
According to data from the National Survey of Urban Public Security published by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) this Thursday, Puerto Vallarta holds the position of the second safest city in Mexico.
The top spot on the list is held by the Benito Juárez delegation in Mexico City, with 15.2% of its residents aged 18 and older expressing feeling secure in the city. Following closely is Puerto Vallarta with 19.4%, then Piedras Negras in Coahuila with 20.5%, Mérida in Yucatán with 22.2%, La Paz in Baja California with 22.4%, Los Cabos in Baja California Sur with 23.2%, Tampico in Tamaulipas with 23.7%, Saltillo in Coahuila with 24.6%, and in the tenth position, San Nicolás de los Garza in Nuevo León with 25.9%.
In the previous survey, published in October 2023, Puerto Vallarta held the sixth position, with 22.5% of its residents aged 18 and older feeling secure in this beach destination.
In contrast, the cities where residents expressed feeling less secure are Fresnillo in Zacatecas with 96.4%, Naucalpan de Juárez in Mexico City with 91.0%, Uruapan in Michoacán with 89.9%, Ecatepec de Morelos in the State of Mexico with 88.7%, Zacatecas in Zacatecas with 87.6%, and Cuernavaca in Morelos with 85.7%.
It is noteworthy that the National Survey of Urban Public Security (ENSU) for the fourth quarter of 2023 was conducted from November 27 to December 15, 2023. The survey has national coverage and focuses on the social perception of public security in urban environments, providing crucial information for the formulation of public policies on security.
Source: Quadratin.com.mx
FAQ
- What is the safest part of Puerto Vallarta to stay in?
The Marina and the Romantic Zone are considered some of the safest areas to stay in Puerto Vallarta. Both areas are popular among tourists and offer a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and attractions. The Marina is known for its upscale atmosphere, luxury resorts, and high-end shops and restaurants. It has a very secure, controlled environment with 24/7 security personnel. The Romantic Zone offers a more authentic Mexican experience with cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and a vibrant mix of galleries, cafes, and bars. As a central tourist area, it also has a strong police presence and is considered very safe.
- Where do locals go in Puerto Vallarta?
Locals in Puerto Vallarta enjoy spending time at the city’s beautiful beaches, scenic parks, and lively local markets. Popular beach spots include Playa de Oro, Playa Las Animas, and Playa Camarones for their soft sand and calm waters. Many locals visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens to enjoy the lush vegetation and hiking trails. They also frequent authentic local food venues like Birrieria las 3 Regiones taco stand, cafes like Cafecito Vallarta, and neighborhood bars like La Cerveceria Union. The downtown Lazaro Cardenas market is a favorite for produce, spices, crafts.
- Is Downtown Puerto Vallarta nice?
Yes, downtown Puerto Vallarta is an exceptionally nice and popular area, celebrated for its vibrant mix of historic Mexican charm and a lively beach town atmosphere. It features a picturesque historic center with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and the iconic Parish of Our Lady of Guadalupe church. The downtown seamlessly blends into the scenic Malecón, a beautiful oceanfront boardwalk lined with fascinating sculptures, shops, and restaurants, making it perfect for strolling and enjoying the stunning ocean views.
The area offers an excellent variety of dining, from upscale restaurants to authentic street food, along with fantastic shopping in boutiques and art galleries. Adjacent to the main center is the popular Zona Romántica (Romantic Zone), known for its trendy vibe and energetic nightlife. The entire downtown is considered safe and is very walkable, allowing visitors to easily explore its captivating blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty on foot.
Tip: For an unforgettable experience, head down to the Malecón or any beachfront spot about 30 minutes before the scheduled sundown to watch the spectacular sunset over the bay.
- What is considered old town in Puerto Vallarta?
Old Town, also known as the Romantic Zone or Zona Romántica, is considered the historic heart of Puerto Vallarta. It is characterized by its picturesque cobblestone streets, classic whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and a lively mix of shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Nestled between the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay, Old Town has a traditional Mexican village charm with its colonial architecture and slower pace compared to the rest of Puerto Vallarta. Its romantic ambience comes from the area’s natural beauty, outdoor cafes, and charming boutique hotels. Old Town offers visitors a taste of an authentic Mexican neighborhood.

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