Looking for a safe place to stay in Culiacan?
It's true that the capital of the state of Sinaloa in Mexico is unfortunately known for its high level of crime and violence.
In order to know which are the most dangerous to avoid in this city, here is a complete guide which lists and locates these neighborhoods so that you can organize yourself accordingly and ensure your safety.

Culiacan dangerous city?
Yes, in fact the entire state of Sinaloa is dangerous. You should know that the French Government has indicated on its website France Diplomacy that Sinaloa is an area not recommended for tourists unless there is a compelling reason.
Therefore, Culiacan, its capital, should be avoided for a tourist stay.
In fact, according to the latest official data, the crime rate in Culiacán is one of the highest in the Mexico.
It is ranked 6th among the most dangerous Mexican cities with a rate of 70,10 homicides per 100 inhabitants.
The most common crimes are robberies, assaults and homicides, generally linked to drug trafficking and cartel activities.
Speaking on Numbeo.com, the crime index of the city is 67.51 which is very high.
In comparison, Culiacan is even more dangerous than Belo Horizonte, Medellin ou Cancun.
The most dangerous neighborhoods in Culiacan
After looking at the general crime statistics in Culiacán, it is important to look at the neighborhoods most affected by this scourge.
Our analysis revealed that 2 areas of Culiacan are significantly more at risk than others:
- The Centro or downtown Culiacán tops the list with 11 homicides reported in 2023.
- The southern zone is also one of the most criminal in the city, notably the Alturas del Sur, Toledo Corro, La Costera, Rafael Buelna neighborhoods.
These other areas should also be avoided, especially at night:
- Colinas del Bosque
- Antonio Rosales placeholder image
- Campesina El Barrio
- February 5
- Three Rivers
- Infonavit Humaya
- Prados del Sur
- The Countryside
- Adolfo Lopez Mateos
- Benito Juarez
- Lazaro Cardenas
- Guadalupe Victoria
- Jorge Almada
Safest neighborhoods in Culiacan
Whether you're on a business trip, on a family vacation, or just looking for a new place to live, it's important to choose a safe neighborhood where you will feel safe.
Among the many neighborhoods in Culiacan, here are those considered the safest:
Where to stay in a safe neighborhood?
Far from the dangerous areas of Culiacan, in the Chapultepec district, I recommend staying at the Fiesta Inn hotel.
Indeed, this hotel is located next to Forum Plaza, the largest shopping center in Culiacan and opposite the Tamazula River.
And for those who want to do some sightseeing, it is only a 5-minute drive from the historic center.
It is important to note that security may vary depending on circumstances. Although this area is considered relatively safer, it is recommended to take general precautions and stay informed about the current security situation.

Sources: Statistics, rankings, press articles, AI, francetvinfo.fr, lemonde.fr, luznoticias.mx, debate.com.mx.