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5 Safest Cities in Mexico

Mexico is a popular travel destination for American tourists—and it’s easy to see why. Not only is the country a nearby neighbor (and just a direct flight away from Americans in large metropolitan areas), but Mexico is brimming with beautiful beaches, incredible historical sites, and vibrant cultural experiences. In fact, an incredible 12.8 million Americans visited Mexico in 2019 alone.

But you’re not alone if you ask yourself “Is it safe to visit Mexico?” before you plan your next vacation. The US Department of State has issued a travel advisory for Americans traveling to Mexico, which includes a list of five Mexican states that should be avoided completely due to crime and kidnapping concerns, some that they recommend reconsidering travel to, and a third list where they recommend exercising increased caution.

While popular tourist destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera Maya have historically been considered safer than other parts of Mexico, it’s hard to avoid news headlines about the potential dangers of Mexico.

However, Mexico is a big country, and much of the violence that makes the news is limited to specific areas, including border regions. With some common sense and thoughtful planning, savvy travelers can easily enjoy a safe trip to Mexico.

Mexican Cities where you can travel safely

So, what’s a Mexico-loving traveler to do? While no destination is completely safe—including your hometown—there are many parts of Mexico that remain pretty safe for tourists. So, when you’re planning your itinerary, consider sticking to tourist-friendly destinations that are considered safe. Here’s a list of five of our favorites.

Mexico City

Mexico City has long had a reputation as being unsafe, but thanks to a crackdown on petty crimes over the last decade and one of the highest police officer-to-resident ratios in the world, Mexico City is no more dangerous than most major cities in the United States.

As the capital of the country and the biggest city in North America by population, Mexico City is a dynamic destination that’s simply bursting with culture. Be sure to leave yourself enough time to explore some of the city’s most important sites, like the Zocalo (Main Square) located in the historic center; the Templo Mayor, an Aztec temple located right within the city; and the National Anthropology Museum, where you could spend multiple days checking out the many indigenous cultures and civilizations of Mexico, including the famous Sun Stone.

Cancun

For a beach vacation, nowhere is quite as tempting as Cancun’s white sand beaches. And, as one of Mexico’s best developed tourist destinations, there’s a modern travel infrastructure and more hotels, great restaurants, bars, shops, and attractions than you could explore in a lifetime. If you can tear yourself away from the postcard-perfect beaches for a day, consider renting a car and visiting the famous ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum, the former of which is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Puerto Vallarta

Located on the Pacific Ocean side of Mexico in the state of Jalisco, Puerto Vallarta has long been one of the most popular resort destinations for American travelers and is known to be one of the safest places in Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is popular with all kinds of travelers, from honeymooners to families to LGBT visitors—Puerto Vallarta is known as one of Mexico’s most welcoming destinations.

Under sunny skies, visitors to Puerto Vallarta lounge on beautiful beaches; wander the Malecon, stopping in shops and galleries along the way; indulge in delicious Mexican cuisine, including plenty of Pacific seafood; and surround themselves with incredible natural beauty in protected wildlife areas that surround the city.

Tulum

Located on the Caribbean Sea in the state of Quintana Roo, Tulum has risen in popularity among travelers recently, and for good reason. With gorgeous white sand beaches, amazing hotels, world-class cuisine, and a vibrant nightlife scene, Tulum has all the makings of a great vacation. It’s popular with both young adventure travelers and cruisers, who arrive in nearby Cozumel’s busy cruise port. Plus, no trip to Tulum is complete without a visit to the famous ancient walled city of the same name—these Mayan ruins are nestled right on the coast and are a true archeological wonder.

San Miguel de Allende

Known as one of the most beautiful cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende in the state of Guanajuato is a popular and safe destination for American tourists. In fact, many visitors stay and never leave! San Miguel de Allende is a popular city for expats and American retirees.

The city is known for its colorful streets, friendly local markets, and Spanish colonial churches. A relatively small town of roughly 175,000 people, San Miguel de Allende is best explored on foot. Spend leisurely days wandering its cobblestone streets, making sure to stop at the famous Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel church, the 17th-century pink Gothic church located in the town’s main square. Venture outside of town to experience beautiful botanical gardens and relaxing hot springs.

Tips for traveling safely in Mexico

Just like you would with any other destination, it’s important to use common sense when you’re traveling in any Mexican city. Too many tourists let their guard down when they’re on vacation, and that’s when problems happen. Here are a few travel tips:

Be aware of your surroundings: Stay in populated areas and exercise extreme caution at banks and ATMs. Don’t walk alone at night. If you’re renting a car to drive between cities, stick to main roads.

