This Charming Destination Near Cancun Has Been Ranked The Safest In Mexico

Last Updated 8 months ago

In 2024, safety continues to the top the charts as the primary concern for most travelers heading to Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean. 

There’s plenty of good news for safety-conscious travelers; new investments in law enforcement are helping make destinations in the Yucatán peninsula safer than ever.

According to a new report published this week, the historic city of Mérida, in Yucatán, is officially one of the safest in the country.

With low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere, the quaint city destination is an ideal choice for day trip travelers. 

With that in mind, here’s a look at why Mérida is so safe.

Mérida Ranked Safest In Mexico Amid Record Safety Investments  

While Cancun and the Mexican Caribbean are generally regarded as some of the safest destinations in Mexico, the city of Mérida in the nearby state of Yucatan was recently declared the safest in the country. 

That’s according to a new study published by the country’s statistical agency, which studied citizens’ perception of safety along with a number of other related variables. 

The historic state of Yucatán thus maintains its lead as the safest region in Mexico for travelers, reporting some of the lowest violent crime rates in the country. 

Officials in the sun-soaked region have announced a host of investments in public safety, including hiring and training more law enforcement officers to protect travelers ahead of the launching of the Maya Train. 

The increased public expenditure on safety is now paying off, with only some 23% of Merida residents reporting feeling unsafe in public. 

What’s more, the study shows that Mérida has managed to improve safety levels compared to last year, as officials continue to take decisive steps to maintain the city’s position as the safest in the country.

Mérida’s excellent safety situation is a stark contrast to parts of downtown Cancun, where a whopping 82% of citizens report feeling unsafe. 

It’s important to remember that Cancun’s safety situation varies significantly between the city’s resort zone – home to nearly all of its resorts – and downtown Cancun, where most people live & work. 

However, that situation will hopefully change this year with the launching of five new police stations distributed across several neighborhoods in downtown Cancun.

The new law enforcement units are intended to make parts of the city safer and more welcoming for travelers, most of whom tend to stick to the more reliable resort zone. 

Merida is the capital and largest city in the state of Yucatan. Located around 300 kilometers west of Cancun, the historic destination has been a popular location for day trips as well as longer stays. 

Famous for its vibrant city streets, colorful old town architecture, and bustling culture, Mérida has seen arrival numbers skyrocket in recent years. 

Visitor volumes are further set to grow thanks to the recent launching of the Maya Train. And there’s plenty of good news for Cancun travelers in that regard, as reaching the quaint destination is now easier than ever. 

Cancun visitors can benefit from two early morning departures via the Maya Train, allowing plenty of time to wander the city’s historic quarters.

Ticket prices for the route range from $44 to $70 per person and can be purchased online at the official Maya Train site here.

Even though Mérida is currently ranked one of the safest destinations for travelers in Mexico, visitors should still take some precautions when enjoying everything it has to offer. 

Keep a close eye on personal belongings at all times, and make sure to stick to touristy areas.

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