My husband and I did a 16 month RTW in 2003-2004 but since coming home have adopted 2 kids (1 and 2 years old). We are going to take our first family trip to Oaxaca in 10/08. A couple people (originally from Oaxaca) have talked about it being shady and unsafe (the State not just the capital). Any feedback? Pre kids we never worried about these things... I swear youngins take the risk taker right out of you...
seana
Posts: 55 | Location: usa california | Registered: 17 June 2002
It's pretty hard to imagine a whole state being unsafe! I hope it's not true.
Of course, Oaxaca city has recently been unsafe for Mexicans and others who engage in political demonstrations and protests. This is certainly sad, but my personal feeling is that that kind of risk will not affect tourists visiting from other countries if they are not trying to influence the political process. I made sure to stay away from protests after talking to an American woman whose young son was affected by tear gas when they accidentally got near a protest.
There are some neighborhoods in most cities (in any country!) where you might not feel safe, and Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in Mexico, so maybe some folks feel financially desperate--leading to????. I spent a week in the Oaxaca area last summer, and never felt particularly unsafe. People were friendly and helpful, as they are almost everywhere. I don't wear expensive jewelry, and usually travel by bus, not rented car, which may minimize temptation.
One time I was driving with a friend in a pickup, when we were stopped at a checkpoint and searched by Federal police. They didn't find anything (I guess they were looking for drugs or weapons) and let us go promptly.
In previous years I have travelled with my teenage son, going to various villages to buy crafts, and spending a week at Puerto Escondito. The people I spoke with, Mexican and foreign, seemed to think that there was no unusual danger in Oaxaca.
I plan to visit again this summer, so will be watching this thread to see what others have to add.
Posts: 5 | Location: East Coast, USA | Registered: 07 March 2008
I was in Oaxaca summer of last year and we never had any issues, just camping on the beaches. We were mainly on the coast as we were chasing surf but we never had an issue. Overall, I would say Oaxaca is fine.
As for the checkpoints, I must have went through over 20-30 last summer as we did 7000 miles through Mexico and Guatemala, they are nothing to worry about at all. In fact, I trust the military/police more than anything. They were very professional and nice, even joking with us a bunch of times and in general pretty curious about our trip. They are searching for drugs and other contraband (no guns btw, you will be doing some hard time for that) and they are there for your protection. Treat them nicely and approach slowly, they deal with things you cannot even imagine. For example, just last week in the Mex state of Tamaulipas (one of my favs) cartel guys in an armored jeep rammed a military humvee and threw grenades at them and opened fire trying to break through a roadblock. Trust me, when you see those .50 guns/grenade launchers mounted on the roofs of their humvees and pillboxes and watch as they have it dead on your car as you approach, you wont do anything stupid!
A few years ago I lived in Oaxaca when there was talk of terrorists killing policemen.
Thats it. They 'just' attacked policemen and soldiers. There were questions as to whether it was a drug cartel protecting its interests or real political groups.
I had NO problems, and I lived up the hill in a non tourist area. The bggest problem we had was ants, and a little chlorine on the floor did the trick of getting rid of THEM.
Later I lived in a smaller place with no ants, and no trouble.
I heard no stories of trouble.
One thing about these roadblocks. Make sure your papers are in order, which means your tourist 'card' and passport. If your tourist card is missing, its trouble.
You REALLY don't want to be sent back to Mexico city to get it in order. I did. Its not fun.
Posts: 2236 | Location: spain | Registered: 19 November 2004
One thing about these roadblocks. Make sure your papers are in order, which means your tourist 'card' and passport. If your tourist card is missing, its trouble.
I'll second that. I've raveled through the region...in the mountains and on the coast. You'll be stopped by soldiers looking for drugs, weapons, leftist propaganda, etc, etc. Have your papers ready and in order.
The state is relatively safe now after the political troubles they went through in 2006. enjoy the trip!
I lived in Mexico from June 2006 to August 2007...through all the unrest. I never felt in any danger even though I was videotaping some of what was going on. On the right side of my blog home page you can find links to many videos I made of excursions and cultural events while there (http://blogs.bootsnall.com/nomads). I have a lot of expat friends living there and hope to return this winter. Just important to watch marches from a distance if you come upon any in case the police decide to try to clear things out. Travel around the state is generally safe and as is the case with any other place talk to some locals and use good judgment and you will have a great time. Be sure to get out of the city to some of the nearby pueblos. For example, Tlacalula has a great Sunday Market where indigenous people come down from the mountains to sell their goods. You can get there easily by bus or collective taxi that you can catch on the Periferico.
Posts: 24 | Location: Salem Oregon U.S. | Registered: 03 January 2004
The only thing a traveler has to really worry about is carrying illegal drugs on highways. Don't do that.
Haha..Felix always has the best advice...
I have also traveled around Oaxaca and I agree with everything the other posters have said: I did not feel unsafe, in fact i felt very comfortable and welcomed. The checks on the buses made me nervous at first, but nothing EVER came of them-we were sent on our way with no problems.
I've been to Oaxaca twice, and both times had the same thought: I can't wait to have kids so I can bring them here! Not only have I felt really safe there, at all hours of the day and night, but there are kids everywhere.
Posts: 14 | Location: Seattle | Registered: 09 December 2007
I`ve been living in Oaxaca City for the past two months. Incredibly safe. Definitely more people begging for money here than I`ve seen in other Mexican cities but they´re not aggressive about it. A simple "no" and they`ll move onto the next person. Haven`t left the city since arriving here so I can`t really speak about the rest of the state.
Posts: 235 | Location: Arlington, VA | Registered: 24 May 2007
Life is a verb, not a noun - 
