Dear Friends,
I have been hearing lots of “Is Cancun Safe?” or “Is Mexico safe?” questions lately.
The message is loud and clear: you are worried about the safety of your possible next vacation destination. And I tell you, its completely understandable. Really, it is. With so much negative press Mexico has been getting recently (think drug wars, etc) it is a hard reality that our image has been damaged. We must show you how safe we are, as we have always been, now, more than ever.
And I can do just that. Please take some minutes to thoroughly read this post, where I’ve put together some of the best resources I’ve found over the web.
YES, Cancun , the Riviera Maya, and Costa Maya, are all SAFE & BEAUTIFUL places to visit!
Cancun is safe & beautiful! See for yourself!
Don’t take it from me, a local, born in Cancun and living here for 25 years; take it from other people, real people. Tourists, bloggers, expats, people that live & work here.
I’d like to take some excerpts from “Mexico: Safety, Health and Money”, a great article by Tony & Cheri of Luna Blue Hotel, in Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico.
“Crime
Mexico’s government is in a battle with drug dealers. That battle is sometimes very violent, and some innocent people have been hurt and killed. But the battle being fought (and won) by the Mexican government is NOT taking place anywhere near the tourist areas of Mexico’s Mayan Riviera, the Caribbean coast which stretches from Cancun to Tulum. The violence which erupts between drug dealers and the police is primarily centered on the border of Mexico and the southwest United States. It is over this border that guns are smuggled to Mexico and drugs are smuggled to the US. The competition over these smuggling routes between drug dealers and the disruption of those routes by law enforcement has caused much of the violence which is so sensationally reported by the media.
Health
The single most devastating blow to Mexico’s tourism in the Yucatan this year was undoubtedly the swine flu/H1N1 scare. We say “scare” because the flu itself was never a problem in this part of the world. The real problem was the hysterical reaction of the media and the internet community.” (You can checkout http://bit.ly/swineflufraud for more on this!)”
Full article can be read HERE
I’d also like to show you some testimonials; again, by tourists and people that live & work in the area: locals, “ex-pats”, etc
Real Cancun & Riviera Maya Testimonials
“No, we are not afraid to live here. We continue to love our life here and enjoy running one of the area’s most popular small hotels. And we are not afraid to recommend this part of paradise as a travel destination whether with us or at one of the other fine resorts or hotels in Playa. And so we are going to end this year by once again talking about safety in Playa Del Carmen and the Mayan Riviera.”
–Tony & Cheri – Luna Blue Hotel, Riviera Maya
“I love Cancun, I think its a place that has a tourist an commercial area, an adventure side, a sophisticated face with the spas, super hotels. I really think that the best thing is to research a little before heading to Cancun to know the activities you are looking for. I love adventure and ecotourism and I know Cancun and Quintana Roo had plenty of things to do from under river swimming, jungle forest tours, swim with dolphins, manatees and the whale shark, cenotes, you name it. For sure my next vacation will be Cancun and the surroundings.”
“I would venture to say that Cancun and Riviera Maya represent the best vacation value currently available to US travelers. Great service, outstanding resorts, a great beach and climate – you can’t beat it, especially at the prices the hotels are offering. A great destination for a fun, safe, and memorable vacation.”
“The bottom line: The drug war violence is in the border regions (most especially Laredo and Tijuana, which I do not recommend visiting right now), and Cancun is well more than 1,000 miles away (that’s the distance between Los Angeles and Denver). Plus, police presence on the streets of Cancun is high, and the city seems as calm and safe as ever.”
–Pauline Frommer (from world famous Frommer’s Travel Guides)
I’d also like to share with you a full article written by Pauline Frommer called “Four myths about traveling to cancun now”
See? We’re not lying – Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Costa Maya (Tulum) are all SAFE & BEAUTIFUL places to visit!
Cancun is Safe & Beautiful as you can see!
Even more useful links and information:
Is Cancun safe for Spring Break 2011? Top 10 tips for your safety Coming to Cancun to enjoy your Spring Break 2011? We talked to a local doctor and came up with this list of Top 10 tips to ensure a safe & fun Spring Break Cancun 2011. Check it out!
How safe is travel in Mexico? Our most popular post! With a lot of useful information.
Is it safe to travel to Mexico? The answer is yes. Good post with lots of recent facts & figures, including a map showing the conflict areas in Mexico.
