Is Cancun safe from cartels 2023?

Is Cancun safe right now 2023? The US State Department notes that Cancun has friendly locals and is one of the safest areas in Mexico, with a low crime rate. So you can have an amazing experience by planning your getaway to this destination come 2023!



As of early 2026, the security situation in Cancun remains a "complex balance" between high-security tourism zones and localized criminal activity. While the Mexican government has deployed thousands of National Guard troops to the "Batallón de Seguridad Turística" to patrol beaches and the Hotel Zone, the region is not entirely "safe from cartels." Violence is largely internal to criminal groups competing for the local drug market, but "collateral damage" incidents in public areas like nightclubs or beach clubs have occurred. For 2026 travelers, the "Hotel Zone" remains statistically very safe for international tourists, provided you stick to reputable areas and avoid purchasing illegal substances. The "high-value" safety advice is to stay within well-lit tourist hubs, avoid traveling at night on rural roads, and use registered "Sitio" taxis or pre-booked transfers rather than hailing random cars. By practicing "situational awareness" and staying away from the illicit trade that fuels cartel activity, the vast majority of visitors enjoy a trouble-free and luxurious Caribbean vacation.

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If you're thinking about a vacation and wondering, “Is Cancun Safe?” … the short answer is: the Yucatán Peninsula, including Cancun, Tulum, and the Riviera, is the safest area of Mexico in 2023, according to the US State Department.

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When it comes to booking an all-inclusive holiday in Cancun, you can be confident that the resort is secure. Most properties have measures such as security guards with firearms to make sure visitors feel safe during their stay.

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Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.

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The U.S. State Department recently updated Mexico's Travel Advisory 2023 for U.S. Tourists traveling to Mexico due to crime in several Mexican states popular with American tourists. “Violent crime—such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery—is widespread and common in Mexico,” warns the State Department.

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Crime: Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations.

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On top of that, it was recently revealed that around 8.2 million of those tourists were from international destinations, which some travel officials in Quintana Roo have named “strategic markets.” And as these international tourist numbers continue to go up in Quintana Roo, it's the United States that's consistently at ...

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If I had to boil it down, my answer would be this: If you are looking for a beautiful, tropical destination with swim up bars and lots of activities, Cancún is worth visiting for you. If you're looking to experience authentic Mexican culture, cuisine and the magic of Mexico, Cancún is not worth visiting for you.

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Safety in Punta Cana vs Cancun Punta Cana and Cancun are both completely safe for tourists and have tourist security divisions within their police forces. Theft of valuables is the most common type of crime in Punta Cana. Be aware of your belongings, as you would in any tourist city.

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Mexico is actually in North America, which a lot of people do not know, but the currency isn't dollars. It's Mexican Pesos, and you get a lot of Pesos for your dollar. As of writing this in June 2023, $1 USD is equal to 17.07 MXN. So you get a lot more for your money.

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If you stay aware of yourself, your surroundings and your belongings, you should likely have a very safe Cancun vacation. Remember to watch your alcohol consumption, and never take a drink from a stranger (even a cute one), or leave a drink unattended with one.

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Is Cancun Safe to Walk in at Night? If you're in the Hotel Zone or Isla Mujeres, you can easily walk around at night. However, stick to crowded places and, if you want to enjoy the beach at night, go to the beach right in front of your hotel; make sure that there's security. Avoid deserted areas and streets at night.

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Cabo and Cancun are both relatively safe destinations in Mexico. Granted, Cabo is a little more risk-free than Cancun so maybe bear that in mind. No matter which you choose, it's key to practice caution, do your research to avoid bad areas, and keep your eyes open when you're out and about.

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Citing crime and kidnapping, the U.S. State Department advises Americans not travel to 6 of Mexico's 32 states: Guerrero, Colima, Michoacán, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. The northern state of Tamaulipas is home to Matamoros, which is just across the Rio Grande from Brownsville, Texas.

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In general, the most popular resort areas are safe to travel to, and many tourists have no intention of leaving the resort. However, if you plan on venturing off your resort to explore, you should still take necessary safety precautions even if you are not visiting a “Do Not Travel” state.

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