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 should encourage you to journey to Mexico!
📬 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 feel it is a good alternative for my profession and I actually wish to go, is Guadalajara secure? 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 along with your convincing powers! Your ideas are at all times very motivating and empowering. I’m torn proper now!
– Andra McIntire, New York
Pricey Andra,
Thanks lots to your phrases. I actually recognize it! To be sincere, I used to be a little bit freaked once I first went to Mexico, however solo journey in Guadalajara is secure. Town is tremendous female-friendly and may be very fashionable. I’ll present extra particulars under however I hope you received’t miss this chance, particularly in case your work pays 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 stay although – however for a go to, it’s price it! I nonetheless come to Guadalajara lots since I simply moved 4 hours away from the town. I’ve a automotive so I can at all times drive again. Good luck and I hope you’ll push via!
Xx,
Trisha
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Why I traveled to Guadalajara solo
I began my Mexico backpacking journey and not using a plan. I used to be on an open-ended journey and determined that I’d take this journey as I went. I landed in Mexico Metropolis, stayed there for just a few months and when it was time to maneuver once more, I considered Guadalajara.
After Mexico Metropolis, the same old subsequent cease is Queretaro or San Miguel de Allende. Nonetheless, I knew some individuals who have 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, the 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 comfy 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 completely 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 a neighborhood, use this phrase!
My level is our experiences could also be completely different since I already knew individuals earlier than touring right here. I have to admit that I used to be form of paranoid at first due to what I learn on the information. I virtually didn’t journey to Guadalajara due to this.
My important motivation of visiting Guadalajara are my associates so this actually gave me the arrogance and I didn’t assume twice. I’m so glad I didn’t!
Cat-calling in Guadalajara
Talking of tapatio associates, I observed the distinction of how males take note of you extra whenever 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 a terrific 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.
Simple 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. If you’re touring alone, you possibly can simply speak to bartenders (begin with Cerveceria Chapultepec). They’re at all times pleasant and are chatty with foreigners.
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 let you know or plant the concept to you that every one males in Mexico will reap the benefits of you. Basically, males are the identical in all places.
If the individuals round you’re discouraging you to journey alone, it is higher to speak to somebody who has the identical aim or intention as you.
Is Guadalajara secure?
I wager YES is a tough reply to consider 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 out of the blue 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?
When you’ve seen it and watched all of the seasons, you in all probability wouldn’t take into consideration visiting Mexico anymore, or a minimum of the locations that have been highlighted there comparable to Sinaloa and Guadalajara.
When 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 sequence is about in Guadalajara Mexico, the place he fashioned 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 individuals on the road for no cause.
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 prospect to inform her I used to be secure and was staying at a pal’s home. My pal 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 at all times take the Uber.
Is there Uber in Guadalajara Mexico?
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 once I went to Tlaquepaque, about half-hour from Guadalajara.
The Uber app is broadly utilized in Guadalajara so to your security, don’t go along with regular/common taxis. I’m certain numerous common taxis are good guys however at any time when I’m touring, I’m extra comfy in utilizing taxi apps as they’re safer and it’s very straightforward to establish the humanity of the driving force.
You’ll be able to even ahead your present location to associates and households which is one thing you can’t do when using a standard taxi.
Is Guadalajara safer than Mexico Metropolis?
With out wanting on the crime price details 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 night time with out issues and there are a lot of foreigners doing the identical.
However in the event you exit of those neighborhoods, issues are a little bit bit completely different. I’d by no means stroll and I’ll at all times take an Uber if I’m exterior of Roma and Condesa.
In the identical method that Guadalajara’s 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,
Nonetheless, 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 make sure that I’m with associates however lots of people in Guadalajara instructed me that even with associates, it may be harmful! I simply didn’t have that have so I can’t actually discuss that.
What elements of Guadalajara are secure?
Centro Historico
Also referred to as ‘centro’, Guadalajara’s centro historico is the place all of the well-known sights and landmarks are. It is a tremendous vigorous 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 kind of packed and busy so you possibly can 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 in all probability one of the best space to remain in particularly in case you are 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 few 20-minute drive from Americana. This neighborhood is filled with small cafes and colourful streets.
I don’t advocate you keep right here as it’s removed from the centro however you possibly can 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. Nonetheless, 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 instructed you I felt secure being in) are on the checklist 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 the 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 method of defending its tourism fame since many of the nation depends on tourism.
Is Guadalajara secure at night time?
