You project a road trip in the Yucatan or a stay on the Riviera Maya but you are wondering about the neighborhoods to avoid in Cancun.
Indeed, when we see the crime rate of Mexico (Los Cabos, Acapulco, Tulum), it is legitimate to ask the question about the dangerous neighborhoods of Cancun.
Well, we will see below that far from the postcard beaches, Cancun presents a dark side that travel agencies never mention. This world-famous seaside resort is also a city in Mexico where violence is increasing day by day.
The questions I will expand on below are as follows:
- Is Cancun a dangerous city in 2024?
- What are the dangers for tourists?
- What are the most dangerous areas and neighborhoods to avoid in Cancun?
- Where to stay in Cancun to be in a beautiful place but in a safe neighborhood?
Plus, you'll find a map of Cancun to help you spot the neighborhoods to avoid and best neighborhoods to stay.
What crime in Cancun?
Mexico is one of the most dangerous countries in the world. And this crime is unfortunately not limited to Mexico City.
Indeed, as the article of Diplomatic World, it affects 24 states of Mexico out of 31! But what about Cancun which is located in the state of Quintana Roo in the northeast of the Yucatán Peninsula?
Well, Cancun is not spared from the crime of drug traffickers. Already in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 Cancun recorded numerous crimes and acts of violence:
- “According to figures from the National Executive Secretariat of Public Security, Quintana Roo recorded 685 new investigations opened for intentional homicide in 2019, of which 53,6% were murders in Cancun. » Article from infobae.com Paradise on fire: six murders recorded in a single day in Cancun
- In November 2021, two drug traffickers died after shooting each other on a beach near Cancún. In October 2021, another shooting near Cancun claimed 2 victims: 1 German tourist and an Indian tourist.
- In 2022, violence has further increased in the Yucatan. It is in this region that a French couple disappeared in September 2022: See article by Cnews or newspaper The Point.
- See the article on May 6, 2022 shooting in a bar in Cancun. See also the article on the 2 Canadians killed in Playa del Carmen near Cancun: Article from figaro.fr
- And in April 2023, the bodies of eight people were found abandoned about 16 miles from the beach and hotel zone of Cancun (article from nypost.com).
Cancun dangerous in 2024?
In 2024, yes we can say that Cancun is a dangerous city. Indeed, according to the last Numbeo ranking, the city of Cancun ranks 54th out of the 100 most crime-ridden cities in America (North and South combined).
With a crime index of 56.15, in 2024 Cancun would be more dangerous than Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas and even that Medellin en Colombia !
Even at ranking of the most criminal cities in Central America, Cancun is positioned in 7th position. See below :
Can tourists stay in Cancun safely?
No, Cancun has become dangerous for tourists as well. They can be collateral victims of shootings or even direct targets of criminals.
Recommendations from Western governments (United States, France, Canada, Switzerland for example) warn of the insecurity that visitors face in the state of Quintana Roo, including Cancun.
“Turf wars between gangs have resulted in violent crime in areas frequented by American citizens. Passers-by have been injured or killed in shootings ”. Read theReportur.com article
The article ofinfobae.com explains that crimes take place even in broad daylight like these 3 men who were shot dead in broad daylight at the tourist site of Tulum! On Playa Tortugas, 4 people were killed in broad daylight in early 2021. Read the article: Cancun's beaches are under crime control.
See also the video published on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6tWctFOainA
Tourists traveling to Cancun should therefore exercise caution, choose a safe area to stay and follow the recommendations of the French government regarding security in Mexico.
Now it remains to know which are the most dangerous areas, the red light districts and the neighborhoods to avoid in Cancun in order to choose a safe area in which to stay.
Cancun neighborhood map
Here is a map that allows you to identify the neighborhoods of Cancun which are organized into numbered “regiones”. You will be able to locate the most dangerous neighborhoods listed below: Google Map
Most dangerous neighborhoods in Cancun
Among the main areas of central Cancun, you should avoid the most dangerous neighborhoods located in the north of the city:
- region 239
- region 247
- The Region 248
- region 251
- region 259
- The Region 260
To this list, you must add the zones 95 et 100 where violence is present and increasing.
Areas to avoid in Cancun
As a general rule, you should avoid walking in isolated streets and neighborhoods (absence of public transport and shops) and avoid dark streets and roads with little traffic, especially at night.
Le french government recommends particular vigilance in all tourist and seaside areas:
« Particular vigilance should be exercised in all establishments frequented by tourists in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum, particularly nightlife establishments, sites of territorial disputes and consequently of violent and sometimes armed clashes between organized crime cells. Clashes between rival criminal gangs take place in the immediate vicinity of hotel zones. Furthermore, it is important to be vigilant in tourist areas (beaches, bars and nightclubs) where pickpocketing is increasingly common.."
Indeed, currently even the tourist areas of Cancun are recurrently affected by petty crime and increasingly by elements of organized crime. Tourists even at tourist sites can face armed attacks, thefts and scams.
Safe neighborhoods to stay in Cancun?
There are no safe neighborhoods in Cancun because as we have just seen, crime can happen anywhere even on the beaches.
But the best place to stay in Cancun is outside the city center in the hotel zone: Locate the Zona Hotelera.
This seaside area, which some qualify as the world capital of mass tourism, brings together more than 150 hotels, including the largest resorts and palaces in Cancun.
If you are looking for the nicest hotel in Cancun and you have the budget, go to Ritz Carlton or all-inclusive on Hyatt Zilara Cancun.
Cheap hotel in Cancun
If, like me, you are looking for a nice, all-inclusive hotel that is not too expensive, here is the hotel I recommend:
- on a dream beach with turquoise waters,
- with excellent value for money,
- in the comfort and facilities worthy of a 3-star:
Best place to stay near Cancun?
Isla Mujeres is a tiny island located 13 kilometers off the coast of Cancun. I recommend that you take an excursion or choose your hotel. Indeed, it is the ideal place to enjoy an idyllic setting with turquoise and crystalline waters and superb white sand beaches.
In addition, it is the ideal spot to go observe whale sharks, especially in July and August.
I know a somewhat confidential place that you might like for its calm, its aesthetics, its low price and its dream location: Recommended accommodation in Isla Mujeres
Casa Alkimia Oceanfront is a beachfront guesthouse with swimming pool, private beach and wonderful terrace.
Cancun Dangerous City – Safe Excursions
I usually organize my excursions myself, whether in Mexico, in Colombia in Panama or the family Pérou. And everything is going for the best.
But I understand those who seek the convenience and security of organized excursions. If you are one of them, here is an outing from Cancun that I recommend: 2-Day Chichen Itza and Tulum Tour