Safety in Mexico

Is it safe to travel to Mexico? The short answer is: “Yes!” More than 95 percent of Mexico’s municipalities are at least as safe as the average traveler’s hometown. Although certain parts of the country have seen a rise in drug-related violence in the last few years it is still safe to travel to most parts of Mexico. Ninety three percent of violence takes place in only three percent of the country, mainly along the border because drug dealers in both countries are fighting for control of the border.

The indicator that measures the violence in a country is the number of violent deaths per 100,000 people. According to available indicators, Mexico as a country has a general level of 13.3 violent deaths per 100.000 inhabitants, making it one of the safest countries in Latin America. Levels in Argentina, Brazil and Venezuela surprised us since they are as high as 16.8, 36.7 and 44.9 deaths per 100,000 populations, respectively.

Moreover, if we compare this indicator with some U.S. cities we will see that Mexico is much better than one would expect. Mexico City has 9.8 violent deaths per 100,000 people, far below other major cities like Houston, with 12.5, Phoenix, with 12.6, and Los Angeles, with 17.1. Mexico City’s drug-related-homicide rate per 100,000 populations was one-tenth of Washington’s overall homicide rate in 2010. These kinds of statistics are ignored by the media.

With its breathtaking beaches, historical landmarks, and rich culture, it’s no wonder that Mexico is still the number one foreign destination of Americans—22 million flew into the country in 2010, and this does not include those who came by cruise or car. The country’s beauty and diversity of attractions gives Mexico its place on vacationer wish lists, and despite some troubled areas, travelers need not avoid the country as a whole. By making informed decisions, taking simple precautions, and exercising common sense, travelers can continue to take advantage of all that Mexico has to offer.
 

Copper Canyon is a remarkable landscape that is at least four times the size and 1,462 feet deeper than Arizona’s Grand Canyon. We at S&S Tours travel all year long through the Copper Canyon.  We have never had a moment to feel concerned about safety in the area. Sue Stilwell, the owner, has taken her granddaughters for two weeks in the last year and they thoroughly enjoyed it. She just returned from the bottom of the Canyon with a group a week ago.
 

Sources: Travel Weekly Mag, AARP Mag, CNN, UN Office on Crime, Lonely Planet Book, Seattle Times.