Is Mexico’s Riviera Maya Safe?
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Hi Sherry,
Having lived in the Riviera Maya for nearly six years, I can say from personal experience that the Riviera Maya is a safe area. I’m a single lady and I walk everywhere. Not once have I had a problem, been hassled by anybody, or felt unsafe
The Riviera Maya is the crowning jewel of Mexico’s tourism industry so they take care of their visitors and expats. After all, if people start to feel unsafe then tourists don’t come and the entire region runs on tourism.
A good way of comparing the safety level of a region is to look at the U.S. State Department’s travel advisories. These tend to err on the side of caution, but using some comparison can give a clearer picture.
The State Department advisory for the Riviera Maya’s state of Quintana Roo is Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution.
Sounds scary, right? But that’s the same advisory level it has for France, Spain, Italy, and a bunch of other European tourist destinations. And nobody says to avoid Europe because it’s unsafe.
That’s not to say there’s no crime in Mexico. But Mexico’s most dangerous and violent crimes are related to organized criminal activities such as selling and distributing drugs.
As long as you steer clear of that, your chances of being involved in a crime in the Riviera Maya are similar to anywhere in Europe, or back home.
I even feel safe traveling alone through my part of Mexico.
I love to explore the Yucatan and take local transport every time I travel. And I’ve never felt unsafe. In fact, I’ve met some of the loveliest people while traveling in the collectivos (a local minivan) or local bus lines (I’ve tried them all). Not only that, most drivers will drop you right where you need to go if you let them know.
For example, when traveling down to Tulum, the collectivo driver dropped me right outside the hotel I was going to. Not once, but five days in a row. These were varioushotels I was reviewing for work, so every day was a different place. This is very common.
As for safety in crowded areas and crime rates in tourist destinations, I’ve never had a problem there either. There are four kinds of police in every major town along the Riviera Maya—Municipal Police (local), State Police, Federal Police (whole of Mexico) and in this region, the Yucatan, we even have a specialized police branch just for tourists. Policia Turistica officers sole purpose is to help all of the gringos (tourists or expats from other countries).
I love living here and feel safe everywhere I go as a single woman.
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I'd like to add to Bel's comment - my wife Rita and I have been spending a week here in Playa del Carmen, and I agree completely with Bel. We have felt completely safe walking around the area, logging 5 or more miles a day. We've ventured out of the tourist area to check out other parts of the city, shopped in the local Chedraui grocery store and cabbed back, and have never had any problems at all. Other than sometimes-annoying hawkers in the tourist zone trying to get you into their shop or sell you their tour, we've found the locals to be very pleasant and helpful. We would definitely visit here again, and in fact have talked about hosting a gathering of our kids and grandkids here someday.
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I was in Playa Del Carmen in February and it was very safe. There are always lots of people on the streets, and also a heavy police presence.
I've also been to Mexico City a lot and in the center of the city have never felt unsafe.
But if you really want to feel safe go to Merida. It's considered to be the safest city in Mexico. And it feels it. And it's a very beautiful and clean city. It's very calm. Great restaurants. But March through August it is very hot. So be prepared if you go during those months. I was there twice this year and am exploring living there.
And if you need the beach it's about 20 miles to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Hello Sherry,
I've been to Playa del Carmen as a solo traveler for two 10-day stays over the last two years. I LOVE Playa and its people. Everyone I've met and interacted with have been unbelievably friendly and helpful. Even without speaking much Spanish, I've never had a problem and feel safe walking wherever I want to go. I'll be spending this November and December in Playa, and I can't wait.
Although some tourists are unsettled about the police presence on the beach and in the town, I feel safe with them. Unless you are partying hard or driving in an unsafe manner, they will not bother you at all.
I hope you will give the Riviera Maya a try. And remember, expect the best and you'll experience the best.