All The Unforgettable Experiences Unique To China That Families Will Love, Does The Little Mermaid Statue In Copenhagen Deserve Its Fame? Tepito, essentially the black market of Mexico City, is one of those places that has a dicey reputation for a reason. It's a statistic that’s surprised many of its long-time visitors who are now found struggling to cancel their tickets. This cartel is extremely decentralised, meaning its power lies in smaller, local groups of gangs rather than with one kingpin controlling one area of territory. The city of Torreón is one to dodge if you’re traveling through the area. As for the fee, it depends on how fast you want the processing to go. Despite not being banned, travellers are allowed only if using the most direct routes is and toll highways. While you're traveling, it's a good idea to try to adjust your schedule, particularly as it relates to mealtimes, to that of your host country. But before you do, read this. Mexico City. All of these cells are operating not only (though mainly) in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara and its municipalities, but also throughout the state. And probably your return home, too. ☞ SEE ALSO: Submerging Into Centoes – A Cave Dive in Mexico . They are doing this quickly too. Although its common to pass through Ciudad Victoria when crossing the border from Reynosa or Matamoros, don’t plan on stopping long here or passing at night. It takes place in broad daylight, even in resort areas, and innocents can get in the way of rival gangs. Most notably, it topped travellers' must-visit list recently after the much publicized opening of Hotel San Cristóbal. A definite bummer, if you decide to travel here. Cartels go head to head here and clash with extreme repercussions for residents who aren’t part of any gangs. Juarez is a neighbourhood in Mexico City…She is not referring to Ciudad Juarez, which is just south of El Paso….nowhere near Mexico City. Though located on the beautiful Pacific coast, Sinaloa is a state where nefarious organizations are known to be based and operating. Did You Ever Wonder What It Takes For A Restaurant To Get A Michelin Star? If you’re one of those brave travellers who want to experience all the fuss about Mexico’s most gang-infested state, please do yourself a favour and visit the much safer Mazatlán area. Do not go overseas. A totally of 34,523 people were killed in Mexico in 2020, down slighty from 3 5,000 killings in 2019. Placed under the U.S. State department’s 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. For all its classic retro-iconic lure, Guerrero’s famous beach resort town Acapulco, once a major tourist destination for Hollywood celebrities, honeymooners and diplomats alike, didn’t made the cut. If being within a walled historic city district, isn’t enough to make you feel safe, then maybe the fact that it’s devoid of any travel restrictions will help. As for the rest of the state of Chihuahua, the city by the same name has travel to the Morelos, Villa, and Zapata districts down as areas where you’re invited to “Reconsider” traveling to. The barrage of possible activities make for a perfect romantic getaway. Located in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, and home to some of the most visited archeological sites, like the incredible Templo Dios del Viento (God of Winds Temple) off the Yucatan coast, Tulum does attract its fair share of tourists (over 2.2 million in last year alone). The best weather in Cancun is between December and April. Like many buildings in Mexico City’s historical center, it is slowly sinking into the ground. Though, admittedly, in no way should this be a cause for a tourist stampede to the area. 12 Reynosa - There's More Than One Reason You Don't Want To Go Here. Guerrero’s tumultuous history flip-flops from a highly desirable coastal holiday destination to the backdrop for a grim struggle against illicit groups. Pregnancy and parenting news, given to you in a way nobody else has. Colima’s murder rate has more than tripled in recent years. Despite the booming success of Acapulco’s tourism in the 20th century, the turn of the century saw a dramatic twist in fate for the city. While cartel activity isn’t quite as prevalent in Michoacan as in the other 4 states listed on the travel advisory, robbery and armed violence still reach sharp peaks compared to the safer tourist areas in Mexico. In January 2018, the US ordered a level 4 travel warning for the states Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, Guerrero, and Tamaulipas due to the danger posed to visitors. GO; Mexico; Cancun; 10 Travel Mistakes to Avoid in Cancun...and What to Do Instead . While also located in the tourist-filled state of Quintana Roo, Bacalar doesn’t have a beach, making it quite a different kind of experience from its busier provincial counterparts Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Take what is considered the best train ride in America Chama to Antonito on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad for the experience of a lifetime. Cartel incidences are usually not directed at tourists, so if foreigners practise safe habits, the city is relatively hospitable for tourism. The only place to satisfy all of your guilty pleasures. 