How safe is Cancun for tourists?

Cancun is a tropical paradise and a favorite destination for travelers from all over the world to enjoy the Caribbean feeling. However, some seem to think twice before adding this city to their bucket list.

If you are reading this is because you are thinking about traveling to Cancun or any other state in Mexico, but you have doubts about crime and safety in this country. That's why, in this blog post, we will tell you the details of safety in Mexico and give you some tips that will help you live an unforgettable and safe experience in the Caribbean.

Table of Contents:

• Stereotypes: Is Mexico what you think it is?
• Safety in Mexico
• Mexico's safest destinations
• Safety in Cancun
   
  • How safe is Cancun?
  • Freedom and belief in Cancun
  • Safe and not so safe areas in Cancun
  • Most frequent crimes against tourists in Cancun
  • Health in Quintana Roo
  • Natural disasters in Quintana Roo
• Tips for safe travel in Cancun
   
  • To avoid criminal activity
  • To avoid scams in Cancun
  • Nightlife in Cancun
  • Transportation in Cancun
  • Health tips in Cancun

STEREOTYPES: IS MEXICO WHAT YOU THINK IT IS?

Mexico is a country rich in culture, traditions and nature that has a great tourist offer to its visitors, but the perception that other countries have is usually a little different. For example, those who have learned about this country through Hollywood and the mass media probably believe that Mexico is sepia-colored, desert-like and full of crime. 

We don't want to say that Mexico is the perfect nation, because it has its good and bad things, like every country in the world, but we want to talk about the reality that movies don't show you.

Mexico is not sepia, in fact it is very colorful, musical and full of life. Its cuisine is one of the most popular and delicious in the world, and its history is emblematic and interesting. The people are friendly, attentive and very intelligent, so much so that color television, the toilet valve, indelible ink, the contraceptive pill, and the process of converting cocoa to chocolate were created here.

Unfortunately, Mexico is famous for its narco culture and criminal groups fighting for money and power, and this is a reality we will discuss below.

Safety in Mexico 🚔

Is Mexico safe? Generally speaking, Mexico is a safe country where you can move and express yourself freely. This means that you will not be judged for your identity, gender or religion by any authority.

It is important to note that organized crime is a significant issue in Mexico and other Latin American countries, with drug trafficking being the main cause. The United States is the world's most addicted country, which contributes to the problem, as it has little control over drugs and is also the main producer of weapons in the world. The lack of control over the weapon industry facilitates arms trafficking to Mexico, resulting in gang violence and attacks against authorities who try to put an end to these actions, putting the population at risk.

If we talk about crime, we cannot generalize, that is why it is important to understand the area of Mexico we wish to visit, as there are some areas that are safer than others.

The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs has a list of countries and their respective level of risk when traveling. Their overview of Mexico includes violent crimes such as killings, kidnappings, carjackings and armed robberies, as well as a list of Mexican states they do not recommend visiting. 😥

Mexico's safest destinations

The safest destinations in Mexico are Campeche and Yucatan, but you can also visit the following states, taking moderate security measures.

These are the states in Mexico to which you can travel with high caution

• Baja California
• Chihuahua
• Durango
• Guanajuato
• Jalisco
• Morelos
• Sonora

These are the Mexican states to which the U.S. Government does not recommend travel:

• Colima
• Guerrero
• Michoacan
• Sinaloa
• Tamaulipas
• Zacatecas

Remember that these are recommendations based on organized crime statistics for the entire state (not just the tourist areas). Keep in mind that much criminal activity takes place in remote locations, hideouts, and among members of the mafia themselves.

Safety in Cancun

Cancun is one of the most important cities in Mexico. It is located in the state of Quintana Roo and is considered a moderate crime state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs. 

How safe is Cancun?

Since Cancun is an international level destination, which is visited by more than 8 million travelers a year, tourism is the main economic engine of Cancun, so it is carefully protected by the authorities to ensure the safety and satisfaction of tourists.

Cancun is one of the safest destinations in Mexico, but even with so much security, it is very likely that, if you expose yourself to risky places or situations, something may happen. So, let's talk about safety.

Freedom and belief in Cancun 🌈

Many travelers take into account the freedom and beliefs of a destination when planning their vacations. Fortunately, we can tell you that Quintana Roo is an open-minded destination, especially in tourist areas such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel. All these destinations are used to receive visitors from all over the world with different customs and ideologies.

Feel free to express your identity freely and respectfully, without being judged.

Safe and not so safe areas in Cancun 👮

In Cancun there is a very clear division between the hotel zone and the other areas of the city.

Hotel zone: As you can imagine, this is where most of the international tourists stay, which is why it is an area constantly watched by the federal police. In addition, the hotels and most companies here have private security services. Access to the beaches and Cancun's nightlife are concentrated here.

