Is Mexico Safe For Families? A Travel Guide

how safew is to travel to mexico with kids

Mexico is a popular destination for families, offering a range of activities for all ages. From the beaches of Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo to the cultural attractions of Mexico City, there is something for everyone. While Mexico has a reputation for drug-related gang violence and kidnapping, these issues are largely confined to specific areas, and the Mexican government invests heavily in protecting tourists. By exercising caution, staying within tourist zones, and following local advice, families can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Mexico.

Characteristics Values
Safety Generally considered safe, especially in resort areas such as Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo. However, it is recommended to exercise caution and stay within tourist zones.
Kidnappings Kidnappings have occurred in certain areas, such as the border town of Matamoros.
Cartels Cartels have a presence in some resorts but are unlikely to target tourists.
US State Department Advisory The US State Department has issued warnings for 13 out of Mexico's 32 states, with two tourist-frequented areas, Acapulco and Mazatlán, being in the "reconsider travel" category.
Crime and Violence Crime and violence can occur anywhere, including tourist destinations. Travelers are advised to maintain situational awareness, avoid areas with illicit activities, and leave potentially dangerous situations promptly.
Food and Water Safety Food and water are generally safe in tourist areas. However, it is recommended to avoid unpasteurized dairy, raw fruits, and vegetables, and to prefer bottled water for extra caution.
Travel Insurance Recommended for all family members, including children.
Travel Destinations Mexico offers diverse options, including beaches, jungles, canyons, museums, and cultural experiences.
Travel Tips Valid passports, entertainment for children during travel, sunscreen, supervision at beaches, and staying within tourist zones are recommended.

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Safety in tourist areas

Mexico is a very safe destination for tourists, but it is always good to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. The Mexican government is investing a lot of money in protecting tourists, as tourism is a foundational part of the country's economy.

Tourist Destinations

Cancun, San Jose del Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, and Mexico City are extremely popular destinations for tourists, including families and college students. These areas are considered very safe, with an increased law enforcement presence.

Resorts

Resorts in Mexico are exceedingly safe. Cartels have a controlling stake in many of them, and it is in their best interest to keep tourists coming.

Safety Precautions

  • Stay within well-travelled tourist destinations and tourist zones.
  • Book transportation and excursions through your hotel.
  • Avoid wandering alone after dark.
  • Avoid wearing flashy jewellery or watches.
  • Stay within the expansive properties of the resorts.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous situations.
  • Always supervise children, especially at the beach.
  • Only eat and drink in places popular with tourists if you are concerned about food and water safety.

Travel Insurance

It is recommended to buy travel insurance for everyone in the family, including children.

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Kid-friendly activities

Mexico is a fun destination for families with children of all ages. Mexican culture is family-oriented, so it is common to see entire families enjoying meals or hanging out in parks and museums.

  • Visit Mexico City's parks and museums – The city has tons of cultural entertainment for families. Chapultepec Park, for example, has a zoo, a lake, a botanic garden, and a children's fair. The city's neighbourhoods also have public playgrounds, such as Parque España in Condesa, which is quite busy during weekends and early afternoons.
  • Take a cooking class – Experiencing the local market, shopping for ingredients, and cooking Mexican food is an excellent sensory activity for the entire family. You can book a private class with companies such as Casa Jacaranda, which also includes a tour of the Juárez neighbourhood and its local market.
  • Visit the Teotihuacán pyramids – This archaeological site will take a whole morning to explore, so be sure to pack sunscreen and bring plenty of drinking water.
  • Explore the ecological area of Xochimilco – Children will enjoy the pretty canal scenery dotted with colourful boats, and they can learn about the chinampas (floating gardens), Mexico City's ancient agricultural system.
  • Visit the Frida Kahlo house – The famous artist's house in Coyoacán is a great place to learn about her history and that of the area.
  • Take a cable car tour – Explore the diversity of Mexico City's neighbourhoods with a tour via cable car. This activity is suitable for all ages.
  • Swim or relax in the natural waters of Las Estacas – Las Estacas Natural Park is the ideal playground for both parents and children. Kids can frolic in the natural waters, go snorkelling, or take a boat ride, while adults can head to the spa.
  • Enjoy an adrenaline-fuelled adventure in Sayulita – Go zip-lining to see the jungle from above the beaches and jungles of Sayulita. There’s even a tequila tasting for adults and a pool for cooling off.
  • Visit an underground aquarium – The Inbursa Aquarium is home to over 5,000 creatures, including seahorses, turtles, and piranhas. You can also learn about the importance of preserving marine life in the Blau Life Conservation Center.
  • Learn about Mexican cacao at the MUCHO Museum of Chocolate – Chocolate plays a significant part in Mexican culture, and children can learn about its origins, how it's made, and why it's important.
  • Visit the beach – Beach destinations such as Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Vallarta, and Cabo are extremely popular with families.
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Travel insurance and documentation

While travel insurance is not a requirement for visiting Mexico, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can protect you, your money, your health, and your belongings in the event of an emergency. It is especially important for travellers whose domestic health insurance does not provide coverage overseas.

There are various travel insurance plans available, with costs ranging from 4-10% of your total trip cost. The cost of a travel medical plan is based on the length of your trip and any customisable selections such as medical maximums, deductibles, and other add-ons.

