Is Oaxaca Safe to Visit? (2022) What You Need To Know About Safety in Oaxaca — Adventure In You

Oaxaca is a phenomenal state in Mexico, identified for its wealthy tradition, thrilling nightlife, and vibrant meals scene. 

But you is likely to be asking your self “Is Oaxaca safe?”

If you need to discover the lesser-known facet of Mexico, Oaxaca is a wonderful place to begin. 

With a powerful indigenous tradition rooted in traditions, Oaxaca is a magical place with pure magnificence and native crafts.

From Oaxaca metropolis, the gastronomy capital of Mexico, to Puerto Escondido and the Oaxaca coast, we now have you coated.

In this detailed information, we offer ideas, info, and particular suggestions you’ll must make your subsequent journey to Oaxaca protected.

Is Oaxaca Safe? The Quick Answer

Oaxaca is without doubt one of the most secure states in Mexico with a deeply rooted tradition and welcoming individuals. 

While some components of Mexico expertise drug associated violence, this isn’t the case in Oaxaca.

First, It is just not a state with an abundance of huge resorts like in Cancun or Los Cabos. Most of the seaside cities are very laid again with fishing villages and surfer spots.

Crime charges are comparatively low throughout the state and many of the crimes reported are about native property vandalism and theft. 

While in touristy areas, it is very important pay attention to pickpocketing and petty crimes, although most points may be prevented.

While uncommon, security hazards are almost certainly to return from pure parts like earthquakes or the potential for catching dengue fever.

Overall, Oaxaca is protected and customarily safer than many of the different vacationer states in Mexico. While that’s the case, there are some necessary issues to find out about security in Oaxaca. 

Things to Do in Oaxaca Highlights

If you’re seeking to journey Oaxaca safely, listed here are a number of native experiences and excursions that we advocate!

Safety in Oaxaca Mexico What You Should Know

Oaxaca is situated within the southwestern a part of Mexico bordering the Pacific Ocean to the south.  Being the fifth largest state in Mexico, Oaxaca is an enormous state with many various areas and points of interest value visiting.

While Oaxaca is without doubt one of the poorest states in Mexico, it has among the richest tradition, historical past, and traditions.

There is one thing for everybody.  From the mountain ranges of Sierra Madre de Oaxaca to the sandy Pacific seashores. 

Tourism is the primary business in Oaxaca. Travel + Leisure journal ranked Oaxaca because the #1 metropolis in its world’s greatest metropolis award for vacationers in 2020.

Oaxaca City has seen a growth in tourism in the previous few years in addition to the Oaxaca Coast. Encouraged by this latest progress, the tourism business does all the things to maintain the realm protected.

With that stated, petty crime is without doubt one of the important issues of safety to pay attention to whereas in Oaxaca. Keep your belongings in shut proximity and keep away from being a goal with flashy possessions. 

In the Historic Center of Oaxaca, notably within the Zocalo space, you may even see protests on occasion.

Although the big banners and tents are spectacular, the protesters are comparatively peaceable. The space can also be stored protected with the native police who’re all the time retaining a watchful eye. 

One factor to remember is that Oaxaca and the encircling area are liable to earthquakes. In Oaxaca City, you will notice protected areas marked on the flooring to satisfy up in case of an earthquake.

In doubt, ask locals to let you know what to anticipate in case of an earthquake. They can be most completely satisfied that will help you.

Is Oaxaca Safe Right Now?

With the latest pandemic, Oaxaca has seen a big lower in guests and tourism. 

However, the authorities have finished all the things to welcome guests safely.

We have been impressed by the extent of prevention messages and communication supplied by the state well being authorities.

Everywhere, measures of sanity and social distancing are enforced. Locals are doing all the things potential to maintain Oaxaca protected.

Before coming into, markets temperatures are checked and each individual is requested to scrub and sanitize their arms.

Markets are common locations to go to in Oaxaca. Check with the native tourism authorities to search out out which markets are open as some are closed to guests.

Restaurants in Oaxaca have applied further sanitation and social distancing measures.

Temperature checks, social distancing, hand washing, and face overlaying are enforced.

In common, locals are very conscious of the present circumstances and everybody performs a job to maintain Oaxaca protected.

Follow the realm necessities in relation to carrying masks with respect for the native inhabitants.

Oaxaca could be very welcoming and locals can’t wait to have you ever go to their state safely. The excellent news is that no quarantine is required to enter Mexico at the moment.

However, you’ll need to preserve abreast of the ever evolving state of affairs by checking the journey advisory discover for US vacationers.

For extra in-depth info on touring to Mexico, go to our Mexico Travel Tips web page!

Travel Insurance whereas in Oaxaca

For some peace of thoughts in your Oaxacan adventures, buy journey insurance coverage beforehand. Accidents occur, regardless of how cautious you might be, so it’s a good suggestion to be coated in case of a mishap. We advocate World Nomads or SafetyWing, relying on the kind of traveler you might be.

At the second, we’re preferring Safety Wing as they’ve higher Covid-19 protection.