Downtown: It is located on Tulum Avenue near the ADO truck terminal, the Palapas Park, the Municipal Palace and the Plaza las Americas and Malecon. This area of the city is safe during the day, but it is not recommended to walk here at night. If you plan to visit the bars and restaurants in the area, it is best to rent a car or go with a local.

North and south zones: Here you won't find tourist attractions because this is where the citizens of Cancun live. Although the north zone has a reputation of being a little more dangerous than the south zone, we recommend you not to visit them on your own if you don't know the neighborhoods. It is not that it is a war zone or that you are in mortal danger, but it is better to be forewarned to avoid robberies, swindles or losses.

Most frequent crimes against tourists in Cancun 💸

The crimes that tourists experience most frequently in Cancun are:

• Pickpocketing: Pickpockets are present in any city, and Cancun is no exception. They will look for victims who appear to have money, who dress in a flashy way or carry objects of great value.
• Scams: Some bad guys enjoy selling products based on lies and at exorbitant prices. Learn more about this topic in our blog: How to ruin your next catamaran trip?
• Violence due to organized crime: In Latin America organized crime is a reality, and disputes between criminal groups can cause collateral damage such as stray bullets.
• Kidnappings: Kidnappings of tourists are not common but can occur when the victims are usually involved in some kind of dirty business with criminal groups.

Health in Quintana Roo 😷

COVID-19: In Mexico, an epidemiological traffic light system is used to know the status of Coronavirus. Currently (2022) Quintana Roo is in green (low risk), but it is advisable to wear masks in closed or crowded places.

Water and ice: As in the rest of Mexico, tap water in Cancun is drinkable. Ice is safe to consume as long as it comes from a water purification company or filtered water.

Food: Generally, food in Cancun is safe to consume. It is advisable to follow the basic rules of hygiene, choosing authorized, clean and /or recommended by locals to avoid diseases (especially when consuming seafood).

Diseases: Due to weather conditions, Quintana Roo is one of the states where viral diseases such as dengue fever develop. Since dengue fever is transmitted by mosquitoes, authorities take measures such as protection campaigns and fumigation. Thanks to the fact that hotels and establishments join these campaigns, tourists are, for the most part, safe from mosquitoes and at less risk of contagion.

Natural disasters in Quintana Roo 🌀

The most common natural disasters in Cancun, Riviera Maya and the Yucatan Peninsula are hurricanes. These phenomena have hit the coasts of Quintana Roo for years, thus, the state has protocols that the community knows very well. If you are unlucky enough to be hit by a hurricane during your vacation, remember the following:

• For safety, airports will close their doors. Don't panic! Airlines will help you change your return flight after the hurricane passes.
• Hotels have civil protection protocols, but it is very likely that you will be moved to a shelter.
• Power, water and telephone line outages are common during and after hurricanes.
• It is also normal for roads and highways to be closed for cleanup.
• Even though the hurricane has passed, continue to watch for announcements from authorities.

The advantage of a hurricane over other disasters is that they can be detected in advance, and that gives us time to prepare.

Floods in Cancun are common during the rainy season, but they do not represent a threat, but rather a nuisance for the citizens.

Tips for safe travel to Cancun

Because we want you to be safe, here is a list of tips that may be useful during your trip.

🔫 TO AVOID CRIMINAL ACTIVITY:

• Gather information about the destination you will be visiting. Research the area where you will be staying and the places where the attractions you want to visit are located.
• Don't go to places you don't know: Like any city, Cancun has good and bad neighborhoods. 
• Don't get involved in criminal activities: Avoid at all costs buying and selling drugs, sex crimes, violence or shady business. This is the main cause of violence towards tourists.
• Use ATMs located in large plazas or inside banks. Avoid ATMs in small stores or isolated spots.
• Avoid going out in the street with valuables. Leave your valuables in your hotel safe and dress comfortably, without jewelry or flashy objects.
• Trust your intuition. If you feel that a place may be dangerous or you think a person is not trustworthy, it is better to leave.

💰 TO AVOID SCAMS IN CANCUN:

• Buy from authorized sites. If you don't want your trip to get ruined, look for reliable shopping options. Research their website and look for what other people say about them.
• Avoid street tour salesman. The prices and promises may sound attractive, but most of them are lies.
• Choose to buy from agencies or well-qualified companies with certifications such as ESR, NOM, NMX, ISO or Distintivo S in Mexico or Safe Travels. You can also look for companies with social certifications such as Safe Travels, Punto limpio and/or The Code.
• Count your money well: Be well informed about currency conversion rates before exchanging your money.
• Do not hand over your card at the time of payment. Ask to bring the payment terminal to where you are or to the cashier to supervise the payment process.
• Ask the locals. Citizens know their city well. If you have doubts, you can ask them about the reputation of a restaurant or business, for example.

