{ "name": "MAHC Oaxaca Tourist Safety Map and Index quarterly dataset", "description": "Approved quarterly destination-level Relaxation Index ratings, coverage states and visitor guidance. Local guidance, not official crime data.", "generated_at": "2026-08-07T20:08:45-06:00", "current_review": "2026-08-06", "quarters": [ { "quarter": "2026-Q2", "label": "Q2 2026", "review_date": "2026-06-30", "revision": 1, "places": [ { "id": "villaetla", "name": "Villa de Etla", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 70, "summary": "Valley town about 18 km northwest, hub of the Etla district and its big market. Day-trip territory, reached by carretera 190 or colectivo.", "advice": [ "Keep valuables close in the market crowds - that is the main risk.", "Travel back before dark; colectivos thin out in the evening." ], "rationale": "A relaxed-ish rating: the risks here are market-crowd pickpocketing and the highway trip, not the town itself." }, { "id": "sanagustinetla", "name": "San Agustin Etla", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 74, "summary": "Arts town in the northern foothills - the CaSA arts centre, papermaking, waterfalls. Quiet, visited, spread along the hillside.", "advice": [ "Calm around the arts centre; ordinary awareness.", "Arrange a return ride - it is a drive from the city, not a walk." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: a quiet arts town used to visitors. The main caution is that it is isolated and a drive out, not crime." }, { "id": "sanpabloetla", "name": "San Pablo Etla", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 72, "summary": "Foothill municipality between the city and the Etla valley, part residential overspill, part countryside.", "advice": [ "Standard awareness in the residential parts.", "Poorly lit lanes at the edges after dark - taxi in and out." ], "rationale": "Mid-relaxed: ordinary foothill residential; the softer edges are the unlit rural lanes after dark." }, { "id": "sanfelipe", "name": "San Felipe del Agua", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 86, "summary": "Affluent foothill neighbourhood at the north edge of the city, spread out and very quiet. Reached by car or taxi rather than on foot from the centre.", "advice": [ "Arrange a return taxi rather than walking out - streets are dark and empty at night.", "Long blocks between lit areas; not a stroll-home-from-dinner area." ], "rationale": "Among the most relaxed on the map - affluent, quiet, low foot traffic. The real caution is darkness and isolation at night, not crime density." }, { "id": "volcanes", "name": "Volcanes", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 58, "summary": "Hillside colonia to the north-west with steep, winding residential streets, away from the visitor circuit.", "advice": [ "Few reasons to visit as a tourist; steep and residential.", "Arrange transport rather than walking the hill at night." ], "rationale": "Middling: a residential colonia off the visitor circuit, rated for general awareness rather than any specific pattern." }, { "id": "reforma", "name": "Colonia Reforma", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 84, "summary": "Upscale residential strip north-east of the centre, thick with restaurants and cafes. Walkable and calm in the evenings.", "advice": [ "Comfortable to walk after dinner on the main restaurant streets.", "Standard bag awareness at busy cafe terraces." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: an upscale, walkable, well-lit residential strip - comfortable in the evening." }, { "id": "xochimilco", "name": "Barrio de Xochimilco", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 80, "summary": "The oldest barrio in the city, climbing the hill north of the centre - stone aqueduct arches, weavers and a tranquil village feel.", "advice": [ "Pleasant and residential by day; streets thin and steepen after dark.", "Lovely to wander the aqueduct in daylight." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: an old, tranquil residential barrio. The only caution is empty, steep streets late at night." }, { "id": "carmenalto", "name": "Carmen Alto", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 78, "summary": "Residential pocket between Santo Domingo and Xochimilco. Handsome, calm, a short walk up from the tourist core.", "advice": [ "Easy, well-trodden walk to Santo Domingo by day.", "Normal city awareness after dark." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: calm and well-trodden by day, a short walk from the core." }, { "id": "exmarquesado", "name": "Ex-Marquesado", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 64, "summary": "Working neighbourhood west of the centre, near the old rail line and transport hubs. Practical rather than picturesque.", "advice": [ "Busy and functional by day; quieter at night.", "Keep to lit thoroughfares after dark." ], "rationale": "Middling: functional and busy by day, quieter and less watched at night near the transport hubs." }, { "id": "jalatlaco", "name": "Barrio de Jalatlaco", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 82, "summary": "Cobblestoned historic barrio just east of the centre - muralled walls, cafes and a quiet, lived-in character at night.", "advice": [ "One of the calmer barrios to walk in the evening; keep to lit main lanes.", "Popular for photos by day - ordinary bag awareness." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: one of the calmer barrios to walk in the evening; ordinary daytime bag awareness in the photo crowds." }, { "id": "centro", "name": "Centro Historico", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 68, "summary": "The UNESCO core - Zocalo, Alcala, Santo Domingo and the big markets. The densest foot traffic in the city, and with it the densest opportunistic petty crime aimed at visitors.", "advice": [ "Front pocket, zipped bag, phone away in crowds - this is where distraction-thefts concentrate.", "Use app taxis or the authorised sitios at night rather than flagging unknown cars.", "Extra care in the crush of Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juarez." ], "rationale": "Rated cautious mainly for opportunistic petty crime - pickpocketing and distraction-theft - that comes with being the busiest tourist ground, not for violent crime." }, { "id": "santalucia", "name": "Santa Lucia del Camino", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 60, "summary": "The contiguous municipality immediately east, urban and commercial, straddling the highway out of the city. Ordinary city, little tourist reason to linger.", "advice": [ "Normal city awareness near the highway and bus approaches.", "Nothing touristy after dark - pass through rather than wander." ], "rationale": "Middling: an ordinary urban municipality and transit corridor; rated for normal city awareness, with little tourist reason to linger." }, { "id": "centralabastos", "name": "Central de Abastos", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 10, "summary": "The vast wholesale market south-west of the centre - a mazelike, packed labyrinth and the single most concentrated spot for pickpocketing and distraction-theft against visitors in the city.", "advice": [ "Go in with almost nothing - front-pocket cash only, no phone in hand, no open bag.", "Fridays (plaza day) are shoulder-to-shoulder; go early and stay oriented.", "Best visited with a local or on a guided market walk your first time." ], "rationale": "The lowest rating on the map. This market is the single most concentrated site for pickpocketing and distraction-theft against visitors in the city - a well-known, repeated pattern, not a one-off." }, { "id": "trinidad", "name": "Trinidad de las Huertas", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 60, "summary": "Residential barrio south of the centre near the university. Fine by day; some stretches feel quieter and less watched once it is dark.", "advice": [ "A bit more awareness after dark on the emptier stretches.", "Taxi rather than walk back late." ], "rationale": "Middling: fine by day; some stretches feel quieter and less watched after dark, which sets the rating." }, { "id": "delvalle", "name": "Colonia del Valle", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 66, "summary": "Ordinary residential colonia to the south, off the usual tourist paths.", "advice": [ "Ordinary neighbourhood; little tourist reason to be here after dark.", "Standard city awareness." ], "rationale": "Mid-relaxed: an ordinary residential colonia off the tourist paths; nothing specific, general awareness." }, { "id": "xoxo", "name": "Santa Cruz Xoxocotlan", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 24, "summary": "Municipality to the south, past the airport. Known to visitors mainly for its cemeteries, among the most visited in the valley for Dia de Muertos.", "advice": [ "Taxi in and out; avoid wandering side streets.", "Do not flash phone or valuables; take particular care at night and around the market and cemetery crowds." ], "rationale": "Set to red by the guide: a place to keep your guard up as a visitor - taxi in and out, avoid wandering, and take particular care at night and in the dense cemetery and market crowds." }, { "id": "montealban", "name": "Monte Albán", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3.2, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "eltule", "name": "Santa María del Tule", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "teotitlan", "name": "Teotitlán del Valle", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "tlacolula", "name": "Tlacolula de Matamoros", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "mitla", "name": "San Pablo Villa de Mitla", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "hierveelagua", "name": "Hierve el Agua", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "matatlan", "name": "Santiago Matatlán", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "sanbartolo", "name": "San Bartolo Coyotepec", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "tilcajete", "name": "San Martín Tilcajete", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "cuilapam", "name": "Cuilápam de Guerrero", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.8, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "zaachila", "name": "Villa de