As the weather begins to turn colder and colder, many of us are dreaming of heading away to a tropical island to soak in the sun, swim in the ocean and enjoy some time away. Mexico is easily one of the biggest hot spots for vacationers during the cold winter months, and while it is one of the most beautiful beach destinations with many worth visiting resorts, there are some places not to go in Mexico.

Mexico has seen an exponential increase in travel warnings due to everything from violence and crime to corruption, many of which are targeted towards tourists. Although some places are off-limits, there are a number of areas that are still safe and worth visiting. Here are 15 places to avoid in Mexico, and 7 that are super safe!

UPDATE: 2023/06/22 13:23 EST BY REENA JAIN

More of Safe Places To Visit In Mexico (Some That Are Just Plain Dangerous)

Although there are stigmas surrounding certain parts of Mexico claiming they are unsafe for foreign tourists due to a variety of factors, there are plenty of beautiful and safe places in Mexico that make it one of the most popular countries to visit in the world. The list has been updated to include two more safe places to visit in Mexico to help travelers select their next vacation destination, as well as photographs and updated information about the previous places listed as safe and where not to go in Mexico.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Mountain Towns In Mexico You Should Visit

22 Super Safe: San Miguel de Allende - A Historical Marvel

The mesmerizing Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende is well known for its rich cultural heritage, vivacious art scene, and historical beauty. It has charming streets, old-world buildings, and a friendly vibe. Travelers may expect an enjoyable stay in the city due to its reputation for safety, low crime rates, and significant security presence.

• Places To Visit In San Miguel de Allende: Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, El Jardín, Fabrica La Aurora, Instituto Allende, El Charco del Ingenio, Museo Casa de Allende
• Best Time To Visit San Miguel de Allende: December to April

21 Super Safe: Merida - A City Of Beautiful Architecture

The city of Merida in Mexico has a vibrant culture, a long history, and beautiful architecture. Its low crime rate and inviting environment make it one of the safest places to visit in Mexico. Visitors can discover the colonial charm, archaeological sites, delectable cuisine, and exciting events. The Puuc Route, just a short drive from Merida, has numerous incredibly rewarding Mayan sights, making it a must-see destination for all history fans.

• Places To Visit In Merida: Plaza Grande (Main Square), Paseo de Montejo (Montejo Avenue), Uxmal Archaeological Site, Hacienda Sotuta de Peón, Cenote Xlacah, Dzibilchaltún Archaeological Site
• Best Time To Visit Merida: December to March

20 Super Safe: Cancun - Beach-Side Paradise

Cancun Mexico is without a doubt a spot that one would benefit immensely from visiting! Not only is it much safer than other resort cities, but it offers some of the most beautiful beaches, including Punta Maroma, one of the best Cancun beaches to visit in 2023, one of the best Cancun beaches to visit in 2023. According to 10 Best, Cancun is home to Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach), which is known to be among the most beautiful in the world.

• Places To Visit In Cancun: Chichen Itza, Tulum, Xcaret Park, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel
• Best Time To Visit Cancun: December to April

19 Super Safe: Mexico City - Cultural Hub

Mexico City not only serves as the capital of Mexico, but it is a cultural hub! The thriving city is full of history, culture, music, shopping, and delicious food, says Matador Network. There is so much to do in the city after dark, making it a hub for nightlife lovers. Mexico City is the best option for a complete experience if this is the kind of travel that appeals to someone who wants to experience everything that Mexico has to offer.

• Places To Visit In Mexico City: Palacio de Bellas Artes, Teotihuacan, Frida Kahlo Museum (Museo Frida Kahlo), Zocalo, Chapultepec Park (Parque Chapultepec), Xochimilco
• Best Time To Visit Mexico City: Between March and May

18 Super Safe: Puebla City - History & Architecture Galore

Puebla is a hidden gem in Mexico that offers the best of both worlds! If you're looking to get some beautiful photos of Mexican architecture and stunning views, then Puebla is the place for you! According to Rusty Travel Trunk, the city itself is worth visiting purely because of its buildings and gorgeous architecture.

• Places To Visit In Puebla City: Zócalo (Main Square), Puebla Cathedral, Cholula Archaeological Zone, Rosary Chapel (Capilla del Rosario), Amparo Museum (Museo Amparo), Great Pyramid of Cholula
• Best Time To Visit Puebla City: January to March

17 Super Safe: Tulum - Where Adventure Awaits

Tulum is located on the Carribean coastline in Mexico and is easily the best spot for young travelers wanting to explore the country in all its glory. The resort city is a worth-visiting Mexican destination for many reasons for its travelers, many of whom arrive by cruise ship, and it has some of the top Mexican archeological sites in the country.

• Places To Visit In Tulum: Tulum Ruins, Playa Paraiso (Paradise Beach), Gran Cenote, Tulum National Park, Coba Ruins, Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
• Best Time To Visit Tulum: Between November and December

Related: Discovering Tulum's Hidden Past: 10 Fascinating Facts About Its Ruins

16 Super Safe: Puerto Vallarta - Rest, Relax & Rejuvenate

Puerto Vallarta is a dreamy Mexican beach town with lots to see and do on Pacific coast in Jalisco. It is mostly known for its beautiful beaches, water sports, and thriving nightlife scene. Travelers who want to experience an array of adventure, partying, and history, should definitely visit Puerto Vallarta, says Global Guide.