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.". To be honest, my favorite place to go on vacation is definitely Mexico, It has a lot of places to go, like beaches, mountains, jungle, It has everything, the last time I went there it was to Puerto Vallarta, was amazing, I went on a tour. Just two years ago, the biggest news out of Mexico's capital was a name change. According to Time Magazine, The United States State Department has issued a level 2 travel advisory for Mexico overall, which recommends international tourists be more cautious while traveling. Unfortunately, it was only to pick up again, as it often does with these things, three years later in 2016. Trips to Los Cabos should be taken at the traveller’s own discretion. U.S. government employees may not drive from the U.S.-Mexico border to or from the interior parts of Mexico, with the exception of daytime travel within Baja California, between Nogales and Hermosillo on Mexican Federal Highway 15D, and between Nuevo Laredo and Monterrey on Highway 85D (during daylight hours and with prior Consulate authorization only). Unfortunately, this isn't quite the case. It has done so for its cultural depth and incredible diversity with a variety of dishes from tlayudas, quesillo and tamales, to chapulines and, of course, mole, the national dish, which the state, along with Puebla, claims to be native. An extensive engineering project was undertaken in the 1990s to rescue the building, not to stop the sinking, but to ensure that the cathedral would sink uniformly. World traveling, multi-platform journalist. Criminals are very good at targeting tourists, and especially for petty theft like pickpocketing. Serving up the hottest food trends and the inside scoop on restaurants worldwide. The city is part of the Zetas cartel territory, who have turned to activities like extortion and carjacking in order to earn more money. With zero travel restrictions, especially in the downtown core, feel free to go right ahead and roam through this incredibly cosmopolitan city. Read the country information page. Many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, but don’t throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. A growing favourite for tourists who hate tourists, Mérida is a wonderful alternative to nearby Cancun’s Playa del Carmen and Tulum. And, indeed, with all the headlines, many are clicking away to book their trip at other destinations, and opting to avoid the country altogether. However, Oaxaca City has stepped up to the plate, consistently topping the list of favourite food cities by locals and foreigners alike. Oh, and if you’re certified, you can even go diving in many of the cenotes! With any luck, local law enforcement will successfully deconstruct power among these small cartel sectors and illicit activity in Colima will drop away to its former low rate. Outside of the city limits of Nuevo Casas Grandes are prohibited after dark. Alcoholic drinks. It's been made into not only one of the longest-running Mexican states plagued by cartel violence, which has claimed the lives of gangsters, police and civilians alike, but a long-forgotten travel destination already absent on the tourist radar. But don’t throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. A veritable paradise for those who love to get around by bicycle, Tulum’s rustic, back-to-nature style offers visitors a decidedly different type of vacation experience. Don’t let this discourage you from visiting Mexico, however. Like in most of Mexico, cartels won’t pose a threat to foreigners here, however as a tourist, you’d be more of a target for theft. EXPAND LIST COLLAPSE LIST. If you mention Culiacán to a local, you’ll either receive warnings about danger in the city or its relative safety compared with other cities in Mexico. Known locally as the Pirámide Tepanapa (or Tlachihualtepetl in the in the indigenous Nahuatl language, meaning "made-by-hand mountain"), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, although built around 200 BC. These elements create the perfect storm for a different, and much less appealing kind of adventure. 23 March 2021. (The latter volcano, in case you’re wondering, has been off limits to visitors since it erupted in 1994.). Located in the very heart of the country, amid its high desert mountains, and only five and a half hours from Mexico City, San Miguel de Allende is, as you would expect from any UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the safest places in Mexico – be it day or night. The second Baja California Sur city on this list, La Paz is, at first glance, a good-looking seaside city like Los Cabos, which makes the rising illicit activity rate a sobering statistic in the previously calm state. #10 – Beware of Car Rental Scams in Mexico. 