Is Ixtapa Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Updated On November 7, 2023
Ixtapa, Mexico
Safety Index:
68
* Based on Research & Crime Data
User Sentiment:
77
* Rated 77 / 100 based on 6 user reviews.

Ixtapa has transformed into a world-class resort city with its stunning beach.

Tourists here come to enjoy its waters, perfect sunny weather, and historical sites.

If you do not have any idea on what to do when coming to Ixtapa, we suggest that Delfiniti should be on your list of places to visit.

Those interested in history should go to the Mayan Ruins of Xihuacan Museum and Archaeological Site.

There are also some luxurious activities that can be done here, so you can go to the Marina Ixtapa Nautica Golf Club.

Warnings & Dangers in Ixtapa

Overall Risk

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Crime and violence are serious problems in Mexico and that is the reason why so many foreigners avoid visiting this beautify country, Generally, we can say that vigilant tourists would spend holidays in Ixtapa without having to worry about their security.

Transport & Taxis Risk

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Those who decide to drive must keep car doors locked and windows closed, even at traffic lights. There have been a number of violent car-jackings and robberies, so avoid poor lit areas and do not leave valuables in the car.

Pickpockets Risk

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Just as in any other city, pickpockets are everywhere around Ixtapa. You need to take care when walking the streets and when you are in public transport as those are locations where thieves operate.

Natural Disasters Risk

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

One of the possible natural disasters is the hurricane and its season runs from June to November. Both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts can be affected.

Mugging Risk

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

There is a possibility of violent criminal acts and, in some instances, tourists were attacked or just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Terrorism Risk

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Travelers should not worry about terrorism when in Mexico as there were no incidents in recent years. However, the attacks cannot be ruled out.

Scams Risk

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Taxi drivers might try to overcharge for their service so it is better to agree on the price prior to starting the ride. Also, the instances of spiked food and drink with the aim of assaulting and robbing are not rare, so be vigilant.

Women Travelers Risk

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Being that women are easy prey for attackers, they need to be aware of their surroundings and avoid walking alone. It is better to be in a group than to regret later on.

So... How Safe Is Ixtapa Really?

Due to the fact that there is a possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes to happen in Ixtapa, which can cause flooding and landslides, travelers are suggested to get acquainted with the current situation prior to coming to a certain area.

It is not uncommon that police ask people to show their identification documents, so you should carry photocopies of your passport and of the stamped ‘Forma Migratoria Múltiple’ at all times.

Even though the Mexican government makes efforts to protect major tourist destinations and they have managed to achieve that these locations do not experience the levels of drug-related violence and crime experienced in some other cities, the incidents have been reported.

Tourists have not been the target of violent incidents in the majority of cases,  there is still the chance that anyone in the vicinity of an incident can be affected.

If in some cases you become the victim of a crime, you must report the incident immediately by going to the nearest branch of the police.

How Does Ixtapa Compare?

CitySafety Index
Ixtapa68
Playa del Carmen69
Cabo San Lucas68
Acapulco63
Cancun71
Guadalajara62
Mexico City45
Siem Reap (Cambodia)63
Phnom Penh (Cambodia)61
Niagara Falls (Canada)87
Calgary (Canada)82
Buenos Aires (Argentina)60
Vancouver (Canada)82

Useful Information

Visas

Visas

Besides the passports which have to be valid during your stay, other entry requirements include a visa only if you are coming for a longer stay in Mexico. Tourists will just have to complete an immigration form.

Currency

Currency

The Mexican Nuevo Peso or simply Peso is the official currency. The payment can be made either by debit or credit cards. You can also exchange your money in exchange offices or banks.

Weather

Weather

Ixtapa has a tropical climate, with less rainfall in winter than in summer. The temperatures are highest in July while the lowest temperatures are in February, around 29.

Airports

Airports

Tourists coming to Ixtapa should use Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo International Airport, which is an international airport in the state of Guerrero. It serves tourists throughout the whole year who are visiting beaches and resorts.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

In case of emergency, when you are given some medical services, you should be prepared to pay for treatment yourself and then ask for a refund from the insurance company if you have travel insurance.

Click here to get an offer for travel insurance

Ixtapa Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Jan 26° C
Feb 26° C
Mar 26° C
Apr 27° C
May 28° C
Jun 28° C
Jul 28° C
Aug 28° C
Sep 27° C
Oct 28° C
Nov 27° C
Dec 27° C
Choose Temperature Unit

Average High/Low Temperature

Temperature / MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High
°C
333333333433333332333333
Low
°C
191919202222232222222120
High
°F
919191919391919190919191
Low
°F
666666687272737272727068

Mexico - Safety by City

CitySafety Index
Acapulco63
Aguascalientes80
Cabo San Lucas68
Cancun71
Chichen Itza70
Chihuahua40
Cozumel85
Cuernavaca65
Culiacan55
Durango75
Ensenada90
Guadalajara62
Guanajuato53
Hermosillo90
Huatulco85
Isla Holbox85
Isla Mujeres80
Ixtapa68
Juarez32
Leon68
Los Cabos80
Manzanillo68
Matamoros40
Merida78
Mexicali42
Mexico City45
Monterrey55
Morelia46
Nogales50
Nuevo Laredo40
Oaxaca74
Piedras Negras67
Playa del Carmen69
Puebla80
Puerto Morelos85
Puerto Vallarta70
Queretaro City63
Reynosa35
Saltillo70
San Luis Potosi80
San Miguel de Allende75
Sayulita90
Tijuana41
Tulum80
Valladolid90
Veracruz70
Zacatecas70
Zapopan70
Zihuatanejo70

Where to Next?

6 Reviews on Ixtapa

  1. A
    Anonymous says:

    how about Cartel Risk?

    1. crime in ixtapa

      Ixtapa is very safe from serious crime like that IMO. I go there often to visit my uncle who lives in this area. What you have to look out for is scams and taxis overcharging tourists and things like that is the biggest worry.

  2. C
    Christine says:

    How many pesos is an average taxi ride should cost

  3. I remember visiting Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo with my Dad in the late 1970s. Wow what an experience. I look forward to returning and having more experiences

  4. Hired a tour guide to take family of five to the island.
    We go this morning at 10 am. 15 min cab ride then 15 minute ride by boat. I was checking the reality of the island, and its relative safety. Thank you for the references and data. I would rate Louisville KY as a 35 but it’s my home town. I’ve seen it fall apart over the last 30 years. Ill share how it goes after i come back.

  5. Is it safe t travel to ixtapa now Feb 2023.
    I’ve read repeatedly that crime is getting worse and US travel says warning level is at 4 Do Not Travel??

Ixtapa Rated 3.83 / 5 based on 6 user reviews.

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