The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006, (RELATED: CBP Makes Massive Fentanyl, Meth, And Heroin Seizures At The Border). A Complete Comparison Guide, A Complete Guide To Traveling Rio de Janeiro On A Budget, The 5 Best Things To Do In Salvador, Brazil, With Kids, Is Quito Safe? The chief police of the coastal state. The U.S. government has limited resources in Mexico to provide emergency services. True, precautions must be taken in certain areas, but in general, The Hotel Zone is a place where tourists can relax and wander around freely. They will ask especially if you speak spanish which my husband does. Cancuns beaches have an even stronger undertow than any other beach Ive ever been to. All of the images below can be used to shop. ravnmcoy, We have been many times, only asked twice at the flea markets. The best way to stay safe in Cancun is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid traveling alone. What's Waco Texas Known For? Avoid public transportation at night. I've heard that is pretty common in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? With its large fleet of comfortable buses, ADO Bus is the largest bus company in Mexico. Joe has been a freelance travel writer for over nine years. However, there have been a few instances of cartel-related violence in the town. Between June 1 and November 30, the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be in full swing. For a more in-depth explanation of the Cartels presence in Cancns resorts, check out our blog post on this topic here. If you purchase prescription drugs in Cancun, I agree with CancunJoe. Tip:Use this interactive map to find thelocation of Cancun Hotels. Make sure to watch your drinking habits and never give a stranger (even a cute one) a drink. While there has been a recent spike in cartel-related crime, the crime rate in Cancn is still lower than that of comparable Mexican cities. Tourists staying at luxury hotels in Cancun and Tulum are noticing a massive uptick in cartel violence as the vacation hotspots have quickly become a key revenue source for drug sales, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday. The road to the Hotel Zone sandbar is 6 miles long, starting from the edge of the city center. It is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Thank you! I am here for the third time. The search for the four workers, which was launched by the Specialized Prosecutors Office in Investigation of Forced Disappearances Crimes, continues. All it takes is to stay out in the areas that are mostly lit, as you would in any other big city in the United States or Canada. But what about safety? The arrests were made while various authorities were looking into a crime involving missing construction workers. Seasoned tourists and budget travelers opt for hotels in Downtown Cancun. The Zona Hotelera also has some great lounge bars. I cant wait to return to Tulum because the people there have a long history of treating us well. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. It seemed absurd to watch grown men fuss over their product-coated hair. The arrests were made while various authorities were looking into a crime involving missing construction workers. Effective Sunday, June 12, 2022, the Biden administration will no longer require Covid-19 testing for travelers entering the United States from abroad. In 2019 alone is attracted a mind-boggling 6.15 million foreign visitors. Well talk about the potential dangers you might encounter here, give a rough roundup of the various crime rates, and look at what the official channels (the Department of State, the British Foreign Office) say about staying out of trouble when traveling in this corner of the globe. If you feel something is too dangerous to do alone, you should consult your gut feeling. As I stated previously, the US Governments Mexico travel advisory encourages US citizens to exercise increased caution, which I agree with, but it is almost always the same in other countries. Although they arent as spectacular as the Mayan ruins, they are worth a visit. In an incident in the Cancun Hotel Zone that did not involve tourists but benefited everyone, 11 drug dealers were taken off the streets, along with drugs that were likely intended for sale. Many U.S. travelers visit Cancun, but violent crime in certain parts of the country is increasing as American tourists buy drugs from Mexican drug dealers. The Cancun hotel zone is a place to take a vacation without worrying about traveling or leaving the venue. Read the reviews and see which resorts are getting the most positive feedback for a good rate. That same month, a British citizen, who lived in the area and was warned of being a target, was shot and killed by two men on a motorcycle while driving with his teenage daughter in the passenger seat, The Daily Beast reported. About four miles along the Hotel Zone suddenly bends southwards and runs for another 7.5 miles before rejoining the mainland at the end of the Nichupt Lagoon. The capture and arrest of the 11 people took place at the Eden Rock Hotel property, which is currently under construction in the Hotel Zone. The Wrong Things. Isla Holbox Island and Cozumel Island both have white sand beaches. Americans who want to buy drugs and then lie about it to make themselves look bad or play the victim are responsible for a large portion of criminal activity in Cancun, Quintana Roo, and Tulum. Never at the beach ! R1 travels down Avenue Tulum past the ADO bus station and then to the Hotel Zone. If youre planning to stay in the Hotel Zone, there are nearly 100 hotels and resorts to choose from. There are always stories of gang-related violence, Netflix series like Narcos havent exactly helped to paint it as akin to the Amalfi Coast, and the cautionary tale of Acapulco (once a tourist mecca, now a cartel hotspot) is still fresh in the minds of many US travelers. Make certain that you know your location and what youre going to do. The Maya people in Tulum are extremely friendly and welcoming. Taking precautions while traveling to unfamiliar areas is always a good idea. :). The vast majority of hotels in The Hotel Zone offer this service. We have been there 2 times and would go back in a minute. Avoid traveling during the peak season, which is Holy Week, Christmas, and winter in general, and in August. I agree that the ones in the malls are more convenient but the downtown places are probably a little cheaper. However, you should be aware that each insurance company has its own set of policies. According to Homicides Per 100,000 Residents data, Cancun is ranked sixth on the list of most dangerous Mexican cities. Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week. Hotels, resorts, and villas line the beaches of the Hotel Zone in Cancun, thus providing unlimited access to white sand and turquoise water beaches to all staying in this zone. Some of the hotels go up to several thousand dollars a night, and many of the beach bars impose a minimum spending limit (which kinda sucks if you dont drink alcohol). Every year, 28 million Americans visit Mexico, making it the most popular country to visit in terms of overall safety. For both kinds we have some advices that may be of use when traveling to Mexico on a beach vacation in Cancun. Tourists visiting Cancun were sent running for their lives after gunmen on jet skis opened fire on the beach, steps away from the Grand Ocean Palm resorts. link to The Best Month to Travel to Cancun, Terms and Conditions for Cancn Area Travel. Cancun is a popular destination for its beaches, golf courses, and nightlife, and there is plenty to do here. Does Cancn Have a High Crime Rate. The citys safety and security are similar to those of any large tourist destination in Latin America. link to Can You Take an Uber from Cancun Airport? If youre staying in town and want to visit the Hotel Zone but dont want to spend crazy prices on the taxis, youll need to get one of the two buses to the Hotel Zone. To put that into perspective, thats only a third of the number that went to Bangkok, which is the most-visited city in Asia, and a whopping six times the number of people who went to Aspen for skiing. Unfortunately, drugs and crime go hand in hand. A lack of resources, as well as a weak institutional framework, is a major challenge that the city faces. The city of Cancun is one of the best destinations in Mexico, and it is ideal for solo travelers, families, spring breakers, honeymooners, backpackers, and anyone in between. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'cancunareatravel_com-box-3','ezslot_0',106,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cancunareatravel_com-box-3-0');When youre planning a trip to a city youre not familiar with, its always good to make sure that it is safe. There Are Two Buses from Cancun Center If you're staying in town and want to visit the Hotel Zone but don't want to spend crazy prices on the taxis, you'll need to get one of the two buses to the Hotel Zone. Robbery and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so be cautious in such places. The Nichupte Lagoon is a natural area with a total area of 7,400 acres (30 km2). That same month, a British citizen, who lived in the area and was warned of being a target, was shot and killed by two men on a motorcycle while driving with his teenage daughter in the passenger seat, The Daily Beast reported . If you think youll have a pleasant browsing experience in Cancun, think again. Resort Hyatt Zilara All-Inclusive in Cancun. The accused have mostly been an acquaintance of the victim or a local in equal measure. Common sense is key to having a lovely holiday in Cancun. The vivid aqua/turquoise blue water honestly doesnt look natural. Keep calm and avoid any sudden movements; the police will be there to assist you if necessary. But if you want to visit the beaches in the Hotel Zone of Cancun, there are some things you should know. That said, drugs are legal to possess but illegal to sell without the proper certifications. The State Department has issued a new travel advisory for the five Mexican states that border the United States, which strongly advises Americans to avoid those states. This thread is archived New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast 10 12 comments Best Acidsparx 9 yr. ago In any case, you should take all precautions and should be able to travel freely around the area if you are there. Most major cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe have direct flights. There is no such thing as a tourist trap in the Zona Colonial, also known as the Colonial Zone. When he's not putting together the next epic blog on the best Greek islands or ski fields in France, you can usually find him surfing or hiking his two top hobbies. The zip line through the jungle at Xcaret Park is one of many activities available there. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. However, I don't want to be thrown in a Mexican prison How safe is buying stuff down there? Keep in mind that it is critical to consider the cost of things like food and drinks before making a decision. 