Is it safe to travel to Cancun? Cancun tops ABC News “7 safe places to visit in Mexico” list
Is It Safe To Visit Mexico? – A very complete post by Aysha Griffin, an American travel writer.
“Is it safe to visit the resorts and popular tourists destinations, like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa, Playa del Carmen, etc? Probably as safe as it has ever been. The decent, kind-hearted Mexicans, who know the value of tourism, welcome you. … be aware of your surroundings, as you should no matter where; and continue to visit and enjoy the diverse scenery, culture, food, climate and genuine hospitality of Mexico.”
Why I’m Not Afraid of Mexico – An excellent post by Candice, a Canadian 20-something traveler.
“… danger is real, but it’s real anywhere. Get schooled about the places to go and the places to avoid, don’t go venturing down any shady alleyways, mind your own business and be polite. Do your research. Being smart will get you a lot further than being afraid.“
Wanna hear more? You can always ask away and read other people’s opinions at our Facebook page, or follow us at Twitter
We’ll be happy to help you be relaxed about your Cancun vacation.
Warm regards from Cancun!
52 Comments
Akumal is like the most amazing place to snorkel at. The water is crystal clear and there is all kinds of wild life. From turtles to sea shells. Half moon bay is probably my favorite spot in akumal to snorkel.
Akumal is like the most amazing place to snorkel at. The water is crystal clear and there is all kinds of wild life. From turtles to sea shells. Half moon bay is probably my favorite spot in akumal to snorkel.
9 Days and counting, we are coming to the Play del Carmen area for a 3 week vacation and can't wait. Wasn't sure about having to get a H1N1 shot but didn't we will be fine. I can feel the sunshine already
9 Days and counting, we are coming to the Play del Carmen area for a 3 week vacation and can't wait. Wasn't sure about having to get a H1N1 shot but didn't we will be fine. I can feel the sunshine already
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To say that Cancun is not affected by drug violence is completely false. I have followed one of the local papers for a month online, and there are several murders a week. None of it is against tourism; however, it does happen. I am going there this summer with my wife and kids(5 and 9 yrs old). I am not worried, but murders and drug violence are all through the area. The Zetas are one of the drug gangs that controls the area.
Hi Grunt, thanks for your comment.
You are correct: there do is drug violence. But you are correct too when you say it is not against tourism. My best and quickest advice for staying safe in Cancun to anyone, would be: Stay in the safe zones. Do NOT go to the dangerous parts of downtown (yes, there are dangerous neighborhoods in Cancun as in any city). Stay away from any dangerous activities, including getting drunk and wanting to go for a swim, scoring drugs, etc.
If people take general, common sense precautions, I am sure they will have a great, safe vacation!
Cheers from Cancun,
Camilo
To say that Cancun is not affected by drug violence is completely false. I have followed one of the local papers for a month online, and there are several murders a week. None of it is against tourism; however, it does happen. I am going there this summer with my wife and kids(5 and 9 yrs old). I am not worried, but murders and drug violence are all through the area. The Zetas are one of the drug gangs that controls the area.
Hi Grunt, thanks for your comment.
You are correct: there do is drug violence. But you are correct too when you say it is not against tourism. My best and quickest advice for staying safe in Cancun to anyone, would be: Stay in the safe zones. Do NOT go to the dangerous parts of downtown (yes, there are dangerous neighborhoods in Cancun as in any city). Stay away from any dangerous activities, including getting drunk and wanting to go for a swim, scoring drugs, etc.
If people take general, common sense precautions, I am sure they will have a great, safe vacation!
Cheers from Cancun,
Camilo
I live on the Caribbean coast of Mexico for the last 18 years. I feel safer on the coast than any convenience store in a major US city. Tourists are not the target for the perpetrators in crimes of this nature, it is drug oriented. Its dealers not divers that are involved.
I have a business, staff members who have families, their kids go to school, play in sports and live their lives just like anyone in the US. I am confident in the safety of the coast, for my clients, myself, friends and family.
I live on the Caribbean coast of Mexico for the last 18 years. I feel safer on the coast than any convenience store in a major US city. Tourists are not the target for the perpetrators in crimes of this nature, it is drug oriented. Its dealers not divers that are involved.
I have a business, staff members who have families, their kids go to school, play in sports and live their lives just like anyone in the US. I am confident in the safety of the coast, for my clients, myself, friends and family.
