Is Guadalajara Protected For Solo Feminine Journey? I Spent 30 Days Right here and This Is My Expertise

Is Guadalajara protected? That was my first thought earlier than reserving a visit, and belief me, I did my homework. From energetic streets to quiet corners, right here’s the actual deal on security—what to know, what to keep away from, and the best way to discover worry-free.

📬 Hey Trisha! Love your weblog and all of your Mexico content material! My boss might be sending me to a 3-day convention in Guadalajara in December. Although I believe this can be a good alternative for my profession and I actually wish to go, is Guadalajara protected? I wish to keep just a few extra days as my work allowed me to take action however I don’t know if I’m courageous sufficient for it. Please encourage me together with your convincing powers! Your ideas are at all times very motivating and empowering. I’m torn proper now!
– Andra McIntire, New York

Expensive Andra,

Thanks lots in your phrases. I actually admire it! To be trustworthy, I used to be somewhat freaked once I first went to Guadalajara, however upon arrival, I spotted it is vitally manageable and enjoyable! The town is tremendous female-friendly and could be very fashionable. I’ll present extra particulars beneath however I hope you gained’t miss this chance, particularly in case your work can pay for the journey. You must test it out and keep a bit!

I stayed in Guadalajara for 30 days and beloved it. It’s not a spot the place I’ll select to reside although – however for a go to, it’s price it! I nonetheless come to Guadalajara lots since I simply moved to Sayulita (4 hours away from town). I’ve a automotive so I can at all times drive again. Good luck and I hope you’ll push by way of!

Xx,
Trisha

Is Guadalajara Protected?

I guess YES is a tough reply to consider as a result of buzz of Narcos Mexico on Netflix. I didn’t observe the Cali Cartel season however when the Mexican model was added, I all of a sudden obtained intrigued. We’ve all adopted Pablo Escobar’s life and the journey of Medellin Cartel on the present however how is the Mexican Cartel totally different?

Should you’ve seen it and watched all of the seasons, you most likely wouldn’t take into consideration visiting Mexico anymore, or not less than the locations that have been highlighted there reminiscent of Sinaloa and Guadalajara.

Should you haven’t seen it, nicely, let’s begin with an introduction to Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, the person behind the Guadalajara Cartel shaped within the Eighties. He managed all of the drug trafficking not solely inside Mexico however within the USA borders as nicely.

Miguel is from Sinaloa, and the present highlighted his life rising up in that state. However a lot of the collection is about in Guadalajara Mexico, the place he shaped the strongest Mexican cartel within the ’80s. The present is violent and generally very graphic so by the point you end the present, you’ll actually really feel like Mexico is a brutal nation that shoots folks on the road for no motive.

However we’re lacking the key phrase ‘Eighties’ right here.

The day I checked in Guadalajara, my mother instantly freaked out and didn’t even give me the possibility to inform her I used to be protected and was staying at a good friend’s home. My good friend is French and lives in Guadalajara. She was visiting household and associates in France once I visited so I had her home to myself.

She wasn’t there to inform me what to do or the place to go. However she did warn me to not stroll at evening and that I ought to at all times take the Uber.

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Is Guadalajara Protected For Solo Feminine Vacationers?

… so your experiences could also be totally different from mine. I’m fortunate to have fell on the lap of my tapatio associates whom I met from my travels throughout Latin America. Tapatio is the time period for individuals who reside in Guadalajara so if you wish to sound like an area, use this phrase!

My level is our experiences could also be totally different since I already knew folks earlier than touring to Guadalajara alone. I have to admit that I used to be form of paranoid originally due to what I learn on the information. I virtually didn’t journey to Guadalajara due to this.

My predominant motivation of visiting Guadalajara are my associates so this actually gave me the arrogance and I didn’t suppose twice. I’m so glad I didn’t!

Talking of tapatio associates, I seen the distinction on how males take note of you extra once you’re alone and that goes for all locations in Mexico. Once I was strolling with a Tinder date in Guadalajara, no person even dared look. The identical goes for when I’m out with male associates.

I additionally really feel like I used to be residing in an important neighborhood so nobody actually cat-called me. If somebody did, it was not as intense as my experiences in different elements of Mexico. Severely, simply ignore them.

