Is Queretaro Safe To Visit?

Hidden in the heart of central Mexico lies Querétaro, a well-preserved colonial gem. This charming city is renowned for its vibrant and well-maintained colonial architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996. For travelers, visiting this historic city offers a chance to live in the exceptional surroundings of architectural marvel.

The vibrant surroundings, historical importance and local culture are the reasons why Querétaro attracted more than 1.29 million tourists in 2018.

Querétaro undoubtedly has a reputation for its stunning architecture, but it’s not uncommon for travelers to feel concerned about their safety. This city is not very well known like other tourist destinations in Mexico. So it is natural to have questions like “Is Queretaro safe?” Is it worth visiting this city? Well, fret not. We have you covered in this article.

Is Queretaro Safe to Visit in 2023?

Querétaro is one of the few safest cities in Mexico, providing a secure atmosphere for both locals and tourists. The city boasts a low crime rate and notably has the lowest rate of drug-related deaths. There’s strong Police presence keeping tourists and locals safe.

While homicide and other serious crimes are low, vandalism, petty theft, and local corruption are on the rise. Although they don’t make the city unsafe, they definitely impact its overall safety ratings. 

If you go by the survey, Queretaro is considered safer than many other cities, like Tulum, Guadalajara, Cancun, and more. This comparison highlights the city’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inviting atmosphere for its locals and foreign travelers.

As with any place, it’s always important to exercise caution and common sense. However, Querétaro’s good safety reputation makes it an appealing destination for those looking for a calm and delightful getaway.

While it’s true that most people in Querétaro are friendly and welcoming, the increase in tourism could potentially impact the crime rate. As more tourists flock to the city, it might also attract unsocial elements.

Crime in Queretaro

Queretaro suffers from low-level crimes. You would rarely find homicide or abduction-related cases or even aggravated assault. Most cases fall into petty crimes like pickpocketing, carjacking, property-related crime, and robbery.

Drug-related crime or the presence of cartels is minimal, and the city only sees a few related crimes throughout the year. And even when it happens, tourists are never the target so it is pretty much safe in Queretaro.

Homicide

Querétaro enjoys one of the lowest homicide rates in all of Mexico, making it a relatively safe place to live and visit. With a homicide rate of around 10.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, the city’s level of violence is significantly lower than the national average of 28.

Querétaro’s safety record is even more impressive, given its population of over 1.3 million. And when compared to some popular cities in the United States, the stats look even better, making Queretaro a much better city to visit. Many US cities with similar or smaller populations often experience higher homicide rates, highlighting Querétaro’s commitment.

Car Robbery

Car robberies are a concerning issue in Querétaro, as they are in many other cities worldwide. The theft of vehicles or items from parked vehicles can make travelers and locals uneasy.

Querétaro experiences higher rates of car robberies, around 23.6 per 100,000 people for violent robberies and 113.8 per 100,000 people for nonviolent ones—ranks 2 for the most nonviolent car robberies, only behind Baja California Sur— and yet it is one of the safest cities in the country.

Pickpocketing

Querétaro, popular with tourists, often attracts the attention of opportunistic petty thieves and pickpockets. It’s crucial to keep a sharp eye out to prevent having your personal belonging stolen.

To ward off potential pickpockets or theft, exercise extra caution, be aware of your surroundings, and never leave your belongings unattended. By being vigilant and mindful can help you minimize losses.

Navigating Through Querataro

Should you wish to navigate the city by driving on your own, it’s possible to do so, provided you’re prepared to deal with aggression on the road by local drivers, poor condition roads with countless potholes, and a lack of proper road manners. These conditions become even more challenging as you venture into less developed part of the city.

We recommend using a local taxi service, as the drivers are often experienced and have grown up in the city, making them very familiar with the area.

If you want to save money by taking public transportation like the bus, you must do your due diligence before deciding. Although these buses may be a more economical option, their reliability and comfort levels can differ significantly.

Researching things like customer reviews, safety records, and previous passenger experiences will give you additional assurance in making an informed choice.

What Bad Neighbourhoods to Avoid?

The most sensible thing to do is avoid appearing like a wealthy tourist. Wearing flashy items such as an expensive watch, chain, bracelet, or shoes can attract unwanted attention. It’s wise to be subtle in your appearance and behavior.

While such considerations might not be a concern in most tourist-friendly areas in Queretaro, there are specific neighborhoods where showing off wealth can lead to trouble.

In the city, crime is generally limited to a few particular hotspots.

It would be smart to steer clear of areas such as San Jose El Alto, Santa Rosa Jarega, Casa Blanca, and Menchaca, as these are known for higher crime rates and are likely places where the odds of you getting in trouble increase.

Most of the visitable places are where most tourists hangout, so you have no reasons to visit places known for some crime.

A Few Things To Consider When In Oaxaca

• Avoid venturing out alone at night. While nightlife can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of any foreign destination, being alone and vulnerable may make you an easy target for robbery, pickpocketing, or even mugging. It’s important not to explore secluded places alone in the dark, as it could increase the risk of getting in trouble.
• Drink bottled water. The tap water in Queretaro is not safe to drink and might cause health problems. Bottled water is readily available and is cheap to buy. Even locals drink packeged water.
• Avoid consuming alcohol in excess, especially when you’re alone, as getting tipsy or drunk can make you an easy target for petty thieves. Under the influence, you may become more vulnerable to losing valuable items like money, a phone, or other essential belongings. Always prioritize drinking responsibly. If you do wish to partake more freely – though it’s not recommended – make sure to have a friend or fellow tourist with you to ensure your safety.
• Make use of a satchel, knapsack, or bag with a strap to secure your belongings. It’s recommended to leave all vital documents at your hotel or accommodation, taking only copies of essential papers with you. This approach helps minimize the risk of losing important things while exploring.
• Avoid showing large amounts of cash in your wallet. Carry only what you need for essentials like meals and transportation. A noticeable wad of cash in your pocket or wallet might attract attention and make you a target for mugging. It’s best to be discreet with your money to reduce such risks.
• Respect Locals and Their Culture. Traveling to a foreign city is like visiting someone else’s home. Traveling freely and engaging in various activities is a privilege, so showing respect to the local people and the city itself is of utmost importance. Your mindful and considerate behavior contributes to a positive experience for you and the community you visit.

Useful Contact Numbers for Emergencies

• Citizen Security: 442 220 9191, 442 309 1434, 442 309 1400
• Tourist Information: 800 987 8224
• Ambulances Service Mexican Red Cross: 442 229 0505, 442 229 0669
• Emergencies: 066
• Police: 442 220 9191, 442 309 1434, 442 309 1400

A Few Useful Words to Know

The Bottom Line

If you decide to visit Queretaro, feel free to do so. It is one of the safest destinations in Mexico, marked by welcoming locals and minimal violence and crime. The area is a vibrant showcase of culture, culinary delights, and Mexican heritage.

While there is a slight risk of robbery or pickpocketing, staying alert to your surroundings can typically avoid these problems. This simple precaution will let you fully enjoy your vacation Queretaro.

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