Is Guadalajara Safe to Visit? The Ultimate Guide [2024]

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Are you planning a trip and wondering, is Guadalajara safe to visit?

The short answer is yes, Guadalajara is definitely safe enough for you to visit, provided that you behave sensibly and exercise reasonable caution.

What does that mean? Basically, you should obey the law, treat people respectfully, always be situationally aware, and not put yourself in dangerous situations.

If you do all of those things, you are going to have an amazing time in Guadalajara. I travel quite a bit, and in almost all cases, keeping safe is just a matter of doing the few things listed above.

But let’s dive into a little more detail.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Where is Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is a large city of over five million people and is the capital of the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s the third-largest city in Mexico by metropolitan area, with lots of great attractions in and around its beautifully preserved historic city center.

The state of Jalisco is situated in south-western Mexico. It has a Pacific coast and neighbours the states of Nayarit, Colima, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato and Michoacán. Guadalajara is an inland city in the middle of the state, a little over 300 miles to the west of Mexico City.

Guadalajara is an economic powerhouse in Mexico, colloquially known as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico”. However, internationally, the state of Jalisco is best known for being the birthplace of tequila and it is the region where 100% of the world’s tequila is produced.

The town of Tequila, where the spirit was born, is just 40 miles away from Guadalajara and the “tequila route” (la ruta de tequila) passes by over 150 registered distilleries and receives more than 1,000,000 visitors each year.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

What Are The Safe Cities In Jalisco?

Jalisco is generally considered to be one of the safer regions in Mexico. The two main cities visited by tourists are Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and neither of those cities are considered “no-go” zones.

I’ve set out below a brief analysis on the level of safety that you can expect in the most well-known places in Jalisco.

Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the state capital of Jalisco. It’s actually comprised of several major areas including Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tonalá and Tlaquepaque, but the area itself is generally referred to (somewhat confusingly) as Guadalajara.

Tourism in Guadalajara is a big driver of commerce to the region, and it had 14.7 million tourists visit the city in 2022. To ensure that the flow continues, authorities work hard to ensure that tourists like you and me can explore Guadalajara’s beautiful historic district and well-preserved colonial buildings without fear.

That isn’t to say that you don’t need to be situationally aware and keep a weather eye out for pickpockets. However, if you follow the safety steps set out in this guide, you will feel perfectly safe during your time in Guadalajara.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is a seaside city on the Pacific coast of Jalisco, around 200 miles to the west by road from Guadalajara.

Similar to Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta had over 6.2 million tourists visit the city in 2022. However, unlike Guadalajara, whose economy is solidly founded on various industries, commerce in Puerto Vallarta is overwhelmingly a result of tourism.

As such, local authorities ensure that the main tourist areas are visibly well-patrolled, offering a secure environment for exploration.

Is GUadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Safe For Tourists?

The short answer is yes, Guadalajara is generally a safe destination for tourists.

It has benefitted enormously from the ever-increasing number of visitors and is committed to maintaining a secure environment for its guests. According to the airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, 17,710,200 people arrived or departed from Guadalajara International Airport in 2023, up from 15,606,600 in 2022.

Tourists will only visit Guadalajara if they feel safe, so the town is committed to ensuring a safe environment for its guests.

Still, you should take basic safety precautions in any urban setting. That is especially the case where you are somewhere new.

As you’ll see below, Guadalajara is by no means crime-free. But in almost all cases, you can keep yourself safe by avoiding risky activities, trusting your gut and keeping your head.

Simple things like taking a cab home at night rather than walking and not drinking too much alcohol will massively reduce your chances of having a problem.

You might wonder if this is also the case for women and girls visiting Guadalajara. That’s an important question, so let’s look at that now.

Is GUadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Safe For Female Travelers?

The short answer is yes, however, you do need to take basic precautions and to avoid doing anything that puts you at higher risk.

If you are doing normal touristy things, throughout the daytime, you are very unlikely to have a problem. Women can enjoy all of Guadalajara’s diverse cultural experiences and there are no restrictions on women entering any part of the city or its surrounding places of interest.

Guadalajara, like much of Mexico, is quite conservative with strong cultural values rooted in respect and community. This includes respect for women and also contributes to a safe environment for female travelers.