I’m a digital nomad so I frequented many cafes in Guadalajara. At any time when I sit down in cafes, I surprisingly meet fellow digital nomads to hang around with. If you’re touring alone, you’ll be able to simply speak to bartenders (begin with Cerveceria Chapultepec). They’re at all times pleasant and are chatty with foreigners.

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Is Guadalajara Protected For Courting Apps?

I did use relationship apps in Guadalajara, each Tinder and Bumble. It may be protected, however like anyplace, it is determined by the way you method it. I’ve actually matched extra with overseas guests in order somebody who is aware of Guadalajara nicely, I made a decision the place to satisfy.

Some neighborhoods really feel safer, and I’ve discovered Colonia Americana, Providencia, and Chapalita to be one of the best spots for assembly dates. They’re energetic, well-lit, and have loads of respected cafes, bars, and eating places. Listed here are some locations I’d counsel:

• SAFE – A classy, extremely rated venue within the Moderna neighborhood.
• Barceló Guadalajara – A cultured lodge close to Expo Guadalajara with nice eating places and bars.
• Guadalajara Plaza Expo – Close to Plaza del Sol, providing a snug and protected house to satisfy.

I really like how the Mexicans are so pleasant however after all, if somebody is interested in you, it’s as much as you to entertain that or not. I’ve no proper to inform you or plant the concept to you that each one males in Mexico will make the most of you. Normally, males have totally different behaviors all over the place. There isn’t a generic habits for males in Mexico or Guadalajara.

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Is Guadalajara Protected At Night time?

I’ve been advised that it’s although I by no means actually pushed my luck. I’ve walked a number of instances on my own at evening and didn’t discover it scary. Nevertheless, I solely did this a couple of times once I have already got a grasp of the place.

Once I have already got this mounted route I used to be snug with, I did stroll at evening however I have to make clear that what I meant with ‘evening’ is from 18:00 – 21:00 max. Past these hours, I at all times took the Uber as a result of it’s actually low cost!

My good friend additionally lent me her bike and whereas I used to be using to go work at a restaurant in Guadalajara, one of many guys there advised me that I shouldn’t additionally bike at evening as a result of there are lots of cases that bike riders have been robbed (and doubtless damage).

These are tales that I heard from locals whereas I used to be there. It didn’t occur to me so I actually don’t have any proof. However nonetheless, it’s nice to be vigilant. On one other word, I walked lots with associates at evening (even as much as 2:00 within the morning). Guadalajara is a really walkable metropolis and the climate is nice so if you end up with a bunch, strolling in Guadalajara is okay!

Are Ubers Protected in Guadalajara?

Sure, I used Uber on a regular basis in Guadalajara and nothing unhealthy occurred to me. I wouldn’t go in an Uber alone very drunk although. I’d often have somebody drop me off (ride-sharing). My associates in Guadalajara additionally at all times insist they take me house. In cases I used to be alone, I made positive I used to be sober sufficient to get house.

Uber in Guadalajara could be very low cost. Most of my 15-minute rides are about $50 MXN ($2.50 USD approx). The one time I paid $200+ MXN ($10 USD) was once I went to Tlaquepaque, about half-hour from Guadalajara.

The Uber app is extensively utilized in Guadalajara so in your security, don’t go along with regular/common taxis. I’m positive a number of common taxis are good guys however at any time when I’m touring, I’m extra snug in utilizing taxi apps as they’re safer and it’s very straightforward to establish the humanity of the motive force.

You’ll be able to even share your present location to associates and households which is one thing you can not do when using a traditional taxi.

Is Guadalajara Safer than Mexico Metropolis?

With out wanting on the crime price information and basing it on my private expertise, I don’t really feel like one is safer than the opposite. Mexico Metropolis’s Roma and Condesa areas are nice neighborhoods that I at all times keep in. You’ll be able to at all times stroll at evening with out issues and there are lots of foreigners doing the identical.

However in the event you exit of those neighborhoods, issues are somewhat bit totally different. I’d by no means stroll and I’ll at all times take an Uber if I’m outdoors of Roma and Condesa.

In the identical method that Guadalajara’s predominant avenue, Avenida Chapultepec is as busy as Roma and Condesa areas, I really feel very assured strolling right here on my own. There are many folks right here on a regular basis and the streets are well-lit,

Nevertheless, in different areas in Guadalajara, I’ll at all times take an Uber and never stroll on my own at evening. If I’m strolling on my own, I make sure that I’m with associates however lots of people in Guadalajara advised me that even with associates, it may be harmful! I simply didn’t have that have so I can’t actually discuss that.