I have now lived on Isla Mujeres ( 8 miles NE of Cancun) for the past 9 months. And have not had one problem with any kind of violence. That does not mean I am unaware of violence, drugs, smuggling etc.. that goes on, but little of that will effect a vacation to this area (Rivera Maya). Its no different than going to any other destination, mind your business, pay attention, don't seek out situations that will put your safety in question. This area is beautiful, the people are very friendly, and there are things here that you will see no where else. Come enjoy, be happy !
I have now lived on Isla Mujeres ( 8 miles NE of Cancun) for the past 9 months. And have not had one problem with any kind of violence. That does not mean I am unaware of violence, drugs, smuggling etc.. that goes on, but little of that will effect a vacation to this area (Rivera Maya). Its no different than going to any other destination, mind your business, pay attention, don't seek out situations that will put your safety in question. This area is beautiful, the people are very friendly, and there are things here that you will see no where else. Come enjoy, be happy !
I`ve been living and working in Punta Allen, Quintana Roo for over 10 years and I truly believe this is the safest place on the planet. The road is long and bumpy and you really have to want to be here to get here. The media`s portrayal of Mexico in general would be like us telling you not to go to New York, or Chicago, or Detroit because they kill people there too. Murders and drug violence happen all over the world. Is that going to stop us from travelling? It`s a big world and with a little common sense you should be able to go just about anywhere!
Well, Detroit is stretchig it quite a bit. LOL our motto for tee shirts is welcome to Detroit where the meek are killed and eaten! Never seen this in NY Chi-town or Mexico!!!! Happy Travels!!.
I`ve been living and working in Punta Allen, Quintana Roo for over 10 years and I truly believe this is the safest place on the planet. The road is long and bumpy and you really have to want to be here to get here. The media`s portrayal of Mexico in general would be like us telling you not to go to New York, or Chicago, or Detroit because they kill people there too. Murders and drug violence happen all over the world. Is that going to stop us from travelling? It`s a big world and with a little common sense you should be able to go just about anywhere!
Well, Detroit is stretchig it quite a bit. LOL our motto for tee shirts is welcome to Detroit where the meek are killed and eaten! Never seen this in NY Chi-town or Mexico!!!! Happy Travels!!.
I have lived here for 27 years and feel it is as safe as most places, taking normal precautions. If you do stupid things or act like a "victim" anywhere in the world you will be more suseptical to crime…..The "drug" violence exists everywhere ( think more so in the U.S. than here) but it does not attack the tourists, nor most of us that just go on about our daily lives. Its sad and horrible to hear about any crime or violence , but most U.S. cities have MUCH higher crime rates, and it does´nt stop anyone from traveling there. Come on down and see for yourself how friendly and easy it is here………………
I have lived here for 27 years and feel it is as safe as most places, taking normal precautions. If you do stupid things or act like a "victim" anywhere in the world you will be more suseptical to crime…..The "drug" violence exists everywhere ( think more so in the U.S. than here) but it does not attack the tourists, nor most of us that just go on about our daily lives. Its sad and horrible to hear about any crime or violence , but most U.S. cities have MUCH higher crime rates, and it does´nt stop anyone from traveling there. Come on down and see for yourself how friendly and easy it is here………………
Im going to canaun for 2 weeks in July 2010 is taking taxies safe
I really hate to hi-jack Camilo's page to promote my own. *cringes* But I just came to see if I'd had a repsonse to my comment above and I saw your query. I only wrote about this two days ago: http://endlesscancun.blogspot.com/2010/06/travel-… It seems a bit too serendipendous not to mention it. Sorry Camilo!
But the short answer is: yes, taxis are safe in Cancun.
Hola Fred!
Its ok, your post contains very good info about taxis in Cancun, which is the point of this website… to provide great info to visitors in order to make them feel safe & relaxed about their upcoming trip to this beautiful paradise!
Looking forward to meet you soon! Cheers!
Im going to canaun for 2 weeks in July 2010 is taking taxies safe
I really hate to hi-jack Camilo's page to promote my own. *cringes* But I just came to see if I'd had a repsonse to my comment above and I saw your query. I only wrote about this two days ago: http://endlesscancun.blogspot.com/2010/06/travel-… It seems a bit too serendipendous not to mention it. Sorry Camilo!
But the short answer is: yes, taxis are safe in Cancun.
Hola Fred!
