Mexico : Safety by City
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Zacatecas is a city in central Mexico.
It’s known for being a 16th-century silver mining hub.
An underground train leads to the Mina El Edén, a former mine with rock formations and antique mining machinery.
The mine’s prosperity is reflected in the city’s ornate churches and colonial buildings, like the Catedral de Zacatecas and the Palacio de Gobierno Estatal, built with pink stone and ornamental wrought iron.
It is Home to several unique museums, including the Museo Rafael Coronel (indigenous art) and the Manuel Felguérez Museum (abstract art), and is known for local handicrafts like stone carving, leatherwork, and silver jewelry, plus regional dishes such as asado de boda (a type of mole) and birria de chivo (goat stew).
But is Zacatecas safe to travel to?
Let’s find out.
Warnings & Dangers in Zacatecas
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
The U.S. Department of State currently has a Level 4 warning for this area. That means "Do Not Travel". This is mainly in place due to terrorism, organized crime, and kidnapping. It is suggested to avoid the city completely, but if you must enter, be aware of the risks and stick to the permitted areas. These are city center and the airport, via Highway 45.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
If you must use these, it is best to use ride shares for the safety of numbers. Don't travel at night and use only official taxi stands. Make sure you verify the driver and vehicle. It is also best to purchase set-price tickets at kiosks near the taxi stand.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
The pickpocket risk is medium and is found mainly in the densely populated areas where people abound, and on public transportation. This is a country where it is best to wear a money belt and avoid getting too close to people, but the higher risks are more violent.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
There are only a couple of types of disasters to watch for, but these are high-risk, primarily drought, which threatens food/water security, and potential impacts from heavy rainfall/flooding and wildfires, with climate change expected to worsen these hazards. While earthquake risk is generally low, the state experiences geological issues like land fracturing, and severe weather events like cyclones can bring damaging winds and heavy rain.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Violence is concentrated in Zacatecas City, Fresnillo, Valparaiso, Jerez, and Guadalupe. With the prevalence of cartel activity, as well as the many street gangs, this is something that needs to be guarded against at all times when in public.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Low external risk, but high internal risk. Again, the cartels and gangs make the possibility of domestic terrorism a real thing. The state has seen some of Mexico's highest homicide rates, making its security situation dire due to ongoing conflict between cartels, impacting both cities and rural areas.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
Travelers face fraud, petty theft, and violent crime, requiring high vigilance, especially when using ATMs or paying by card. Common tourist traps like bill switching, credit card skimming, and impersonation scams (fake police) abound. These normally occur in the known tourist areas.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Women face a higher risk than men when visiting here. The risk of extortion and violence at higher rates is often targeted for kidnapping and introduction into human trafficking. It is best if women stick with tour travels rather than traveling alone.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Tap water in Zacatecas carries significant health risks, primarily due to naturally occurring heavy metals (arsenic, lead) and potential microbiological contamination, with studies showing high levels exceeding WHO/EPA standards, making it unsafe for drinking; visitors and residents should rely on sealed bottled water or purified water. Old city pipes can lead to contamination, causing waterborne illnesses. Some areas also exceed safe fluoride levels, risking dental fluorosis.
Safest Places to Visit in Zacatecas
The UNESCO World Heritage historic center is generally well-patrolled, especially around major sites, and offers a beautiful colonial experience.
- Zacatecas Cathedral & Plaza de Armas:
Beautiful architecture and central gathering spots, usually busy with people.
- Bufa Hill (Cerro de la Bufa):
Offers stunning city views, a chapel, and historical monuments; accessible via cable car for convenience.
An old silver mine offering tours, providing a unique underground experience.
- Museums:
Museo Rafael Coronel, Museo de Arte Abstracto Manuel Felguerez, and Museo de Guadalupe are cultural highlights.
Places to Avoid in Zacatecas
- Southeastern Zacatecas State:
The U.S. State Department advises against travel to large parts of Zacatecas state, specifically mentioning areas southeast of the city, near Highway 15, and around the Ignacio de La Torre Avenue corridor.
- Rural Areas:
Avoid rural areas within the state, as organized crime and conflict are prevalent.
