Cancún & Riviera Maya

Population: 900,000

elevated

Overview

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.

General Guidance

Hotel zones accessible but maintain awareness. Use only hotel transport or verified services. Avoid Cancún city center at night. Tulum requires extra caution. Report suspicious activity to hotel security immediately.

Neighborhoods

Generally Safe (0)

Exercise Caution (2)

Zona Hotelera

3/10

Tourist

Main hotel strip along the beach. Heavy tourist infrastructure.

Risks: Scams, Petty theft, Taxi fraud

Relatively safe. Use hotel transport. Don't buy drugs.

Tulum

5/10

Tourist

Trendy beach town. Has seen increased violence recently.

Risks: Taxi/transport conflicts, Drug-related incidents, Robbery

Visit but stay aware. Use verified transport. Avoid late night beach walks.

High Risk / Avoid (1)

Centro (Downtown)

6/10

Where locals live. Less secure than tourist zone.

Risks: Robbery, Drug-related violence

Transit through only. Don't walk at night.