Zaachila", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "yagul", "name": "Yagul archaeological zone", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 1.8, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "puertoescondido", "name": "Puerto Escondido", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 8, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "mazunte", "name": "Mazunte–San Agustinillo", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 4, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "zipolite", "name": "Zipolite", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "puertoangel", "name": "Puerto Ángel", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 2.8, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "huatulco", "name": "Bahías de Huatulco", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 11, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "chacahua", "name": "Lagunas de Chacahua", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 7, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "sanjosedelpacifico", "name": "San José del Pacífico", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Sierra Sur", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "capulalpam", "name": "Capulálpam de Méndez", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Sierra Norte", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "pueblosmancomunados", "name": "Pueblos Mancomunados", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Sierra Norte", "radius_km": 13, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "huautla", "name": "Huautla de Jiménez", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Cañada", "radius_km": 4.5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "teposcolula", "name": "San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Mixteca", "radius_km": 3, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "huajuapan", "name": "Huajuapan de León", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Mixteca", "radius_km": 6, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "tehuantepec", "name": "Santo Domingo Tehuantepec", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Isthmus", "radius_km": 5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "juchitan", "name": "Juchitán de Zaragoza", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Isthmus", "radius_km": 6, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "salinacruz", "name": "Salina Cruz", "coverage": "not_yet_rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Isthmus", "radius_km": 5, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" } ] }, { "quarter": "2026-Q3", "label": "Current · Q3 2026", "review_date": "2026-08-06", "revision": 0, "places": [ { "id": "villaetla", "name": "Villa de Etla", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 70, "summary": "Valley town about 18 km northwest, hub of the Etla district and its big market. Day-trip territory, reached by carretera 190 or colectivo.", "advice": [ "Keep valuables close in the market crowds - that is the main risk.", "Travel back before dark; colectivos thin out in the evening." ], "rationale": "A relaxed-ish rating: the risks here are market-crowd pickpocketing and the highway trip, not the town itself." }, { "id": "sanagustinetla", "name": "San Agustin Etla", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 74, "summary": "Arts town in the northern foothills - the CaSA arts centre, papermaking, waterfalls. Quiet, visited, spread along the hillside.", "advice": [ "Calm around the arts centre; ordinary awareness.", "Arrange a return ride - it is a drive from the city, not a walk." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: a quiet arts town used to visitors. The main caution is that it is isolated and a drive out, not crime." }, { "id": "sanpabloetla", "name": "San Pablo Etla", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 72, "summary": "Foothill municipality between the city and the Etla valley, part residential overspill, part countryside.", "advice": [ "Standard awareness in the residential parts.", "Poorly lit lanes at the edges after dark - taxi in and out." ], "rationale": "Mid-relaxed: ordinary foothill residential; the softer edges are the unlit rural lanes after dark." }, { "id": "sanfelipe", "name": "San Felipe del Agua", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 86, "summary": "Affluent foothill neighbourhood at the north edge of the city, spread out and very quiet. Reached by car or taxi rather than on foot from the centre.", "advice": [ "Arrange a return taxi rather than walking out - streets are dark and empty at night.", "Long blocks between lit areas; not a stroll-home-from-dinner area." ], "rationale": "Among the most relaxed on the map - affluent, quiet, low foot traffic. The real caution is darkness and isolation at night, not crime density." }, { "id": "volcanes", "name": "Volcanes", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 58, "summary": "Hillside colonia to the north-west with steep, winding residential streets, away from the visitor circuit.", "advice": [ "Few reasons to visit as a tourist; steep and residential.", "Arrange transport rather than walking the hill at night." ], "rationale": "Middling: a residential colonia off the visitor circuit, rated for general awareness rather than any specific pattern." }, { "id": "reforma", "name": "Colonia Reforma", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 84, "summary": "Upscale residential strip north-east of the centre, thick with restaurants and cafes. Walkable and calm in the evenings.", "advice": [ "Comfortable to walk after dinner on the main restaurant streets.", "Standard bag awareness at busy cafe terraces." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: an upscale, walkable, well-lit residential strip - comfortable in the evening." }, { "id": "xochimilco", "name": "Barrio de Xochimilco", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 80, "summary": "The oldest barrio in the city, climbing the hill north of the centre - stone aqueduct arches, weavers and a tranquil village feel.", "advice": [ "Pleasant and residential by day; streets thin and steepen after dark.", "Lovely to wander the aqueduct in daylight." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: an old, tranquil residential barrio. The only caution is empty, steep streets late at night." }, { "id": "carmenalto", "name": "Carmen Alto", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 78, "summary": "Residential pocket between Santo Domingo and Xochimilco. Handsome, calm, a short walk up from the tourist core.", "advice": [ "Easy, well-trodden walk to Santo Domingo by day.", "Normal city awareness after dark." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: calm and well-trodden by day, a short walk from the core." }, { "id": "exmarquesado", "name": "Ex-Marquesado", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 64, "summary": "Working neighbourhood west of the centre, near the old rail line and transport hubs. Practical rather than picturesque.", "advice": [ "Busy and functional by day; quieter at night.", "Keep to lit thoroughfares after dark." ], "rationale": "Middling: functional and busy by day, quieter and less watched at night near the transport hubs." }, { "id": "jalatlaco", "name": "Barrio de Jalatlaco", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 82, "summary": "Cobblestoned historic barrio just east of the centre - muralled walls, cafes and a quiet, lived-in character at night.", "advice": [ "One of the calmer barrios to walk in the evening; keep to lit main lanes.", "Popular for photos by day - ordinary bag awareness." ], "rationale": "Relaxed: one of the calmer barrios to walk in the evening; ordinary daytime bag awareness in the photo crowds." }, { "id": "centro", "name": "Centro Historico", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 68, "summary": "The UNESCO core - Zocalo, Alcala, Santo Domingo and the big markets. The densest foot traffic in the city, and with it the densest opportunistic petty crime aimed at visitors.", "advice": [ "Front pocket, zipped bag, phone away in crowds - this is where distraction-thefts concentrate.", "Use app taxis or the authorised sitios at night rather than flagging unknown cars.", "Extra care in the crush of Mercado 20 de Noviembre and Benito Juarez." ], "rationale": "Rated cautious mainly for opportunistic petty crime - pickpocketing and distraction-theft - that comes with being the busiest tourist ground, not for violent crime." }, { "id": "santalucia", "name": "Santa Lucia del Camino", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 60, "summary": "The contiguous municipality immediately east, urban and commercial, straddling the highway out of the city. Ordinary city, little tourist reason to linger.", "advice": [ "Normal city awareness near the highway and bus approaches.", "Nothing touristy after dark - pass through rather than wander." ], "rationale": "Middling: an ordinary urban municipality and transit corridor; rated for normal city awareness, with little tourist reason to linger." }, { "id": "centralabastos", "name": "Central de Abastos", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 10, "summary": "The vast wholesale market south-west of the centre - a mazelike, packed labyrinth and the single most concentrated spot for pickpocketing and distraction-theft against visitors in the city.", "advice": [ "Go in with almost nothing - front-pocket cash only, no phone in hand, no open bag.", "Fridays (plaza day) are shoulder-to-shoulder; go early and stay oriented.", "Best visited with a local or on a guided market walk your first time." ], "rationale": "The lowest rating on the map. This market is the single most concentrated site for pickpocketing and distraction-theft against visitors in the city - a well-known, repeated pattern, not a one-off." }, { "id": "trinidad", "name": "Trinidad de las Huertas", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 60, "summary": "Residential barrio south of the centre near the university. Fine by day; some stretches feel quieter and less watched once it is dark.", "advice": [ "A bit more awareness after dark on the emptier stretches.", "Taxi rather than walk back late." ], "rationale": "Middling: fine by day; some