27 Safest Resorts and Places to Stay in Mexico (2023)

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Quick Rundown

If you’ve heard that Mexico is not safe, let’s clear up one thing right off the bat. Mexico has some of the safest places to stay in Latin America. Traveling to Mexico is safe.

Do you have to be smart? Yes. Do you have to use common sense? Yes. Just like in any country or big city, if you’re smart about where you go and what time you go, you’ll be safe.

I’ve heard a lot that Mexico is dangerous, and we shouldn’t go there, and how crazy I am for going as often as I do. The thing is, most of the people that say that have never even been to Mexico.

Well, I have, and I’m going to tell you about the safest places I’ve found in Mexico.

27 Safest Places to Stay in Mexico (2022)

1. Merida

Merida is the capital city of the state of Yucatan and is considered to be the safest city in Mexico and the safest of all the places to stay for tourists.

The main square is charming and photogenic. There seem to be churches or church ruins on every other corner of the city. On every other corner is a park with some seating and shade from the sun.

These are great places to sit and observe humanity. Parks in Merida usually provide an opportunity to do one of my favorite things, eat street food! My personal favorite is the marquesita. It’s kind of a crepe, but crunchier, with options for toppings. I take mine with strawberries, Nutella, and cheese. Buen provecho!

2. Cancun

Cancun has had a bad reputation in the last year or so, but that doesn’t mean it’s not safe. Cancun’s primary source of income by far is tourism, so you can bet they do everything they can to keep the tourists safe.

If you stick to the hotel zone, especially at your all-inclusive resort, it will be one of the safest places in Mexico. Enjoy the beautiful beaches and endless supply of margaritas, you’ll have a great experience and be counting the days until you come back.

Cancun is the main incoming airport for all the destinations on the Yucatan Peninsula.

3. Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is one of the best places to catch a sunset. You’ll see the sky light up with shades of oranges and reds like you’ve never seen. The water is calm, making it an easy place for a dip in the ocean.

Like many cities in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta relies heavily on tourism, making it one of Mexico’s safest places to stay. Check out some Unique Things to do in Puerto Vallarta.

4. Cozumel

You can be as busy or as chill as you want in Cozumel. It’s a port for cruise ships and has a bustling area around the marina. The beaches around there are suitable for a dip and there are tasty food and drink selections (though a little pricey for Mexico).

Or you can get away from all that on the east side of the island where it’s more natural and quiet. The beaches are a little more rough and rocky over there, but the natural tropical landscape is one of my favorites.

5. Campeche

The city of Campeche is also the capital of the state of Campeche and is a quiet city next to the Gulf of Mexico. Though the city is on the water, there’s very little beach area. The water comes right up next to the sidewalk in some areas. This makes for a unique view for sunrises and sunsets.

Its downtown area, or Centro, as they call it, has a wall around it. The wall used to encompass the entire city, in colonial days, but of course, it’s grown far beyond that since then.

Why would it have a wall? To protect its inhabitants from invaders. Its position on the Gulf made it a heavy trade stop in colonial times. They had a big problem with pirates invading by ships. You can even visit the old fortress that has been converted into a museum, a must-do when you visit Campeche.

6. Puebla

One of the largest cities in Mexico is still one of the safest. Puebla is a great place to go if Mexico City is just a little too much for you. You still get the big city feel, but not in an overwhelming dosage.

I could spend days in Puebla just walking around, trying tacos, drinking coffee, and sitting in parks. It’s a great place to get a feel for real Mexico, as opposed to just what the tourists see on the beaches.

7. Puerto Penasco/Rocky Point

This is the only destination on this list that I recommend driving to cross the border. After crossing the border at Lukeville/Sonoyta, it’s only an hour’s drive on a decent road.

Rocky Point, as it’s been dubbed by gringo vacationers, is known for its sandy dunes that run right up to the waters of the Sea of Cortez. It’s a popular vacation and party spot for Americans near the border for a three-day weekend.

8. Holbox

If you want that authentic island feel, you’ll get it in Holbox. This island off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is growing in popularity, but for now, is car-free.

It’s quiet and safe and a little off the beaten path. After getting to Holbox you’ll see beautiful beaches that you can walk out into without getting pummeled by waves or suddenly being underwater.

