Despite the warnings about security in Cancun, it is generally a safe place to visit, and millions of Americans do it every year.
But just like any other major city in any other country in the world, there are certain areas of the location you’ll want to avoid.
The same goes for popular tourist destinations like Cancun, so here are what areas you should avoid when visiting Cancun to stay safe.
U.S. State Department Warning For Cancun
There are a number of incidents in recent months that have led the U.S. State Department to issue warnings about visiting Cancun.
Aggression from taxi drivers due to the entry of Uber into the market and the mistaken kidnapping of tourists in far-flung Tamaulipas are two recent incidents that have led to the warning.
Currently, though, tourists are not advised to avoid visiting Cancun but to exercise increased caution while there, which includes staying in tourist areas.
@chanceofdestiny ‼️‼️ An urgent new warning for spring breakers. The latest state department advisory covers much of Mexico, including popular tourist spots like Cancun and Cabo. A strict 'do not travel' alert has been posted to 6 additional states in Mexico because of an increased risk of kidnapping. This comes after four South Carolinians were abducted and two were killed, this month. #mexico #springbreak #traveladvisory #travelalert ♬ Spring – Aesthetic Sounds
Mexican Government Response To U.S. Warning
Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador immediately responded to the U.S. warnings regarding travel to the country.
Defending his country, the president commented at the time that “Mexico is safer than the United States. There is no issue with traveling safely through Mexico. That’s something the U.S. citizens also know, just like our fellow Mexicans that live in the U.S.”
He also questioned where this fear is coming from, considering the fact that more and more Americans are not only traveling to the country but moving to Mexican cities too.
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Crime In Cancun
There is no denying that crime does occur in Cancun, but more often than not, criminal acts are directed toward individuals involved in drug dealing.
Tourists may at times experience petty crime, like pickpocketing, but are very seldom the victims of violent crime.
In the cases where they are, it is usually a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or getting involved with strangers with bad intentions.
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Security In Cancun
Officials in Cancun take security seriously, as it is important for tourists to have a sense of safety when visiting the destination so that they will continue to return.
It is not uncommon to see the military and police patrolling the streets and beaches in popular tourist areas.
This not only helps to deter crime in areas like the Hotel Zone, the downtown area, and on popular beaches but also allows authorities to quickly respond to crime when it happens.
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Which Areas Of Cancun To Avoid
Before we get into which areas in Cancun should be avoided, it’s important to point out that generally, travelers visiting Cancun should stick to tourist areas.
This includes the areas mentioned above, as well as gated resort communities, certain shopping areas, and other areas with tourist attractions.
The areas you do want to avoid are certain neighborhoods known for crime.
There are four neighborhoods specifically that are considered the most dangerous, which include:
- Bonfil
- Tres Reyes
- Santa Cecilia
- Valle Verde
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Why Avoid These Areas?
These areas are known to be hotspots for criminal activity.
Homicides are more common in these areas, and people passing through are subject to being robbed.
There is a strong security presence in these areas, and according to reports, there has been a reduction in crime, but it’s best just to avoid these areas altogether.
@locopolacox Dangerous neighborhood in Cancun. #mexico #meksyk #cancun #dangerous #niebezpieczne #neighborhood #walk #realmexico #theneighborhood #town #miasto ♬ Sport Trap Background(781699) – TimTaj
Safety Tips For Visiting Cancun
Following a few safety tips when visiting Cancun will help ensure a safe vacation, so we’ll list a few below.
- Don’t travel alone at night.
- Avoid public intoxication.
- Don’t flaunt money and expensive accessories.
- Stay in tourist areas.
- Be cautious about meeting new people.
- Stay aware of your surroundings.
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