Its ok, your post contains very good info about taxis in Cancun, which is the point of this website… to provide great info to visitors in order to make them feel safe & relaxed about their upcoming trip to this beautiful paradise!
Looking forward to meet you soon! Cheers!
We have been going to Cancun and to all over the Rivera May and all the Mayan sites on our own with never a problem. DI always ask the staff at our hotel, Casa Maya where not to go and their advice is always great. IL am a retired peace officer of 2 5 years and very aware of my surroundings, Its safer in Q.Roo than most of San Francisco, Sacramento and other large cities in California that we travel to from our home in Reno Nv. We have taken many friends over the years with us and they have had the same positive experiences as us. The Mexican people are very kind, friendly truly good people. If anyone has any questions please feel free to email me. LOU BREWER
We have been going to Cancun and to all over the Rivera May and all the Mayan sites on our own with never a problem. DI always ask the staff at our hotel, Casa Maya where not to go and their advice is always great. IL am a retired peace officer of 2 5 years and very aware of my surroundings, Its safer in Q.Roo than most of San Francisco, Sacramento and other large cities in California that we travel to from our home in Reno Nv. We have taken many friends over the years with us and they have had the same positive experiences as us. The Mexican people are very kind, friendly truly good people. If anyone has any questions please feel free to email me. LOU BREWER
so from what I am reading, sending my son 28 and his girlfriend in the middle of july to cancun we can feel that they will be safe and enjoy the resort? any particular one?
Hi Douglas!
Yes, from what you have read, as long as they follow general safety guidelines such as staying out of the dangerous part of downtown/city of Cancun, avoiding any illegal activities, etc. they will be safe to enjoy their vacation. You can read a more detailed post with some good points to keep in mind to be safe while in Cancun at my friend Marlo-Renay Heresco website, A Travel Artist:
http://atravelartist.com/2010/03/28/cancun-cautio…
Thanks for your comment and I hope your son & his girlfriend have an amazing time here!
Camilo
so from what I am reading, sending my son 28 and his girlfriend in the middle of july to cancun we can feel that they will be safe and enjoy the resort? any particular one?
Hi Douglas!
Yes, from what you have read, as long as they follow general safety guidelines such as staying out of the dangerous part of downtown/city of Cancun, avoiding any illegal activities, etc. they will be safe to enjoy their vacation. You can read a more detailed post with some good points to keep in mind to be safe while in Cancun at my friend Marlo-Renay Heresco website, A Travel Artist:
http://atravelartist.com/2010/03/28/cancun-cautio…
Thanks for your comment and I hope your son & his girlfriend have an amazing time here!
Camilo
I noticed the posts above are a few weeks old. I am planning on going to Cancun in late September. We are planning to spend our trip's entirety on the beach. Has anyone out there traveled there very recently? And if so, what was the current situation in regards to the violence that we are hearing so much in the news right now?
I noticed the posts above are a few weeks old. I am planning on going to Cancun in late September. We are planning to spend our trip's entirety on the beach. Has anyone out there traveled there very recently? And if so, what was the current situation in regards to the violence that we are hearing so much in the news right now?
We are going to Cancun in Dec…we are excited, but a little anxious in a nervous kind of way. We are staying at the Moon Palace Resort. Does anyone have any comments/input on this part of Cancun?? Would love to hear back either way.
How was your trip to Cancun? Did you feel safe? I went to Cancun twice in 2009 and loved it both times(Hilton/Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach). I want to go again this year, but I am a little nervous. My mom and husband are saying that it is not safe right now. I am traveling with 4 teens.
We are going to Cancun in Dec…we are excited, but a little anxious in a nervous kind of way. We are staying at the Moon Palace Resort. Does anyone have any comments/input on this part of Cancun?? Would love to hear back either way.
How was your trip to Cancun? Did you feel safe? I went to Cancun twice in 2009 and loved it both times(Hilton/Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach). I want to go again this year, but I am a little nervous. My mom and husband are saying that it is not safe right now. I am traveling with 4 teens.
We have a time share at the Omni in cancun and want to know if anyone has any input into any crime in the area of Cancun. We are bringing our two daughters, age13, and have some concerns. Although we have been at this resort for many years now and have never experienced any trouble we were just wondering about lately.
We have a time share at the Omni in cancun and want to know if anyone has any input into any crime in the area of Cancun. We are bringing our two daughters, age13, and have some concerns. Although we have been at this resort for many years now and have never experienced any trouble we were just wondering about lately.
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