Mexico is a country with a thriving cultural scene and stunning scenery, but it additionally suffers from high rates of crime and violence in certain parts of it. Several regions regrettably have much greater rates of violence and organized crime than others, even though many places are still relatively secure for tourists to visit.
A high percentage of homicide and gang violence makes areas like Colima, Zamora, and Tijuana constantly among the most hazardous. Before planning a trip to this beautiful nation, you should know the most dangerous places in Mexico City and must avoid these places to visit.
Popular cities like Acapulco and Cancun, which are generally considered the most popular tourist destinations, pose certain types of risk when you venture outside the authority-specified abandoned places. So, always be cautious while you travel to these dangerous places and plan your trip accordingly.
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Most Dangerous Places in Mexico City
The illicit trade in drug activities throws an extended darkness over Mexico, especially in some cities. These locations are routinely ranked as the most hazardous owing to high fatalities and group battles. Here’s a deeper look at some of these dangerous areas:
Acapulco
Once in a while Acapulco, a beach town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, was the most popular tourist destination. But since last decade, it lost its charm and stardom due to a surge in criminal activities and homicide cases. According to various reports and available data, the homicide rate per 100,000 residents is 111, and 948 people were killed alone in 2018. The crime rate is 60.52% out of 120% while Acapulco ranks 18th most dangerous city in the world.
Colima
According to publications such as the Citizen Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice’s 2022 list, Colima is the world’s most dangerous town. This ranking is based on the high murder rate per capita. Even travelers face more frequent robbery and looting challenges due to worse situations here which poses safety issues.
Tijuana
While Tijuana is not now at the top of the rankings, it has traditionally been one of the most dangerous cities in the world. According to reports such as the 2023 World Atlas and the Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, it ranks well in terms of homicides per capita. It also frequently faces socioeconomic issues like poverty and inequality that ultimately result in a high crime rate in the city.
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Irapuato
Earlier, Irapuato was considered fairly safe city travel but recently it got attention as the most dangerous place in Mexico. Irapuato has a substantially elevated murder rate, ranking among the deadliest cities in Mexico as well as worldwide. Gang violence has had a significant influence on the city, especially between the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG) and the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel (SRLC). It has homicide rate per 100,000 residents is 81.
Reynosa
Reynosa isn’t simply deadly; it’s a city where menace swirls through the streets. Consider a situation in which the United States State Department recommends avoiding travel with the same degree of severity as it does in areas plagued by war. Reynosa is a prominent target for the famed Los Metros cartel, which is engaged in a brutal war for dominance.
Ciudad Victoria
Ciudad Victoria has a terrible murder rate of 86 fatalities per 100,000 residents, which makes even the toughest hearts stop their beats. This carnage is driven by opposing cartels’ lethal dance, which leaves a path of bloodshed in its wake. Even though the city has a unique attraction, its magnificence is wrapped in terror, an atmosphere where vigilance plays with each movement.
Zamora
Zamora, once a lovely city steeped in colonial heritage, today throws a shadow of peril. It has acquired an infamous reputation connected with violence, gaining the questionable title of “Mexico’s most dangerous city.” While not each turn is dangerous, the threat of aggression looms. Abductions, attacks, and robberies are common under the surface.
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Conclusion
These are the most dangerous places in Mexico City that you should avoid visiting or take utmost caution if you are planning a trip here. However, I am not saying that you shouldn’t visit these dangerous locations because these regions provide numerous world-famous sceneries that are worth a visit but you need to follow safety guidelines. In addition, governing authorities taking necessary steps to make these areas safer, but you must ultimately ensure your own security.