Never Travel to These 6 Parts of Mexico

While Mexico is an undeniably gorgeous country, there are many states with travel advisories attached to them. Crime is prevalent in Mexico, organized or otherwise, making it a potentially unsafe locale for international visitors. However, the history and beauty of Mexico is worth seeing, so long as you are able to accomplish this task safely. 

Which states in Mexico have travel advisories attached to them, according to the U.S. Department of State? Here are some labeled as “Do Not Travel”, making them locations that require extreme caution should you choose to visit. Keep in mind that everywhere in the world has locations of varying safety levels. As you read, remember that Mexico has plenty of safe places to visit, especially if you exercise practicality and caution!

Guerrero

Roadblocks and other methods of coercion are utilized by criminal organizations based in the state of Guerrero. International travelers are advised to avoid visiting this state, despite its huge tourism economy and beautiful scenery. Guerrero can be dangerous if adaquate precautions aren’t taken.

Guerrero

Should you choose to visit Guerrero, you may be interested in checking out the Triangle of the Sun region. This portion of the state includes the extremely popular cities of Zihuatanejo, Taxco, and Acapulco, gorgeous locales worth seeing and traversing safely.

Tamaulipas

With over 200 miles if its border touching the state of Texas, Tamaulipas is in a unique position and may be easy for you to visit. However, Tamaulipas is on the U.S. Department of State’s “Do Not Travel” list due to its criminal presence and the high number of armed robberies and carjackings involved within these organizations. 

Tamaulipas

Tamaulipas continually loses money and has hindered economic growth due to these criminal organizations. Still, its capital city, Ciudad Victoria, is full of many tourist attractions and activities. The sanitation services and available hospitals in Ciudad Victoria may make it a popular destination, so long as caution is exerted when visiting.

Zacatecas

Located in central Mexico, Zacatecas is a state with reportedly widespread gang activity. It’s not advised to travel here due to the possibility of extortion and kidnapping. While well-known for its silver mining industries and significant role in the Mexican Revolution, caution should be exercised should you choose to visit Zacatecas.

Zacatecas

Still, tourism is a primary economic boon in Zacatecas, with archeological sites and shrines bringing in thousands of international guests annually. Zacatecas is also special in that it produces most of Mexico’s chili peppers, beans, and mezcal. It’s worth visiting for its history, but be safe and aware should you make such a choice.

Sinaloa

Reportedly home to the largest organized crime syndicate in the Americas, Sinaloa is considered another state in Mexico you shouldn’t travel to. Many drug cartel-related kidnappings and crimes have occurred, with some victims being U.S. citizens. However, Sinaloa is a beautiful region, resting along the very end of the Gulf of California.

Sinaloa

Should you choose to visit Sinaloa, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches to peruse such as Olas Altas. Plus, the city of Mazatlán remains relatively safe in tourist areas, bringing in plenty of international guests during its famous (or perhaps infamous) carnival season.

Michoacan

Crime rates in Michoacan skyrocketed in 2000 when political powers shifted, threatening the overall safety of the entire state. Kidnappings, homicides, and drug trafficking are common issues, with criminal organizations reportedly better armed compared to local law enforcement officials. Travel here is restricted for U.S. officials and U.S. citizens are advised not to visit Michoacan.

Michoacan

With all of this in mind, Michoacan is worth a visit– so long as you exercise caution. It’s known as the “soul of Mexico” for a reason; the Day of the Dead celebrations held here are some of the most iconic in the country. In addition, Parícutin is located in this state and Michoacan remains an important winter stop for migrating monarch butterflies.

Colima

The fourth-smallest state in Mexico, Colima is labeled as a “Do Not Travel” location because of its crime and kidnapping rates. Accidental homicides have been reported as part of the frequent gang activity in this state. Despite this state’s incredibly high murder rates, it maintains some of the highest standards of living in all of Mexico.

Colima

Colima has some locations you may consider visiting, such as Manzanillo. While the tourist portions of Manzanillo may be safe compared to the rest of this state, it’s important to exercise caution due to the potential for crime in its ports. Still, Manzanillo is a wonderful city to visit, particularly for its sailfish competitions and unique architecture.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©"Mexico City" by VV Nincic is licensed under BY 2.0..