5 Isla Mujeres: Catamaran with Snorkel, Open Bar, and Transfer. You should also think about any natural dangers that might be present here. Cancun is a beautiful city located on the east coast of Mexico. Mexico has a level 3 travel warning, which indicates that it is a reconsiderable travel country. info)), often Cancun in English (without the accent; / k n k u n / or / k n-/) is a city in southeast Mexico on the northeast coast of the Yucatn Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo.It is a significant tourist destination in Mexico and the seat of the municipality of Benito Jurez.The city is on the Caribbean Sea . If you are in one of the flea markets and even glance at pipes or similar items, there is a good chance somebody will try to sell you pot. The buses come by every few minutes so you dont have to wait too long, but you just might have standing room only on the bus. Drug-related violence in Mexico has been on the rise in recent years, and Cancun has not been immune to this trend. If access to nightclubs is crucial for you, the best location in the Cancun Hotel zone will be the party zone where the two sides of Cancuns 7 meet. You should always adhere to some common sense rules, such as never flaunting expensive clothing, accessories, electronics, or money, and always keeping a low profile, regardless of where you are. Crime rates in Cancun, Mexico Level of crime 58.93 Moderate Problem people using or dealing drugs 61.03 High Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft 56.60 Moderate Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery 55.82 Moderate Problem corruption and bribery 72.79 High Contents1 How safe is Cancun right now?2 Is it safe [] If you do not have free Mexico service, you can obtain a Telcel SIM Card. Although it does occur, violent crime in the Cancun Hotel Zone makes up just a tiny part of what goes on here. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. Facing this massive water body are numerous attractions, water sports venues, waterfront restaurants, a few Golf courses, shopping malls, etc. Guests must sign their names, confirming they understand local drug laws and punishments. Special Offers. Cancun International Airport is a major airport in Mexico. Mayan Ruins; Snorkeling; The trick is to be alert all the time and be aware of your surroundings. A visa for Mexico is not required for people who hold a U.S., Canadian, or European passport. It has a diverse set of attractions that make it an excellent vacation destination, including white sand beaches, cultural offerings, and the ruins of the Mayan civilization. In Cancn, medical marijuana is now legal to use. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'cancunareatravel_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cancunareatravel_com-medrectangle-4-0'); This isnt necessarily to say that Cancns drug problem is the worst in the country, but that it is there and definitely does exist. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Nonetheless, there are still risks associated with staying in a hotel. This is one of Mexicos most popular resort towns. Cancun is one of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations, and its no wonder why. All Rights Reserved. The homicide rate in the state has almost quadrupled since 2016 in an increase that is attributed to drugs. Cancun is located in the state of Quintana Roo, one of the most popular Mexico resorts. There are cartels that operate around Cancn. While Mexico is one of the safest places to visit alone women, there is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to travel alone women, as long as you exercise caution. There are numerous hotels scattered throughout the city and on the beach that provide a wide range of services. If youre curious about whether or not Cancn has a serious drug problem, this is the place for you. In one case, the lifeguard cleared the water twice in an hour because of shark sightings. Cartels see the area of Quintana Roo, where the two resort towns are located, as a cash cow for drug sales, where their customers are easily accessible, making it easier and cheaper to traffic drugs, the WSJ reported. its very simple. It involved a number of different authorities, including the Secretariat of Public Security, the Mexican Navy, the National Guard, and the National Anti-kidnapping Coordination. #Packing for Cancun#Cancun for Couples#Cancun Nightlife#Cancun for kids#Resorts in Cancun#Mexican Menu#Cheap Cancun holidays#Cancun Airport Transfers#Cancun Weather#Cancun Airport, Best location for nightlife in Hotel Zone. Popular Hostel Chain Selina Opens Second Location In Tulum, Garbage Replaces Sargassum As Concern On Cancun Beaches, The Cancun Sun is an Off Path Enterprises production. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contactlicensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. The only fatalities from monkeypox have been in Mexico so far. At this time, the safest place to stay in Cancun is in the Hotel Zone, which is a 13-mile stretch of white-sand beaches with boutique resorts and hotels for families and couples. Its there between Nelson Mandela Bay in South Africa and Cali in Colombia at 25th, with a rate of 45.5 homicides per 100,000 head of population each year. Nightlife Cancn's most popular nightclubs are within walking distance of each other in the Zona Hotelera, at Punta Cancn. As a tourist, Cancun appears to be a relatively safe city. The town has a population of about 700,000 people and is located on the Yucatan Peninsula. B3 Advisors LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The disadvantage of this is there arent really any public beaches in the Hotel Zone. The Hotel Zone is a 22KM (13 1/2 miles) stretch of white sandy beaches being lapped with light blue Caribbean waters. Local tourist board spokespeople noted that travelers were involved in zero (thats right, nada) incidences in recent months, and continue to point out the growing numbers of visitors who look this way for their fix of R&R (tourist numbers to Cancun are thought to be increasing by between 1.8% and 5.5% year on year!). State of Guanajuato Things to Do: Archaeological Sites, Port Aransas and Rockport Fulton Beaches Open for Business After Harvey, How to Navigate the Quirky Mexico City Airport, Las Posadas: Southwestern Christmas Celebration, The Perceptive Travel Blog is a Gold prize winner from both the Society of American Travel Writers and the North American Travel Journalists Association as "Best Travel Blog." When booking tours through a government agency that departs from the businesss physical location, it is always a good idea to use an official agency. A short drive from El Centro, this area of the city caters to tourists. There are seven lakes in the Laguna Nichupt region, a natural area covering nearly 8,000 acres (30 km2). 