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Whether traveling solo or with others, knowing that you are in a safe destination is always hugely important to any traveler.
Though many Americans travel to Mexico every single year, and the Mexican Caribbean is having one of its best years in history in the tourism sector, there are times when it can be portrayed as an unsafe place to be.
Keen to quash any unsavory image, whether it be urban violence or petty theft crime, local governments have been increasing security measures all over the region, and it seems to be working a treat.
The state of Yucatan is currently seeing tourist numbers sitting at around 55% more compared to the same period last year, with numbers before the COVID-19 pandemic being completely blown out of the water.
What should be considered low season seems to be anything but…
The Safest City In Latin America
Though Mexico can sometimes be painted in a bad light by the U.S., some joke that it actually is probably the safer destination to be in, and that can be proven with one of its cities holding the title of the safest city in Latin America.
Merida, also known as the White City, is the capital of the Yucatan State and offers a rich blend of colorful, colonial buildings and traditional architecture mixed with an extremely friendly community and is quickly becoming a favorite place to visit.
Crime rates here are practically non-existent, especially compared to other popular areas like Tulum and Playa Del Carmen.
Locals are happy for you to be there and want you to experience everything you can from the city; from the unique cuisine that cannot be tasted anywhere else, to the fabulous buildings that date back to 18th-century colonial times.
Now being connected better than ever with direct flights from the U.S., as well as being a stop on the long-awaited Maya-Train, getting to this amazing city is easier than ever and should definitely be checked out.
Increased Tourist Safety
Yucatan is actually the state that is recording the lowest crime rates in all of Mexico, and that can be put down to the huge efforts of local authorities and governments to deter it, most especially in popular tourist areas.
Wanting to have an incredible summer season (which they did in fact get), the government introduced stringent safety measures such as increased CCTV coverage, more patrols on beaches and busy shopping areas by police and the National Guard, and investment in equipment and vehicles to help protect every person in Yucatan.
Though this might seem quite extreme to some, these actions will have enabled Yucatan to return to its safe and welcoming image, as well as gain its Category One Air Safety Status, meaning your vacation will be nothing but incredible from here on out.
Endless Fun
If you think that choosing to spend some of your time in the Yucatan state on your next vacation will be just the same as anywhere else, you would be mistaken.
The list of fun things to see and do is endless and goes far beyond just spending your time at the beach (though there are some mighty pretty beaches).
If you’re a lover of history, you could check out some of the ancient Mayan ruins that are dotted all over the state, with the most popular being Chichen Itza, considered one of the new Seven Wonders of the World due to its breathtaking pyramids and temples.
There are also a plethora of Cenotes (underground caves) littered throughout the state, boasting stunning scenery and natural swimming pools, which are believed to have been in use thousands of years ago in ancient Mayan times.
If you are a lover of animals, you have to check out the Riá Celestún Biosphere Reserve, which is home to thousands of pink flamingos that are not migratory to Mexico and, therefore on display all year round.
There are jungle adventures, archeological explorations, surfing, scuba diving, food tours, spa days, and so much more, all at your fingertips!
My Job Is Just…Beach
It would be remiss of us not to highlight the beaches of Yucatan state being another huge draw for tourists to the destination.
Yes, you can find just as many nice beaches in Quintana Roo and the Riviera Maya, but Yucatan still hosts some pretty beautiful ones as well.
Known as Mexico’s Emerald Coast, the beaches here offer white sugary sands and emerald-green or deep-turquoise shade of blue oceans, with shallow waters and tranquillity by the bucket load.
El Cuyo, which is still a pretty unknown beach in the far west of the state of Yucatan, is supposedly one of the most beautiful.
A small fishing town of around 2000 residents, here you are going to experience a slower pace of life and an insight into traditional, local living from its inhabitants.
You could also check out Las Coloradas, known for its magical pink salt lakes which is a firm tourist favorite for getting that incredible Instagram picture you’ve been looking for!
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