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, Michoacán, is – oh, how do I put this delicately – one big hotbed of kidnapping and crime. Do I Need Travel Insurance for Mexico? This is due to the growth of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, making even some of its once-safest towns, not-so-safe anymore. Cartels go head to head here and clash with extreme repercussions for residents who aren’t part of any gangs. Walk up and through its massive Plaza de la Constitución (the main square is called the Zócalo by locals, if you want to fit in), and be sure to check out Frida Kahlo's old studio, the 13th-century Aztec Templo Mayor and its baroque-style Catedral Metropolitana de México. Rainy season in Cancun runs from May to October, which is the best time to visit Cancun on a budget. In March 2018, the governor of Nuevo Leon warned travellers crossing the Mexico-Texas border not to cross via Reynosa’s toll bridge due to violence. There are so many things to do to Mexico that are not beaches or all-inclusive resorts. This prompted the U.S. State Department to up the ante on its travel advisories to the country early this year, placing five Mexican states on its highest Level 4 "Do No Travel" advisory under its newly revamped system (yup, the same level as war-torn countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia) and 11 more on Level 3 (“Reconsider Travel”) . Asia. Just me trying to look cool for Instagram at Chichen Itza As of 2021, there is no legal requirement to purchase travel insurance in order to visit Mexico. North America. As a metropolis within Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria hasn’t got much going for it by way of tourism. Website for moms seeking advice, community, and entertainment. Over 40 narco cells are currently in Jalisco dedicated to the harming of extortion targets. If there’s one city to avoid at all costs, its Cuidad Juarez. What might be news to you, however, is that, just this week, Mexican marines captured the head honcho of the region’s drug cartel. 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 (malecón). Nevertheless, you’ll want to go. Some areas are hotspots of cartel activity. Europe. So check the latest United States Department of State Travel Advisories for Mexico before you go. Situated just off the Centro Histórico, it’s most well-known for its vast tianguis (street markets).But if you’re looking for a bargain, go somewhere else – most goods in Tepito are low quality Chinese products or stolen. It's a must-visit, especially for first-timers, despite the devastating earthquake that hit the city late last year. Distrito Federal, or "DF," as … Questions are being asked about the level of harm in the state. Police presence here is higher than in other places, which, in turn, is safer. From freshly pressed juices to yoga retreats and on-site massages in private villas to decked out cabañas on the beach, this sleepy little beach town has all the fixings while remaining wonderfully devoid of any travel restrictions. Tepic is a city that if you must travel to, you’d want to be careful with your possessions (someone could earn themselves a pretty penny selling your passport) and your surroundings, especially at night. Todos Santos is located in the Baja California Sur, where there are currently no U.S. government restrictions for travel, and that includes the nearby glossy tourist areas of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, and La Paz. Aside from a few hotspots of crime, most of Mexico is safe for tourists. Visas - Legally entering Mexico is fairly easy: all nationals receive a traveler's permit upon entering Mexico, and it costs 15 USD, while there are still some countries do need to acquire a visa. And squeeze it into the beer, but unlike north of the border, don’t stick it down the neck. Being just two hours from the more popular Merida, it's easy to travel from one to the other. Despite its stigma and gritty past, the national capital of Mexico is incredibly safe – a fact that’s 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). San Miguel de Allende is not only a far distance from cartel wars – but from just about any care in the world. Mexico is an incredible tourist destination. No gang violence here, but thrill seekers can still get their fix, from its 680 metre long teleférico (cable car), to its 80 metre high ferris wheel offering spectacular views of Izta and Popo, to its famed twin volcanos Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl, the former of which is even open for climbing and sight-seeing. 