Is Yucatan a safe state to visit?

If you were wondering if is Yucatan a safe state to visit, the answer is yes.  According to “Excelsior” which is the second oldest and most recognized newspaper in Mexico City, in 2023 Yucatán was still named the safest state in México and occupies the 4th place in security worldwide.

Last year it was announced that the state of Yucatán maintains its good safety rates, registering a case rate more than nine times lower than the national average, with Yucatán being rated first place for 5 years consecutively. 

In November 2023, the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes México named Merida, the capital of Yucatán, as the best small city in the world to visit.

Likewise, INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía) which is the Mexican government agency responsible for producing and coordinating statistical information named Mérida as one of the cities with the best perception of security, placing it in the first place of all cities with little or no crime.

Undoubtedly, safety is one of the main reasons for wanting to live in or visit the “White City” known as such because many of its buildings were constructed using white limestone.

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What does Yucatán do to make people safe?

Like many regions, Yucatán employs various measures to ensure the safety of its residents and visitors. These can include: law enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and police awareness, among others.

If you’re considering living or vacationing, Mérida not only offers security but also boasts economic potential that has fueled its development. Additionally, 73.7% of Yucatán residents aged 18 and older confirmed feeling safe in their city according to the “ENSU” which is a survey conducted in Mexico to measure the perception of public security in urban areas across the country.

Ensuring public safety for travelers in Yucatán

Is it real that the Yucatán peninsula is safe for tourists? Years ago, authorities implemented a high level of police presence and coordinated efforts between local and state authorities to ensure the safety of the city.

This measure remains in place and contributes to the safe management of the city for its residents and visitors.

Yucatán has 8,841 operational elements of the state and municipal police, which results in a surplus of 60 percent, also municipal police work 24 hours, so if you are planning late-night activities in the city you don’t need to worry, safety is present day and night.  

Without forgetting that Yucatán actively invests in public safety and technology each year, for example in 2019, Yucatán’s governor implemented the “Yucatán seguro” project, investing in cutting-edge technology like surveillance cameras, drones, coastal police boats, and smart traffic lights.

Safe traveling with a sense of belonging in Yucatán

Another factor that contributes to security in Mérida is its culture and its strong sense of community, belonging, and pride of its residents, locals, and everyone who visits the “White city”.

To foster a sense of belonging, Yucatán not only offers breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage but also takes proactive measures to create a welcoming environment for all its visitors.

Every effort is made to ensure that travelers feel secure and embraced by the local community.

Is Yucatán safe? Exploring Yucatán as a safe traveling point

Recently, Yucatán has become known for its visitor-friendly state, well-run facilities, and abundant archaeological, cultural, and natural wonders. As a result, millions of visitors are flocking to experience the high-quality tourist offerings without worrying about security.

The statistics do not lie, and for Yucatán, these are way more than positive, according to “El Economista” in 2019 Yucatán broke a record in tourism and the city received more than 3.2 million visitors, but compared to 2019, in 2023 registered a growth of 19%  in visitor arrivals.

Yucatán’s status as the safest state in Mexico and its consistent high rankings in global security indexes underscore its commitment to ensuring the well-being of residents and visitors alike. As tourism continues to thrive, driven by the city’s diverse attractions and ongoing infrastructure improvements, Yucatán remains a prime destination for travelers seeking not only security but also an unforgettable travel experience.

Photo credits: Fer Juaristi, @kapephotography and @asteroidrone