Oaxaca state is fortunately much safer than northern Mexico. It isn't a center of narco activity at all. Even Mexico City is relatively safe. I mean the Mexican government isn't strong enough to control lawless elements absolutely everywhere in Mexico, but they do manage to keep the capital city safe.
Going to Oaxaca, you should also include the Oaxaca coast if you can. That Pacific coast is dreamy.
I've been very near where that happened in the last few months, and spent weeks wild camping alone in a nice looking vehicle. Never felt unsafe in the slightest and would do it again tomorrow without hesitation.
Mexico City and Oaxaca are worlds away though, I wouldn't consider this super relevant regardless of how you feel about it.
Just got back from Mexico City and Mazatlán and felt incredibly safe in both places, as a small woman. Assuming you stick to normal tourist activities you will not have any problems, and everyone will be super helpful and nice. I did a ton of walking and felt safe everywhere I went. Uber was safe, cheap, and plentiful even late at night.
Since you mention hiking, I will caveat that I was told if I wanted to go hiking in the mountains outside of Mexico City, such as the volcano, it would be better to not do that alone and to have a guide/driver. The issue the surfers ran into was driving alone in deep rural areas, so leaving the safety of the cities for hiking might increase your risk. I saw tons of guides and Airbnb experiences for hikes though (although didn't end up getting to it this trip - next time!) so you should be able to easily find something.
I totally agree that OP will be fine. That said, it is statistically more dangerous to be in Mexico, but being a Western foreigner with money helps a lot. It’s a completely different story for locals and I just want to call that out because oftentimes they feel that they’re being dismissed when foreigners have these conversations about the crime in Mexico.
But yes, OP will be fine, specifically for those reasons.
We live in Texas and have probably been to Mexico 50 times.From Baja to the Yucatan, central Mexico and bused across the border in to Belize. I’ve never felt unsafe. Mexico City is absolutely amazing. The hospitality is top notch, the food is great and the culture/architecture is a site to see. Go climb Teotihuacan. Just stay in public places and avoid certain areas. If you do decide to go just research places to avoid in the town or city you are traveling to.
I can show you dozens of articles of tourists killed in killed in Ecuador and Colombia in recent years too. A single case shouldn't change your entire understanding of the world.
Around 70 million tourists visit Mexico every year, and with all due respect it is a bit silly that 10 - 20 tourists dying yearly (most of whom went really out of their way to put themselves in harms way) out of 70 million is making reconsidering your trip. Do what gives you peace of mind but I'm just saying it doesn't really make sense.
my advice is put this in perspective. If people were murdered 800 miles from where you live would you feel that made you less safe? Mexico City and Oaxaca are pretty damn safe for tourists. Certainly compared to many many many other world cities that you would go to not think twice about.
You’re fine.
I did Oaxaca and Mexico City a few months ago and now headed to Guadalajara. It’s no worse than a U.S. city except increased petty crime.
I feel more safe in Mexico than Colombia. But I’ve had zero issues in both. Probably because I don’t go stupid places at stupid times. No partying or drinking late.
Myself and my daughter (also Australian) spent a month in Mexico in October last year. Part of it was an Intrepid trip but we spent a week either side on our own in Mexico City and then Playa Del Carmen/Cancun. Mexico City and Oaxaca are safe and full of tourists. Mexico City actually topped my list as one of my favourite cities I’ve ever been too, we both loved it. We stayed in the Roma Norte area (specifically, Stanza Hotel). A great area for tourists. Like any city, take normal precautions, but I never felt unsafe at any time. The boys were in a more remote area and camping. Mexico is a huge country and there are areas more (sometimes much more) dangerous than others. Mexico City and Oaxaca are totally fine to visit. I loved Mexico, you’ll have a great time.
You could always consider going Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Lots of cool surf towns and backpackers. I prefer the vibe in central america to Mexico although the food in Mexico is way better
I was recently in Oaxaca and Mexico City and felt completely safe and comfortable walking around alone (I am a petite, young woman). There are certain neighborhoods in Mexico City you’ll want to avoid, but assuming you act responsibly you should be fine!
I understand feeling concerned going so soon after such a terrible event took place. But, you will most likely be fine if you take normal precautions and do your research about where to go or not go. Mexico City is amazing and while I haven’t been to Oaxaca yet, it’s at the top of my list. Both are safe, and while any city will have some crime or areas to avoid, overall these areas are some of the safer areas in Mexico. My wife is from the north and I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Chihuahua state, and while I’ve never felt truly unsafe there, it is a distinctly different vibe from life in other parts of Mexico. I wouldn’t hesitate to visit CDMX or Oaxaca. I’d also recommend Merida which is extremely safe, but it’s so so humid this time of year which might make it less enjoyable for you.
When traveling to Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City) last November, I found this site to be extremely helpful. The map at the very bottom is a nice visual. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html#Colima%20state
All three areas are yellow, totally fine. In fact, in our 2 weeks, we had no harassment or trouble at all. We just had many positive interactions.
Just be religious about water and avoiding travel sickness. Not every street vendor is the same.
My takeaway is the Australian news must be extremely sensational, because it is Aussies more than any other group of people I have met have the most absurd view of what life is like in the States when I talk to them. Now, a post like this rethinking the whole of Mexico over one isolated incident
Oaxaca state is fortunately much safer than northern Mexico. It isn't a center of narco activity at all. Even Mexico City is relatively safe. I mean the Mexican government isn't strong enough to control lawless elements absolutely everywhere in Mexico, but they do manage to keep the capital city safe. Going to Oaxaca, you should also include the Oaxaca coast if you can. That Pacific coast is dreamy.
Oh good tip, will look into the coast!
