For those linguistically challenged, English is widely spoken in the area, understandable given its proximity to the U.S. Payne-Camp has tried studying Spanish but is still at the basic level: the ability . There are 2.5% of respondents who have a felony conviction; foreigners are less likely to have a felony conviction. Like many of the best cities in Mexico, Oaxaca City is and quite rightfully so - a UNESCO World Heritage site, complete with cobblestone streets, beautiful brightly coloured buildings and remarkably well-preserved colonial architecture. Browse all 3,814 Northern Mexico topics , Tourist Cards when Exiting Mexico at Monterrey. Anyway, last time we crossed. Just two hours south of Mexico City, Puebla de los ngeles is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico and with good reason too. Like any other town, Mexicali is not 100 percent safe, and you should always do your research before visiting the 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. ), mind-blowing art, gorgeous music, an incredibly vibrant culture (I can go on, you know), all somehow jumbled up into this wonderful little country, avoiding Mexico altogether would mean missing out on quite possiblythe most unforgettable travel experiences Of. Re: Top 5 safest & top most dangerous Mexico/Texas border. Last fiscal year that ended in September, U.S. border agents encountered nearly 2.4 million asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, a historic high, though many of them were repeat crossers . Several days later, two of. 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 youre invited to Reconsider traveling to. Bridge #2 has customs/immigration. Located in Baja California, Algodones is just seven miles south of Yuma, Arizona, off Interstate 8. To make matters worse, this wasan accident, a classic case of being at the wrong place at the wrong time. He wrote for IndependentTraveler.com for more than 20 years, producing hundreds of columns on travel and offering his expertise on radio and television. Quintana Roo and Baja California Sur are at Level 2, indicating that visitors should exercise increased caution. Called the Lake of Seven Colors, the lagoon stretches for 42 kilometers and is fed by underground rivers. I have had numerous cases of people asking for help because they were extorted coming back from bars, he said. Mexico still offers safe places to visit without the travel caution. While the motives in the attack remain unclear, the Americans had very bad luck, Mr. Guerrero said, because they likely stumbled into a battle between the two gangs. From freshly pressed juices to yoga retreats and on-site massages in private villas to decked out cabaas on the beach, this sleepy little beach town has all the fixings while remaining wonderfully devoid of any travel restrictions. Ed Hewitt is a seasoned globetrotter who brings you a monthly glimpse into the latest travel news, views, and trendsand how they could affect your travel plans. The Border There are four main border crossings where the Northern border of Sonora adjoins the southern border of Arizona: Nogales, AZ / Nogales, Sonora Douglas, AZ / Agua Prieta, Sonora Lukeville, AZ / Sonoyta, Sonora Yuma, AZ / San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora Border towns provide a taste of Mexico after just a short walk across the border. Bordered by Coahuila and Tamaulipas, we can see why that would be the case. 5. 66.65. Since 2011, however, Tamaulipas has become unsafe not only for tourists, but forlocals too. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide . Its main activities tend to be around key border towns in the north. In August, gunmen positioned burning cars and buses to block roads around Guadalajara in response to a military raid on a meeting of criminal bosses. But the volume of traffic makes that crossing quite safe. Uber has been challenging the taxi unions for the right to operate in Cancn and won a court decision in its favor on Jan. 11. In spite of the devastating effects of Hurricane Wilma, Cancun is once again a go-to destination for beautiful beaches, golfing, jet skiing and nightlife. Street crime is still a problem almost everywhere, especially in bigger cities and crowded spaces. 4. The Lincoln Bridge is actually #2, with no immigration. Why visit Guanajuato? Between its brightly colored buildings, cobblestoned streets and quaint little artisan shops, San Miguel de Allende is the perfect place to snap some cultural pictures of Mexico. Coahuila is a strange beast. And the State Department has warned tourists to steer clear of six states, including the state of Tamaulipas, where the recent kidnapping occurred and to exercise increased precautions in other popular destinations like Playa del Carmen, Cancn, Tulum and Mexico City. At the protest on Jan. 11, taxi drivers blocked a main road leading to Cancns hotel zone. Not only are some areas of Mexico indeed seeing the worst homicidefigures in decades, but the country recorded its most violent year on record last year, ultimately pointing to an alarming rise in cartel activity. If we know where to go, that shouldn't stop us from coming to Mexico because it really is a fascinating country . Even though its a stunning place with much to offer, Cancun is one of the most affordable vacation destinations in the area. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. While there is no perfectly safe area of Juarez, there is no perfectly safe area of any city in the world! 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. But before you do, read this. Plus, its not too far away for most US residents. Yelapa is Mexicos last authentic beach town, says Pacheco, and is definitely under the radar. According to Fox News, the city is amongst one of the most dangerous in the world due to violence and is currently sitting at a level 2 rating. A growing favourite for tourists who hate tourists, Mrida is a wonderful alternative to nearby Cancuns Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Take out Mexican Pesos before leaving Getting your hands on the local currency is pretty easy, and saves you the hassle and anxieties of figuring it all out after a long flight. Where to Stay: For a cozy stay right near the funicular into the center of town, book one of the eight rooms at Casa Zuniga B&B. Other hot spots like Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa were spared from the designation. Now, even with restrictions to Playa del Carmen completely lifted, many travelers still seem to prefer the chilled-out, laid back vibe of this well-preserved pre-Columbian, Mayan city to the bustling urban-chic crowds of its nearby resort town. A great example of Spanish colonial influence, Merida is a walking-friendly town that is connected to Chichen Itza by a toll road, which is considered the safest way to travel in Mexico if you are driving. A lot of people go to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, but on the Yucatan Peninsula there are these two beautiful colonial cities that are so welcoming, colorful, and full of traditions that travelers wont regret visiting them, he says. Otherwise you get stuck on the libramiento; you for sure want the toll road. Unfortunately, despite the countrys fascinating beauty and rich culture, not all of Mexico is a cheerful tapestry of cobblestoned streets and brightly coloured colonial buildings. For the sake of our wellbeing, its best to steer clear of this state. There are only three border crossings. References: cbsnews.com, visitmexico.com, wikitravel.org, travel.usnews.com, en.wikivoyage.org, mexbound.com, Well steer clear of: Generally all rural areas, 10 Cheap Hotels In Lisbon For A Wallet-Savvy Stay, These Are The 10 Perfect US Destinations For Summer Travel In 2023, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Chicago You Should Visit This Summer, 10 Things To Do In Dubrovnik: Complete Guide To Croatia's Medieval Seaside City, 10 Things To Do In Playa Del Carmen: Complete Guide To This Riviera Maya Paradise, 8 Things To Do In Havana: Complete Guide To Cuba's Capital City, 10 Cheap Yet Highly Rated Tokyo Hotels To Enjoy Luxury Without Breaking The Bank, 10 Cheap Vacation Spots In Africa You Should Visit This Summer, Road Trip France: Explore 10 Beautiful Towns On The French Riviera. With its rich culture and breathtaking beauty, its no surprise so many tourists keep coming back here. However, if we want to stay safe and prevent putting ourselves in any danger, its wise to avoid Sinaloa. Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations, the alert said. Where to Stay: The small, beautifully decorated Nima Local House Hotel is one of the best luxury hotel options in the city. Personally, we would just keep our noses out of it and travel elsewhere. A final advice, never use the riverside highway that connects the Mexico's border cities such as Laredo,Mx-Reynosa-Matamoros, if she needs to move around the Rio Bravo's area, better use the american riverside highway (Laredo,Tx-McAllen-Brownsville). Known locally as the Pirmide Tepanapa(or Tlachihualtepetlin the in the indigenous Nahuatl language, meaning "made-by-hand mountain"), the Great Pyramid of Cholula, although built around200 BC. About $800 million worth of productsfrom auto parts to toys and avocadospassed through Laredo daily in 2022. Old film stars like Gary Cooper and John Wayne used to come to Mazatlan. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65428530', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mexico city. 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. 