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What Elements of Guadalajara Are Protected?

• Colonia Americana: This neighborhood has an artsy, laid-back vibe with tons of cool cafes, bars, and cultural spots. The streets are well-lit, and there are at all times folks round, which makes it really feel protected. Plus, there’s a good police presence, so that you gained’t really feel uneasy strolling round.
• Providencia: Should you like chill, upscale areas, Providencia is ideal. It’s tremendous clear, has fancy eating places, and feels very safe. There are non-public safety guards round, and it’s not overcrowded, which makes exploring right here actually snug—whether or not you’re solo or assembly associates.
• Chapalita: Chapalita has a comfortable, native really feel—much less touristy, however actually protected and welcoming. The streets are quiet however well-lit, and it’s stuffed with family-friendly spots and parks. It’s an important alternative if you’d like a peaceable place with out worrying about security an excessive amount of.
• Zapopan: Zapopan has a cool combine of recent purchasing malls, universities, and cultural landmarks. Safety is stable right here, with native police making common rounds. Plus, the locals are pleasant, which makes it really feel even safer. Whether or not you’re exploring or grabbing meals, it’s a straightforward space to get pleasure from with out fear.

USE THIS MAP TO SEE THE SAFEST HOTELS IN GUADALAJARA

Areas to keep away from in Guadalajara, Mexico

Now, the protected areas above are primarily based on my private experiences. Nevertheless, the state of Jalisco has issued an inventory of petty crimes in all of the unsafe neighborhoods of Guadalajara. Surprisingly, Americana and Centro (that I advised you I felt protected being in) are on the listing of harmful neighborhoods for petty crimes like theft (person-to-person), enterprise theft, and automobile theft.

No vacationer crimes have been reported, however like anyplace else on the earth, you ought to be vigilant together with your issues and never put on flashy jewellery. Sadly, most of my Mexican associates inform me that these petty crimes solely occur to locals and never foreigners. Mexico has a approach of defending its tourism status since a lot of the nation depends on tourism.

Listed here are some areas in Guadalajara that you just would possibly wish to keep away from, particularly in the event you’re touring solo or unfamiliar with town:

• Analco: Analco has a number of historical past, however safety-wise, it’s not one of the best spot for vacationers. The world has the next crime price, and strolling round at evening isn’t really useful. Should you’re searching for a historic neighborhood with a safer ambiance, Tlaquepaque is a significantly better possibility.
• Need suggestions for safer spots to discover as a substitute?
• Las Juntas: Las Juntas isn’t the most secure place to wander round, particularly in the event you don’t know the world nicely. It’s recognized for gang-related points, and there aren’t many sights that make it well worth the danger. Should you’re searching for an area vibe, there are safer neighborhoods with nice meals and tradition.
• Oblatos: Whereas Oblatos has some native markets, it’s not one of the best place for vacationers. Petty crime is widespread, and it’s not probably the most well-lit or safe space at evening. Should you’re exploring Guadalajara, you’ll have a significantly better time in neighborhoods like Colonia Americana or Providencia.
• San Juan de Dios: This space is known for its large market, however outdoors of that, it could really feel sketchy, particularly after darkish. Pickpocketing is widespread, and a few streets aren’t well-patrolled. Should you go to the market, go through the day, keep watch over your belongings, and keep away from wandering into aspect streets alone.
• Lomas del Paraíso: This neighborhood has a status for being unsafe as a result of crime charges and gang exercise. It’s not a spot the place vacationers often go, and there aren’t many sights to make it price visiting. Should you’re searching for a protected and enjoyable expertise, persist with extra central areas.

Guadalajara Security Suggestions for Solo Feminine Vacationers

I hope you gained’t come to Guadalajara and spend your trip worrying about Guadalajara security. There’s actually nothing to fret about! Guadalajara is a enjoyable metropolis, particularly for younger vacationers so do your finest to get pleasure from it. The nightlife could be very vibrant and there are at all times fascinating folks all over the place!

Whereas I consider that no metropolis on the earth is 100% protected (, there are lots of petty crimes throughout), I actually really feel like you’ll be able to have time in Guadalajara if you understand how to take security precautions.

