Is solo journey in Guadalajara secure? I stayed there for 30 days and by no means felt harmed regardless of roaming the streets on my own! Try my private expertise; I hope it’ll encourage you to journey to Mexico!
📬 Hey Trisha! Love your weblog and all of your Mexico content material! My boss shall be sending me to a 3-day convention in Guadalajara in December. Although I feel this can be a good alternative for my profession and I actually wish to go, is Guadalajara secure? I wish to keep a number 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 along with your convincing powers! Your ideas are all the time very motivating and empowering. I’m torn proper now!
– Andra McIntire, New York
Expensive Andra,
Thanks loads to your phrases. I actually admire it! To be sincere, I used to be a bit freaked once I first went to Mexico, however solo journey in Guadalajara is secure. Town is tremendous female-friendly and could be very trendy. I’ll present extra particulars under however I hope you gained’t miss this chance, particularly in case your work pays for the journey. It is best to test it out and keep a bit!
I stayed in Guadalajara for 30 days and cherished it. It’s not a spot the place I’ll select to stay although – however for a go to, it’s value it! I nonetheless come to Guadalajara loads since I simply moved 4 hours away from town. I’ve a automotive so I can all the time drive again. Good luck and I hope you’ll push by means of!
Xx,
Trisha
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Why I traveled to Guadalajara solo
I began my Mexico backpacking journey with out a plan. I used to be on an open-ended journey and determined that I might take this journey as I went. I landed in Mexico Metropolis, stayed there for a number of months and when it was time to maneuver once more, I considered Guadalajara.
After Mexico Metropolis, the standard subsequent cease is Queretaro or San Miguel de Allende. Nevertheless, I knew some individuals who had been staying in Guadalajara so GDL it’s! It was my first time in Mexico, and I performed it secure for a bit by going the place I knew somebody.
Now, I stay in Mexico, and Guadalajara is someplace I am going often. Meals is nice, town is walkable, and there’s an Worldwide Airport that flies on to Baja California and the USA. I merely needed to go for the primary time to be snug with it and to create my very own picture of Guadalajara.
Solo journey in Guadalajara Expertise
I have already got associates right here
… 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 stay 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 individuals earlier than touring right here. I need to admit that I used to be type of paranoid originally due to what I learn on the information. I nearly 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!
Cat-calling in Guadalajara
Talking of tapatio associates, I seen the distinction of 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 one even dared look. The identical goes for when I’m out with male associates.
I additionally really feel like I used to be dwelling in an amazing neighborhood so nobody actually cat-called me. If somebody did, it was not as intense as my experiences in different components of Mexico. Critically, simply ignore them.
Straightforward to fulfill individuals
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. In case you are touring alone, you’ll be able to simply discuss to bartenders (begin with Cerveceria Chapultepec). They’re all the time pleasant and are chatty with foreigners.
I like how the Mexicans are so pleasant however after all, 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 concept to you that each one males in Mexico will make the most of you. Generally, males are the identical in every single place.
If the individuals round you might be discouraging you to journey alone, it is higher to speak to somebody who has the identical objective or intention as you.
Is Guadalajara secure?
I wager YES is a tough reply to imagine because of the buzz of Narcos Mexico on Netflix. I didn’t comply with the Cali Cartel season however when the Mexican model was added, I abruptly received 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?
In case you’ve seen it and watched all of the seasons, you most likely wouldn’t take into consideration visiting Mexico anymore, or no less than the locations that had been highlighted there resembling Sinaloa and Guadalajara.
In case 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 Nineteen 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 sequence is about 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 cause.
However we’re lacking the key phrase ‘Nineteen 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 secure 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 night time and that I ought to all the time take the Uber.
Is there Uber in Guadalajara Mexico?
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 to your security, don’t go along with regular/common taxis. I’m positive a lot of common taxis are good guys however every time 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 driving force.
You may even ahead your present location to associates and households which is one thing you can not do when using a standard taxi.
Is Guadalajara safer than Mexico Metropolis?
With out wanting on the crime charge 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 all the time keep in. You may all the time stroll at night time with out issues and there are lots of foreigners doing the identical.
However when you exit of those neighborhoods, issues are a bit bit totally different. I’d by no means stroll and I’ll all the time take an Uber if I’m exterior 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 individuals right here on a regular basis and the streets are well-lit,
Nevertheless, in different areas in Guadalajara, I’ll all the time 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 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 talk about that.
What components of Guadalajara are secure?
Centro Historico
Also called ‘centro’, Guadalajara’s centro historico is the place all of the well-known sights and landmarks are. It is a tremendous full of life space bustling with vacationer actions so it’s possible you’ll wish to discover this space first (or as quickly as you arrive in GDL).
Even at night time, Centro Historico is sort of packed and busy so you’ll be able to stroll right here within the evenings.
Colonia Americana
Colonia Americana is the popular space in Guadalajara for younger vacationers as all of the hostels and night time golf equipment are on this space. That is most likely one of the best space to remain in particularly if you’re touring alone as it is possible for you to to fulfill many different solo vacationers right here!
Tlaquepaque
In all probability probably the most colourful and most visited in all of the Guadalajara neighborhoods, Tlaquepaque is a couple of 20-minute drive from Americana. This neighborhood is stuffed with small cafes and colourful streets.
I don’t suggest you keep right here as it’s removed from the centro however you’ll be able to discover it for half a day.
Areas to keep away from in Guadalajara Mexico
Now, the areas above are primarily based 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 advised you I felt secure being in) are on the listing of harmful neighborhoods for petty crimes like theft (person-to-person), enterprise theft, and car theft.