stretches feel quieter and less watched after dark, which sets the rating." }, { "id": "delvalle", "name": "Colonia del Valle", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 66, "summary": "Ordinary residential colonia to the south, off the usual tourist paths.", "advice": [ "Ordinary neighbourhood; little tourist reason to be here after dark.", "Standard city awareness." ], "rationale": "Mid-relaxed: an ordinary residential colonia off the tourist paths; nothing specific, general awareness." }, { "id": "xoxo", "name": "Santa Cruz Xoxocotlan", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "city", "region": "Oaxaca City & Etla", "radius_km": 0.8, "safety": 24, "summary": "Municipality to the south, past the airport. Known to visitors mainly for its cemeteries, among the most visited in the valley for Dia de Muertos.", "advice": [ "Taxi in and out; avoid wandering side streets.", "Do not flash phone or valuables; take particular care at night and around the market and cemetery crowds." ], "rationale": "Set to red by the guide: a place to keep your guard up as a visitor - taxi in and out, avoid wandering, and take particular care at night and in the dense cemetery and market crowds." }, { "id": "montealban", "name": "Monte Albán", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3.2, "safety": 88, "summary": "Major archaeological site above Oaxaca City, heavily visited by day and served by regular tourist transport.", "advice": [ "Use established taxis, shuttles or tours for the trip up and back.", "Keep ordinary control of phones and bags around entrances, vendors and busy viewpoints." ], "rationale": "Very relaxed for visitors. Current review found no recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern at the archaeological zone, and current U.S. guidance places no travel restriction on Monte Albán." }, { "id": "eltule", "name": "Santa María del Tule", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2, "safety": 82, "summary": "Compact visitor town east of Oaxaca City centered on the Árbol del Tule, with steady daytime tourism and easy road access.", "advice": [ "Normal bag and phone awareness around the church plaza and souvenir stalls.", "Use regular transport after dark rather than walking long stretches along Highway 190." ], "rationale": "Relaxed visitor environment. Recent reporting shows isolated police incidents in the municipality but no recurring pattern aimed at tourists." }, { "id": "teotitlan", "name": "Teotitlán del Valle", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3, "safety": 84, "summary": "Zapotec weaving village with a well-established visitor economy, workshops, market and nearby hiking routes.", "advice": [ "Ordinary awareness in the market and workshops; there is little reason to carry valuables openly.", "For mountain walks, use established routes or a local guide and allow enough daylight for the return." ], "rationale": "Very relaxed in the visitor areas. Current reporting did not show a recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern; recent emergency reporting was primarily a hiking-rescue issue rather than street crime." }, { "id": "tlacolula", "name": "Tlacolula de Matamoros", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": 66, "summary": "Busy valley market town east of Oaxaca City. The Sunday tianguis brings dense regional crowds and much heavier foot traffic than the surrounding craft villages.", "advice": [ "Keep wallet and phone secured in the Sunday market crowds.", "Use the main streets and established transport after dark.", "Treat highway crossings, congestion and crowded market aisles as part of the practical risk." ], "rationale": "Moderately relaxed by day, but not as carefree as the smaller tourist villages. The market creates opportunity for petty theft, while recent serious-crime investigations in the Tlacolula corridor justify more awareness even though they do not show a pattern of tourists being targeted." }, { "id": "mitla", "name": "San Pablo Villa de Mitla", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": 78, "summary": "Major archaeological and weaving town in the eastern Central Valleys, accustomed to independent visitors, tours and day-trip traffic.", "advice": [ "The archaeological core and main craft streets call for ordinary daytime awareness.", "Use established transport for late returns and check road conditions during heavy rain or disruptions." ], "rationale": "Relaxed for ordinary visitor activity. Enforcement operations in the wider Mitla-Matatlán area keep it below the very highest tier, but the current review found no recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern in Mitla." }, { "id": "hierveelagua", "name": "Hierve el Agua", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": 76, "summary": "Remote natural attraction reached through mountain roads and community-controlled access, busy with day visitors but largely empty after visiting hours.", "advice": [ "Travel in daylight and use established transport; the road and remoteness matter more than street crime.", "Confirm access before leaving Oaxaca because community disputes or road conditions can