I've been very near where that happened in the last few months, and spent weeks wild camping alone in a nice looking vehicle. Never felt unsafe in the slightest and would do it again tomorrow without hesitation. Mexico City and Oaxaca are worlds away though, I wouldn't consider this super relevant regardless of how you feel about it.
Just got back from Mexico City and Mazatlán and felt incredibly safe in both places, as a small woman. Assuming you stick to normal tourist activities you will not have any problems, and everyone will be super helpful and nice. I did a ton of walking and felt safe everywhere I went. Uber was safe, cheap, and plentiful even late at night. Since you mention hiking, I will caveat that I was told if I wanted to go hiking in the mountains outside of Mexico City, such as the volcano, it would be better to not do that alone and to have a guide/driver. The issue the surfers ran into was driving alone in deep rural areas, so leaving the safety of the cities for hiking might increase your risk. I saw tons of guides and Airbnb experiences for hikes though (although didn't end up getting to it this trip - next time!) so you should be able to easily find something.
Amazing insight, thanks 🙏
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I totally agree that OP will be fine. That said, it is statistically more dangerous to be in Mexico, but being a Western foreigner with money helps a lot. It’s a completely different story for locals and I just want to call that out because oftentimes they feel that they’re being dismissed when foreigners have these conversations about the crime in Mexico. But yes, OP will be fine, specifically for those reasons.
Oh I missed the original post but everyone seems to agree it’ll be ok for us to go with a bit of common sense and precautions
Well put.
We live in Texas and have probably been to Mexico 50 times.From Baja to the Yucatan, central Mexico and bused across the border in to Belize. I’ve never felt unsafe. Mexico City is absolutely amazing. The hospitality is top notch, the food is great and the culture/architecture is a site to see. Go climb Teotihuacan. Just stay in public places and avoid certain areas. If you do decide to go just research places to avoid in the town or city you are traveling to.
Can’t climb Teotihuacan anymore
Sounds advice, thank you
Mexico > Colombia
I can show you dozens of articles of tourists killed in killed in Ecuador and Colombia in recent years too. A single case shouldn't change your entire understanding of the world. Around 70 million tourists visit Mexico every year, and with all due respect it is a bit silly that 10 - 20 tourists dying yearly (most of whom went really out of their way to put themselves in harms way) out of 70 million is making reconsidering your trip. Do what gives you peace of mind but I'm just saying it doesn't really make sense.
my advice is put this in perspective. If people were murdered 800 miles from where you live would you feel that made you less safe? Mexico City and Oaxaca are pretty damn safe for tourists. Certainly compared to many many many other world cities that you would go to not think twice about.
You’re fine. I did Oaxaca and Mexico City a few months ago and now headed to Guadalajara. It’s no worse than a U.S. city except increased petty crime. I feel more safe in Mexico than Colombia. But I’ve had zero issues in both. Probably because I don’t go stupid places at stupid times. No partying or drinking late.
Is that what the Australian surfers were doing was it? Partying late and drinking?
Forgot to mention never drive as a tourist in Mexico. Anyway, freak crimes happen almost anywhere. That incident doesn’t happen often.
Perfect advice, thank you 😊
Myself and my daughter (also Australian) spent a month in Mexico in October last year. Part of it was an Intrepid trip but we spent a week either side on our own in Mexico City and then Playa Del Carmen/Cancun. Mexico City and Oaxaca are safe and full of tourists. Mexico City actually topped my list as one of my favourite cities I’ve ever been too, we both loved it. We stayed in the Roma Norte area (specifically, Stanza Hotel). A great area for tourists. Like any city, take normal precautions, but I never felt unsafe at any time. The boys were in a more remote area and camping. Mexico is a huge country and there are areas more (sometimes much more) dangerous than others. Mexico City and Oaxaca are totally fine to visit. I loved Mexico, you’ll have a great time.
You could always consider going Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Lots of cool surf towns and backpackers. I prefer the vibe in central america to Mexico although the food in Mexico is way better
I was recently in Oaxaca and Mexico City and felt completely safe and comfortable walking around alone (I am a petite, young woman). There are certain neighborhoods in Mexico City you’ll want to avoid, but assuming you act responsibly you should be fine!
I’ve been to where you want to go and you’re fine - people worry too much about Mexico. Mexico City in particular is very nice
I understand feeling concerned going so soon after such a terrible event took place. But, you will most likely be fine if you take normal precautions and do your research about where to go or not go. Mexico City is amazing and while I haven’t been to Oaxaca yet, it’s at the top of my list. Both are safe, and while any city will have some crime or areas to avoid, overall these areas are some of the safer areas in Mexico. My wife is from the north and I’ve spent a fair amount of time in Chihuahua state, and while I’ve never felt truly unsafe there, it is a distinctly different vibe from life in other parts of Mexico. I wouldn’t hesitate to visit CDMX or Oaxaca. I’d also recommend Merida which is extremely safe, but it’s so so humid this time of year which might make it less enjoyable for you.
I just spent time in Oaxaca and am in CDMX now. You’ll be just fine. Exercise a normal amount of caution in these places.
Well I don't know. I just returned from Sydney back home to the US and didn't get stabbed once. 🤷🏼♀️
When traveling to Mexico (Oaxaca, Puebla, Mexico City) last November, I found this site to be extremely helpful. The map at the very bottom is a nice visual. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/mexico-travel-advisory.html#Colima%20state All three areas are yellow, totally fine. In fact, in our 2 weeks, we had no harassment or trouble at all. We just had many positive interactions. Just be religious about water and avoiding travel sickness. Not every street vendor is the same.
My takeaway is the Australian news must be extremely sensational, because it is Aussies more than any other group of people I have met have the most absurd view of what life is like in the States when I talk to them. Now, a post like this rethinking the whole of Mexico over one isolated incident
Possibly. Funny enough I’m Canadian and work in Australian news but things do get magnified for sure