With more than 30 million visitors each year, Mexico ranks as the second most popular destination globally. Visitors are drawn to the stunning beaches, pleasant weather, and delicious cuisine. Considering it’s ranked as the fourth most dangerous country, it’s important to prioritize safety when visiting and avoid certain areas. Let’s take a look at the most unsafe cities to help you decide which ones to steer clear of.
Most Dangerous Cities in Mexico
1. Zamora
Zamora is considered the most perilous city in Mexico. Recently labeled as the most dangerous city in the world, Zamora has gained notoriety for its high levels of violence. Zamora has the highest murder rate on our list, along with other crimes such as kidnappings, theft, and assault. Zamora’s homicide rate is significantly higher than the average rate in the US, standing at 193 per 100,000 people.
2. Tijuana
Tijuana ranks among the most perilous cities in Mexico. Being close to the US/Mexican border, Tijuana is a hotspot for drug trafficking and drug-related violence, ranking as the second most dangerous city on our list. Americans are advised by the US State Department to avoid traveling to Tijuana. If you decide to go, it is recommended to stay in the downtown area and be extremely cautious. In Tijuana, the homicide rate is 138 per 100,000 people.
3. Obregon
Ciudad Obregón is a picturesque city with a high crime rate in Mexico. It is placed third on our list. Obregon experiences a high rate of violent crimes such as murders, along with property theft, car theft, and assault. In recent years, Obregon has been identified as one of the most hazardous cities globally. In Obregon, the homicide rate is 135 per 100,000 people.
4. Acapulco
Ranked fourth, Acapulco in Guerrero state used to be a popular beach destination and a favorite spot for vacationers. Nevertheless, it has now emerged as one of the most dangerous cities globally. While crime rates are lower in popular tourist destinations such as Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo and Taxco, the US government has cautioned its citizens against traveling to Guerrero state, which encompasses Acapulco. In Acapulco, the homicide rate is 111 per 100,000 people.
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5. Victoria
Victoria, Mexico, is located in the northeastern part of Tamaulipas. Ranked as the seventh most dangerous city globally, Ciudad Victoria is a highly violent Mexican city. Most of the violence stems from drug-related activities and takes place among cartels and within prisons. Avoid traveling to any cities in Tamaulipas and consider avoiding travel through this state altogether. There have been cases of tourist and passenger buses being attacked for theft, with passengers being held captive for money. In Victoria, the homicide rate is 86 per 100,000 people.
6. Juarez
Juarez is the sixth city in Mexico that is considered unsafe. Situated at the border of New Mexico and Texas, this area is frequently used for smuggling drugs into and out of the US, making it one of the most perilous cities globally. Juarez is located in Chihuahua, an area where it is not recommended to travel due to high levels of crime and violence. In Juarez, the homicide rate is 86 per 100,000 people.
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