387 Reviews. You wont want to walk very far if the weather is warm all year. There has recently been a spike in drug-related crime around Cancn, however, its crime rate is still far lower than that of other cities in Mexico. It is also one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico. USA: +1 407-284-1673 Mexico: +52 998-273-2970 Text, iMessage, Whatsapp: +52 998-235-7135. Every hotel or resort in the Hotel Zone has its private beach. Certain areas of the city have been designated as prostitution-free zones. It is advised to exercise caution in Mexico due to increased crime and kidnapping. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Dollars are not accepted at most places. You should never venture out on foot, especially if you are alone. How do I decide which hotel to stay at ?I want all inclusive on the beach with guaranteed ocean view room? Within the Cancun region, it usually takes one minute by road to travel 1 km (0.62 miles). Now, let us understand the Cancun Hotel Zone layout in a little more detail by zooming in. The monkeypox virus, like smallpox, causes mild symptoms but is fatal in rare cases. Unfortunately, drugs and crime go hand in hand. The "real" drugs will have familiar lab markings on them and clearly state ingredients. For more information, please see our You should be aware that you are still in Mexico at night. If you prefer calmer waters on your beach, book a hotel on the side which runs east to west that is the upper side of the number 7.. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Choosing a safe hotel in a safe area for the safety of your family and friends is the best option if you are concerned about safety in Cancun. When traveling from one location to another, a taxi is always a good option. In Cancun, I have never been solicited to buy drugs on the beach in Cancun and have been there many times. Recently, violence has been especially prominent in Cancun. If you want to bring cash, you can carry it inside a fanny pack. It is not uncommon for people to bring a head lamp to downtown if they intend to spend a lot of time there at night. Despite the headlines, however, Cancun is still a relatively safe place to visit. Suspected rival cartel members engaged in a shootout near Cancun in November, sending beachgoers running to nearby resorts for safety, the Associated Press reported. Getting ready for 1st trip to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? If you have a problem, your hotel will likely be able to help you. Because of the increased demand for its services, the city of Cancn has been struggling to keep up with demand. Whats more, the fact that its still gaining popularity shows that it remains one of Mexicos top resorts, despite the dangers that might exist. Two drug dealers were killed in the incident, according to the WSJ. Did you know that the r/Cancun subreddit actually has a few links to the best rated companies in Cancun for hotel and airport . Mexico has been upgraded to a level three travel warning by the United States State Department. Before we get stuck into answering is the Cancun Hotel Zone safe, lets take a look at Cancun more generally. Tourists from the United States and Canada visit Cancun the most. Keeping your eyes open and your mind stimulated is the most important thing; make yourself at ease and smile while remaining alert and conscious. In fact, the bulk of the city isnt anywhere near the popular resorts of this uber-popular traveler area. Note that this is not the Ziva that is inside Cancun's hotel zone. The region where the upper half and lower half of the number 7 meet is also known as the Party Zone. Extra precautions must be taken in Mexico, which is known for its drug cartels and turf wars, due to the countrys tragic history. You must confirm your nationalitys entry into your countrys consulate and/or local authorities before you can travel there. Are the people in Mexico really safe? He started SkyeTravels.com to help other travelers follow their dreams. Furthermore, there are concerns about the safety of drinking water and the possibility of bad weather. The United States State Department concurs that shooting incidents are not directed at tourists; rather, they are caused by criminal arguments. Below weve broken down some of the most common drugs and their legal status in Cancn: Most of the drugs on this list were made legal to possess in the landmark 2009 decision to take another approach to drug control. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Travel Info. We certainly cant blame folks for wonderingMexico hardly has the best rep on the planet. It was initially determined that the shooting was an armed clash between criminal groups dedicated to the sale of drugs. At that time, the Planet Hollywood resort was being built, so the two separate situations are very similar in nature, but preliminary investigations into the 2020 case pointed to possible organized crime involvement. You do get what you pay for to a point, so the more expensive places will have better food, better rooms, and higher-quality liquor. It is always wise to exercise caution when traveling to any new place. Moreover, the vast majority of vacations here come off without a single hitch, which offers a hint as to why this remains one of Mexicos most popular neighborhoods within one of Mexicos most popular resorts. When attending a large party, its a good idea to keep an eye on valuables and never leave anything out of sight.