Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico: Keep These Out Of Your Itinerary

According to the Global Peace Index, Mexico stands in the 140th place for being the most peaceful country and in the 24th place for being the least peaceful country in the world. 

So, even though the country is a popular tourist spot, specifically for the U.S. crowd, the most dangerous cities in Mexico are the places tourists must avoid.

Currently, Mexico is dealing with organized crime, drug trafficking, violence against journalists, political corruption, violence against women, and a lot more. 

Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Mexico, you should stay safe from carjacking, homicides, kidnappings, and robberies.

Talking about homicide, some of the cities in Mexico have recorded the highest crime rate in the world. These cities are  Irapuato, Ciudad Juarez, Ciudad Victoria, Acapulco. Crime rates are also quite high in the other Mexican states.

Here is a brief overview of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and the number of homicides there. 

Data Source: World Population Review

The numbers are even more alarming when you have a look at the number of actual homicides taking place in the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Tijuana topped the list regarding the number of homicides taking place in Mexico in 2018. The number was 2640. 

Here, at Dream and Travel, we have made an attempt to make a safe itinerary for you while traveling to Mexico. We don’t want the beautiful country to be the land of bloodshed or Money Heist for you. 

Most Dangerous Cities In Mexico For Tourists Based On Homicide Rates: Set Your Itinerary Right

The tourism market in Mexico is growing rapidly. In 2024, tourism in Mexico is about to hit a revenue of US$15,410.00 million (Source: Statista). Further, most of the tourism sales in the country are happening online. 

The data clearly shows that despite the most dangerous cities in Mexico, tourists are not willing to miss its rich cultural scenario, ancient ruins, and delicacies. 

Also, Mexico has safer areas like the Yucatan Peninsula, Baja California Sur, the Pacific Coast, etc. So, while setting your itinerary, you just need to avoid the following places. Further, the Bureau of Consular Affairs at the U.S. Department of State has issued a list of places in Mexico that U.S. travelers must avoid.  

I must say, the list is more exhaustive, and barring Yucatan state and Campeche state, the department has marked almost all other areas of Mexico as unsafe.

Tijuana  

This is considered the most dangerous city in Mexico because of the high homicide rate and drug-related violence. The rate of homicide here is 138 in every 100,000 people. Tijuana is the main point through which all the drugs from South America come in, and thus, it is a hotbed of cartel activity.

It is also close to the United States border and is a major human trafficking center and organized crime. According to the statistics and homicide rate, Tijuana is the most dangerous city in the world.

Acapulco  

There are many tourists who still visit Acapulco because of the mesmerizing beaches, even though it is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. The homicide rate in the city is 111 in every 100,000 people.

This city has experienced a rise in drug-related violence. There are some cartel battles as well to get control over the city’s profit-making drug trade. The city is placed inside Guerrero, a state popular for its high violence level and gang wars for the production of heroin.

Ciudad Victoria  

Ciudad Victoria is among the most violent cities in Mexico, and it is located in the state of Tamaulipas. The homicide rate of the city is 86 in every 100,000 people. This is another hub for drug-related violence.

This is another entrance for the drugs as it is also right along the U.S. border, and mostly members from the Northeast Cartel run their operations here.

Ciudad Juarez

Ciudad Juarez is another border city, and the people residing in El Paso can see the city from their part of the Rio Grande. This is among the most violent cities in Mexico. The homicide rate here is 86 in every 100,000 people.

This city is another hub for drug trafficking, and the number of turf wars has increased the violence between the Sinaloa cartels and Juarez. Both these powerful cartels hae a stronghold in Ciudad Juarez.

Irapuato  

This city is a part of the central state of Guanajuato, and in the last three years, the city has seen a sharp rise in homicides because of drug-related violence. The homicide rate in the city is 81 in every 100,000 people. That makes it one of the most unsafe places for tourists to visit and for the locals as well.

The turf wars are among the major causes of the murders, and this mostly happens between the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel and the Jalisco Cartel New Generation.

Cancun  

Cancum having one of the beautiful family-friendly resorts, but also saw a number of cartel-related shootings, attacks on tourists, and robberies. After that, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, the President of Mexico, declared the place unsafe for tourists. The homicide rate here is 64 in every 100,000 people, making it a little less deadly than the other cities in Mexico, but it is still violent.

Culiacan  

Once upon a time, Culiacan was not the dangerous city that it is currently. Now, it is a place for deadly battles because of the arrest of Ovidio Guzman, the cartel leader El Chapo’s son. The homicide rate of the city is  61 in every 100,000 people, and is considered Sinola’s central city. That cartel has a strong hold on the residents and the city.