Having said that, when you go out, you’ll still need to exercise common sense and practise general travel precautions. While Guadalajara is generally safe enough to visit, as in any destination, you should keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded areas.

Accommodation options in Guadalajara are also diverse and cater to the needs of female travelers. From upscale hotels to boutique guesthouses, the city provides a range of safe and welcoming places to stay. Many hotels also offer concierge services, airport transfer and assistance with booking tours, making the travel experience hassle-free.

Given that Guadalajara (and Mexico generally) is conservative, I would also recommend that women dress modestly, respecting the local customs and traditions.

All in all, women (including sole female travelers) will be able to feel secure while exploring Guadalajara’s streets, markets, and landmarks.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

How Bad Is Crime In Guadalajara?

It seems like everyone has a different view on how bad crime has become in Mexican cities, and Guadalajara is no different.

Personally, I think the best and most reliable way to answer this question is to take a look at the crime statistics themselves.

Guadalajara Crime Statistics

The best crime data for Guadalajara is provided by the Jalisco Institute of Statistical and Geographical Information (Instituto de Información Estadística y Geográfica de Jalisco). This is publicly available data collected by the Jalisco state government and is produced annually for successive 12-month periods.

The latest annual numbers available are for the 12-month periods from September to August for each of 2021 – 2022 and 2022 – 2023. The figures are produced by municipality. What is commonly known as Guadalajara actually includes the municipalities of Guadalajara, Zapopan, San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and El Salto.

One point to note is that although the city of Zapopan is basically the western part of the city of Guadalajara, the municipality of Zapopan also extends quite a way outside the city.

I’ve included below analysis for just the Guadalajara municipality and also for the greater Guadalajara area, which includes all of the municipalities listed above. As a result of the large area covered by the Zapopan municipality, the greater Guadalajara area data all covers parts of Jalisco that are outside the city limits.

Municipality of Guadalajara

According to the figures, in 2021 / 2022 there were 290 homicides, 120 sexual assaults, 4,376 street robberies, 2,245 business robberies and 4,112 cases of car theft.

By comparison, in the 2022 / 2023 period there were 256 homicides, 144 sexual assaults, 3,122 street robberies, 1,610 business robberies and 3,494 cases of car theft.

This is shown visually in the infographic below:

On the basis of those figures, there has been a downtrend in crimes except for sexual assaults, which has increased slightly as between the two periods.

This aligns with data from Statista, which confirms that robberies are the most frequent crimes in Guadalajara.

Greater Guadalajara Area

To give a comparison, I’ve set out the figures for the greater Guadalajara area as well. That covers the municipalities of Guadalajara, Zapopan, San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and El Salto.

According to the figures, in the greater Guadalajara area in 2021 / 2022 there were 1,013 homicides, 323 sexual assaults, 8,302 street robberies, 4,734 business robberies and 7,831 cases of car theft.

By comparison, in the 2022 / 2023 period there were 905 homicides, 390 sexual assaults, 6,026 street robberies, 3,250 business robberies and 7,046 cases of car theft.

Similar to the Guadalajara municipality, there has also been a downtrend in crimes in the greater Guadalajara area except for sexual assaults, which has also increased slightly.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

What is the Murder Rate in Guadalajara?

According to the Mexican government, Guadalajara had a population of 1,385,629 in 2020 and the greater Guadalajara area has a population of 4,352,012 in 2020.

To calculate the murder rate, I’ve assumed an annual population increase of 1.19%, which is the cumulative growth rate for Mexico as a whole for 2021 and 2022 according to Statista.

On that basis, there were 20.68 murders per 100,000 people in the Guadalajara municipality in the 2021/2022 period and 18.04 murders per 100,000 people in the Guadalajara municipality in the 2022/2023 period.

If we look at the greater Guadalajara area over the same period, there were 23.00 murders per 100,000 people in the greater Guadalajara area in the 2021/2022 period and 20.31 murders per 100,000 people in the greater Guadalajara area in the 2022/2023 period.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

How Does Guadalajara Compare To Other Cities?

It’s only by comparison that you can really get an understanding of the meaning of these figures.

Let’s start by looking at the other major tourist destination in Jalisco, which is Puerto Vallarta. By comparison, Puerto Vallarta had a lower murder rate in 2022/2023 of 10.50 per 100,000.