Is Oaxaca Safe For Female Travelers?

Oaxaca is a welcoming state for feminine vacationers. The coast affords areas to chill out and unwind in both Puerto Escondido, Mazunte, or Huatulco.

While Oaxaca City, an enthralling colonial city, has the proper low-key vibe for having fun with a laid again trip.

More and extra actions are actually tailor-made for ladies together with wellness, meditation, and yoga retreats. 

That stated, there are some things to remember about security as you journey on this massive state. 

We structure right here some key security ideas for any feminine vacationers in Oaxaca.

Keep The Bling Home And Dress Appropriately

While petty crime is comparatively low in Oaxaca, you need to keep away from bringing an excessive amount of consideration to your self. 

Don’t put on any fancy watches or jewellery, simply preserve it easy.

Oaxaca being a conventional state, think about mixing with locals and dressing modestly.

Stick To Lively and Well-Lit Areas

When exploring town of Oaxaca, it’s best to remain close to the areas which can be essentially the most full of life. 

The areas within the Centro, by Templo Santo Domingo, the primary church, and close to the primary markets are bustling locations.

Convenient and straightforward to navigate, you possibly can stroll safely just about wherever in the primary heart of city. 

That stated, ensure you be careful on your belongings and take the minimal with you.

Watch Out on Mezcal

Oaxaca is the birthplace of Mezcal, Tequila’s cousin. You will discover many bars specializing in mezcal or mezcalerias all through town.

While it may be enjoyable to pattern mezcal and mezcal cocktails, be careful for a way a lot you drink. 

With this robust alcohol, it’s simple to get tipsy.  Make positive you recognize your limits to keep away from exposing your self to critical dangers.

Take Taxis at Night

It is really useful to take taxis at evening. Especially if you must stroll by areas which can be poorly lit. 

You can simply hail a taxi down on the streets. Or, the restaurant or bar you might be about to depart can simply name one for you.

My recommendation is to all the time ask for the pricing previous to getting within the taxi to keep away from any surprises. Taxis are comparatively low cost in Oaxaca and protected to journey whereas on the town.

Is Oaxaca Safe for Solo Travelers?

In the compact metropolis of Oaxaca, it’s simple to satisfy up with different vacationers or strike up conversations with locals.

The low-key and small city vibe makes it the best place for solo vacationers.

Here are some high security ideas for solo vacationers in Oaxaca:

Choose Accommodations Wisely

Whether you might be within the metropolis of Oaxaca or by the seashores on the coast, select centrally situated lodging.

Remote areas may appear enticing although are much less fascinating in case you are by your self. Choose the safety of being surrounded by different vacationers and locals.

Looking for a protected place to remain in your journey? Check out our checklist of really useful locations to remain in Oaxaca!

Celebrate Festivities Vigilantly

Oaxaca City is a festive city with colourful celebrations. There is all the time an excuse to get together on this colonial city.

In explicit, weddings are celebrated all through town for days at a time. You’ll greater than probably come throughout calendas with the parade of big puppets. 

These massive animated conventional processions transfer from the church by town accompanied by music and providing alcoholic drinks to everybody.

It is straightforward to get misplaced within the dancing crowd and lose sight of the place you might be. Keep observe of your location and the way far you progress within the metropolis. 

While this can be a enjoyable approach to meet individuals, be careful for prime alcohol ranges within the drinks. 

You don’t need to be weak, with out your belongings in an unknown a part of city.

Keep Locals Informed 

Let your Airbnb host or hostel know the place you’re going and what you might be planning on doing for the day.

Locals can give you some steering on what’s greatest to do in addition to provide some security ideas.

It can also be a good suggestion to have a contact individual in case one thing occurs and also you want some assist. They can all the time contact the native authorities in your behalf if wanted. 

Take Care Of Your Belongings

Oaxaca is comparatively cheap so that you gained’t want loads of money for the day. Leave your additional money securely in your lodge, hostel, or Airbnb room.

Keep what you are taking with you for the day to a minimal. And take particular care of your pockets, digicam, and cellphone, and have them near you always. 

Make positive that your paperwork are safe at your lodging as you gained’t must have them on you whereas sightseeing.

Is Oaxaca Safe for Families?

Oaxaca has many historic websites and craft villages which can be kid-friendly and can preserve the household entertained.

You can benefit from the seaside as a household or go to among the important archaeological websites within the state.

With Oaxaca City being a celebrated gastronomy vacation spot, make sure that to take pleasure in conventional Oaxaca meals. Children will particularly love the distinctive native ice-cream flavors.

To preserve your loved ones and youngsters protected in Oaxaca, here’s what you must know.

Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations

There are a number of kinds of lodging for each funds in Oaxaca. Look for resorts, hostels, or Airbnb that present additional companies for households to take advantage of their keep. 

Services like references for babysitters or English-speaking docs in case of emergency may be actually helpful.

While not all resorts or visitor homes have swimming pools, some can prepare for his or her visitors to make use of close by lodge swimming pools.

These particulars could make a distinction for an satisfying keep as a household in Oaxaca.

Take Reputable Tours

With tourism being the primary exercise in Oaxaca, you will see many individuals providing their companies to information you.

You is likely to be approached by locals notably within the Zocalo space for excursions to the encircling historic websites. 

Don’t get lured by the comparatively low cost worth and promising visits. Most of the excursions are crowded and can ship you to vacationer entice areas.

Check with the native vacationer workplace, do your analysis, and solely ebook excursions with respected corporations. If you’re on the lookout for concepts, check out our issues to do in Oaxaca!

Pack Sun And Mosquito Protection

Oaxaca enjoys a gentle local weather all 12 months spherical with a number of sunshine. While heat, the climate stays comparatively nice and it’s simple to overlook how a lot solar you will get.

Don’t overlook to make use of sunscreen when acceptable and shield your children from sunburns whether or not on the seaside or on the town.

Oaxaca additionally sees mosquitoes throughout the humid season usually from May to August. During the wet months, dengue is kind of frequent.

The native authorities does its diligence to mitigate this subject by having scheduled spraying. However, make sure that to guard your self and your kids from mosquito bites.

Is Oaxaca Water Safe To Drink

Keep in thoughts that Oaxaca faucet water is just not protected to drink. If you might be staying at an Airbnb, ask your host to ship filtered water or moveable water to your lodging. 

Most locations are outfitted to obtain massive 20 gallons of water bottles for a number of pesos per week. Some lodging might need a water filter that you simply simply should replenish as wanted.

If you might be staying at a hostel or lodge, they may usually present filtered water or bottled water. 

There are many handy shops throughout the state the place you’ll find bottled water and even tasty native mineral waters.

If you purchase fruits or greens at native markets, make sure that to scrub them with filtered water earlier than consuming.

You could have no subject at eating places or bars. These institutions serve filtered water and protected to drink ice-cubes. 

The agua fresca or fruit flavored water generally served at eating places is protected to drink. However, if you need water, merely order bottled or mineral water on your desk. 

Top Tips for Staying Safe in Oaxaca

In common, there are some things to remember to remain protected in Oaxaca. No matter what kind of traveler you might be right here is our high ideas for staying protected in Oaxaca.

Avoid Isolated Areas

Oaxaca affords some rugged, mountainous, and remoted terrain. Although the pure magnificence is alluring, keep away from going there with out a reliable information or individuals who know the realm.

Keep Valuables Off Sight

Petty crime and theft are almost certainly to be the primary points you’ll encounter in Oaxaca. Make positive to not flash cash round and preserve your pockets in a protected pocket. 

Avoid carrying fancy baggage and select easy and informal designs that mix in. If you might be by the coast, don’t go away your valuables unattended on the seaside. Take the minimal on you and go away all the things else in your room.

Learn Basic Language

Learning some Spanish language earlier than you go to Oaxaca goes a good distance. This will make it simpler to barter your taxi rides or order at native meals joints. Ultimately, it lets you make higher connections with locals and expertise Oaxaca in a extra significant approach. Making an effort in studying the language additionally equates to raised meals suggestions from locals so it’s a win-win!

Stay In Control

Avoid consuming an excessive amount of whereas in Oaxaca. While you don’t need to miss on Mezcal and different native drinks, don’t bask in binge consuming which may put you in danger.

Do Your Research

Before going to anyplace, do your analysis. Study a map earlier than leaving that will help you  orient your self. Inquire about native transportation or guided excursions at your lodging or the vacationer workplace, they are going to be completely satisfied that will help you. 

Stay Connected

Using an area SIM card is absolutely helpful whereas in Oaxaca. It lets you keep linked whereas roaming round. You can visualize the native maps and discover evaluations about venues you need to go to. Keep the contact info  of the place you might be staying in case it’s good to attain out. Local SIM playing cards are very cheap and include preloaded knowledge packages.  

Choose ATM In Public Zones

When it’s good to withdraw cash, make sure that to search out an ATM in trusted areas. Use machines in locations the place persons are withdrawing cash or the place there are safety guards. 

Don’t Share Where You’re Staying

In Oaxaca, it’s simple to attach with foreigners and locals alike. The informal and pleasant environment makes it simple. That stated, this could not stop you to remain cautious and never sharing the precise location of your lodging. Wherever you might be staying must be your protected place.

Travel Must: At the danger of sounding like your dad and mom, ensure you get journey insurance coverage earlier than hitting the highway. Trust us, it’s a type of stuff you don’t need to go away house with out. We advocate both World Nomads or Safety Wing, relying on the kind of traveler you might be.

Use Common Sense

While you might be in Oaxaca to have enjoyable and spend your time enjoyable, don’t go away behind your frequent sense. Stay conscious and conscious of your environment. When unsure, ask locals or reliable authorities. And on the identical time, don’t be obsessive about security dangers.

Hopefully, this text will assist you might have a protected and satisfying journey round Oaxaca!

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