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 full of life streets to quiet corners, right here’s the actual deal on security—what to know, what to keep away from, and the right way to discover worry-free.

📬 Hey Trisha! Love your weblog and all of your Mexico content material! My boss will likely be sending me to a 3-day convention in Guadalajara in December. Although I feel it is a good alternative for my profession and I actually need to go, is Guadalajara protected? I need to keep a couple of 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 quite a bit in your phrases. I actually respect it! To be sincere, I used to be a bit of freaked after I first went to Guadalajara, however upon arrival, I spotted it is rather manageable and enjoyable! The town is tremendous female-friendly and may be very fashionable. I’ll present extra particulars under however I hope you gained’t miss this chance, particularly in case your work can pay for the journey. It’s best to 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 quite a bit 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 via!

Xx,
Trisha

Is Guadalajara Protected?

I wager YES is a tough reply to imagine as a result of buzz of Narcos Mexico on Netflix. I didn’t comply with the Cali Cartel season however when the Mexican model was added, I immediately 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 completely different?

In the event you’ve seen it and watched all of the seasons, you in all probability wouldn’t take into consideration visiting Mexico anymore, or no less than the locations that have been highlighted there comparable to Sinaloa and Guadalajara.

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

Miguel is from Sinaloa, and the present highlighted his life rising up in that state. However many of the collection is ready in Guadalajara Mexico, the place he fashioned the strongest Mexican cartel within the ’80s. The present is violent and typically very graphic so by the point you end the present, you’ll actually really feel like Mexico is a brutal nation that shoots individuals 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 pal’s home. My pal is French and lives in Guadalajara. She was visiting household and buddies in France after 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 night time 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 completely different from mine. I’m fortunate to have fell on the lap of my tapatio buddies 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 a neighborhood, use this phrase!

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

My most important motivation of visiting Guadalajara are my buddies so this actually gave me the arrogance and I didn’t assume twice. I’m so glad I didn’t!

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

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

I’m a digital nomad so I frequented many cafes in Guadalajara. Every time I sit down in cafes, I surprisingly meet fellow digital nomads to hang around with. In case you are touring alone, you’ll be able to simply discuss 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 courting apps in Guadalajara, each Tinder and Bumble. It may be protected, however like wherever, it is dependent upon the way you strategy it. I’ve actually matched extra with overseas guests in order somebody who is aware of Guadalajara properly, I made a decision the place to fulfill.

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

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

I really like how the Mexicans are so pleasant however in fact, if somebody is drawn to you, it’s as much as you to entertain that or not. I’ve no proper to inform you or plant the thought to you that every one males in Mexico will make the most of you. Typically, males have completely different behaviors in every single place. There is no such thing as a generic conduct for males in Mexico or Guadalajara.

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Is Guadalajara Protected At Evening?

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

After I have already got this fastened route I used to be comfy with, I did stroll at night time however I must make clear that what I meant with ‘night time’ 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 pal additionally lent me her bike and whereas I used to be driving to go work at a restaurant in Guadalajara, one of many guys there informed me that I shouldn’t additionally bike at night time as a result of there are various situations that bike riders have been robbed (and doubtless harm).

These are tales that I heard from locals whereas I used to be there. It didn’t occur to me so I actually haven’t any proof. However nonetheless, it’s nice to be vigilant. On one other word, I walked quite a bit with buddies at night time (even as much as 2:00 within the morning). Guadalajara is a really walkable metropolis and the climate is nice so when you’re 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 dangerous occurred to me. I wouldn’t go in an Uber alone very drunk although. I might normally have somebody drop me off (ride-sharing). My buddies in Guadalajara additionally at all times insist they take me residence. In situations I used to be alone, I made positive I used to be sober sufficient to get residence.

Uber in Guadalajara may 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 after I went to Tlaquepaque, about half-hour from Guadalajara.

The Uber app is broadly utilized in Guadalajara so in your security, don’t go together with regular/common taxis. I’m positive plenty of common taxis are good guys however each time I’m touring, I’m extra comfy in utilizing taxi apps as they’re safer and it’s very simple to establish the humanity of the driving force.

You may even share your present location to buddies and households which is one thing you can’t do when driving a traditional taxi.

Is Guadalajara Safer than Mexico Metropolis?

With out trying on the crime price info 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 may at all times stroll at night time with out issues and there are various foreigners doing the identical.

However if you happen to exit of those neighborhoods, issues are a bit of bit completely 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 most important 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 individuals 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 night time. If I’m strolling on my own, I be sure that I’m with buddies however lots of people in Guadalajara informed me that even with buddies, it may be harmful! I simply didn’t have that have so I can’t actually talk about that.

