World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. Home to the city of Guadalajara, the lakeside lucky-bummer expat community of Chapala, the infamous Puerto Vallarta resorts, and Ajijic, the state of Jalisco, as you would only imagine, has no U.S. travel restrictions. Its the perfect place to visit for a spring break holiday. Violent crime increased 46.4% in 2020, according to the Mexico Peace Index. Updated: Apr 17, 2023 / 06:19 PM CDT. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants. AG Merrick Garland Holds News Conference on Drug Trafficking Would it be better and dagger to do the Lincoln bridge? You simply need to know where to go and where to avoid. But the rule doesnt always hold. It is also bordered by the US state of Texas. Long before news of a ferry explosion in Playa del Carmen earlier this year and the subsequent U.S. State Department warnings about travelling to there, visitors were beginning to ditch the resort town for Tulum, if only to get away from the overcrowded tourist scene. Where to Stay: The Hotel Lagunita is right on the water, with amazing views and a pool from which to enjoy them. From Brownsville, Texas, to San Diego, safe border cities have majority-Hispanic populations and poverty rates above the national average. 7. 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. Although it's situated in Sinaloa, Mazatln is one of Mexico's safest cities . I am hoping to find explanation on the columbia crossing, I can't find info on it. 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. In this blog post I share my thoughts on whether I think Mexico is currently safe for solo travel and share some tips for ensuring safety when traveling around Mexico. Between its brightly colored buildings, cobblestoned streets and quaint little artisan shops, San Miguel de Allende is the perfect place to snap some cultural pictures of Mexico. Crossing The Border: 10 Places In Mexico We'll Love (10 - TheTravel Questions are being asked about the level of harm in the state. The statescity ofCiudad Juarez, which, much like Tamaulipas, offers a coveted location just across the border from El Paso, Texas. Seven Safer Places to Visit in Mexico - ABC News Known locally as the Pirmide Tepanapa(or Tlachihualtepetlin the in the indigenous Nahuatl language, meaning "made-by-hand mountain"), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, although built around200 BC. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. However, the truth is the communities along the U.S.-Mexico border are among the safest in the United States. 10 Safest Places To Travel To In Mexico (And 9 To Avoid) best mexican town to visit that borders Texas. - Fodor's Your. Is It Safe To Visit The Texas-Mexico Border? - Tour By Mexico According to Fox News, the city is amongst one of the most dangerous in the world due to violence and is currently sitting at a level 2 rating. No wonder tourists flock there for a relaxing break away! This state in northern Mexico is home to cities like Monterrey, Linares, Abasolo, Agualeguas and Montemorelos. Travel to its seaside city, Manzanillo, is in fact still allowed, according the U.S. government. 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. Despite its stigma and gritty past, the national capital of Mexico is incredibly safe afactthats particularly remarkable when you think for a moment that it happens to be one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world (not to mention the most densely populated city in North America). My husband and I are moving to the Yucatan area and will be crossing the border this Friday to head towards Saltillo the first night. Travel Guide: Safety in Juarez and El Paso [2023] - The Present Perspective Now, hows that for a little perspective? If we know where to go, that shouldn't stop us from coming to Mexico because it really is a fascinating country . Though it was initially considered safe enough, in April, Acapulco was suddenly slapped with the hard advisory level for the first time ever. Get to know the Areas Whether heading to Cancun, Mexico City or beyond, read online to get to know the best areas for a stay. A spate of incidents, including a kidnapping and the death of two Americans near the border, have prompted travel warnings from the U.S. government. Coolidge (pop. Guadalajara is famous for its mariachi bands, stunning architecture, tequila distilleries and excellent nightlife. There are places we should avoid in Mexico were not going to sugar-coat the country. Yet, this is not exactly the case. Visually, its not a bad place. 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). Ensenada ranked 13th in our blog, "The Top 10 Safest Cites for Expats in Mexico," but areas in Baja Norte along the border can be unsafe. 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. They rescue 63 kidnapped migrants in a Mexican town on the US border 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. Where is she driving from? While also located in the tourist-filled state of Quintana Roo, Bacalar doesnt have a beach, making it quite a different kind of experience from its busier provincial counterparts Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. This surf town in Baja California Sur features world-class waves and lots of natural beautyand its just far enough north of touristy Cabo San Lucas to offer respite from the crowds. 