🕺 tips on Cancun Nightlife in Cancun

• Go to authorized or popular nightclubs. Nightlife in Cancun is a lot of fun, and even more so when you visit safe bars or nightclubs. Do not expose yourself by going to places of dubious reputation.
• Do not drink drinks offered by strangers. If possible, order a closed drink or cocktail at the bar while you supervise its preparation.
• Book transportation to and from your hotel. It is normal to have a few drinks when partying. For your convenience, book a shuttle service that will allow you to party without worrying about getting back to your hotel.

🚐TIPS ON TRANSPORTATION IN CANCUN

• Use an authorized transportation service. Do not expose yourself to scams, high prices, bad service, or robberies.
• If you rent a vehicle, respect traffic regulations. Wear your seat belt, follow the signs and drive calmly. Don't forget to plan your routes so you don't get lost.

💊Health tips in Cancun

• Use mosquito repellent if you are going on a jungle tour.
• Use sunscreen if you are going to do activities under the sun.
• Remember that sunscreen is not allowed before entering the sea. Instead, you can use rashguard-type clothing to protect yourself from the sun. 
• Eat at restaurants that have health certifications or permits. If you are going to eat at a home restaurant, check with a local.
• Get vaccinated. No matter where you travel, it is crucial that you get vaccinated to stay protected during your vacation. In addition, many places will ask for your vaccination certificate to be able to do certain activities.

👤TIPS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS TO CANCUN

• Plan your trip. Organize your times, routes, and even outfits depending on the places you visit.
• Avoid carrying too much luggage, especially if it is heavy and does not allow you to move comfortably.
• Use your phone wisely. Download applications that help you optimize your trip. Download maps or takes screenshots of your tickets in case you don't have internet access. Remember to always carry an external battery. Avoid taking your phone out in unsafe areas.
• Use common sense. Avoid doing things you wouldn't do in your city, such as entering a dark and dangerous area alone.

🙋‍♀️Tips for women traveling alone to Cancun

Today, more and more women are deciding to venture out on their own to new destinations, leaving vulnerability aside and daring to live new experiences. While this openness speaks to the freedom and strength of new-age women, local customs in many cities still follow old macho and discriminatory stereotypes, especially in Latin America.

Therefore, for women traveling alone in Mexico and Latin America, we recommend you follow these tips.

• Deaf ears. If you are a woman, you will probably hear unsolicited compliments or catcalling when walking on the street. Many times, they are only looking to get your attention to annoy you. The best thing to do in these cases is to ignore the person. If you feel in danger or threatened, avoid answering or challenging the attacker, it is better to ask for help from the authorities.
  
• Research the places where you will be staying. Opt for women-only hostels or places with safety protocols in case of harassment.
• Mantente alerta de tu entorno. Si crees que estás en un lugar peligroso o con una mala compañía, retírate inmediatamente.
• Ask for help. In Cancun and all over Mexico, there are many people willing to help you. Don't be ashamed or afraid to tell the authorities.
• If you are traveling with friends, stay together. In case you get separated, always keep in touch. You can use Apps like Live360 to know your location and battery level and send messages.
• Learn about trends. In modern social networks, there are "code words" that allow you to ask for help, like the famous Angel Shot in Florida or asking for Angela in London. Some bars and restaurants in Cancun have posters with safety protocols inside the women's restrooms.
• Feminism and protection. In Mexico, there are panic button Apps such as SOSMex (SOSfem for women, in spanish) or Seguridad Ciudadana.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Tips for Families Traveling in Cancun

• Research age restrictions. Many attractions or tours have age restrictions for children and older adults. Before choosing your activities, make sure your little ones can participate.
• Keep an eye on your children, especially if you are in crowded places. Inform your children about the dangers of wandering off and talking to strangers.
• Purchase family travel insurance in case of accidents.

Common sense is your best ally

Getting to know new destinations is fascinating, but it is essential to be aware of your surroundings at all times. No matter where you go, learn to have a good time, always paying attention to details. Many visitors relax security measures when traveling to destinations with a reputation for safety, but remember that there will always be bad guys who want to take advantage of that trust.

💡 We've given you a lot of information but we believe the 3 infallible measures to keep you safe when traveling are as follows:

• Stay alert
• Avoid getting into unnecessary trouble
• Trust your intuition when you feel something is not right

So now that you have read this blog post, you will be much more informed so you can plan a safe and fun vacation. If you have any questions regarding the safety of Mexico, Cancun, Riviera Maya, and Quintana Roo in general, leave us a message below 👇 and we will help you solve them.