Metro Deep-Dives

Mexico City is a manageable security environment with proper precautions. Violence is highly localized—wealthy areas like Polanco, Roma, Condesa, and Santa Fe are generally safe, while northern and eastern colonias require caution. The primary criminal organization is La Unión Tepito, focused mainly on retail drug sales rather than cartel warfare. Express kidnapping remains a concern.

Guadalajara is CJNG's home base, which ironically makes the metro area relatively stable—the cartel maintains order in its core territory. Violence is largely exported to the periphery. The city functions normally for business and tourism, but travelers should maintain awareness and avoid displaying wealth.

Major industrial and business hub that functions despite underlying cartel presence. The city saw extreme violence 2010-2012 but has stabilized significantly. San Pedro Garza García is one of Mexico's safest and wealthiest municipalities. Southern municipalities remain higher risk.

One of Mexico's most dangerous cities with active cartel conflict. The Chapitos faction of CDS controls most trafficking but faces constant pressure from CJNG cells. Violence is largely inter-cartel but spillover risk to bystanders is significant. Zona Río and tourist areas see targeted violence.

The tourist bubble has thinned. Cancún hotel zone remains largely safe but violence in surrounding areas has increased. Tulum has seen notable incidents. Competition for the retail drug market serving tourists drives conflict. Still safer than much of Mexico but the trend is negative.

Resort zone maintains security through economic importance, but violence has increased in surrounding areas including La Paz. CDS and CJNG compete for control of local drug markets and trafficking routes. Tourists are rarely targeted but incidents have occurred near nightlife areas.