3,000 migrants begin walk north from southern Mexico San Miguel de Allende. With its small-town atmosphere and unique ocean fronts, PV is definitely one of the prettiest places in Mexico that feels thriving but cozy. I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars, he said. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Other hot spots like Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa were spared from the designation. One of the safest beach towns in Mexico is Puerto Escondido. I wrote this post the first time I crossed the Mexican border in 2017 during my solo trip . Nevertheless, youll want to go. #1 has immigration. Laredo is also a good option, but as bald0neNebraska said the traffic is heavy there (more in these days due the Easter), however is the shortest distance between Monterrey and Texas. Several days later, two of. These ruins reveal one heck of a chapter in human history. Original music by Dan Powell and Marion Lozano . You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In early March 2023 in the Mexican border town of Matamoros, 4 Black American tourist were abducted in broad daylight. And to top that, it offers some great cavern and cave diving as well as plenty of hotels and restaurants for every budget. Antelope Wells-El Berrendo State Road 81, Antelope Wells, New Mexico - Carretera El Berrendo-Janos, El Berrendo, Chihuahua. 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. . Located on the Western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula with ruggedly beautiful limestone hills, baroque Spanish architecture, and impeccably clean cobblestone streets, Campeche is a yup, you guessed it UNESCO World Heritage site. Ahead of the spring break holiday, a popular time for American tourists to visit the country, the U.S. Embassy issued a travel alert, urging visitors to exercise caution by avoiding dangerous situations and drinking responsibly, among other recommendations. Of course you are. Despite a longstanding reputation as a dangerous city to visit, Mexico City only has an advisory to exercise increased caution, and for good reason; the downtown core in particular is considered quite safe, and the city has numerous attractions for visitorsincluding street art, colorful markets, and more than 150 museums. Since 2011, however, Tamaulipas has become unsafe not only for tourists, but forlocals too. When we visit exotic countries, most of us want to witness its traditional culture and cuisine. I was astounded by how much you can save by taking advantage of this opportunity. Its definitely a great place to go for an authentic holiday. In the summer people come to see sights like the Zona Romantica or Los Arcos and El Malecon, but if we come in the winter, well be able to go on whale watching tours. It is touristy but not too touristy for us to not to be able to experience this towns culture. Go watch Nacho Librefor clarification or at the very leastto see Jack Black as Luchador. To boot, it is quite possibly one of the most wonderfully walkable places on earth. Statistically, Mexicali is one of the safest border towns in Mexico, with well-developed tourism and service industries. I dont know about you, but I would say things are heating up in this hot little country. While its famed Talavera ceramic tiles and architectural wonders (including some of the best preserved Spanish colonial buildings in the country) have been the main attraction to the city, recent years have also seen the growth of some serious cooking talent on the palette as well. A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancn. Where to Stay: For a cozy stay right near the funicular into the center of town, book one of the eight rooms at Casa Zuniga B&B. What might be news to you, however, is that, just this week, Mexican marines captured the head honcho of the regions drug cartel. While still slightly off the tourist track, Bacalar seems to retain a more traditional Mexican feel than most of the other hot-spots in the region, making it a great destination for those who have a preference for local culture and traditions. One of the Americans was scheduled for cosmetic surgery. 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. . Pacheco says that Bacalar, also on the Yucatan Peninsula, is an amazing place, kind of unknown and definitely uncrowded. But most visitors stay in McAllen but go about 15 miles east from McAllen and cross into Mexico at a small town called Progreso. Since then, it has continued to get worse in terms of violence. Google Jalisco and the first thing youll see are news articles reporting violence in the area. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 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. Its not hard to spend the day admiring the 500-year-old colonial citys incredible architecture either! Last fiscal year that ended in September, U.S. border agents encountered nearly 2.4 million asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, a historic high, though many of them were repeat crossers . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. The State Department has explicitly stated there are no restrictions on travel to Tulum or to Chichen Itza, the magnificent archaeological site just an hour up the road. Is It Safe Living Near Mexican Border - Tour By Mexico Placed under the U.S. State departments highest Level 4 'Do Not Travel' advisory for obvious reasons, you would certainly think that Colima in its entirety would be one big no-no. 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. Though, of course, this is except for pretty much everywhere else in the state. Catching the leader of the regions criminal organization is no small feat, of course, but with frequently shifting criminal loyalties known to often occur state more often than you can say El Chapo, I wouldnt bring out the tequila just yet. But it also has some of the best mezcal in the country. On March 3, four Americans from South Carolina traveling in a white minivan crossed the border from Brownsville, Texas, into the city of Matamoros, in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas. In early March 2023 in the . The Zona Dorada historic town center in the famous resort town of Mazatln, Los Mochis, Port Topolobampo, and all roads to and from these locations have been cleared for travel. Huatulco is considered one of the safest places in Mexico. Where to Stay: The small, beautifully decorated Nima Local House Hotel is one of the best luxury hotel options in the city. Visit on a weekend if you can, when its historical core is closed to vehicles, to enjoy a strollers paradise amid taco stands and open-air stages. As far as safety goes, it's really not much of an issue at either crossing. Indeed, the state of Coahuila is one of 11 Mexican states recently placed under the Level 3 U.S. travel advisory. The turnoff to Saltillo is easy to miss in Monterrey. 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.". Cartel expert tells tourists, 'Don't go' to Mexico right now Three airports in the state of Sinaloa, including the beach destination Mazatln, were closed on Jan. 5 amid gang violence after Mexican security forces arrested Ovidio Guzmn Lpez, a son of Joaqun Guzmn Loera, the crime lord known as El Chapo, who is serving a life sentence in the United States. US readies second attempt at speedy border asylum screenings As of early March, the department had issued its strongest possible warning Level 4: Do Not Travel for six states, including Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. In the Hotel Zone its pretty safe, although outside it can get somewhat seedy. However, many incidents are purely crimes of opportunity and can be prevented with a little precaution. It is bordered by Coahuila to the west, Tamaulipas to the east and north, and San Luis Potos to the south - all of which are currently under Level 3 Travel Advisories. Last year was the third time in a row that El Paso took the top spot for safest large city in the United States, according to Fronteras Desk. Its a tough pill to swallow with recent headlines in April about film students in Guadalajara beingharmed by a new cartel on the block. The San Ysidro Port of Entry is one of . Yet, despite its not-so-distant gangland past, Ciudad Juarez, believe it or not, currently has no restrictions, except for travel to the areas southeast of Boulevard Independencia and the Valle de Juarez region. 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. The group was found Thursday morning in Sonoyta, a border town where there are many safe houses that coyotes usually use to cross . But its hard to feel anything magical when the surrounding area of this same state has made another list - one thats not so flattering. Re: Safest border Town in Mexico to go to from Texas. There is so much to explore in this city that it would be impossible to get bored here. Keep in mind that bad things can happen even in the safest places in Mexico, and destinations that dont appear on this list could still be great spots for a vacation. Here are the bridge's webcams: http://www.ci.laredo.tx.us/bridgesys/Cameras/bridge4cam.html. Merida is also a well-known destination for celebrating equinoxes. Where to Go in Mexican Border Towns for Pharmacies In this post, I will tell you about the most common options you have for crossing borders from Mexico to Guatemala by bus, from Tapachula, San Cristobal de las Casas and Frontera Corozal. He's passing his love of travel on to the next generation; his 10-year-old son has flown some 200,000 miles already. Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023. This colonial city situated to the southeast of Mexico City boasts authentic character. My recollection is that the parking is easier @ Colombia and it's nowhere near as busy; that's where we always cross when we've got a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? After dark, travel restriction extend to west of Eje Juan Gabriel and south of Boulevard Zaragoza. Set at the slightly less restrictive notch of Level 3 (Reconsider Travel), the statewhichthe cute, feisty little dog is named after has a not-at-all-cute reputation for widespread illicit activity.