out of their rideshare car went viral, and after unions blocked the main road leading to Cancns hotel zone. Celaya. But its hard to feel anything magical when the surrounding area of this same state has made another list - one thats not so flattering. My husband already had his temporary visa, we got two dogs and we typed a pretty thorough manifest with all our household goods. San Miguel de Allende. I got bit for $500 pesos. Not only is this Mexican border state home to the oldest vineyards in all of the Americas, but the Parras Valley, where they are mostly found, is replete with beautiful backdrops that are so inspiring. 10 Cheap Hotels In Lisbon For A Wallet-Savvy Stay, These Are The 10 Perfect US Destinations For Summer Travel In 2023, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Chicago You Should Visit This Summer, 10 Things To Do In Dubrovnik: Complete Guide To Croatia's Medieval Seaside City, 10 Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen: Complete Guide To This Riviera Maya Paradise, 8 Things To Do In Havana: Complete Guide To Cuba's Capital City, More Than The Forum Of Rome: Why You Should Visit The Forum of Augustus As Well, Water Views: 10 Most Beautiful Lakes In Upstate New York, Explore Villa of the Mysteries: One Of The Best Preserved Roman Villas In Pompeii. How Texas's gun laws allow Mexican cartels to arm themselves to the Learn some Spanish Whilst some areas are touristy and can speak English, learning even just a bit of the local lingo makes things so much easier. Discover the Arizona Sonora Border Region - Explore Sonora Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a monthly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trendsand how they could affect your travel plans. Eight Sonoran cities made the list of the 121 Mexican municipalities with the most violence per capita: Visitors to the border region, including cities such as Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Nogales, Reynosa, and Matamoros should remain alert and be aware of their surroundings at all times. There are also a number of security measures in place to keep residents and visitors safe, including fences and surveillance cameras. It really is a great place to experience Mexicos traditions and true culture. If you are planning to visit the Texas-Mexico border . They rescue 63 kidnapped migrants in a Mexican town on the US border Make sure you have pesos for the tolls. Once a peaceful place with impressive architecture and stunning views, Colima is now tainted with that US State Department warning. Rising crime in dangerous Mexico border town leaves residents feeling Thank for very much for the great info. This place is picture-perfect how could we ever get bored with those views? Soon after the Americans crossed the border, gunmen fired on their vehicle and then abducted the group in a pickup truck. La Paz. Its just unfortunate that its another one on the list thats deemed dangerous for visitors. . Hundreds of thousands of Americans travel across the Mexican border every year to the tiny town of Los Algodones, in search not of sun and sand, but root canals and . As a rule, criminals in Mexico are careful not to kill tourists, Mr. Guerrero explained, because doing so can set in motion a persecution that can last years, the consequences of which can be very dissuasive, he said. She is coming from a town near (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? While its capital, Morelia, is certainly a safe place to travel to, and quite possibly the perfect place to explore the rich variety of world-famous Mexican dishes, the rest of the Western Pacific state, Michoacn, is oh, how do I put this delicately one big hotbed of kidnapping and crime. Like many of the best cities in Mexico, Oaxaca City is and quite rightfully so - a UNESCO World Heritage site, complete with cobblestone streets, beautiful brightly coloured buildings and remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancn, Tulum and Mexico City. US readies second attempt at speedy border asylum screenings Another lesser known city on our list, Celaya now officially ranks as the most dangerous city in Mexico, and one of the most dangerous cities in the world. But is itreally that bad? Its part of the fun of travel a big part! MATAMOROS, Mexico About two dozen makeshift tents were set ablaze and destroyed at a migrant camp across the border from Texas this week, witnesses said Friday, a sign of the extreme risk that . There are only three border crossings. Yet it still offers plenty of vacation-worthy attractions, like the excellent seafood restaurants along its waterfront, an incredibly warm vibe thanks to its friendly Campechanos, a city square often brilliantly aglow at night with stunning views onto its Plaza Principale, and even a 7km-long boardwalk (malecn). Mexico Travel Advisory - United States Department of State Lets just say its the kind of place we wouldntwant to be walking alone at night or during the day. There are places in the country where the situation can change abruptly from one week to another, he said. Please advise on the top 3-5 best and worst border crossings from Mexico to Texas? Here are the bridge's webcams: http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html. With its powdery sands and turquoise waters, Cozumel is practically the epitome of paradise. After all, its not a small village; Puebla is Mexicos fourth-largest city, with some of the countrys best examples of Spanish colonial architecture. Though, of course, this is except for pretty much everywhere else in the state. And whether youre into art or not, youll no doubt be blown away, whether it's by the recently opened Soumaya Museum owned by the richest man in the world, Carlos Slim,orthe historic murals and public art peppered throughout the city by some of the countrys most famous artists, including the likes of Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiro. Here's a link to the wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laredo%E2%80%93Colombia_Solidarity_International_Bridge. Anyway, last time we crossed. Situated on the Texan border between the US and Mexico, Tamaulipas is a state with many beautiful lakes and fishing opportunities. Title 42 set to end, but new asylum restrictions could replace it