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Once a shining beacon of neon nightclubs and echoing music for residents of El Paso, Texas, which shares a border with Juarez, its tourism has been entirely stubbed out. Serving up the hottest food trends and the inside scoop on restaurants worldwide. A travel ban is in place. Whether it's recommending that people wear face masks, practice social distancing, or wash their hands regularly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) … November 25, 2020. In this section, we’ll look at when to go to Mexico by season. If you can, be sure to visit during the first two weeks of August to experience the Festival of San Joaquin de Bacalar, when the streets come alive with even more culture events, including dances, games and incredible parades. There are certain cities within these states as well as in others that should especially be avoided. November 25, 2020. iStock. 2. There is a lack of attractions suitable for tourists and cartel involvement has gone up recently. I guess that’s what makes Cancun a very desirable destination for young Americans aged 18-21, who can go out in Cancun (in Mexico, you can buy alcohol if you’re 18). 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. It turned out that the big garbage bag was an improvised shelter for her and six dogs she cares for. Avoid the tourist traps and take our advice to find the off-the-beaten path ways to vacation in Mexico. From there, traffickers and kingpins who win the turf war gain access to the voracious and lucrative US illegal substance market. Enjoy your Caribbean vacation to the fullest by doing proper research on Cancun, as travel mishaps often lead to wasted money and missed opportunities. It's one you can’t help but feel when driving along the enigmatic dirt roads that connect in and out of this sleepy town. Nearby Zipolite beach is also one of the best-known nudist beaches in Mexico. Agness says. via: youtube.com . In 2018, there were 33,500. The enormous cathedral on the North side of the Zócalo was built over a period of 250 years and has a mixture of architectural styles. But it’s hard to feel anything magical when the surrounding area of this same state has made another list - one that’s not so flattering. Vibrant, mesmerizing, and just plain gorgeous, it’s 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. Tulum is located 3 … Content. In a country that’s already home to some of the most delicious food in the world (with Mexican cuisine being designated by UNESCO as part of the “cultural heritage of humanity”), making an international name for yourself as the foodie capital of Mexico is no small feat. 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Ciudad Obregón lies south of Arizona in the Sonoran Desert where the land contrasts fertile hills and cactus flats. Visitors are much better off getting a tan on the shores of Cancun or Tulum. Catching the leader of the region’s 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 wouldn’t bring out the tequila just yet. Sinaloa’s illicit-dependent economy extends as far back as the 19th century, when the Pacific port cities would import an exotic and highly valued product from China. Yet, this is not exactly the case. How sweet is that? Surrounded by lush jungle mangroves and, on its Southern side, a vast array of fascinating fossil formations, this beautiful piece of lagoon paradise is not only one of the safest places in Mexico, but one of the most affordable too. Here’s a travel tip for Mexico: rental cars aren’t really $1 a day! Located on the Texas border between Mexico and the U.S., Tamaulipas offers a key strategic opportunity that’s been all too irresistible to the area’s kingpins looking to smuggle illegal substances to the United States. (Come to the Castillo temple at the right time, and catch the shadow of a serpent slithering down the pyramid's steps!). For the time being, however, the state of Jalisco’s Level 3 Travel Advisory focused mainly on the state’s Michoacán and Zacatecas borders and travel after dark, insisting that “cartel violence does not target tourists or touristic areas, but can be present in other parts of these States so some caution is advised.”. Mexico is usually cheaper than the United States. From the sun-bleached buildings to sparkling Pacific waters, Los Cabos at first looks to be the ideal getaway. But if getting your soul cleansed isn’t a priority for you right now, Mérida is also arguably one of the best places to enjoy real-deal, beyond-delicious Yucatecan food. Otherwise, especially if traveling overnight, heading north of the Santa Catarina river, or anywhere outside of San Pedro Garza Garcia or Santa Catarina should basically be avoided. Do not forget to print at least one physical copy before departure. Safe for the northern tip’s overzealous waters, Campeche is a perfectly hassle-free Mexican marvel to travel to. Now, how’s that for a little perspective? The newly introduced illicit activity is taking a toll on Mexico’s tourism industry in resort towns. With its multi-hued crystalline freshwater lake, the second largest in all of Mexico, Bacalar Lake, also known as ‘the Lake of Seven Colors,’ stretches out for over 40 kms. Regardless of when you decide to go (March to see more tourists; July to see more locals), safety will be the least of your concerns, if you’ll have any at all in a place like this. Not many people known that New Mexico has its own badlands, with uniquely and naturally carved out rock formations that have colorful stripes of sediment built up and eroded down over time. 