Is La Paz Mexico Safe? The Ultimate Safety Guide For 2024
Is La Paz, Mexico safe?
This guide by Daria from The Discovery Nut is diving into safety in La Paz.
The capital of Baja California Sur State, La Paz is known for its unspoiled desert landscapes and pristine beaches with transparent waters.
The city sits along the Sea of Cortez, which was nicknamed the “Aquarium of the World” by the marine conservationist Jacques-Yves Cousteau because of its diverse wildlife. Here you can spot dolphins, sea lions, and colorful fish.
La Paz is a popular getaway from Cabo San Lucas. Until recently, it was an overlooked destination, as most international travelers spent their vacation in Cabo resorts, but now the word is out and La Paz is quickly becoming one of the most trendy places in the region.
If you are planning to visit for the first time, you’re probably wondering is La Paz, Mexico safe? Keep reading to find out how to visit La Paz safely and make the most out of your vacation.
Is La Paz Mexico Safe?
La Paz is one of the safest destinations in Baja California. The city is generally quiet, and most tourism here revolves around water sports and wildlife.
Unlike Cabo, which has recently developed a reputation for an increasing crime rate, La Paz is a much quieter destination, and statistics show it is a safe place for tourists.
As with anywhere, staying safe while visiting La Paz means remaining vigilant, keeping an eye on your belongings and using common sense. But other than your essential street smarts, there’s not a lot to worry about in La Paz.
Is La Paz Safe to Walk Around?
La Paz is generally safe to walk around especially near the Malecon, a 3-mile waterfront walkway that stays busy most of the day.
If you head away from the more popular tourist spots and into remote areas the risk of crime increases. So, it’s best to avoid wandering in these areas especially at night.
Is La Paz Mexico Safe At Night?
Generally La Paz is safe at night. Avoid dark and poorly lit areas and stick to the popular parts of town with high foot traffic.
If you want to spend a night out, the safest area is around the Malecon. Here you can find many bars, nightclubs and restaurants like El Buen Bar, known for good music, delicious food and cocktails, and Mezcalaria La Miserable, a great place to socialize and taste mezcal. It’s a busy area, and there are usually many people here even after dark.
💡Pro Tip: Captains Sunset Bar is a perfect spot to watch the sunset with a drink. It boasts a gorgeous air view of the Palmira Marina and friendly staff.
What Is the La Paz Mexico Crime Rate?
According to Numbeo, the crime rate index in La Paz, Mexico is low at only 33 out of 100, with 100 being the most dangerous.
This is one of the lowest crime rates in Mexico and lower than many popular tourist destinations in the US, Canada and Europe.
Although the crime rate in La Paz has been slightly on the rise in recent years, travelers should take comfort in the low rating. For additional information you can always check the US Government Travel Advisories.
Best Safety Tips for Travel to La Paz Mexico
La Paz is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in Baja California, but to stay safe in the city, you should know a couple of things before planning your trip. These precautions will help you to stay safe on the city streets and beaches, and have a better experience overall.
1. Prepare for the Weather
La Paz is located in the Sonoran Desert, and it’s not uncommon to see temperatures climb into triple digits, particularly from June through October. To avoid sunburn, be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen as the sun can be unforgiving in La Paz.
Since La Paz can get extremely hot, you should also wear a hat. Prolonged time in the sun and heat can cause heatstroke which can take days to recover from.
2. Keep an Eye on Your Valuables
This is a standard safety rule no matter where you go, but it’s an important one. Keep an eye on your valuables when out in public, especially in busy places like bars or even the beach. Phones, cameras, jewelry and designer items are best kept out of sight or even in the hotel safe.
3. Practice Safe Swimming
Although popular La Paz beaches like Balandra Beach are generally safe to swim, you should always check conditions on any beach before heading into the water. Even when the water looks okay, it could be dangerous so always pay attention to the flags on the beach.
Not many of the beaches around La Paz have lifeguards which means if you find yourself in trouble in the water there may not be anyone to help you.
Check the beach conditions, stay hydrated, and don’t get into the water if you have been drinking.
4. Don’t Be a Hero
In the unfortunate event that you fall victim to crime in La Paz don’t be a hero. It’s never a good idea to try to fight off offenders and potentially escalate the situation. Things are replaceable so if you find yourself as a victim of theft, hand over the goods and cooperate.
5. Don’t Carry All Your Cash
As a rule of thumb, carry a maximum of a few credit cards and some cash. If you are going out, leave your wallet at home to avoid losing it.