In Acapulco, though, the homicide rate is 54.13 per 100,000 in 2023, so at least within Mexico, Guadalajara is not at the highest end of the spectrum.

Looking at US cities, New York City had a 2022 murder rate of around 5.3 per 100,000 and Chicago had a 2021 murder rate of 29.66 per 100,000 residents.

In 2023, the two highest murder rates according to Statista were St Louis with 87.83 per 100,000 residents and Baltimore with 56.45 per 100,000. So, in US terms as well, Guadalajara is also in the mid-range.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Tourist Experiences

After looking at the crime statistics, there’s no doubt that the murder rate in Guadalajara is higher than most people living outside of Mexico are used to seeing.

But does that mean it is truly unsafe? Personally, I think the answer is no. Let me explain why.

For me, the most compelling evidence is that so many people visit Guadalajara each year. As mentioned above, 17,710,200 people arrived or departed from Guadalajara International Airport in 2023, up from 15,606,600 in 2022.

You wouldn’t see that kind of increase in numbers if tourists think that Guadalajara has a major crime problem. Clearly those visitors are having a great time and then returning home and spreading the word.

Murder also rarely affects tourists. I think this is because tourists don’t really do things that are likely to upset anyone enough for them to commit murder, which tends to be carried out for a specific reason.

In Guadalajara, the most likely crimes to affect tourists are street robberies. As shown above, the number of street robberies in greater Guadalajara area is fairly high, and on average it works out as about 17 per day. That makes it a real risk, but one that I think you can manage if you conduct yourself appropriately.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Safe: My Conclusions On The Crime Statistics

In my view, your safety depends on how you spend your time in Guadalajara. If you’re just there to have good clean fun, you keep your wits about you, and don’t put yourself in risky situations, I think you’ll have a great time.

Many of the stories I have heard where people have had problems, they were out partying and drinking late at night or walked home alone after dark after leaving a bar or club. It’s obviously fun to party, but it does open you up to greater risk if you don’t do it carefully.

I think that’s a good point to talk about safety precautions more generally.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

What Safety Precautions Should I Take In Guadalajara?

Guadalajara is generally considered to be one of the safer cities in Mexico, but even so, crime can occur anywhere and you want to decrease the chances of it happening to you.

To enhance your safety while in Guadalajara, I’ve suggested a few easy steps for you to follow below.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Choose Secure Accommodation

Opt for accommodations that prioritize security.

Choose well-reviewed hotels, guesthouses, or resorts known for their safety measures. Look for features like 24/7 front desk services, secure entry systems, and well-lit common areas.

Research the neighborhood’s safety and read guest reviews to hear about the experiences of others. Your accommodation plays a crucial role in ensuring a secure and comfortable stay during your travels.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Use Reliable Transport

Where possible, opt for licensed taxis, reputable ride-sharing services, or official tour operators. Avoid accepting rides from unlicensed individuals.

If you’re going to take the bus, research the routes and schedules beforehand. Reliable transport enhances your safety while navigating unfamiliar areas, ensuring you can explore with confidence.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Stay Informed About Local Events

Stay informed about local events, protests, or demonstrations that might affect your safety or travel plans. Check reliable news sources and follow official social media accounts of local authorities.

You should be vigilant if you are in an area where large gatherings are taking place, as they can sometimes escalate unexpectedly.

Staying informed allows you to make informed decisions and avoid potential risks while enjoying your time in a new destination.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Keep Your ID Safe

Use a money belt, hidden pouch, or secure pocket to store your passport, ID, and other important documents. Avoid displaying valuable items in public.

Losing your ID can lead to complications, so taking precautions to keep it safe ensures a smoother and worry-free travel experience.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Take Care When Using ATMs

Exercise caution when using ATMs. Choose machines located in well-lit, busy areas and avoid isolated spots.

Shield your PIN while entering it and make sure no one is watching you while you’re doing so.

You should also check the machine for any unusual attachments that might indicate skimming devices before using it. If you’re in doubt, use a different one.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Leave Valuables In A Safe Place

Store valuables like jewelry, extra cash, and electronics in a secure place, such as a hotel safe.

If your accommodation doesn’t provide a safe, use hidden compartments in luggage. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in your room.