interrupt the route." ], "rationale": "Relaxed at the attraction itself, with active tourist-security patrols reported in 2026. The score is moderated by isolation, road access and the possibility of sudden access disruptions rather than a visitor-targeted crime pattern." }, { "id": "matatlan", "name": "Santiago Matatlán", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3, "safety": 68, "summary": "Mezcal-producing town on the Oaxaca-Mitla corridor, visited mainly for palenques and distillery stops rather than for walking around at night.", "advice": [ "Visit palenques through established operators or with a designated driver.", "Keep late-night travel on the highway to a minimum and arrange the return in advance." ], "rationale": "Moderately relaxed for daytime mezcal visits. A 2026 enforcement operation involving drug sales in the Mitla-Matatlán area warrants some caution, without establishing a pattern of visitor-targeted crime." }, { "id": "sanbartolo", "name": "San Bartolo Coyotepec", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": 62, "summary": "Black-pottery town just south of Oaxaca City, with a compact craft-shopping circuit and frequent day-trip traffic.", "advice": [ "Stay around the established workshop and market areas when visiting.", "Arrange transport after dark rather than wandering residential edges." ], "rationale": "Generally manageable for visitors, but recent serious criminal cases in the municipality keep the rating below the calmer craft villages. The reviewed cases were not a recurring tourist-targeted pattern." }, { "id": "tilcajete", "name": "San Martín Tilcajete", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": 82, "summary": "Alebrije-carving village south of Oaxaca City with concentrated workshops and a strong day-trip visitor economy.", "advice": [ "Ordinary awareness around workshops and roadside stops is sufficient for most visits.", "Arrange the return before late evening; the village is primarily a daytime destination." ], "rationale": "Relaxed for visitors. Current review found no recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern in the principal workshop areas." }, { "id": "cuilapam", "name": "Cuilápam de Guerrero", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 2.8, "safety": 76, "summary": "Historic town southwest of Oaxaca City centered on the former Dominican convent and a compact visitor area.", "advice": [ "The convent and central streets are comfortable daytime stops with ordinary awareness.", "Use established transport for late returns and avoid unnecessary wandering on empty outer streets." ], "rationale": "Relaxed in the main visitor zone. Current review found no recurring tourist-targeted crime pattern and local tourism infrastructure includes measures intended to make the visitor corridor more secure." }, { "id": "zaachila", "name": "Villa de Zaachila", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 3, "safety": 54, "summary": "Large valley town south of Oaxaca City with a Thursday market, archaeological remains and a much broader residential footprint than the craft villages.", "advice": [ "Keep valuables controlled in the Thursday market and other dense crowds.", "Use established transport at night and avoid unfamiliar side streets.", "Treat it as a working town rather than a compact tourist enclave." ], "rationale": "Middle-caution rating. Recent firearms and violent-robbery cases in the municipality indicate more background risk than in the smaller visitor villages, even though the review did not identify a consistent pattern specifically targeting tourists." }, { "id": "yagul", "name": "Yagul archaeological zone", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Central Valleys", "radius_km": 1.8, "safety": 82, "summary": "Quiet archaeological zone east of Oaxaca City with relatively light visitor traffic and little surrounding street activity.", "advice": [ "Visit in daylight and arrange transport so you are not left waiting by the highway.", "Carry water and normal valuables awareness; the site is isolated rather than crime-dense." ], "rationale": "Very relaxed from a street-crime perspective. Current review found no recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern; isolation and transport logistics are the main cautions." }, { "id": "puertoescondido", "name": "Puerto Escondido", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 8, "safety": 60, "summary": "Large, fast-growing beach destination with busy nightlife, dispersed neighborhoods and heavy tourist traffic across several beaches.", "advice": [ "Use established taxis at night and avoid isolated beaches or dark stretches alone.", "Keep phones and wallets controlled in nightlife and crowded beach areas.", "Use hotel safes where available and do not leave valuables visible in rooms or vehicles." ], "rationale": "Moderate rather than relaxed. U.S. guidance places no specific travel restriction on Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca operates dedicated tourist-security resources there, but recent theft, extortion and violent-crime cases in the city justify materially more awareness than in the quiet mountain