6. Keep Someone Posted About Your Plans
Whether you are going to the beach, joining a guided tour, or heading out to a bar, make sure someone is aware of your whereabouts.
If you are visiting La Paz by yourself, it’s a good idea to let your hotel staff know where you are going just in case.
Is La Paz Mexico a Good Place to Live?
La Paz is a safe city with incredible outdoor opportunities. It boasts year-round sunshine, a relatively low cost of living, and a quiet atmosphere which makes it a great place to live.
The city is known for its ecotourism, so you can enjoy fun adventures year round like scuba diving, hiking, wildlife watching, and sailing.
Best La Paz Mexico Hotels
La Paz, Mexico has a good variety of hotels, from small motels to luxury 5-star hotels where you can spoil yourself. Here are a couple of options for your trip:
✅ Budget Option: Hotel HBlue is one of the best hotels in La Paz that offers a central location, budget-friendly prices, and is walking distance to many restaurants and the best things to do. The hotel also has a nice rooftop with a bar and spectacular views and offers an à la carte or American breakfast.
✅ Mid-Range Option: Hotel Catedral La Paz is a top-rated hotel located in the heart of La Paz. Guests love the friendly staff, nice pool, and great food at the rooftop bar.
✅ Luxury Option: Casa Al Mar is a gorgeous boutique hotel with spacious rooms and modern designs, featuring spectacular views of the sea and location near many restaurants in La Paz.
Getting Around La Paz Mexico Safely
To get around La Paz safely, it’s best to rent a car. Although you can take public transportation like buses and colectivos (small vans) to get around the city and surrounding areas, renting a car will give you more freedom and allow you to visit beaches and natural landmarks which can’t be accessed by public transportation.
If you are visiting La Paz by yourself, consider joining guided tours to places like Balandra Beach, Mogote Dunes or Isla Espiritu Santo National Park.
Although downtown La Paz is walkable, you need a car to get around and visit other popular spots like La Ventana, a small fishing village south of La Paz, that’s become popular for windsurfing.
Public transportation in La Paz is perfect for short trips around the city. La Paz public transportation consists of buses and colectivos that can take you to different areas of the city.
If you take public transportation in La Paz, dress in plain clothes, avoid flashing your valuables, and always keep an eye on your belongings. Avoid buses that have too many people, as they can have pickpockets who may try to take advantage of busy places.
💡Pro Tip: Learn some Spanish words before your trip to be able to ask directions and communicate if you have any questions.
La Paz Mexico FAQs
Here are our answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about visiting La Paz, Mexico.
Is la Paz Mexico Expensive?
La Paz, Mexico, is generally more affordable compared to popular destinations like Cancun or Los Cabos. The city is still somewhat off the radar and has plenty of inexpensive hotels, restaurants, and local tours.
Public transportation in La Paz is generally inexpensive and local taxis also tend to be affordable, particularly for shorter distances.
The cost of activities and entertainment in La Paz can vary. Some attractions, like museums or city tours, usually have affordable admission fees. Water sports, boat tours, and activities like swimming with whale sharks or sea lions have higher prices.
Is la Paz or Cabo Better?
La Paz is known for its laid-back atmosphere and affordable prices. It offers a more authentic Mexican experience with a smaller-town feel and amazing eco-tourism options. Cabo San Lucas is more expensive, has better nightlife and high-end resorts.
If you prefer a slower pace and a quieter environment, La Paz is a better option, but if you want to enjoy the nightlife, and be close to amenities, Cabo San Lucas might be a better fit.
Is the Drive From Cabo to la Paz Safe?
The drive from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz in Baja California Sur, Mexico, is generally considered safe for travelers. Highway 1 (also known as Carretera Transpeninsular) which connects the two cities is a well-maintained road that offers scenic views of the Baja Peninsula.
Although the drive is mostly safe, you should watch out for potholes, bumps, and livestock, which has become somewhat of an issue on many roads in Baja California.
Some sections of the highway may be narrow or winding, so it’s important to drive with caution and follow the posted speed limit.
Like anywhere else in Mexico, plan your trip for the daytime, and always keep your gas tank full.
Conclusion: Is La Paz Mexico Safe?
La Paz is a gorgeous gateway to adventure in Mexico’s Baja California and is mostly safe for tourists. With a low crime rate, tourists are rarely the target of crime in La Paz but as a visitor, you can reduce your chances of trouble by staying alert and following typical safety practices.