The Safest City In Mexico
Is Mexico safe?
This is the question many foreigners have been asking of late. Despite the recent events happening in Mexico, it is still a very safe country. You just need to know what parts are safer than others and how to behave when visiting Mexico, or any country for that matter.
Most foreigners, especially Americans, are quick to highlight the violent reputation of Mexico. They advise you not to travel to Mexico because of perceived threats to our safety from drug-related crimes, kidnapping, and bombings. Of course, when traveling to an unfamiliar country, information about the safety of a country is vital. However, it is important to remember that every country is made up of many different regions and there are always safe and unsafe places in any country. If you are an American, you would be ignorant to think that everywhere in the United States is safe. It just isn’t so.
When planning a trip to Mexico, local information is always more helpful about an area as it gives an accurate context which is invaluable. Read on to understand one region in Mexico in particular: The Yucatan Peninsula.
The Yucatan peninsula is a small part of Mexico and is comprised of 3 states: Yucatan, Quintana Roo, and Campeche. The peninsula borders the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea and extends to parts of Belize and Guatemala.
Mexico is labeled a dangerous country and its drug-related violence from cartels competing for trafficking routes to the US is well reported. However, compared to other regions of Mexico, the Yucatan Peninsula is extremely safe. Compared to the 254 mass shootings of civilians in the US just this year (2019), Mexico had just one mass shooting of civilians recently though it was cartel-related. BTW…there is only one gun shop in all of Mexico. About 22 guns are sold each day through a very strict process. Most of the guns purchased illegally come from the US.
When seeking up-to-date information about a country’s safety, it is important that you first check out your government’s travel advisory pages. They are constantly updated in light of regional developments.
The Yucatan Peninsula is some distance away from the regions that are deemed unsafe and it is often described by some as a “safe haven” away from turf wars in other parts of Mexico.
Mexico can be dangerous, but you can be sure that there is no place safer in Mexico than the Yucatan. Merida, the capital city of the state of Yucatan has been hailed as one of the safest cities in Mexico. So who wouldn’t want to vacation there? According to statistics, the Yucatan Peninsula is even safer than New York City.
Of course, decisions about whether to visit a country due to safety concerns are personal. Doubts can ruin your vacation! However, if you do your research on the Yucatan, you will find there is little reason to be skeptical. This part of Mexico is amazing. Leave your worries at home and have fun experiencing the unique historical culture of the Yucatan Peninsula and enjoy the sun on perfect beaches and explore the hidden delights of the crystal-clear seas. It’s truly an unforgettable part of the world and go back again and again without hesitation!