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. Writing off a country like Mexico in its entirety is a travel sin. Even if it’s a visit to the Mezcaloteca for a tasting (which is a must and you’ll need to make a reservation), you should be careful. This is increasingly making this once-secret spot a favourite among travel Instagrammers, hammock-dwellers and cabaña queens alike. Despite local police efforts to shield tourists from seeing the worst of what is happening, with two club shootings in Playa del Carmen last year, the recent explosion on a ferry in the resort town this year, and a string of violence in Acapulco over the past several years, cartel-related crime seems to be crouching on tourist territory. It was confirmed by government officials to be none other than the famous Jose Alfredo Cardenas. That's right, it is now home to masked wrestling. Exemptions apply. Travel to its seaside city, Manzanillo, is in fact still allowed, according the U.S. government. How Families Can Have An Amazing Trip, Everything You Need To Know About Choosing The Right Hiking Boots, In-Person Or Online, The Best Sandwich Chains, Ranked In Order Of Delicious To 'I'd Rather Have Pizza', How Accurate Is North Woods Law? Nadine September 1, 2017 10:59 pm Reply Thanks for sharing this it is really empowering since I’ll be travelling around Mexico for a few months on my own from February 2018. No state has a Level 1 warning. Just two hours south of Mexico City, Puebla de los Ángeles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico – and with good reason too. This beautiful spot will make for numerous unforgettable memories that you will treasure for ever. 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. From armed gangs targeting local politicians to a shortage of police, leaders don’t have the structure they need to control illicit activity within the state. The Sinaloa cartel is said to be the most dangerous and powerful in the world, responsible for a huge number of lives lost in Sinaloa. And while both the city and the state by the same name are safe to travel to with no restrictions, you’ll want to take it easy like any traveler should when drinking in a foreign country. Yet unlike most of its UNESCO World Heritage site buddies, this port city is relatively untouched by tourism and Western culture. 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. When she isn't working on freelance projects, she enjoys creative writing. Strangely enough, although the Mexican Pacific Coast's state's travel advisory made exceptions of its 'Do Not Travel' advisory, Acapulco did not make the cut. You can go from the desert to a paradise beach in a matter of hours. The areas of Saltillo, Bosques de Monterreal, and Parras de la Fuente remain safe for foreigners, however most of the countryside, highways, and other cities should be avoided if possible. February 12, 2017 at 8:59 am. So really, if you're too cheap to buy an insurance policy during your visit, you should just leave your car at home. Asked to steer clear of all adult clubs and gambling establishments when traveling to Coahuila, U.S. travelers are only permitted to visit the areas of Saltillo, Bosques de Monterreal, and of course, the lovely Parras de la Fuente. Sure, you probably won't get into an accident. Of course you are. 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. But with little interest for tourists, there really isn’t a need to pass the city, anyway. 1. And whether you’re into art or not, you’ll no doubt be blown away, whether it's by the recently opened Soumaya Museum owned by the richest man in the world, Carlos Slim, or the historic murals and public art peppered throughout the city by some of the country’s most famous artists, including the likes of Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiro. The Zona Dorada historic town center in the famous resort town of Mazatlán, Los Mochis, Port Topolobampo, and all roads to and from these locations have been cleared for travel. Yet, the largest pyramid in the world which is, in fact, four times its size and, thus, the largest monument ever built on earth, happens to be in a small town in Mexico called Cholula. However, the rest of the state remains under the highest-level travel warning for potential danger.
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