I’ve been instructed 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. Nonetheless, 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 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 using to go work at a restaurant in Guadalajara, one of many guys there instructed me that I shouldn’t additionally bike at night time as a result of there are a lot of 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 don’t have any proof. However nonetheless, it’s nice to be vigilant.
On one other observe, I walked lots 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 gaggle, stroll!
Guadalajara Mexico security suggestions
Whereas I consider that no metropolis on the planet is 100% secure (you realize, there are a lot of petty crimes throughout), I actually really feel like you possibly can have time in Guadalajara if you know the way to take security precautions.
Simply the let you realize, the crime price in Guadalajara is labeled ‘medium danger’ and is certainly has decrease crime charges than Mexico Metropolis.
Have enjoyable in Guadalajara with out worrying!
I hope you received’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 may be very vibrant and there are at all times fascinating individuals in all places!
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 may be very comfy. I even challenged myself to go to completely different cafes every single day as a result of there are many them!
It’s additionally good to stroll at night time on the Chapultepec (metropolis middle) as a result of it’s a great way of seeing the Guadalajara way of life. Avenue meals distributors, stalls promoting Mexican souvenirs, tons and plenty of road performers, and many others.
I even had an opportunity to affix a dancing class which they’re actually doing in the course of the plaza! Now that I bear in mind, that was actually enjoyable!
After all, I’ve had my share of late nights in Guadalajara which I did lots with associates. Having native associates actually makes a distinction whenever you journey.
I got here right here with out realizing anybody however once I put myself on the market, I used to be in a position to meet individuals whom I now name my associates.
In line with my analysis, there are nonetheless lots of cartel wars in Guadalajara however whereas I used to be there for a complete month, I didn’t actually really feel it.
I’m certain you’ll solely really feel it when you find yourself immediately concerned with it but when not, chill out and comply with these solo journey in Guadalajara security suggestions.
Take Uber on a regular basis
Once more, in case you are fully alone, Uber is your finest method to go round Guadalajara. If you’re with a gaggle, I discover strolling an effective way to discover this metropolis.
Transport-wise, Guadalajara is at low danger. Uber drivers have 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 may entice 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 you can 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 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 aware of the structure. This may equip you in not wanting like a vacationer in Guadalajara. And don’t put on vacationer hats!
Talking Spanish helps lots
I’ve an Asian descent however I’m fluent in Spanish. I’ve noticed how individuals deal with you in a different way whenever you converse Spanish (as a foreigner). They provide you respect and of their thoughts, you already know lots 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 must be open-minded about adapting.
Think about your supply
Guadalajara has lots of unhealthy press however give it some thought: how did you discover this publish? Why are you researching solo journey in Guadalajara? One thing pursuits you about this metropolis, right?
When 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 at all times join with locals or the embassy to get helpful data. In any other case, the individuals round me will simply at all times say Guadalajara just isn’t secure – and I refuse to consider that. I must see it for myself! Guarantee that your supply is a neighborhood or somebody who has been to Guadalajara.
How one can 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 so far (although I used to be with 1 or 2 fascinating romantic dates; extra on that later) however to fulfill individuals.
Utilizing Bumble differently made me understand that I also can 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 at any time when I go to.
Sitting alone at bars
One other fascinating method of assembly individuals in Guadalajara is to simply merely sit down at a bar and chat with bartenders.
Guadalajara is filled with younger individuals so most of them are very approachable. I even obtained lots of free drinks simply by sitting alone!
Salsa classes on the road
Lastly, in the event you go to the Chapultepec space on weekends, there’s a free dance lesson (by donation) that’s occurring and there’s lots of them. As you’ve already seen on Instagram, I really like dancing!!! One Saturday, whereas I used to be strolling alone on the middle, I noticed this group dancing on the streets.
With out asking, I joined in! I didn’t even understand it was a proper class as they have been simply casually dancing on the road however it actually was a category!
Contact me so I can join you with cool individuals!
When you’re visiting Guadalajara, I can undoubtedly join you to my associates. I’ve launched weblog readers to my native associates lots they usually have been at all times keen to accommodate. Simply get in contact through e-mail or ship a DM through Instagram, @psimonmyway.
I additionally stay 4 hours away from Guadalajara so in the event you ever are within the metropolis, you possibly can by no means miss my seaside city. You must come right here!
✈️ Prepared for solo journey in Guadalajara? This weblog thrives on reader questions, so be happy to ask questions on Guadalajara solo journey utilizing the remark field under. You can even join 1-on-1 solo journey teaching with me in the event you want extra assist!