Considering some of the recent headlines detailing gruesome drug-related violence in Mexico, one might think it’s some sort of war zone down there. This, however, is an inaccurate portrait that paints an entire nation with a few rotten colors. In fact, if we take a closer look at real crime statistics, it’s clear that many of the country’s popular tourism destinations remain as safe as ever.
This safety is reflected in telling factors such as the ongoing popularity of family villas in Mexico for rent. Tourism numbers remain steady nationwide; by choosing your destination wisely, you can still comfortably expect a safe, fun, and relaxing family vacation. Here are some of the country’s top safe locations.
Mundo Maya
The so-called Mundo Maya includes five states in Mexico’s southeastern region – Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Campeche, Tabasco, and Yucatan. Each offers an exhilarating blend of exotic natural beauty and ancient Mayan cultural sites, ensuring a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Each has its own appeal – some coastal, others inland – read up on each to see which your family prefers.
Guanajuato
Full of colorful houses and narrow, winding alleyways, Guanajuato is one of Mexico’s most charming colonial towns. It’s quiet and peaceful most of the year, with attractive museums, parks and gardens littered throughout. The famed Cervantino Festival takes place in October, with three weeks of music, theater, and street performances to enjoy.
Credit: Javier Hidalgo
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/javier_hidalgo/4926426418/
Oaxaca
This beautiful colonial city features the spectacular Santo Domingo Church as well as great museums and truly fantastic local food. It also has a prominent indigenous population, whose music, dance and culture are on full display during July’s Guelaguetza festival. See if you can get the kids to try some chapulines, which are grasshoppers deep-fried with chili and salt.
Mayan Riviera
The eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is a postcard-perfect stretch of white sand beaches and warm, turquoise seas. Several small towns span its length, from Puerto Morelos in the north to Punta Allen in the south. All of these offer a variety of watersports and cultural activities, in a beautiful setting that rivals any other in the Caribbean.
Big Resorts
For a no-hassle vacation that’s still fun and exciting, you can’t beat the big resorts in tried and true locations like Cancun and Cabo San Lucas. As the saying goes, there’s safety in numbers, making these major all-inclusive resorts a worry-free choice among those for whom safety is a major concern. There are other advantages as well – you certainly won’t need to plan as much, given that resorts provide myriad activities in addition to passes for nearby cultural and entertainment options. Food is often part of the package as well, further reducing the amount of planning and research you’ll need to do.