The Ultimate Guide For Safe Travel to Cancun And The Riviera Maya in Mexico

As you plan for your next escape in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, one of the first questions many people ask before traveling to Mexico is, “Is it safe for tourists?”   

Whilst all tourists should be vigilant outside of their resort, no matter what their destination is, we are happy to let you know that overall, the main areas that you are likely to visit in Mexico have been made with safe tourism in mind. 

Nevertheless, there is some information that you should know regarding staying safe during your Mexican vacation. Take a look at some of our top tips for tourists traveling to Cancun and the Riviera Maya. 

Is Cancun safe to travel to?

Because Cancun is one of the world's top destinations for tourists, it is essential that all tourist safety is prioritized within the region, meaning that generally, Cancun is very safe to explore. 

Cancun often maintains a Mexico Travel Advisory status of level 2, which is similar to a lot of many European countries. This means that you should exercise reasonable caution just as you would back home, but that there is no increased danger. However, there are ways to enjoy even more safety in Cancun... 

When staying in an All Inclusive resort and using reputable guides and transport services such as Seasons Tours, your safety is increased. Whilst the overall area is not dangerous, you are placed in a protective bubble of pampering where you are able to let your guard down and truly relax. 

A lot of the resorts have their own security and only allow registered guests to enter their premises, meaning that you are likely to be surrounded by like-minded travelers who simply want to unwind and refresh their senses. 

By booking your ground transportation ahead of time, along with any activities, you also ensure that you are in your little bubble of relaxation, where you always have a local guide looking out for your interests and helping you with whatever you need along the way. 

Is the Riviera Maya Safe to travel to?

Much like Cancun, the Riviera Maya is a haven of relaxation designed for tourists and safe vacations. The Riviera Maya Travel Advisory also has a regular warning of level 2, which you will find in the most popular travel destinations. 

The Riviera Maya is generally considered a safe haven of tranquility for tourists and is a much more secluded place to relax and enjoy. Because of this comfort and peace of mind that this ambiance exudes, it remains a popular choice for tourists and is a location where new resorts continue to be built. 

In fact, in Finest Resorts, they are opening their doors to their first resort in the region in early 2027, calling it Finest Riviera Cancun. At resorts like these, you can enjoy complimentary ground transportation to your resort, giving you enhanced care and luxury comfort.

Once you arrive, you will likely leave your valuables in the room safe and enjoy long days by the beach and pool without any thought to safety or any anxious thoughts. Your mind is set at ease, and your soul is spoiled throughout your stay.  

This is part of what makes these paradise resorts so popular. Guests return again and again for the peace of mind and tranquility that can be enjoyed in these destinations. 

Understand the Mexico Travel Advisory

So why does everyone panic about safety in Mexico if the tourist areas are generally quite safe? A lot of it has to do with people's searches on Google. Many people search for “Is it safe to travel to Cancun” or “What's safety like in the Riviera Maya,” at which they will immediately be sent to the Mexico Travel Advisory website that shows them a list of all the dangers of the area and all the precautions they should take. 

However, what many tourists do not realize is that the same dangers, crimes, and precautions are recommended in almost every destination, including the place where they live and some of their favorite places around the world. 

England, France, Spain, and Italy usually maintain the same level of travel advisory as Quintana Roo, which applies to much of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. However, there are some places you might explore on vacation, such as Chichen Itza in the Yucatan state, that are registered as being even safer, having a travel advisory warning of only 1 out of 5.

Therefore, it's good to review the travel advisory for the destination you are going to visit, but take into account that some of the way they write can sound slightly alarmist because they want everyone to exercise increased vigilance and caution. 

What areas should you avoid in Mexico?

Whilst the main tourist areas you will be visiting are safe for tourists, there are areas of Mexico that would not be recommended to visit. Some examples of these areas would be certain parts of Baja California, Chihuahua, and Guerrero, which have much higher travel advisory warnings due to crime activity. 

Should you be concerned about these areas and their crime rates?

If travelling to Cancun or the Riviera Maya, none of these areas are anywhere close to where you are staying and will not likely have any possible effect on your vacation. Whilst they are in the same country, Mexico is a huge place, and they are so far away from where you will be exploring. 

For example, Baja California would be 5-6 days of solid driving to reach,  Chihuahua would be 2-3 days of driving, and Guerrero would be 1-2 days of determined driving. These places are not close by any means. It's like traveling from Florida to California and beyond. Yes, Mexico is a much bigger place than many people expect, and each area comes with its own level of safety.

Final safety tips for your Mexican escape

There are some general safety guides that all tourists should keep in mind during every vacation. These are not rules, but rather some mere recommendations. 

• Bring sunscreen and insect repellent (biodegradable and eco-friendly) 
• Pack a hat and a long-sleeved shirt to protect from the sun

• Avoid traveling alone at night
• Stick to the guided trails with your tour guide and avoid wandering off
• Book ground transportation to and from your resort to the airport ahead of time
• Organize tours with reputable providers or via your resort concierge
• Pay attention to the beach flags (red and black generally mean that you should not swim)
• Avoid leaving valuable items out in the open

Last of all, make sure that you take some time to chill on the beach, unwind, and relax in the safety of your All Inclusive resort.