Do not travel ANYWHERE after dark and avoid isolated areas at all times.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Zacatecas
- Avoid non-essential travel — For now, it is best not to travel to this area unless you absolutely have to. If that is the case, stay in your hotel, which ideally should be near any place you plan to visit.
- Stay in permitted areas— The center city and one Highway to the airport are the only areas that are currently allowed as safe to frequent. Avoid roaming throughout the city to explore.
- Be extra vigilant — Stay on guard and trust your instincts. Don’t spend time reading or on your phone, and keep watch over anything that may appear to be “off” or out of place.
- Secure valuables — Don’t carry an expensive phone or camera, and keep all flashy jewelry in your hotel room or the hotel safe. Don’t take out wads of money or leave anything lying on a bench or table, even if it is right beside you.
- Avoid risky behavior —This is not the place to go out drinking, day or night. It is not a place to trust strangers or wander around the city, looking to find unexplored places. Stay diligent in safety protocol.
- Limit movement — Again, stay in the area you are residing in. Use a cab or Uber and don’t go outside the city.
- Wear a money belt — This is a must. A cross-body bag is a second option, but the money belt is easier to hide and secure. Keep the amount of cash and cards you carry small.
- Don’t be a hero — It can be tempting to try to fight if you are accosted, but hand over your money. Don’t try to fight. Take note of all details that you can and immediately report any crime.
- Keep emergency numbers programmed into your phone — Upon checking into your hotel, ask the clerk for the emergency numbers in the area you are staying and the areas you plan to visit. Program these into a quick dial.
- Limit nighttime activity — If you must wander out, rely on a ride-share like Uber. It is best, however, to stay inside your hotel during the night hours.
So... How Safe Is Zacatecas Really?
Currently, this is the best destination to avoid.
There is a very high risk of violence, and both the U.S. Department of State and the Canadian Government are in agreement about the risk involved.
Travel is restricted to certain areas, such as Highway 45 to the airport, and U.S. government personnel are allowed to travel there only by plane.
There have been recent instances of kidnapping and extortion of U.S. citizens, and there is a high level of organized crime involving both gangs and the cartel.
Of the list of the most active murder cities, excluding places at war, Zacatecas ranked 4th in the world for homicide in 2024.
For now, it is best to avoid this area and plan on visiting safer areas.
How Does Zacatecas Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Zacatecas |
60 |
| Guanajuato |
60 |
| Mexico City |
55 |
| Hermosillo |
75 |
| Puerto Vallarta |
72 |
| Tijuana |
38 |
| Monterrey |
58 |
 Kitty Hawk | 79 |
| Hemet | 65 |
| Hodgenville | 86 |
| Meriden | 76 |
| Sequim | 77 |
| Miami Gardens | 52 |
Useful Information
Visas
You don't need a visa for Zacatecas (Mexico), but you do need a valid passport and must complete the FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) (tourist card) for stays up to 180 days, obtainable online or upon arrival, and always carry it with your passport. You will need: Valid Passport: Must be valid for your entire stay; 6 months' validity is recommended. FMM (Tourist Card): Get this at the airport/border or online via the National Institute of Migration (INM). Proof of Travel: Immigration might ask for hotel reservations, return tickets, or proof of funds.
Currency
The official currency of Zacatecas City and all of Mexico is the Mexican Peso (MXN), designated by the "$" sign. While US dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist-heavy areas, using pesos is highly recommended for better value and universal acceptance. Banknotes come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos. It is helpful to carry smaller bills for daily transactions, as breaking a 500 or 1,000 peso note can be difficult for small vendors. Ways to convert your American money: ATMs (Best Rates): Using a debit card at a local bank ATM in Zacatecas is generally the best method for obtaining pesos at a competitive exchange rate. Major banks with reliable ATMs include Santander, BBVA, Banamex, and Banorte. o Tip: Always choose to be charged in pesos, not your home currency, to avoid poor conversion rates. Casas de Cambio (Exchange Houses): These are found throughout the city and often offer better, faster service than banks. They are generally more reliable for rates than airport kiosks. Local Banks: You can exchange cash at banks like Banorte or Santander during business hours. What to Avoid: Avoid exchanging money at the airport if possible, as they often have lower, less favorable rates.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in Zacatecas run between 60 degrees F for the highs and 43 degrees F for the lows. January and February are the coolest months, and April, May, and June are the warmest. June through September is the rainiest season, with an average of seven days of rain per month. When packing, think lightweight materials like cotton. You may want to stick with long pants and sleeves on shirts and dresses. A light jacket is a must for the cooler evenings. You won't need to pack any heavy clothing or winter gear. A swimsuit might be nice if the hotel offers a pool, and you may want a couple pair of shorts for extra warm days.
Airports
There is one airport that serves this area: Zacatecas International Airport, officially Aeropuerto Internacional General Leobardo C. Ruiz, is an international airport situated in Calera de Victor Rosales, Zacatecas, Mexico. It manages national and international air traffic in the metropolitan area of Zacatecas and the entire state of Zacatecas. Located in the city of Zacatecas, Mexico, it serves the popular tourist destination with domestic and international routes.
Travel Insurance
While not a legal requirement, you won't want to visit Zacatecas without at least some travel insurance. This insurance makes it possible to get medical treatment for such unexpected things as food poisoning. You can't count on your normal medical insurance to cover foreign medical care. The travel insurance also helps recover money from trip cancellations, travel delays, baggage loss, and theft or loss. This last is something that is a real threat at this destination.
Zacatecas Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
14 | 15 | 17 | 20 | 22 | 21 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 14 |
| Low °C |
6 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 |
| High °F |
57 | 59 | 63 | 68 | 72 | 70 | 66 | 66 | 64 | 63 | 61 | 57 |
| Low °F |
43 | 45 | 46 | 52 | 55 | 54 | 52 | 52 | 52 | 50 | 48 | 45 |
Good tourist destination.
My husband and I live in Zacatecas city. It is beautiful City and much less chance being pick-pocketed in San Francisco,CA than here. Of course like any other city there is crime, but there are many, many tourists here. I mean a lot. Everyday there are groups of people from all over the world that come here to relax and see this beautiful city. I hear from all who visit that they like the peacefulness of the city. So you can not say that not many tourists come here. When was the last time you came for a visit? Just don’t go to Fresnillo.
I will be traveling from Laredo TX to Bucerias MX and would like to stay in Zacatecas for a while can you recommend a hotel with secure parking?
Thanks
A city of beautiful cathedrals and art museums – a lot of beautiful art! Thirty-seven (37) attractions and sixteen (16) museums – not bad for a place I had never heard of, I had no idea. It’s the capital of a landlocked province. There’s also a lot of history here but that was less interesting to me. We stood in a beautiful hotel with a bullring design, the Quinta Real. There were many steps to climb so you do need a certain level of fitness. You have to speak Spanish (my companion did) and his father was from the province so he appreciated more of the history then I did. We had no problem in terms of crime. It is very conservative and I believe I got in trouble for being sleeveless (it was hard to say as I don’t understand Spanish). It seemed that a woman with her children wanted me kicked out of the restaurant but management refused.
my family often travels to zacatecas yearly, we go to a more smaller town but do go to zacatecas. in terms of going there we have no issues. in terms of crime we’ve never had issues.
Retired here
I retired in Zacatecas after living in Wisconsin my entire life, I love it here! great retirement communities and many former Americans as well. Definitely helps to know Spanish if you come to visit.
I am kind of confused I thought this was a big drug cartel center but idk I guess someone please reply so I can understand better
Stumbling upon those ancient silver mines was like stepping into a time machine, and the underground train ride was the cherry on top of a pretty wild history lesson!
I had some fun exploring the old mine, but the safety concerns definitely put a damper on the experience for me.
Guess the beautiful churches and art museums don’t do much to distract from the fact that you might need a bodyguard just to enjoy them.
I’ve always been curious about the underground train to Mina El Edén, especially how it feels to wander through those ancient rock formations.
Walking past the pink stone cathedral at dusk made me feel a mix of awe and unease because some side streets were oddly empty and I found myself watching for taxis after dark.
Took the underground train to Mina El Edén and while the pink stone cathedral is striking, getting elbowed for a plate of asado de boda felt way more memorable.