Is San Cristobal de las Casas Safe for Travelers? A Comprehensive Guide to Safety in Chiapas

(Last update: AUG/23/2024)

Yes! San Cristobal de las Casas is generally very safe for tourists. Like many places that rely on tourism, local authorities work hard to keep popular areas secure and welcoming for visitors. In fact, many travelers have shared with us that they feel even safer here than in their own countries. However, as with any destination, it's important to use common sense to ensure your safety. This means avoiding isolated areas at night, being mindful of your belongings in crowded places, and not displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics. Stick to well-traveled routes when exploring on your own, but if you're planning to venture off the beaten path, make sure you're accompanied by the right guide or trustworthy companions. By taking these simple precautions, you can enjoy everything San Cristobal has to offer with peace of mind.

It's understandable that some travelers may feel concerned after reading news about insecurity or cartel activity in Chiapas. While it's true that certain areas of the state, particularly near the border regions like La Mesilla, Frontera Comalapa, and Amatenango de la Frontera, have experienced some issues, these places are far from the main tourist spots like San Cristobal. These incidents tend to happen in specific border areas, and they don't affect the day-to-day life or safety in popular destinations like San Cristobal de las Casas. By staying within the well-traveled areas and following local advice, you can continue to explore the beautiful city and surrounding attractions without worry.

So, is there anything I should worry about while visiting San Cristobal?

Crime in San Cristobal de las Casas is generally low, with the most common issues being petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft. In recent years, a local group known as "Los Motonetos" has been involved in some of these incidents. They tend to operate primarily in the northern areas of the city, so it’s wise for tourists to avoid that part of town, especially at night. Most tourist-friendly areas, such as the Historic Center, El Cerrillo, Guadalupe, or the southern neighborhoods, remain safe and bustling with activity. As long as you stay alert and avoid risky areas, your experience in San Cristobal should be trouble-free.

What about drug cartel activity?

First, let's look at some key facts. According to the World Population Review, the United States is the largest consumer of drugs per capita. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that most of the drugs entering the U.S. arrive by land, primarily through Mexico, with a smaller portion coming via Canada. Naturally, such a massive market attracts powerful cartels. Just like in any competitive industry, suppliers will fight to control the market. This is clear enough, right? As a result, Mexican cartels face internal conflicts, and they don’t settle their disputes with words. Consequently, cartel violence often erupts between rival members. If you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, this violence could potentially affect you.

Sure, the thought of getting caught in the crossfire between rival cartels might cross your mind, but honestly, what are the chances? While any travel experience comes with risks—be it a plane delay, a sunburn, or misplacing your passport—San Cristobal is not a place where you have to worry about violence or hostility. Nobody’s going to harm you, yell at you, or make you feel unsafe here. Instead, you’re more likely to leave with unforgettable memories and stories to tell.

In areas where cartel activity is prevalent, territorial disputes can flare up unexpectedly, making it more probable that an innocent bystander could be unintentionally swept up in the violence. However, it’s important to remember that most cartel-related violence is targeted, and avoiding high-risk areas significantly reduces the likelihood of such incidents. Nonetheless, the unpredictable nature of these conflicts adds an underlying sense of risk that isn't typically found in more stable countries.

By now, you can probably conclude that if you aren’t involved with a cartel or planning to enter disputed territory, your chances of becoming a cartel target are quite low. A more relevant question might be: Are two cartels currently fighting over San Cristobal? The answer is: No! Two cartels are contesting control of the Chiapas-Guatemala border region instead. The closest border point to San Cristobal is Ciudad Cuauhtémoc, which is about a 3.5-hour drive away.

But some governments might still advise against visiting Chiapas, claiming that cartels control much of Mexico. So, here’s something to consider when making your decision: Are drugs sold in your city, wherever you live? If so, who’s behind that trade? Whether you call them cartels or something else, chances are the individuals involved are connected to similar organized crime networks. Mexican cartels operate in much the same way as those in other countries. Unless the cartels in your city have some unique moral code where they avoid violence, weapons, or unethical behavior, you probably have an idea of how these situations can unfold. Remember, Mexico isn’t a war zone where danger lurks around every corner—just as your city isn’t, even if criminal elements exist.

Visitor Perspectives on Safety in San Cristobal

There are some topics that concern visitors in San Cristobal. Many of them express concerns about road blockades, fearing they might miss their flight or arrive late to their favorite archaeological sites. They also worry about the risk of having their camera confiscated if they take a photo of the wrong person or situation. Food and water safety are additional concerns, with some worried about getting sick from food poisoning or contaminated water.

Beyond these, travelers might be anxious about the possibility of encountering corrupt officials or being subject to random inspections at police checkpoints. In some areas, people may worry about navigating unfamiliar streets at night or accidentally venturing into higher-risk neighborhoods. However (I must say), in San Cristobal, exploring the local neighborhoods or barrios could be one of the most enriching experiences. If you're only focused on typical tourist attractions, you might miss out on the deeper, more authentic side of the city.

Additionally, tourists often worry about encountering scams, such as being overcharged or misled by tour operators. These issues can detract from the overall experience and cause frustration for travelers who are trying to enjoy their visit.

For more insights, feel free to browse through the reviews from solo travelers, couples, friends, and families on our Tripadvisor page. Some of these travelers share their experiences with blockades, safety, and common issues while visiting Mexico. You can also check out our article on road blockades along Highway 199 from San Cristobal to Palenque.

About us:

Our team specializes in organizing solo, couples, friends, and family trips in San Cristobal, Chiapas, and various parts of southern Mexico. However, we believe our work goes beyond just providing a service. We want to help our visitors to feel a little bit of the mexican spirit, too (that's the reason why we're working to build this news blog!). That said, if you need a ride, a tour, trip advice, or someone to talk to while you're here, feel free to contact us. Check out some reviews on our TripAdvisor webpage for more information!