Minimizing the visibility of valuable items reduces the chances of theft, allowing you to explore your destination without unnecessary worries.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Safe From Cartels?

Even though Guadalajara is a long way south of Chihuahua, Sinaloa and Durango, which are the states known for ongoing cartel violence, it is still a large city and is therefore not immune from cartel activity.

However, Guadalajara is the state capital of Jalisco, an industrial hub in Mexico, and also a very popular tourist destination. For all of those reasons, it has a visible police presence providing reassurance to travelers and residents, particularly in the central historic district, which draws a significant number of visitors each year.

Although the city is not completely immune to sporadic incidents, the frequency of such occurrences in Guadalajara is significantly lower compared to some other regions in Mexico. In any event, this kind of violence is usually very targeted and is unlikely to affect you during your visit.

Make sure that you stay informed about local news, the advice of local authorities and reliable travel resources so that you can make informed decisions about your trip.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

What are Some Common Scams In Guadalajara?

In any tourist hotspot, there can be instances of scams targeting unsuspecting travelers. Guadalajara is no different.

Being aware of these common scams can help you stay vigilant and protect yourself during your stay.

Overcharging in Markets

In bustling markets, vendors may try to overcharge tourists for goods.

Bargaining is a common practice in Guadalajara, and it’s essential to negotiate prices to ensure you’re paying a fair amount.

Fake Tourist Services

Be cautious when approached by individuals offering services such as guided tours, transportation, or excursions. This is particularly the case when visiting historical sites or landmarks.

Some sites such as museums do permit external guides to operate. If you’re not sure if the person is legitimate, stick to reputable tour companies and services recommended by reliable sources.

Distraction Thefts

Petty theft is a concern in crowded areas. Scammers may work in pairs, with one creating a distraction while the other attempts to snatch belongings.

Stay attentive and keep your belongings secure.

ATM Skimming

Be cautious when using ATMs, as skimming devices can be placed on machines to steal your card information.

Opt for ATMs located in well-lit and secure areas, such as banks or established shopping centers and be sure to check the machine for strange looking attachments before you use it.

Fake Police Officers

Some scammers may impersonate police officers and ask to see your identification or belongings.

Always ask for proper identification and do not hand over your belongings unless you’re certain of their authenticity.

Counterfeit Currency

Be attentive when handling money. Counterfeit bills can sometimes be circulated, especially in busy areas.

Familiarize yourself with Mexican currency to avoid accepting fake bills.

Unsolicited Help

Some individuals may offer unsolicited help, such as assisting with directions or carrying your bags.

While some are genuinely helpful, others may expect a tip or even attempt to divert your attention for a scam.

Fake Artisans

When purchasing handicrafts, make sure you’re buying from legitimate artisans.

Some vendors may sell mass-produced items as authentic local crafts. Such charlatans are definitely in the minority in Guadalajara, but it does happen from time to time.

Rental Scams

If you’re renting a vehicle or accommodation, be cautious about paying upfront without proper documentation.

Use reputable rental agencies and verify the legitimacy of the property before making any payments.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Are There Mosquitoes In Guadalajara?

Yes, there are mosquitos in Guadalajara, particularly during the rainy season. The warm humid climate during the rainy part of the year provides great breeding grounds for these pests.

Are The Mosquitos Bad In Mexico?

The level of mosquito activity can vary depending on the time of year, location, and local conditions.

If you’re visiting Guadalajara, especially during the rainy season from June to September, you might encounter more mosquitos due to the increased humidity.

Coastal areas and regions with lush vegetation might also have higher mosquito populations.

How Do Mexicans Deal With Mosquitoes?

To protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses and general discomfort, consider the following precautions used by locals in Mexico.

Use Insect Repellent

Protect yourself from mosquito bites by applying insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or other recommended ingredients.

Apply it to exposed skin and clothing to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses and discomfort during your outdoor activities.

Wear Protective Clothing

Minimize mosquito bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes.

This protective clothing creates a barrier between your skin and mosquitos, reducing the risk of insect-borne illnesses and discomfort while exploring outdoor areas.

Stay in Screened Areas

Opt for accommodations with screened windows and doors to shield yourself from mosquitos.