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What Components 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 individuals 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: In the event you like chill, upscale areas, Providencia is ideal. It’s tremendous clear, has fancy eating places, and feels very safe. There are personal safety guards round, and it’s not overcrowded, which makes exploring right here actually comfy—whether or not you’re solo or assembly buddies.
• Chapalita: Chapalita has a comfy, 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 excellent selection if you would like a peaceable place with out worrying about security an excessive amount of.
• Zapopan: Zapopan has a cool combine of recent procuring malls, universities, and cultural landmarks. Safety is strong 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 take pleasure in 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 based mostly on my private experiences. Nevertheless, the state of Jalisco has issued a listing of petty crimes in all of the unsafe neighborhoods of Guadalajara. Surprisingly, Americana and Centro (that I informed 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 wherever else on the planet, you ought to be vigilant together with your issues and never put on flashy jewellery. Sadly, most of my Mexican buddies inform me that these petty crimes solely occur to locals and never foreigners. Mexico has a manner of defending its tourism fame since many of the nation depends on tourism.

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

• Analco: Analco has lots of historical past, however safety-wise, it’s not the perfect spot for vacationers. The realm has the next crime price, and strolling round at night time isn’t really useful. In the event you’re on the lookout 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 if you happen to don’t know the realm properly. It’s recognized for gang-related points, and there aren’t many sights that make it definitely worth the danger. In the event you’re on the lookout for a neighborhood vibe, there are safer neighborhoods with nice meals and tradition.
• Oblatos: Whereas Oblatos has some native markets, it’s not the perfect place for vacationers. Petty crime is frequent, and it’s not essentially the most well-lit or safe space at night time. In the event 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 huge market, however outdoors of that, it will probably really feel sketchy, particularly after darkish. Pickpocketing is frequent, and a few streets aren’t well-patrolled. In the event 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 fame for being unsafe attributable to crime charges and gang exercise. It’s not a spot the place vacationers normally go, and there aren’t many sights to make it price visiting. In the event you’re on the lookout for a protected and enjoyable expertise, keep on 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 may be actually nothing to fret about! Guadalajara is a enjoyable metropolis, particularly for younger vacationers so do your greatest to take pleasure in it. The nightlife may be very vibrant and there are at all times attention-grabbing individuals in every single place!

Whereas I imagine that no metropolis on the planet is 100% protected (, there are various petty crimes throughout), I actually really feel like you’ll be able to have an excellent time in Guadalajara if you know the way 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 suggestions 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 search for whereas strolling, say hola to everybody and don’t embrace your bag like you’ve one million greenback digicam in it. Inside a day of being in Guadalajara, you’ll already decide up native customs and you can be aware of the format. It will equip you in not trying 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. In the event you take the bus, preserve your bag in entrance of you and keep away from rush-hour crowds. At night time, at all times go for rideshare over strolling, even in protected areas.
• The place to Keep or Reserving a Place: Search for lodges or Airbnbs with safety workers and gated entrances. Keep away from locations with tremendous low-cost charges in unknown neighborhoods—it’s normally a purple flag. If reserving an Airbnb, examine critiques for mentions of noise, break-ins, or security considerations earlier than confirming.
  ✅ SEE MAP OF SAFE AREAS IN GUADALAJARA
• Getting Journey Insurance coverage: Be certain your coverage covers medical emergencies, theft, and journey cancellations. Some plans exclude cartel-related incidents, so learn the high-quality print. In the event you plan on doing adventurous stuff like mountaineering or biking, double-check protection for accidents—some fundamental plans don’t embody 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 tougher for thieves to seize your stuff. Bonus factors if it’s small—much less to hold, and also you gained’t appear like a vacationer hauling an enormous backpack.
• Skip flashy jewellery: Guadalajara has wonderful nightlife, however sporting costly jewellery could make you a goal. Preserve it easy—minimal equipment imply much less consideration from potential thieves. In the event you actually need to put on one thing good, go for items that don’t scream “excessive worth.”
• Keep away from empty streets at night time: Even in protected areas, abandoned streets can really feel sketchy. In the event you’re strolling late, keep on with busy roads with open companies. If a road appears to be like too quiet, seize a rideshare as a substitute—it’s definitely worth the few further 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 if you happen to depart it unattended—even for a second—get a brand new one. If somebody provides you a drink you didn’t see poured, politely decline.
• Don’t purchase medicine 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 improper individuals can put you in harmful conditions. It’s simply not price it, regardless of how informal the provide appears.
• Talking Spanish helps quite a bit: I’m Asian, however I’m fluent in Spanish. I’ve noticed how individuals deal with you otherwise while you communicate Spanish (as a foreigner). They offer you respect and of their thoughts, you already know quite a bit about Mexico so no person will dare idiot you or take benefit. I’ve been dwelling in Mexico for some time now and have picked up Mexican customs so I transfer like them. Guadalajarans are pleasant and also you simply must be open-minded about adapting.
• Get an eSIM for fixed connectivity: Having an eSIM means you gained’t must depend on spotty Wi-Fi or hunt for SIM playing cards. It retains you linked 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
• Contemplate your supply: Guadalajara has lots of dangerous press however give it some thought: how did you discover this submit? Why are you researching solo journey in Guadalajara? One thing pursuits you about this metropolis, appropriate? In the event you attempt to comply with your intestine and skim completely about Guadalajara, you will note how many individuals had been right here with out issues.
• I can join you with buddies in Guadalajara: Get in contact with me and I’ll introduce you to some locals and foreigners dwelling in Guadalajara. I personally know them and so they’re at all times glad to point out individuals round!
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