If you are a US citizen, you should be prepared to present a valid passport book or card when entering Mexico. If you are driving, you will also need your driver's license and proof of car registration. These documents will be important when returning to the US.

Some other documents you will want to be sure to add to your carry-on include:

  • A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
  • A completed Multi Migratory Form.
  • Documentation of why you’re travelling to Mexico. This can include a hotel reservation, a trip itinerary, a letter of admission from an academic institution, or a letter from your employer that you’re travelling for work.

Visas are not required for permanent residents of the United States, nor for those with a valid visa for the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, or any country that makes up the Schengen Area.

It is recommended that you enrol in the Smart Traveller Enrollment Program (STEP) as an additional safety precaution. Through the program, you’ll get up-to-date information about safety precautions in your destination country. It will also help the US Embassy and your friends and family contact you in case of an emergency.

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Food and water safety

Firstly, it is recommended to only drink purified or bottled water in Mexico, especially when travelling with children. This helps to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses, which can be a concern in certain areas. Most tourist destinations will have purified water and ice available, so this should not be a cause for concern in popular holiday spots.

When it comes to food, it is generally safe to eat in popular tourist destinations, as these areas cater to a large number of international visitors. However, it is still advisable to take some basic precautions. For example, it is recommended to avoid unpasteurised dairy products and raw fruits and vegetables, especially those that have been peeled or require no further cooking. These types of foods can sometimes carry bacteria or viruses that can cause illness. It is also a good idea to encourage your children to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitiser, especially before eating, to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.

If you are concerned about food safety, it is generally advisable to stick to well-reviewed restaurants and eateries that cater to tourists. Street food in Mexico is generally considered safe, and it is an excellent way to experience the local culture and cuisine. However, if you have any doubts about the safety of a particular food item, it is best to avoid it. It is also worth noting that all-inclusive resorts are a popular option for families, as they offer a wide variety of food options that are generally considered safe.

In the unlikely event that your child does become ill from food or water, it is important to stay calm and seek medical attention if necessary. Most cases of food or waterborne illness can be effectively treated, and the risk of serious complications is relatively low. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry, so taking some basic precautions can help ensure a happy and healthy holiday for your family.

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Kid-friendly accommodation

Mexico is famed for its beautiful white beaches, swaying palm trees, and family-focused hotels. Here is a list of some of the best kid-friendly accommodation options in Mexico:

Hotel Xcaret México, Playa del Carmen

Hotel Xcaret México is a gargantuan resort that combines the style of a high-end resort with the fun of a theme park. It offers 900 rooms, a kids' club, a kids' pool with waterslides, and a lagoon for snorkelling. The resort also has a luxurious spa and various restaurants, including one with a tasting menu created by a Michelin-starred chef. It is situated next to the Xcaret eco-park and other parks such as Xplor and Xel-Ha, making it a great choice for families.

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun, Cancun Hotel Zone

The Hard Rock Cancun is a lively, rock-themed, all-inclusive resort offering tons of kid-friendly amenities. It has contemporary and sleek rooms, many with ocean views and whirlpools. There are children's menus at the restaurants, and the Roxity Kids Club offers special games and activities. The Music Lab allows those over 12 to make their own live music and videos. Babysitting services and special packages with perks such as kid-sized amenities are also available.

Moon Palace The Grand Cancun, Cancun

Moon Palace The Grand Cancun is a gloriously designed hotel with cool, white interiors. It offers a neon mini-golf course, bumper cars, a crazy mirror maze, and an on-site arcade to keep kids entertained for hours. It also has nine swimming pools, including children's pools, and five swim-up bars. The restaurants offer child-friendly options, and there is a children's play zone.

The Grand Mayan at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta

The Grand Mayan at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta is a stunning resort with a massive pool complex, including a sprawling main pool, a fun kiddie pool, a kid-friendly water park, a large Mayan-ruin-themed waterslide, and a sparkling blue lazy river. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the beach is gorgeous. The resort also boasts a world-class golf course, an exquisite spa, and an ultra-modern fitness centre.

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos, San Jose del Cabo

Hyatt Ziva Los Cabos is a family-friendly resort with a large kids' pool and clubs for both kids and teens. The children's pool has waterslides and a jungle gym, and the kids' club is packed with toys and games. The teen club has video games and table games like foosball. There is also a theatre that puts on live shows in the evening.

Other notable mentions:

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Cancun
  • Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita
  • Paradisus Cancun
  • Barcelo Maya Grand Resort
  • Iberostar Selection Cancun
  • Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa
  • Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa
  • Sandos Caracol Eco Resort and Spa
  • Royalton Riviera Cancun
  • Planet Hollywood Cancun

Frequently asked questions

Mexico is considered a safe destination for families, but travellers should exercise caution and stay within well-travelled tourist destinations. The US State Department has issued warnings for 13 of Mexico's 32 states, but only Acapulco and Mazatlán are popular tourist destinations.

Ensure your children's passports are valid and make photocopies of them. Buy travel insurance for everyone in the family, and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers illness, injuries, dental emergencies, flight delays, and lost baggage. Avoid non-purified food and water, and stick to tourist zones.

Mexico has plenty of family-friendly activities, including visiting archaeological ruins, swimming at beaches with calm waters, and water-based activities like snorkelling and scuba diving.

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