Staying in screened areas helps prevent insect bites and offers a comfortable environment for rest and relaxation during your travels.

Use Bed Nets

Enhance your protection against mosquitos by using bed nets treated with insect repellent.

Bed nets provide an additional layer of defense, ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep and minimizing the risk of mosquito bites and related health concerns.

If your room doesn’t include them as standard, ask your hotel if they can provide them, particularly if you are visiting during the rainy season.

Avoid Perfumes and Strong Scents

Reduce your attractiveness to mosquitos by avoiding perfumes and strong scents. These scents can attract insects and increase the likelihood of mosquito bites.

Opt for unscented personal care products to lower the risk of being targeted by mosquitos during your outdoor activities.

Remove Standing Water

Prevent mosquito breeding by removing standing water from your surroundings. Empty containers like buckets, flower pots, and gutters to eliminate potential breeding sites.

This simple action helps reduce the mosquito population and lowers the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses in your vicinity.

Consult a Medical Professional

Before travel, consult a medical professional for advice on mosquito-borne diseases.

Your doctor can recommend appropriate vaccinations and preventive measures based on your destination and health profile.

Seeking medical guidance ensures a safer travel experience and minimizes the risk of contracting mosquito-transmitted illnesses.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Safe: FAQs

I’ve looked to answer the question “Is Guadalajara Safe?” and all of the most important questions that go together with it.

However, if you still have questions, check out the list of frequently asked questions below to see if I’ve answered them for you!

Is Guadalajara Safe To Travel With Kids?

Yes, Guadalajara is generally safe for family travel with kids.

There are lots of beautiful colonial-era buildings in the historic center including the 17th century Guadalajara Cathedral that great family activities that you and your kids can enjoy.

You can also take your children to great family-friendly attractions like a visit to Tlaquepaque or Lake Chapala within each reach of Guadalajara.

You should observe basic safety precautions such as keeping an eye on belongings and staying in reputable accommodations.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is It Safe To Walk At Night In Guadalajara City?

You’ll generally be safe walking at night in Guadalajara in a group in well-populated tourist areas.

The central historic district in particular is usually very busy and is patrolled by police, creating a secure environment.

However, even if you’re travelling in a group, you should still exercise caution, avoid poorly lit or deserted streets, and stay within familiar neighborhoods.

And if you’re a sole female traveler, I’d recommend against walking around at night if you don’t need to, so as not to take unnecessary risks.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is It Safe To Eat Street Food In Guadalajara?

Indulging in street food in Guadalajara is generally safe and a delightful way to experience local flavors. Most vendors have good hygiene standards, and popular stalls frequented by both locals and tourists offer a lower risk.

It’s wise to choose well-cooked items, observe cleanliness, and opt for foods prepared fresh in front of you.

Trust your instincts and choose busy stalls and you shouldn’t have a problem sampling Guadalajara’s delicious street cuisine.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Can I Drink The Tap Water In Guadalajara?

No, you can’t drink the tap water in Guadalajara.

It’s best to drink bottled or boiled water, and use bottled water even for brushing teeth. All good hotels and other accommodations will provide bottled water for you whilst you’re their guest.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

How Do I Avoid Getting Sick In Guadalajara?

To avoid getting sick in Guadalajara, there are a few simple steps that you can take.

Only drink bottled or boiled water and avoid raw or undercooked food when eating in restaurants or buying from street vendors.

Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Use hand sanitizer when water isn’t available.

Protect against insects with repellent and appropriate clothing. Be cautious with sun exposure and stay hydrated.

You should also ensure that you have purchased travel insurance before your trip to cover any unforseen medical expenses.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Are There Snakes In Guadalajara Mexico?

Yes, there are snakes in Guadalajara, although you’re only likely to see them if you travel outside the city.

The Guadalajara region and Jalisco generally has diverse ecosystems, including forests and grasslands, provide suitable habitats for various snake species.

While encounters with snakes are relatively rare, it’s wise to be cautious when exploring natural areas.

Wearing appropriate footwear and clothing, staying on designated paths, and avoiding tall grass or underbrush can help minimize the risk of snake encounters.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is Malaria Common In Guadalajara?

Malaria is not common in Guadalajara. However, some remote rural regions with favorable mosquito breeding conditions could pose a slightly higher risk.