Don’t make yourself a target for petty theft: Avoid traveling with expensive items like jewelry and electronics. Always keep your passport in a safe. Be especially careful of pickpockets on crowded public transportation.

Be careful when drinking: Many cities in Mexico have great nightlife, but be vigilant. Keep your drink in front of you and never accept drinks from strangers.

Stick to licensed taxi drivers, cab companies, and tour operators. Never get in a car without checking credentials.

Simply put, just use the same common sense you would when traveling in a large city in the United States! And, in case the unexpected does happen, be sure you have a travel insurance policy that covers everything from lost and stolen luggage to emergency medical care. Then, go enjoy a wonderful time exploring everything Mexico has to offer.

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PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Pre-Existing Medical Condition means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 180 day period immediately prior to the date Your coverage is effective :
  1. received or received a recommendation for a test, examination, or medical treatment for a condition which first manifested itself, worsened or became acute, or had symptoms which would have prompted a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment; or
  2. took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine. Item (2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 180 day period before coverage is effective under this policy.
  3. required a change in prescribed medication. Change in prescribed medication means the dosage or frequency of a medication has been reduced, increased, stopped and/or new medications have been prescribed due to the worsening of an underlying condition that is being treated with the medication, unless the change is:
    1. between a brand name and a generic medication with comparable dosage; or
    2. an adjustment to insulin or anti-coagulant dosage.
If you, or someone you are traveling with, has a Pre-Existing Medical Condition, you can still buy a policy from us but there is no cover for any claim arising directly or indirectly from that condition.

PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITION

Any Medical Condition that, within the last 12 months, required any:

  • surgery, inpatient or outpatient treatment, referrals or investigations of any sort. This includes being on any waiting list, taking any prescription medication, tablets or required medical treatment (This will not apply to common colds, flu or contraceptive medication);
  • medical advice or treatment for any respiratory condition relating to the lungs or breathing;
  • medical advice or treatment for any heart, stroke or diabetic condition;

Hypertension or high cholesterol controlled by 1 prescription drug only and where the dosage has not been changed within the last 12 months will not be considered a pre-existing medical condition

Coverages Available:

*not all coverages are available in all states
Travel Protection Benefits Limits
Trip Cancellation 100% of trip cost (up to a maximum of $20,000)
Single Occupancy Up to trip cost
Cancel for Any Reason Up to 75% of trip cost Up to 50% of trip costs in FL(CFAR not available to NY residents)
Trip Interruption 150% of trip cost
Delay Package
Trip Delay
Maximum $200 per day up to $2,500
Missed Connection Maximum of $1,000 per covered trip
Baggage Package – Excess
Baggage and Personal Effects $2,500 $100 Deductible
Baggage Delay $100 per day up to a maximum of $500
Travel Medical Package – Excess AK, CO, ID, ND, NH – Primary
Travel Medical Expense – Adventure sports included $100,000 $50,000 in NH $50 Deductible
Emergency Dental $750
Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation of Remains Up to $500,000
Up to $1,000,000 in NH
Accidental Death & Dismemberment $100,000 or $250,000 or $500,000
Pet Medical Package
Pet Medical Expense Up to $2,000 $100 Deductible
Pet Return Up to $500
Rental Vehicle Damage – Primary Up to $35,000 per rented vehicle- Primary $250 Deductible for loss greater than $2,000
Vacation Rental Damage $1,500 or $3,000 or $5,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Trip Interruption 2,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 5,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 2,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250) *** Limited to 250 in respect of cash
Personal Liability 500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage up to 10,000

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation up to $20,000
Trip Interruption $1,000
Medical and Emergency Expenses $5,000,000 (deductible $250)
Hospital Benefit $25 per day, maximum $100
Personal Accident up to $50,000
Baggage $2,000 (deductible $250)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to $250 in respect of cash $500 (deductible $250)
Personal Liability $500,000
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to $1,000 (deductible $100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to $750 (deductible $50 or $100)

Travel Medical Insurance

Some benefits are subject to an excess (aka, the deductible, or what you have to pay before we pay), as stated in the Policy Schedule, and are per Policy Period.

Benefits Limits
Cancellation and Curtailment 5,000
Emergency Medical Expenses, Evacuation and Repatriation of Mortal Remains 10,000,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Hospital Benefit 25 per day, maximum 100
Personal Accident up to 250,000
Baggage Loss or Delay up to 5,000 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Money and Passport, limited to 250 in respect of cash 500 (excess 250 or 50)
Personal Liability 500,000
Travel Delay 500
Optional Benefits Limits
Business Extension up to 1,000 (excess 100)
Winter Sports (Ski Equipment) up to 750 (excess 50 or 100)