The tropical landscape here is pristine, with super green jungles and clean sandbars. If you’ve been traveling Mexico and need to chill, or are looking for the most laid-back type of trip you can, I’d recommend Holbox, before the secret gets out too much more.

While you’re there, seize the unique opportunity to see the Bioluminescence!

9. Tulum

Tulum is quickly becoming the place to be in Quintana Roo, surpassing even Cancun in the opinion of many, myself included (see why in our post comparing Tulum and Cancun). If you’re traveling solo, or with friends, you’ll want to hit Tulum.

For a friends trip, I recommend you shell out for a beachside room at one of the many options along Tulum Beach. Tulum can be expensive, but if you’re on a friends trip, it’s easier to share costs.

If you’re solo or on a budget, grab a hostel by the edge of town, where there are tons of food options close to you and the beach is easily accessible by bicycle or taxi.

Keep your eyes open for all the hidden gems, everywhere you look in Tulum is a great photo opportunity. It’s the most Instagram-able city I’ve ever been to.

10. Puerto Escondido

Puerto Escondido sits on the Pacific coast of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca. It’s known for its nightlife scene. If you want cheap drinks and lots of dancing, you’ll love Puerto Escondido.

It’s a hot spot for being such a small town, reminiscent of how Tulum started. Maybe Puerto Escondido will become the Tulum on the west coast of Mexico.

11. Chetumal

Just on the Mexican side of the border with Belize lies Chetumal, a quiet village with great beaches and seafood to die for. Getting to Chetumal for a night or two of relaxation while getting around Mexico is worth it.

Quiet villages like these are some of the safest places you can stay while traveling in Mexico. They’re not densely populated, but tourism still props up their economy.

It’s a great home base for seeing the off-the-beaten-path Mayan ruins of Kohunlich, Dzibanche, and Kinichna, which are west of Chetumal. There’s also a Manatee Sanctuary there, where you can also see crocodiles and turtles.

12. Tequila

This isn’t just an entry to write shamelessly about how much I love drinking a good tequila, though I do. It’s about the city of Tequila. About an hour west of Guadalajara sits the motherland for tequila lovers.

Stay in the hotel where each room looks like a giant tequila barrel lying on its side. Go to a tequila distillery and do a tasting. Go to another distillery and do another tasting. Rinse and repeat. You won’t even have a headache when you leave, because the tequila is authentic and well-made.

13. Cabo San Lucas

A popular vacation spot for Americans due to its close proximity to California, Cabo San Lucas has played host to many tourists over the years. Cabo has everything from all-inclusive resorts to hostels, catering to whatever type of vacation you’d like to have.

It’s also a cruise ship port, so offers plenty to do around the marina. From cooking classes to boat tours to parasailing, whatever you’re looking to do, you’ll find it in Cabo!

14. Sayulita

Sayulita is a budding travel destination about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s known for good surfing and being a great place to chill for a few days. Like some of the other small villages on the list, it’s one of the safest places you can stay while in Mexico.

If you’re a hostel stayer like me, you’ll love Sayulita as it attracts travelers from all over the world. Funny how the secret gets out about these villages that are hidden gems. Maybe because yo-yos like me keep writing about them and spilling the secrets? Nah!

15. Oaxaca City

Oaxaca is one of the prettiest areas in Mexico, headed up by its capital, Oaxaca City. It’s a cultural hub during events like El Dia de Los Muertos, Semana Santa, and their Independence Day (September 16, not May 5 like everyone thinks).

It’s a great home base to see the surrounding landscapes in the Oaxaca Valley. There’s a great local art scene in Oaxaca, from street art to galleries. There’s plenty of culture to soak up in Oaxaca, making it a staple for Mexican family vacations, and a growing destination for travelers from around the world.

16. Guanajuato City

Guanajuato City is another destination that is proving itself to be worthy of tourism, as the numbers have grown rapidly in the last year. Its colonial architecture and colorful streets give you the feeling you’ve gone back in time to colonial Mexico.

Many of the streets are incredibly narrow, headlined by the Alley of the Kiss, where the balconies of apartments on opposite sides of the street are close enough that a couple could lean out and share a kiss.

The secret is almost out on Guanajuato, and there’s not enough room on those narrow streets for everyone, so check it out before it blows up!