Uruapan  

The violence in this city, just by the mountainside of Michoacan, has seen a steady increase. And the violence here is going on increasing day by day. This used to be a quiet town once, but now it is home to the drug cartels that keep changing the names and the hands. Murders are a common sight in the bars and the arcades. At present, the homicide rate is 55 in every 100,000 residents.

Ciudad Obredon  

This is the second-largest city in Sonora, but because of its notorious activities, it has been named the fourth most dangerous city in the entire world in 2022. The violence has not just increased in Ciudad Obregon but also around the surroundings of Cajame. Right now, the current homicide rate is 52 in every 100,000 people.

Coatzacoalcos  

This is among the most dangerous cities in Mexico, with a homicide rate of 48 in every 100,000 people. Coatzacoalcos used to be an amazing tourist spot in Veracruz. But now, this is a sight of violence, and every now and then, there are bodies found on the streets. Robbery, violent crimes, and murders make this one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico.

Honorable Mention 

Mexico is filled with some dangerous cities. I have already discussed some of the most dangerous cities in the country. However, the list is far from over. As a result, I have decided to add a few more towns that qualify to be on the list of some of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. Here are some of the honorable mentions that every traveler needs to know about:

Chihuahua 

The name of the city might give you an idea that the city would be a cute escapade. Howevevr, this is different. Chihuahua is one of the biggest cities in Mexico and is known for its fantastic nightlife and eateries. Howevevr, there is a darker side of the city that is rarely discussed.

As per one report, Chihuahua is one of the most unsafe cities in Mexico. In fact, the city has such a reputation that the US government has issued a unique mandate urging travelers to reconsider visiting Chihuahua. Chihuahua is ripe with gang-related violence and kidnapping. As per recent reports, the city sees around 400 homicides per year. Therefore, you need to reconsider your itinerary.

Reynosa 

The border city of Reynosa might seem like a quaint little paradise. In fact, it is a quiet little paradise. Howevevr, something unspokenly grotesque lies in that silence. The city is located in the Northern Tamaulipas and shares a part of its border with Texas. This is the stem of the problem.

According to 2024 census, Reynosa’s population is around 968,000. Out of this, around 20% of the population is under the poverty line. As a result, locals would often resort to crime. The city is infamous for carjacking, kidnapping, and drug trafficking. The town usually delves into mob violence due to warring cartels. As a result, it enjoys a volatile status.

Tepic 

Tepic is one of the best and most amazing places to visit for the local flavor. However, the city is far from your run-of-the-mill Mexican city. Tepic is one of the largest cities in Nayarit. As a result, it serves as the capital city of Nayarit. It is a mix of urban and suburban.

Tourists claim that they have seen fine living alongside slums. Such a sharp contrast between the rich and poor has pushed people to the brink. Tepic is not just one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. In fact, it holds the 36th rank as one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Tepic is a hotbed for gang activities and would often devolve into gang wars due to warring cartels.

Ensenada 

Ensenada is one of the largest municipalities in Mexico. The city houses a total population of 443,907 and is gradually growing. This is a coastal city that spans a generous area of 7,500 square kilometers.

Ensenada is a famous city for wine lovers. However, it is one of the most violent cities in Mexico. Every year, around 300 homicide cases get registered. Hence, it is not a place you would like to get lost in.

But I Want To Travel To Mexico: These Are The Places You Can Visit

The most dangerous cities in Mexico must not discourage you from traveling to this beautiful country. Yucatan state, one of the safest places in the country, has endless tourist attractions. 

In fact, places like  Chichen Itza and Uxmal in Yucatan state are the go-to places to learn about Mayan culture. Here, you will also meet people of Mayan descent. Moreover, many people here speak Mayan languages even today.

So, a visit to this area will be like a time travel to one of the most ancient civilizations of the world. 

Some of the most fascinating destinations in Yucatan State are:

• Tulum Ruins
• Museo Maya de Cancún
• Cobá Ruins
• Gran Museo del Mundo Maya, etc. 

Moreover, among the millions of visitors to Mexico every year, the highest percentage make plans for the Yucatan State. Quintana Roo. Further, the Mexican state of Quintana Roo in this region is the biggest crowd-puller. 

So, are you traveling to Yucatan State this December (December to April is the best season for visiting Yucatan State.)? You can stay at any of the following places.

Moreover, Manuel Crescencio Rejón International Airport is the nearest to Yucatan State. So, this destination is easily accessible from various parts of the USA and other countries. 

That’s it for your Mexico travel guide as of now. Happy travels! 

But should you not visit Mexico?  

Of course not. Mexico is an amazing place, and all you have to do is stay clear of these places and make an itinerary, keeping in mind that some of the places are not safe for travel, and you will be done.

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