Is Queretaro City Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Queretaro City, Mexico
Safety Index:
63
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
87
* Rated 87 / 100 based on 3 user reviews.

Queretaro is a city in central Mexico and the capital of the state of Queretaro.

The city’s full name is “Santiago de Queretaro” but nobody uses its full name.

For many, it’s an unbelievably safe city (safer than most US cities), has a great private education system, fantastic and affordable healthcare, some of the best restaurants in the world, the ideal weather, and one of the strongest economies in Mexico.

You also have a number of fantastic destinations within a few hours of driving.

San Miguel de Allende is an easy 45-minute drive and is a great place to wander, explore, and spend a day.

Bernal is another easy day trip.

Warnings & Dangers in Queretaro City

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Queretaro City is a very safe city: in fact, there isn't too much to worry about in this city compared to many other cities in Mexico. Just in case, you should apply all possible precaution measures, to minimize the chances of anything going wrong.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Even though public transport is an issue in Mexico, in general, Queretaro doesn't seem to have that problem. Still, be very careful as this is one of the primary places where pickpockets operate.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing and bag snatching is a somewhat common issue in Queretaro, especially in public and crowded places like bus and train stations and airports. Keep your belongings by your side at all times and try to leave all your valuables in a security deposit box of your hotel.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Queretaro isn't prone to suffer from natural disasters except for occasional earthquakes happening in the near vicinity of the city.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: LOW

Muggings and kidnappings are not typical for this area since this is a very peaceful city when it comes to violent crimes. Still, avoid poorly lit and abandoned areas.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Queretaro's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: LOW

You should be very vigilant, decline all drinks sent by strangers, double-check all information and negotiate everything in advance. Be wary of people trying to distract you as it may be a scheme to try and steal from you.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Many women have traveled safely to Queretaro, without having any problems, and it's the norm here. Still, avoid parts of cities that are filled with bars and clubs, and visiting them alone, since there is a higher chance of running into intoxicated people.

So... How Safe Is Queretaro City Really?

Queretaro City is, overall, a safe place to be in and to visit: in fact, its residents claim that the quality of living in Queretaro is exceptionally high.

Queretaro certainly has a lower crime rate than most medium-large American cities.

Queretaro is considered one of the safest cities in Mexico.

Due to this, and to its buoyant industrial economy, it leads the country in internal migration statistics (people who migrate from other parts of Mexico).

Many of them are fleeing from the violence that is observed in other parts of the country.

While crime does happen, as it does everywhere in the world, your odds of being safe are very good if you stay in the tourist areas, keep a low profile and avoid lonely places – basically, just use good old common sense!

For the most part, crime in the city is isolated and limited to certain hot spots.

It would be best to avoid the areas around the boroughs of San José el Alto, Santa Rosa Járegui, Casa Blanca and Menchaca (where you probably have nothing to do anyway).

Downtown is beautiful and completely safe, the rural areas are great for a visit as well as the ancient ruins and the malls are safe, too.

How Does Queretaro City Compare?

CitySafety Index
Queretaro City63
Mexico City45
Playa del Carmen69
Cabo San Lucas68
Acapulco63
Cancun71
Guadalajara62
Manama (Bahrain)54
Tianjin (China)67
Brussels (Belgium)60
Shanghai (China)66
Belize City (Belize)37
La Paz (Bolivia)52

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

Legally entering Queretaro (and Mexico, in general) is fairly easy: all nationals receive a traveler's permit upon entering Mexico, and it costs 15 USD, while there are still some countries do need to acquire a visa. If you are not sure about your visa status, contact your local Mexican embassy for further details.

Currency

Currency

The Mexican peso is the official currency in Queretaro. ATMs are widespread throughout the country, and while credit cards are accepted in most top-end hotels, restaurants and stores, Mexico is considered largely a cash economy.

Weather

Weather

In Santiago de Queretaro, the wet season is overcast, the dry season is partly cloudy, and it is warm year-round. There is not much rainfall in the city throughout the year.

Airports

Airports

Querétaro Intercontinental Airport is an international airport located in the municipalities of Colón and El Marqués, in the city of Querétaro. It's one of the fastest-growing airports in the country.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Queretaro, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Queretaro City Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 14° C
Feb 16° C
Mar 18° C
Apr 21° C
May 22° C
Jun 22° C
Jul 20° C
Aug 20° C
Sep 20° C
Oct 18° C
Nov 16° C
Dec 15° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
222427293029272726252423
Low
°C
6791213141313131187
High
°F
727581848684818179777573
Low
°F
434548545557555555524645

Mexico - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Acapulco63
Aguascalientes80
Cabo San Lucas68
Cancun71
Chichen Itza70
Chihuahua40
Cozumel85
Cuernavaca65
Culiacan55
Durango75
Ensenada90
Guadalajara62
Guanajuato53
Hermosillo90
Huatulco85
Isla Holbox85
Isla Mujeres80
Ixtapa68
Juarez32
Leon68
Los Cabos80
Manzanillo68
Matamoros40
Merida78
Mexicali42
Mexico City45
Monterrey55
Morelia46
Nogales50
Nuevo Laredo40
Oaxaca74
Piedras Negras67
Playa del Carmen69
Puebla80
Puerto Morelos85
Puerto Vallarta70
Queretaro City63
Reynosa35
Saltillo70
San Luis Potosi80
San Miguel de Allende75
Sayulita90
Tijuana41
Tulum80
Valladolid90
Veracruz70
Zacatecas70
Zapopan70
Zihuatanejo70

Where to Next?

3 Reviews on Queretaro City

  1. A
    Anonymous says:

    We were there 2 years back, it is a very safe and expensive city. Rich folks live here and you will see expensive homes and cars. There is an airline related economy here, mostly businesses that supply to airlines hence the money flowing in. Very nice, safe as far as we experienced.

  2. J
    Jason V. says:

    Very safe city, especially downtown. Been coming here for 20 years and feel safer than many US cities.

  3. R
    Richard Doerr says:

    A Delightful City

    My wife and I were in Querétaro about five years ago for about four or five days. I have done a lot of traveling and have never seen a cleaner city. No litter anywhere! Impeccably maintained! Gracious people, beautiful architecture, lovely parks and excellent restaurants. Overall appears to be a very well managed, prosperous and livable city. Readily visible affluence. Easy, short trip from there to nearby San Miguel de Allende. We were genuinely impressed with the city of Querétaro and will definitely go back in the future.

Queretaro City Rated 4.33 / 5 based on 3 user reviews.

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