17. Izamal

Izamal is a small colonial village about ninety minutes east of Merida. It is noted for its yellow buildings. The yellow color not only punctuates the main square and cathedral of Izamal, it also lines the streets, earning Izamal the title of “The Yellow City”.

When you go, make sure to visit the Kinich Pyramid, and follow it up with lunch at the restaurant that shares its name, located one block west. Restaurante Kinich serves the best cochinita pibil I’ve ever had.

The presentation is lovely. The ambiance is peaceful, with trees and vegetation all over inside, giving you the feeling that you’re eating in the jungle. There are tablecloths on the tables, giving the indication of a high price tag, and maybe for Izamal locals it is, but tourists will find the prices very agreeable.

18. San Cristobal de las Casas

San Cristobal, as it’s affectionately known, is not the capital of Chiapas, but it’s the heart. It’s about an hour away from the capital and incoming airport of Tuxtla. It’s in the highlands of Chiapas and is home to a large population of indigenous people.

These people have carried down the knowledge of crafts that are outdated elsewhere in the world but continue to be the backbone of creation in San Cristobal. These include things like pottery, jewelry making, and wood carving.

Ancestry and history are an important part of the culture to the people of San Cristobal, and you can feel it when you’re there.

19. Mazunte

Mazunte is the hippie capital of Mexico. I say that endearingly. Every country or region has a city that attracts, or rather is a natural home for yoga retreats and eco farms. Even tourism is eco-friendly, with the hotels blending into the surrounding landscape.

People that love Mazunte will tell you that you can feel the energy there, and that’s why this lifestyle is so prevalent. I don’t know a lot about energy, but I’ll tell you that you’ll meet some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet in Mazunte.

20. Cuernavaca

The capital of the state of Morelos, Cuernavaca sits at the base of the Tepozteco Mountains. The city is lush, green, and filled with the colonial architecture that we love about Mexico.

The buildings and storefronts that line the streets, like many destinations in Mexico, have been painted to be colorful and beautiful.

The city was once home to the famous Mexican conquistador Hernan Cortes. His old home is now a museum decorated with murals by famous painter Diego Rivera.

21. Playa del Carmen

I was told to be careful when I went into town in Playa del Carmen, or “Playa” as we call it. Well, I had a couple of drinks and forgot to be careful and wandered too far in the wrong direction. But, I noticed it immediately, turned around, and headed back to the main part of town. No harm done.

I tell you that to show how staying safe is really just staying conscious of your surroundings, not getting into random cars, and staying where the people are. If you do this, you’ll be fine in Playa del Carmen or anywhere else you decide to visit.

Playa is about thirty minutes south of Cancun and has similar offerings without the heavy volume of tourists. The all-inclusive resorts in Playa are newer and in my opinion nicer. They’re also closer to Xcaret Eco Park and many of the other offerings along the Riviera Maya.

There’s a vibrant nightlife scene in downtown Playa, so if it’s a night out you’re looking for, Playa is the place to do it. You’ll pay a little more than in some of the smaller places on this list but hey, it’s vacation.

22. Bacalar

The Lagoon of Seven Colors earned its name from the many shades of blue and turquoise that the lagoon displays throughout the year (except after a big storm, like when I was there, womp womp!). There are a lot of ways to see the lake:

• Kayaks
• Canoes
• Paddleboards
• Shaded (small) motorboats with a driver

Whichever you choose, make sure you wear sunscreen! That Mexican sun is strong and takes no prisoners.

There’s a cute little town at Bacalar too if you want to stay the night and enjoy the lake a bit more the next day before heading to your next stop.

23. San Miguel de Allende

Another city in the state of Guanajuato, this one is known for its Spanish-style architecture. It’s a cultural hotbed for events during Holy Week, Corpus Cristi, Christmas, and Dia de Los Muertos.

Like its sister, Guanajuato City, it’s located in the state of Guanajuato, which has a rep for being unsafe. Let’s be real, it can be. Any state can be. States are big. But, if you stick to the safest cities, places to stay, and downtown areas and don’t wander out into the suburbs at night, it’s perfectly safe to visit these cities in Mexico.

The big churches and cobblestone streets of the downtown area give you that colonial feel. If you’re learning Spanish, you’ll get your practice here, as you won’t find a lot of English speakers.

24. Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is similar to Cozumel, but quieter and not quite as touristy. If you’re into watersports like snorkeling and diving, you’ll love Isla Mujeres. The beaches are sprawling, colorful, and swimmable.

For the most beautiful and exclusive beach day, take a tour to Isla Contoy, an uninhabited island, and national park accessible from Isla Mujeres.

You can also find a small Mayan ruin site on the south side of the island. There’s a lighthouse down there too, everything a traveling photographer and beach enthusiast could ask for.

25. Valladolid

Valladolid is a small colonial village near the center of the Yucatan Peninsula. If you visit Chichen Itza from Tulum or Cancun, you’ll pass through Valladolid, hopefully with a stop there to get a bite to eat and soak in the colonial feel of the small town.

Being the street food-loving guy that I am, I tried a few things here but I had the best churros I’ve ever had in my life. If that’s not worth a couple of hours drive, I don’t know what is!

26. Mexico City

Hang in there with me, we’re almost there. We can’t talk about Mexico without mentioning its capital, Mexico City. The city is huge and sprawling. Fun facts:

• It’s the largest city in North America (YES, bigger than New York and Los Angeles)
• It’s the second biggest city in the Western Hemisphere (behind only Sao Paulo, Brazil)

You might worry about safety in a city as big and densely populated as Mexico City. Just like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and any other huge cities, if you follow the safety guidelines we’ve been talking about, you’ll be just fine.

Don’t let worries stop you from experiencing the food and culture and history that fills Mexico City and its surrounding areas. Be sure to visit the ruins of Teotihuacan, one of the largest ruin sites in the world, and home to an unknown tribe of people that predate the Aztecs.

Mexico City is too sprawling to fit in just #26 so I have to move on, but add it to your list if it’s not there already!

27. La Paz

In a post about safety, La Paz fittingly translates to “The Peace” and is the appropriate way to wrap up our list.

La Paz is a beachfront city in northern Mexico that is the capital of the state of Baja California Sur. Its Malecon is famous for the beach views offered by the restaurants and bars that line it. The beaches are peaceful and provide great views while you walk along the water and take in everything La Paz has to offer.

Map of the 27 Safest Places in Mexico 2022

Places in Mexico to Avoid

• Tijuana
• Acapulco
• Juarez City
• Victoria City

Tips for Staying Safe in Mexico

We’ve touched on these throughout, but let’s round them all up here so we can be the safest possible travelers while we’re visiting these places in Mexico:

• Be aware of your surroundings
• Don’t carry a ton of money on you
• Don’t get into cars that aren’t prearranged transportation
• Don’t wander the back streets at night
• Stick to the populated areas
• Make sure someone from home knows where you are

Safety in Mexico 2022 FAQs

If you’ve hung in with me this long and still have questions about how to have the safest travel to these places in Mexico that’s humanly possible, let me try to answer a few common questions.

What is the Safest Resort in Mexico?

If you’re asking this question, maybe you’re traveling with kids and want to have the safest most enjoyable vacation possible, and want to know which of these places in Mexico you should choose.]

Allow me to recommend Hotel Xcaret Mexico. It’s connected to the Xcaret Eco Park. There are sprawling pools on the premises, tons of family-friendly activities, and great views. It’s all-inclusive, so mom and dad can drink up and the kids can eat until they pop.

Book a taxi from the airport upon your arrival, or you can rent a car. However you do it, it will be the vacation of a lifetime!

Where is the Safest Place to Retire in Mexico?

There’s only one answer, and it’s the safest city in Mexico, Merida. I met a ton of retirees and ex-pats when I was there. It hasn’t blown up like Cancun and Playa del Carmen yet, so it’s still affordable.

It’s the safest place in Mexico and close enough to many other safest places. The location is close enough to beaches, ruins, cenotes, and whatever your retiree/ex-pat heart desires.

Wrapping Up the Safest Places to Stay in Mexico

I hope we’ve eased the concern about safety in Mexico. There are so many beautiful places, I’d hate for anyone to miss out on it because someone from work who doesn’t have a passport said it’s dangerous.

Book flights, rent cars, bring your walking shoes, talk to people (in Spanish of course), and see what Mexico has to offer. I know you’ll love it. I sure do!

Have fun out there!

For more Mexico info, check out these posts: