Is Oaxaca Mexico Safe? Essential Safety Tips and Insights for Travelers

For many tourists visiting this country, there is the motivation to reach a particular region, and then the question arises: Is Oaxaca, Mexico safe?

To understand, we must take a tour through the various spaces that this locality offers us and the magic that surrounds Oaxaca, Mexico.

Those who have visited Oaxaca, Mexico, describe it as a magical place, full of color, with very attentive people.

Therefore, before answering the question, “Is Oaxaca, Mexico safe?” we must first understand what it means to travel to this multicultural destination.

Oaxaca is one of the states in the country with the greatest tourist and cultural richness in Mexico. It boasts beautiful beaches, impressive archaeological sites, colonial cities full of history, and natural attractions that leave you speechless.

Additionally, it has a vast gastronomy, culture, and history, along with the warmth of its people, which are just some of the attractions of this destination.

In fact, its capital was recognized in 2022 as The Best City in the World by the World’s Best Awards from the international magazine Travel + Leisure.

Oaxaca is the Mexican state with the greatest natural, cultural, and linguistic diversity.

Within its borders, at least 18 ethnic groups coexist, and it contains seven of the nine ecosystems found worldwide. This, without a doubt, helps us understand the cultural value of getting to know this vast region.

Moreover, and not least, in 2022, it was also recognized as The Best Culinary Destination in Mexico by the site Food and Travel.

We still haven’t answered, “Is Oaxaca, Mexico safe?” but as you can see, the answer becomes less complicated.

Table of Contents

Safety in Oaxaca Compared to Other Places

No matter what type of experience you’re looking for, you’ll find options for you in Oaxaca, and it will be one of the best adventures of your life.

For some, no matter what type of experience you’re looking for, you’ll find options for you in Oaxaca, and you’ll have one of the best experiences of your life.

The Mexican city with the highest perception of insecurity was once again Fresnillo, in the central state of Zacatecas, where 95.4% of its inhabitants reported this feeling amid the massacres committed by organized crime there.

Following it are Naucalpan (89.6%), Zacatecas (89.3%), Chilpancingo (87.3%), Cuernavaca (87%), and Ciudad Obregón (86.6%).

A very important figure to note is that citizens feel there is less insecurity in Oaxaca. This is reflected in a study conducted in April 2024; moreover, security agencies ensure that Oaxaca ranks 28th in places perceived to have the most insecurity.

In fact, in the past year, the crime rate in this region decreased by 10.51%, a testament to the intense work being done to offer better conditions.

Among the most interesting data about insecurity in Mexico, at least 61.0 percent of surveyed adults believe that the greatest manifestations of crime are found in the city, making it unsafe to travel or live there.

A very important aspect of Oaxaca is that much of its territory consists of small towns, many of which are part of Mexico’s magical towns.

It is evident that the Mexican capital is one of the most dangerous urban areas, which drives tourists to visit more provincial areas.

Safety in Popular Coastal Towns like Huatulco and Puerto Escondido

In fact, there are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees to other parts of the state of Oaxaca, including tourist areas in: Oaxaca City, Monte Albán, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco.

Safety in Popular Coastal Towns like Huatulco and Puerto Escondido.

If you are fascinated by the most interesting places in Mexico, you cannot miss reading the following article: Fierce and Vibrant Neighborhood

In fact, there are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees to other parts of the state of Oaxaca, including tourist areas in Oaxaca City, Monte Albán, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco.

Current Security Situation in Oaxaca: Is Oaxaca Mexico Safe?

As of now, in coastal towns of Oaxaca like Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, there are no restrictions.

These are very beautiful places with a lot to see and explore. In this regard, there are no travel restrictions for U.S. government employees to parts of the state of Oaxaca, including tourist areas in Oaxaca City, Monte Albán, Puerto Escondido, and Huatulco.

However, there is a recommendation in a statement advising its citizens not to travel on Federal Highway 185 in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, especially on the Salina Cruz-La Ventosa sections, Highway 190 in the Isthmus, and the border between Oaxaca and Chiapas.

This includes Juchitán de Zaragoza, Salina Cruz, and San Blas Atempa.

Therefore, these limitations raise serious doubts about traveling through some areas, so it’s essential to stay updated with information from the U.S. Department of Security.

Generally, the perception of insecurity has improved significantly in some cities in Mexico. Despite this, the perception of security remains a challenge for the current government.

Read Here: The Ultimate Guide to Renting an Apartment in Mexico City

Health Aspects You Should Know About Oaxaca

While it is true that this region has a lot of poverty, it does not mean that tourists cannot have a wonderful time there. However, we should think more like tourists than someone promoting a destination.

In Oaxaca, 7 out of 10 residents lack access to health care, which is due to the serious limitations in the local health system.

One point to consider before venturing away from urban areas is that there are few public health centers. In fact, in Oaxaca and Chiapas, nearly 20% of the population would not be able to reach a health center in less than two hours.

Despite this, it is worth noting that road conditions have improved significantly, making road connections safer and more accessible.

For example, in February 2024, the president visited the region to officially open the Barranca Larga-Ventanilla highway.

The new federal highway reduces the 260-kilometer journey to less than three hours from the previous six and a half hours that separated the state capital from the coast.

On another note, Mexico received the Health Tourism Seal, making the services of some insurers more viable.

Companies like Mega Salud, Envida, and Forma Radical received the Health Tourism Seal for meeting the quality standards required by Sectur.

Safety Recommendations When Traveling to Oaxaca, Mexico

By now, you might still be wondering: Is Oaxaca, Mexico safe? We must be honest and precise—it is not the safest place in the world, but it is not as violent as some might think.

As a writer, it’s important to me that your experience is the best, and that you come back to share this article. Therefore, follow some tips if you wish to travel to Oaxaca, Mexico.

Here are some general tips when traveling to Oaxaca:

Do not walk alone in unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
Always use safe transportation or authorized taxis to get around.
Avoid displaying valuable items ostentatiously in public places to prevent attracting unwanted attention.
Do not drink tap water; it is advisable to drink bottled water and ensure that the food you consume is prepared with potable water.
Do not leave your belongings unattended in public places. Keep your personal items close to you at all times and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Do not take photographs without asking for permission, especially when visiting certain indigenous communities, as they may find it offensive. It is always better to ask for permission before taking photos, especially in sacred places or with local people.
Do not use illegal drugs. The consumption of illegal drugs is punishable by law in Mexico and can result in severe consequences.
Do not participate in tourist activities that promote animal or cultural exploitation, such as riding animals in poor conditions or buying products of illegal origin.
Do not leave your original identification documents at your accommodation. Always carry copies of your identity documents with you and keep the originals in a safe place.

So, is Oaxaca Mexico safe? The truth is, it is not the safest place, but if you have a suitable guide and visit places with a higher sense of security, you should not have any problems.