Travelers to Guadalajara should consult a healthcare provider or travel clinic before their trip to determine if antimalarial medication is recommended based on their specific travel itinerary and health profile.

Taking preventive measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying in air-conditioned or screened accommodations can further reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses like malaria.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Prone To Earthquakes?

Yes, Guadalajara is prone to earthquakes.

Guadalajara is located in Jalisco, which is close to the intersection of three tectonic plates: the North American plate, the Cocos Plate, and the Pacific Plate. As a result, tremors and minor earthquakes are quite common.

Despite the frequency of earthquakes, Mexico has stringent building codes and disaster preparedness measures in place to minimize their impact.

Staying informed about local safety procedures and being prepared can help ensure your safety while visiting Guadalajara.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Is Guadalajara Safe: Dos and Don’ts

Staying safe in Guadalajara is not difficult. You just need to take a few common-sense precautions.

I’ve set out a list of Dos and Don’ts below to help you.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Do:

Be Situationally Aware

The number one thing that you should do wherever you travel is ensure that you are always situationally aware.

That just means always knowing what is going on around you. Observe the place, the people, the atmosphere, and let your gut tell you if there is a problem.

This might seem counterintuitive, because you go on holiday to switch off. However, if you make a habit of being situationally aware, you won’t even need to think about doing it, and by doing it you will keep yourself safe.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Use Highly-Rated Secure Accommodation

Make sure that the hotel, AirBnB or hostel that you choose is reputable and secure. The best way to check this is to read the reviews of the accommodation on the website where you booked it.

Steer clear of anything with awful reviews unless there is a very good explanation for the bad review or steps have been taken to rectify the relevant issue.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Keep Your ID Safe

If possible, you should secure your ID in the hotel safe and keep copies with you when you’re out seeing the sights.

If that isn’t possible, then you should carry your ID with you in a secure pouch, checking frequently to ensure that it is still with you and only taking it out when necessary.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Only Use Reputable Transportation

Be sure to use only licensed taxis, official ride-sharing services (currently Uber or the DiDi ride-sharing app), and trusted tour operators for safe travel.

During the day, you can also use the colectivo, but be aware that the chances of encountering a pick-pocket are higher in these modes of transport.

Don’t accept rides with people you don’t know or don’t trust.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

This one probably goes without saying, but you should avoid flashing your valuables around.

Crime usually arises as a result of relative poverty. That means that if you appear to be more wealthy, you make yourself a target for pick-pockets and thieves.

So keep you cash in your secure money pouch and leave your valuables either at home or in the hotel safe.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Don’t:

Drink The Tap Water

Avoid drinking tap water and use bottled or boiled water instead.

You should also be careful when buying foods cooked in water, such as rice or pasta.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Walk Alone at Night

Even though Guadalajara is usually safe enough to walk at night, don’t press your luck if you need to do so. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit or deserted areas at night, and don’t walk home alone if you’ve been drinking.

And if you’re a sole female traveler, I would recommend that you avoid walking alone at night unless you absolutely need to do so. You should also make sure that you walk without headphones or earbuds so that you’re aware of what’s going on around you at all times.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Leave Belongings Unattended

This one should hopefully be obvious, but you should always keep an eye on your belongings.

In particular, if you are in a public area, you should always keep your belongs on your person to prevent theft.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Ignore Local Advice

Follow local safety advice and guidelines for a secure experience.

Check the local news and local government websites regularly, particularly before travelling to a new area.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Participate in Unauthorized Activities

Avoid participating in protests or demonstrations that could escalate. If you do find yourself at a protest or demonstration, make sure you leave if the situation shows any signs of spiralling out of control or becoming violent.

Don’t forget that you are a guest in Mexico and your right to remain can always be revoked at any time.

Is Guadalajara Safe?

Final Thoughts

So, is Guadalajara safe? All in all, Guadalajara is absolutely safe enough for you to visit.

As with any place, you need to behave sensibly and exercise reasonable caution. Obey the law, treat people respectfully, always be situationally aware, and don’t put yourself in dangerous situations.

If you do all of those things, you will significantly reduce the chances of anything untoward happening to you or your family whilst you are in Guadalajara.

Buen Viaje!