No vacationer crimes have been reported, however like wherever else on this planet, you have to be vigilant along 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 means of defending its tourism popularity since many of the nation depends on tourism.
Is Guadalajara secure at night time?
I’ve been advised that it’s although I by no means actually pushed my luck. I’ve walked a whole lot of instances on my own at night time and didn’t discover it scary. Nevertheless, I solely did this a few 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 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 all the time 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 night time as a result of there are lots of cases that bike riders had been robbed (and possibly damage).
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 loads with associates 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 find yourself with a bunch, stroll!
Guadalajara Mexico security ideas
Whereas I imagine that no metropolis on this planet is 100% secure (you already know, 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 you already know, the crime charge in Guadalajara is labeled ‘medium threat’ and is unquestionably has decrease crime charges than Mexico Metropolis.
Have enjoyable in Guadalajara with out worrying!
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 finest to take pleasure in it. The nightlife could be very vibrant and there are all the time attention-grabbing individuals in every single place!
I notably love the cafe tradition of Guadalajara and the respectable Web pace. Most of my days there, I am going to cafes and sit there all day!
These cafes are made for digital nomads so the workplace setting could be very snug. I even challenged myself to go to totally different cafes each day as a result of there are many them!
It’s additionally good to stroll at night time on the Chapultepec (metropolis heart) as a result of it’s a great way of seeing the Guadalajara life-style. Road meals distributors, stalls promoting Mexican souvenirs, heaps and many road performers, and so forth.
I even had an opportunity to affix a dancing class which they’re actually doing in the midst of the plaza! Now that I keep in mind, that was actually enjoyable!
In fact, I’ve had my share of late nights in Guadalajara which I did loads with associates. Having native associates actually makes a distinction once you journey.
I got here right here with out understanding anybody however once I put myself on the market, I used to be capable of meet individuals whom I now name my associates.
In response to my analysis, there are nonetheless a whole lot of cartel wars in Guadalajara however whereas I used to be there for an entire month, I didn’t actually really feel it.
I’m positive you’ll solely really feel it when you find yourself straight concerned with it but when not, calm down and comply with these solo journey in Guadalajara security ideas.
Take Uber on a regular basis
Once more, if you’re utterly alone, Uber is your finest technique to go round Guadalajara. In case you are with a bunch, I discover strolling a good way to discover this metropolis.
Transport-wise, Guadalajara is at low threat. Uber drivers had been reported very sincere. I even had a time once I forgot my tripod and the driving force returned it!
Don’t go away your stuff unattended
Petty theft or pickpocket is ‘medium-risk in Guadalajara. Keep away from sporting flashy jewellery (thank God I don’t do that) or something that can appeal to thieves. Personally, I’ve walked round Guadalajara carrying all my digital camera gear however I used to be by no means robbed.
It’s only a matter of organizing your self. It doesn’t imply that you would be able to by no means exit with out carrying your digital camera in public. Simply be vigilant!
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 may have 1,000,000 greenback digital camera in it.
Inside a day of being in Guadalajara, you’ll already choose up native customs and you’ll be acquainted with the format. This may equip you in not wanting like a vacationer in Guadalajara. And don’t put on vacationer hats!
Talking Spanish helps loads
I’ve an Asian descent however I’m fluent in Spanish. I’ve noticed how individuals deal with you in another way once you communicate Spanish (as a foreigner). They offer you respect and of their thoughts, you already know loads about Mexico so no one 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 need to be open-minded about adapting.
Think about your supply
Guadalajara has a whole lot 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?
In case you attempt to comply with your intestine and browse totally about Guadalajara, you will note how many individuals had been right here with out issues.
For me, I all the time join with locals or the embassy to get worthwhile data. In any other case, the individuals round me will simply all the time say Guadalajara is just not secure – and I refuse to imagine that. I must see it for myself! Guarantee that your supply is an area or somebody who has been to Guadalajara.
Easy methods to meet individuals in Guadalajara Mexico
Bumble or Tinder in Guadalajara
That is going to be humorous and unusual however throughout my very first journey to Guadalajara (the 30-day one), I used to be 100% depending on the Bumble app.
My intention wasn’t up to now (although I used to be with 1 or 2 attention-grabbing romantic dates; extra on that later) however to fulfill individuals.
Utilizing Bumble otherwise made me understand that I can even join and make significant friendships with out the concept of hooking up or getting laid.
Imagine it or not, most of my associates in Guadalajara are from Bumble! I nonetheless see them as much as this present day every time I go to.
Sitting alone at bars
One other attention-grabbing means of assembly individuals in Guadalajara is to only merely sit down at a bar and chat with bartenders.
Guadalajara is stuffed with younger individuals so most of them are very approachable. I even received a whole lot of free drinks simply by sitting alone!
Salsa classes on the road
Lastly, when you go to the Chapultepec space on weekends, there’s a free dance lesson (by donation) that’s occurring and there’s a whole lot of them. As you’ve already seen on Instagram, I like dancing!!! One Saturday, whereas I used to be strolling alone on the heart, I noticed this group dancing on the streets.
With out asking, I joined in! I didn’t even comprehend it was a proper class as they had been simply casually dancing on the road nevertheless it actually was a category!
Contact me so I can join you with cool individuals!
In case you’re visiting Guadalajara, I can positively join you to my associates. I’ve launched weblog readers to my native associates loads and so they had been all the time keen to accommodate. Simply get in contact by way of e-mail or ship a DM by way of Instagram, @psimonmyway.
I additionally stay 4 hours away from Guadalajara so when you ever are within the metropolis, you’ll be able to by no means miss my seashore city. You need to come right here!