• Places To Visit In Puerto Vallarta: Malecon, Los Muertos Beach, El Malecon Sculpture Trail, Banderas Bay, Islas Marietas National Park, Zona Romantica
• Best Time To Visit Puerto Vallarta: Between April and June

15 Mazatlan - Don't Venture Out Alone At Night

Mazatlan is a Mexican resort town along the Pacific shoreline in the state of Sinaloa. While the sandy beaches might seem alluring, the city itself is a bit alarming. As one would advise travelers to any destination in the globe, do not expect perfect safety in the late hours, and adhere to the boundaries of tourist zones when alone while roaming around at night.

14 Ciudad Juárez - Increasing Crime Rate

Ciudad Juarez is a Mexican city located on the Rio Grande, which is just south of El Paso, Texas. The city is full of history and museums on the country's revolution, but it might be necessary to be a bit extra cautious to avoid any mishap or untoward incident. According to National Geographic, the city is witnessing a surge in crime that affects both locals and tourists.

13 Celaya - State-Wide Corruption

Celaya is a busy city within central Mexico, located northwest of the country's capital, Mexico City. While it's known for its grand colonial buildings and architecture, the city itself is quite corrupt. According to RefWorld, there is an abundance of bribery and corruption occurring in Celaya, therefore travellers should take extra precautions to avoid scams while visiting.

12 Coatzacoalcos - Travelers May Feel Unsafe

Coatzacoalcos is one of the major port cities in the northern part of the Mexican state of Veracruz. While the city offers spectacular beach views and a shoreline that spans for miles, it is not considered a safe place for tourists! Not only would tourists feel unsafe, but locals do too! According to Mexico News Daily, the city has increased its military and security troops, which has improved the situation and increased security for both residents and tourists.

11 Acapulco - Dangerous Outside Of Resorts

Acapulco is easily one of the most recognizable beach resort towns in Mexico. The city is located on Mexico's Pacific coast and is famously known for its beautiful cliffs and Sierra Madre del Sur mountains. Despite the city's thriving resort industry, Fox News advises travellers to limit their enjoyment within the resort's boundaries for their safety, particularly given the city's substantial number of mysterious incidents.

10 Tepic - Travel Advisory

Tepic is the capital of Nayarit state in western Mexico. The city is most known for its neo-Gothic Tepic Cathedral and numerous museums with loads of pre-Hispanic artifacts. The US Department of State has issued a travel advisory for the city due to some crimes; the city is still enticing as long as travelers adhere to some basic safety precautions, just like they would in any other foreign location.

9 Uruapan - Spike In Cartel Crimes

Uruapan is the second-largest city in the Mexican state of Michoacan. Located at the western edge of the country, Uruapan is known to be quite an important city economically due to its location. While it serves an important purpose, it also serves as one of the cartel capitals in the country, says Mexico News Daily. So, it is advised to be wary of anyone who appears suspicious or euphoric while traveling.

8 Culiacán - Cartel Overtook The Military

Culiacan is located in the northwestern regions of Mexico. It is both the largest city and capital of the state of Sinaloa. This particular state is known for its cartel involvement, so much that it overtook the military in Culiacan and wreaked havoc upon the city, says Time, making it a clear spot to avoid!

7 Tijuana - High Homicide Rate

Tijuana is a border city in Mexico, located just south of California. With recent events transpiring between the United States and Mexico, Tijuana is not a spot you'd want to venture off to right now. According to worldpopulationreview.com, the city is among one of the most dangerous in the world due to homicides.

6 Irapuato - Rival Cartel Groups

Irapuato is a Mexican town located at the foot of the Arandas Hill, in the central area of the state of Guanajuato. The town lays between two rivers and offers a lot of Mexican culture and history, making it an enticing destination to visit. According to Mexican News Daily, Guanajuato is home to 11 major criminal groups, many of which clash and create a lot of problems within the state and nearby towns, so a point to consider before planning a trip.

Related: Desert Landscapes To Cultural Gems: The 10 Best Places To See In New Mexico

5 Reynosa - Tourists Must Be Very Cautious

Reynosa is yet another border city in the northern part of the state of Tamaulipas, in Mexico. The city borders the state of Texas and serves as a crossing point between the Mexico and U.S. border. According to Dallas News, Reynosa and other border cities are major cartel spots as they live to prey on migrants coming in and out of the country! Definitely, the city is one of the most dangerous places in Mexico to avoid!

4 Ciudad Obregón - Unsafe For Non-Locals

Ciudad Obregon is the second-largest city in the northern Mexican state of Sonora. This city is also located close to the United States and Mexico border in the U.S. state of Arizona. The city is not the safest for tourists and was named as one of the top 50 most dangerous and violent cities in the world, according to Business Insider.

3 Chihuahua - Highest "Do Not Travel" Warning In All Of Mexico

Chihuahua City is the capital of the northwestern Mexican state of Chihuahua. It is known for its Baroque Cathedral and home to countless historic Mexican events, however, it is currently the highest "do no travel" city in all of Mexico. According to USA Today, Chihuahua City is under a significant security alert, making it one of the sites on the list of places not to go in Mexico.