1. The site of two bays, Baha de Manzanillo and Baha de Santiago, the port town is one of the most popular all-inclusive destinations in Mexico. more. Although it still attracts many vacationers today, thedanger is rising in Acapulco. In early March 2023 in the . Please advise on the top 3-5 best and worst border crossings from Mexico to Texas? Algodones, Mexico, is a popular border town destination for medical tourism for residents of the United States and Canada, offering more pharmacies, doctors, dentists, and opticians in a concentrated area than anywhere else in the world.Here, Americans and Canadians can find heavily discounted prescriptions, eyeglasses, and medical and dental care, each as high quality as the same procedure or . My mexican fiancee is driving up from mexico to Mississippi next weekend to visit. Local authorities, flush with tourism revenues, invested in the police, which is typically the weakest link in Mexican law enforcement. The border is also a major entry point for drugs and illegal immigrants. In case anyones itching to see Mexico and experience all its glory, weve found the top 10 places to visit and also the 10 places we shouldnt step foot in. We are crossing in three days and at times so much of the information found online makes me feel confused and afraid. I dont know about you, but I would say things are heating up in this hot little country. One of the main reasons, a lot of Arizona border town residents cross over to Mexico is to take advantage of the low costs for dentistry work and refilling prescriptions in pharmacies. At least 63 migrants were rescued, 13 of them minors, after being kidnapped by human traffickers in a town located in the state of Sonora on the border with the United States, Mexican authorities reported Thursday. This 80-mile stretch of coast runs along the Yucatn Peninsula from Cancn to Tulm. The statescity ofCiudad Juarez, which, much like Tamaulipas, offers a coveted location just across the border from El Paso, Texas. Another lesser known city on our list, Celaya now officially ranks as the most dangerous city in Mexico, and one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Yep, an eruption of gang violence in the noughties raised the homicide rate here to 3,500 per year. Its the perfect place to visit for a spring break holiday. Not only for safety, but also for eating, the best sites, logistics etc. Increased border patrols and the construction of a border fence have had no effect on immigration, despite the fact that residents feel safe. Safety Tips for Mexican Border Towns Border towns rely on tourism dollars so they try to keep tourists safe. A group of Americans crossed here before being kidnapped on Friday. Today, its just as busy at the sidewalk cafes and Malecon as it was back then. 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 asmall town in Mexico called Cholula. However, Oaxaca City has stepped up to the plate, consistently topping the list of favourite food cities by locals and foreigners alike. This city tends to rank as one of the safest cities to visit annually and has a very laid-back vibe, safe to explore in the majority of parts during both the day and night. Whether you want to explore the Museo Nacional de Antropologia, the Templo Mayor or justexperience the citys food and nightlife scene, every visitor is guaranteed to find something here in this bustling city. We know weve seen a lot of bad places in Mexico so far, but we can see there are still many amazing spots in Mexico that must not be missed. Violent crime increased 46.4% in 2020, according to the Mexico Peace Index. Google Jalisco and the first thing youll see are news articles reporting violence in the area. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-65428183', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');San Antonio (if she drives that route) are ridiculously expensive due to the oil drilling. 7. Tulum is a popular resort town in Mexico, especially for luxury travellers. See state summaries and advisory levels below for information on your specific travel destination. You can visit Guanajuato as a day trip from nearby San Miguel de Allende or use it as a home base in itself. If you can tell me the exact city/town where your girl will start her roadtrip I will be glad to propose you an itinerary. A spasm of violence at the end of 2021 and early 2022 rattled the tourist industry along the Riviera Maya, the 80-mile strip of Caribbean resorts south of Cancn. Mexicali shares a border with California, US. Medical Tourism in Mexicali, Mexico. Indeed, the state of Coahuila is one of 11 Mexican states recently placed under the Level 3 U.S. travel advisory. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Statistically, Mexicali is one of the safest border towns in Mexico, with well-developed tourism and service industries. There are, after all, many wonderful cities, towns and resorts that sound so exotic and thrilling. Merida is also a well-known destination for celebrating equinoxes. Visitors to the area are mostly native Mexicans, so you can immerse yourself in the culture fairly well; try a miners enchilada if you get a chance. Mexican border cities, which have long endured waves of violence, are not typically tourist destinations, although Americans often cross the border to visit family, seek out cheaper health care or dine at restaurants. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This is serious stuff, you know, in case you havent quitegotten that sense just yet. You can also read about a little adventure I had during my crossing. Mexico City has become a magnet for digital nomads and shorter term visitors, and concerns about violence there have receded. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. With dozens of untouched beaches and the emerald peaks of the Sierra Madre del Sur providing a lush background, its a huge shame that Michoacan as a state is brimming with unlawful activities. Queretaros streets are a wondrous mix of old and very old, as grid-like Spanish streets connect to the pre-Hispanic winding lanes from the time of the Otomi. Outside of the city limits of Nuevo Casas Grandes are prohibited after dark. And, after we cross do we have to drive along the Rio Bravo road on the Mexican side? But it also has some of the best mezcal in the country. It everywhere of course, but if a place like Jalisco conjures up so much negativity, it makes us wonder if theres any point making a visit. Travel to its seaside city, Manzanillo, is in fact still allowed, according the U.S. government. It's a statistic thats surprised many of its long-time visitors who are now found struggling to cancel their tickets. Located on the lapping waters of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz sits within the popular Baja California Sur region. Around 3,000 migrants have begun what they call a mass protest procession through southern Mexico to demand the end of detention centers like the one that caught fire last month, killing 40 people. Re: Safest border Town in Mexico to go to from Texas. Dont let the warnings of some places put you off coming to Mexico altogether. Tour to Reserva de la biosfera el pinacate y gran desierto, Las Toninas Condos Bahia Kino Trip Report, Driving from vancouver,BC Canada to belize, Experience with Rio Dental in Juarez, Mexico. Where to Stay: La Casa del Atrio, across from the Museo de Arte, is both popular and affordable. Safe or not, border cities aren't worth it. With the worlds most fascinating Aztec history, unbelievably delicious food (oh my gosh, the food! But dont throw the mezcal out with the tequila just yet. I am hoping to find explanation on the columbia crossing, I can't find info on it. Situated on the Texan border between the US and Mexico, Tamaulipas is a state with many beautiful lakes and fishing opportunities. Located on the Western coast of the Yucatan Peninsula with ruggedly beautiful limestone hills, baroque Spanish architecture, and impeccably clean cobblestone streets, Campeche is a yup, you guessed it UNESCO World Heritage site. But since Mexico has no billing arrangement with the toll authority, (like some other states in the US) you can't be billed for the toll. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. More than likely, however, the biggest draw isits wild sense of possibility. 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. The hotels/motels between Laredo and (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Now, hows that for a little perspective? Its northern parts are particularly restricted from travel due to crime in the area, compounded by local enforcements limited capability to prevent and respond to it. Chief among them is Carlos Pea Ortiz, the mayor of Reynosa, a Mexican town along the US border which sits just 11 miles away from a Texas gun store where residents and visitors can legally buy guns. It's a must-visit, especially for first-timers, despite thedevastating earthquake that hit the city late last year. There is so much to explore in this city that it would be impossible to get bored here. Though located on the beautiful Pacific coast, Sinaloa is a state where nefarious organizations are known to be based and operating. 189 likes, 0 comments - Yellowhammer Fund (@yellowfund) on Instagram: "This #PrideMonth consider donating to Rainbow Bridge Asylum Seekers- a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ as." Yellowhammer Fund on Instagram: "This #PrideMonth consider donating to Rainbow Bridge Asylum Seekers- a safe haven for LGBTQIA+ asylum seekers on the Texas/Mexico border. Colimas murder rate has more than tripled in recent years. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Mexico-California Border Towns Tijuana Popular with American debauchees during the Prohibition era, and recently blighted by drug-cartel violence, Tijuana, like a lot of Mexican border towns, has been roundly used and abused. The Matamoros incident shows how violence can flare up in places that have been quiet recently.