Simply the let , the crime price in Guadalajara is labeled ‘medium danger’ and is unquestionably has decrease crime charges than Mexico Metropolis. Listed here are some ideas for staying protected in Guadalajara as a solo feminine traveler:

• Don’t act like you aren’t from Guadalajara: Use native phrases like tapatio and Mexican slangs like “wey.” All the time lookup whereas strolling, say hola to everybody and don’t embrace your bag like you’ve one million greenback digital camera in it. Inside a day of being in Guadalajara, you’ll already decide up native customs and you can be acquainted with the structure. This can equip you in not wanting like a vacationer in Guadalajara. And don’t put on vacationer hats!
• Transportation: Skip common taxis—use Uber or Didi as a substitute. They’re safer, trackable, and keep away from sketchy drivers. Should you take the bus, hold your bag in entrance of you and keep away from rush-hour crowds. At evening, at all times go for rideshare over strolling, even in protected areas.
• The place to Keep or Reserving a Place: Search for inns or Airbnbs with safety employees and gated entrances. Keep away from locations with tremendous low cost charges in unknown neighborhoods—it’s often a pink flag. If reserving an Airbnb, examine evaluations for mentions of noise, break-ins, or security considerations earlier than confirming.
  ✅ SEE MAP OF SAFE AREAS IN GUADALAJARA
• Getting Journey Insurance coverage: Be sure that your coverage covers medical emergencies, theft, and journey cancellations. Some plans exclude cartel-related incidents, so learn the wonderful print. Should you plan on doing adventurous stuff like climbing or biking, double-check protection for accidents—some primary plans don’t embrace it.
  ✅ SEE TRAVEL INSURANCE PLANS
• Use a crossbody bag with a zipper: Pickpocketing occurs, particularly in crowded areas. A crossbody bag with a zipper makes it more durable for thieves to seize your stuff. Bonus factors if it’s small—much less to hold, and also you gained’t seem like a vacationer hauling a large backpack.
• Skip flashy jewellery: Guadalajara has wonderful nightlife, however carrying costly jewellery could make you a goal. Maintain it easy—minimal equipment imply much less consideration from potential thieves. Should you actually wish to put on one thing good, go for items that don’t scream “excessive worth.”
• Keep away from empty streets at evening: Even in protected areas, abandoned streets can really feel sketchy. Should you’re strolling late, persist with busy roads with open companies. If a avenue seems to be too quiet, seize a rideshare as a substitute—it’s well worth the few additional pesos for peace of thoughts.
• Be cautious with drinks: Bars and golf equipment are enjoyable, however drink spiking occurs. All the time watch your drink, and in the event you depart it unattended—even for a second—get a brand new one. If somebody gives you a drink you didn’t see poured, politely decline.
• Don’t purchase medication in any respect prices: Guadalajara has strict drug legal guidelines, and getting caught—even with a small quantity—can land you in deep trouble. Past authorized dangers, shopping for from the incorrect folks can put you in harmful conditions. It’s simply not price it, irrespective of how informal the provide appears.
• Talking Spanish helps lots: I’m Asian, however I’m fluent in Spanish. I’ve noticed how folks deal with you in a different way once you communicate Spanish (as a foreigner). They offer you respect and of their thoughts, you already know lots about Mexico so no person will dare idiot you or take benefit. I’ve been residing in Mexico for some time now and have picked up Mexican customs so I transfer like them. Guadalajarans are pleasant and also you simply need to be open-minded about adapting.
• Get an eSIM for fixed connectivity: Having an eSIM means you gained’t need to depend on spotty Wi-Fi or hunt for SIM playing cards. It retains you related for navigation, rideshares, and emergencies. If one thing feels off otherwise you need assistance, with the ability to name or message immediately is a large security benefit.
  ✅ SEE MEXICO E-SIM PLANS
• Think about your supply: Guadalajara has a number of unhealthy press however give it some thought: how did you discover this put up? Why are you researching solo journey in Guadalajara? One thing pursuits you about this metropolis, appropriate? Should you attempt to observe your intestine and browse completely about Guadalajara, you will notice how many individuals had been right here with out issues.
• I can join you with associates in Guadalajara: Get in contact with me and I’ll introduce you to some locals and foreigners residing in Guadalajara. I personally know them and so they’re at all times completely happy to indicate folks round!
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