or craft destinations." }, { "id": "mazunte", "name": "Mazunte–San Agustinillo", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 4, "safety": 58, "summary": "Small but intensely visited coastal town with beach traffic, bars and a compact tourist core extending into San Agustinillo.", "advice": [ "Use ordinary valuables awareness in bars, beaches and crowded pedestrian areas.", "Avoid isolated beach stretches late at night and arrange transport for longer after-dark trips." ], "rationale": "Moderate caution. The town remains a major visitor destination, but a recent homicide in Mazunte and broader security concerns on the coast keep it below the relaxed tier even without evidence of a sustained tourist-targeted pattern." }, { "id": "zipolite", "name": "Zipolite", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 2.5, "safety": 56, "summary": "Beach town with active nightlife and a long, open beachfront, drawing independent travelers and late-night activity.", "advice": [ "Do not walk isolated sections of beach alone late at night.", "Use established transport after drinking or nightlife and keep valuables minimal on the beach." ], "rationale": "Moderate caution. The reviewed material does not establish a repeated visitor-targeted street-crime pattern, but broader coastal violence and the town's late-night, dispersed beach environment warrant more awareness." }, { "id": "puertoangel", "name": "Puerto Ángel", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 2.8, "safety": 72, "summary": "Small Coast harbor town used by independent travelers for beaches, boat trips and low-key overnight stays, quieter than the larger resort centers.", "advice": [ "Normal awareness is enough on the malecón and beach access points during the day.", "Use established transport after dark and avoid isolated stretches between beach areas at night.", "Treat road travel and late-night movement as the practical caution, not a known tourist-targeting pattern." ], "rationale": "Relaxed to moderately relaxed. Puerto Ángel is a small, tourism-facing coastal town and, without verified current evidence of a recurring tourist-targeted crime pattern, it merits a solid score rather than remaining gray. The score stays below the quietest craft and mountain destinations because the Coast still calls for more nighttime and transport awareness." }, { "id": "huatulco", "name": "Bahías de Huatulco", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 11, "safety": 70, "summary": "Large planned resort area spread across bays, hotel zones and the town of La Crucecita, with substantial tourism infrastructure and security presence.", "advice": [ "Use established taxis between bays and hotel zones after dark.", "Keep normal control of valuables in beaches, nightlife and transport areas." ], "rationale": "Moderately relaxed. Current U.S. guidance places no specific travel restriction on Huatulco and Oaxaca maintains dedicated tourist-security resources there; broader Coast-region security concerns keep it below the quietest destinations." }, { "id": "chacahua", "name": "Lagunas de Chacahua", "coverage": "pending", "scope": "destination", "region": "Coast", "radius_km": 7, "safety": null, "summary": "", "advice": [], "rationale": "" }, { "id": "sanjosedelpacifico", "name": "San José del Pacífico", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Sierra Sur", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": 82, "summary": "Small mountain stop on the Oaxaca-Pochutla road known for cabins, viewpoints and a heavy tourist focus despite its remote setting.", "advice": [ "The main practical risks are mountain roads, fog, weather and late-night transport rather than street crime.", "Use lodging and transport that are clearly established, especially if arriving after dark.", "Keep normal control of valuables, but there is little reason for heightened city-style caution in the center." ], "rationale": "Relaxed visitor environment. San José del Pacífico is strongly tourism-oriented and, in the absence of verified current reporting showing a recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern, it should carry a high score rather than remain unrated. The score is moderated slightly by remoteness, weather and mountain-road logistics." }, { "id": "capulalpam", "name": "Capulálpam de Méndez", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Sierra Norte", "radius_km": 3.5, "safety": 86, "summary": "Sierra Norte Pueblo Mágico built around community tourism, forest activities and a compact mountain center accustomed to visitors.", "advice": [ "Use local operators for forest activities and respect community guidance.", "Plan mountain driving and hikes for daylight; weather and road conditions are the main practical risks." ], "rationale": "Very relaxed for street awareness. Current review found no recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern, while official tourism programs continue to support an organized community visitor economy." }, { "id": "pueblosmancomunados", "name": "Pueblos Mancomunados", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Sierra Norte", "radius_km": 13, "safety": 88, "summary": "Network