Is Mexico Safe for Tourists?

Eight American ladies who just visited would say “Yes!”

All photographs ©Brian Overcast

Two weeks ago, this question was at the forefront of the minds of eight American ladies who arrived in central Mexico for a tour led by my wife and me (see Niteo Tours). Is Mexico safe? It’s a common question and, given the portrayal of Mexico in the media, an understandable one.

Photo above: Twilight shot of Guanajuato and its hills of colorful houses.

We walked the streets of Guanajuato which is one of the top five most dangerous states in Mexico. We then drove to Michoacan which also makes that list. We visited an avocado orchard and ate guacamole under the trees. We traveled three hours to the magical monarch sanctuary. By the time the tour was done, savoring the food, seeing the sites, and shopping had replaced safety as the most pressing issue on their minds.

In addition to tour groups, I have overseen dozens of church and work groups that have visited the Mexican cities of Morelia and Leon in the past 20+ years without any crime incidents. My experie…