Avoid These 17 Regions in Mexico for Your Own Safety

Mexico is a favorite destination because of its rich culture, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, but beneath the sunny exterior, parts of the country are best avoided. From cartel violence to high crime rates, some regions of Mexico pose risks that tourists—and even locals—shouldn’t ignore.

This guide will highlight 17 places in Mexico where the hazards outweigh the attractions. Of course, this does not mean every part of the country is unsafe, rather these places gained notoriety for violent crimes, kidnappings, or corruption.  It’s important to know where not to go, just as much as knowing where to visit.

Guerrero

Despite being home to a popular beach, Acapulco, this state remains one of Mexico’s most violent due to drug-gang violence and extortion. Drug cartel violence is widespread, kidnapping is common, and Acapulco itself remains a high-rate homicide area. It is dangerous even for those who live here.

Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas, on the U.S.–Mexico border, has become synonymous with cartel violence. Gun battles, kidnappings, and highway robberies are common in cities such as Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo, which are often cited as some of the most dangerous in Mexico. Visitors are typically warned to avoid this area entirely.

Sinaloa

Birthplace of the infamous Sinaloa Cartel, this state is synonymous with organized crime. Although its capital, Culiacán, boasts many cultural attractions, cartel violence and shoot-outs with the police increase tension and unpredictability.

Michoacán

Michoacán is a state of beautiful landscapes but also a battlefront of cartels contesting control of lucrative drug routes. The state has gained notoriety for its violent clashes, making it out of bounds for travelers. Locals even tread warily in many areas.

Colima

This small Pacific state packs a big punch when it comes to violence. Colima perennially ranks among the most dangerous of Mexico’s states due to cartel turf wars. Manzanillo, a significant port city, has been a hotbed of drug-related crime.

Chihuahua

Chihuahua has the longest border with the US, so the region is considered vital to drug trafficking. The city of Ciudad Juárez has a high reputation for sheer violence. There have been some improvements in recent years, but it is considered one of Mexico’s most dangerous regions.

Zacatecas

Once famous for its wealthy silver mines, Zacatecas now has a reputation for cartel violence. Rival gangs regularly fight each other, making the state one of the highest in murder rates. Highways in the state are also considered unsafe because of armed robberies and hijackings.

Jalisco

Home to the famous tequila-producing region, Jalisco also harbors one of Mexico’s most powerful cartels, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. The group’s violent activities have made the state, including cities like Guadalajara, a risky destination for travelers.

Sonora

Sonora’s vast deserts and its proximity to the U.S. make it a haven for drug smuggling and human trafficking. Its natural beauty cannot be ignored but high crime rates, predominantly in cities like Nogales and Hermosillo, repel many visitors.

Morelos

This small state, only a few hours from Mexico City, has seen a disturbing rise in crime, kidnappings, and extortion. Cuernavaca, once a favorite for its nice weather, is no exception to the violence and is thus less attractive to tourists.

Veracruz

From being a very active city in trade and tourism, Veracruz has fallen into the grasp of cartel violence and corruption. The port city itself is a dangerous place to be, as organized crime and political instability run high there.

Durango

Durango has beautiful natural scenery, but that is overshadowed by its high crime rates. It’s one of the main states that make up the “Golden Triangle” in Mexico, an area very well known for its drug manufacturing and trafficking.

San Luis Potosí

Waterfalls and unique cultural landmarks dot the state of San Luis Potosí, but it has recently become increasingly unsafe due to rising crime. Cartel activity and highway robberies have made the state less safe for travelers.

Tabasco

Despite its rich oil reserves and archaeological sites, Tabasco has been plagued by crime, including kidnappings and robberies. Tourists are often warned to avoid the state or proceed with extreme caution.

Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo has some of the most famous tourist spots, such as Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Mostly safe, there have been incidents of gang-related violence and shooting at partying areas; thus, be alert and stay off the beaten tracks there.

Estado de México

The Estado de México state borders Mexico City and is thus one of the most populous regions in the country, also reported to be crime-ridden. Carjacking, armed robbery, and kidnappings remain rampant; it’s a dangerous area for locals and tourists alike.

Oaxaca

While Oaxaca City and its beaches, such as Huatulco, are considered relatively safe, the state has seen an uptick in violence, with particular hotspots in areas bordering Guerrero and Chiapas. Travel advisories warn against venturing into rural or isolated areas.