of eight Sierra Norte Zapotec communities with long-established, community-run cabins, guides, trails and ecotourism services.", "advice": [ "Register with the community tourism office or use local guides for longer trails.", "Carry weather layers and avoid beginning remote hikes too late in the day.", "Confirm transport in advance; distances and mountain roads matter more than street crime." ], "rationale": "Among the most relaxed visitor areas in the index. The tourism model is community-managed and current review found no recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern; remoteness, weather and trail logistics are the principal cautions." }, { "id": "huautla", "name": "Huautla de Jiménez", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Cañada", "radius_km": 4.5, "safety": 48, "summary": "Mazatec mountain city and Pueblo Mágico with culturally important visitor sites but a larger urban footprint and more complex regional security environment.", "advice": [ "Use established lodging, guides and transport, especially for visits outside the central area.", "Avoid unnecessary late-night wandering and check local conditions before mountain travel." ], "rationale": "Caution rating. Recent security operations and serious political-violence cases in the area indicate more background risk than in the Sierra Norte ecotourism villages, even though they do not establish a tourist-targeted pattern." }, { "id": "teposcolula", "name": "San Pedro y San Pablo Teposcolula", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Mixteca", "radius_km": 3, "safety": 80, "summary": "Small Mixteca Pueblo Mágico centered on its Dominican complex and historic streets, with a compact low-intensity visitor circuit.", "advice": [ "Ordinary awareness is sufficient around the historic center during the day.", "Plan intercity road travel in daylight where practical." ], "rationale": "Relaxed visitor setting. Current review found no recurring visitor-targeted crime pattern; transport distance and unfamiliar rural roads are the main practical cautions." }, { "id": "huajuapan", "name": "Huajuapan de León", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Mixteca", "radius_km": 6, "safety": 54, "summary": "Regional Mixteca city with markets, services and transport hubs; much larger and busier than the surrounding heritage towns.", "advice": [ "Keep valuables controlled around markets, terminals and busy commercial streets.", "Use established transport at night and avoid unfamiliar peripheral areas." ], "rationale": "Middle-caution rating. A recent extortion case involving a local business and broader urban crime reporting justify more awareness than in smaller tourist towns, though the evidence is not a specific pattern against visitors." }, { "id": "tehuantepec", "name": "Santo Domingo Tehuantepec", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Isthmus", "radius_km": 5, "safety": 28, "summary": "Historic Isthmus city and transport corridor with markets and cultural sites, but within a region experiencing significant organized-crime and extortion activity.", "advice": [ "Keep visits purposeful and primarily in daylight.", "Use established transport and avoid isolated or unfamiliar peripheral areas.", "Check current security and road conditions before traveling through the Isthmus." ], "rationale": "High-caution rating. Federal travel guidance restricts U.S. government employee travel in the Isthmus area, and 2026 Fiscalía reporting identifies homicide, extortion and protection-racket activity centered on Tehuantepec." }, { "id": "juchitan", "name": "Juchitán de Zaragoza", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Isthmus", "radius_km": 6, "safety": 18, "summary": "Major Isthmus commercial city with strong cultural importance, but currently one of the more security-sensitive urban areas included in the visitor index.", "advice": [ "Do not wander unfamiliar neighborhoods; keep visits to known destinations and daylight hours where possible.", "Use established transport and check current conditions immediately before traveling.", "Avoid displaying valuables and take local advice seriously." ], "rationale": "Very high-caution rating. Current federal travel guidance restricts U.S. government employee travel in the Isthmus zone, while 2026 Fiscalía and local reporting show repeated armed violence and extortion-related activity in and around Juchitán." }, { "id": "salinacruz", "name": "Salina Cruz", "coverage": "rated", "scope": "destination", "region": "Isthmus", "radius_km": 5, "safety": 28, "summary": "Large Pacific port and transport city with commercial and industrial activity, not primarily a walkable tourist enclave.", "advice": [ "Use established transport, especially after dark.", "Keep visits to known commercial, hotel and waterfront areas and avoid unnecessary peripheral wandering.", "Check current Isthmus security conditions before travel." ], "rationale": "High-caution rating. Salina Cruz falls inside the current federal restriction area for U.S. government employees, and 2026 security operations identified organized-crime surveillance infrastructure in the city." } ] } ] }