Is La Paz Mexico safe? (2025)
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Is La Paz, Mexico safe?
Yes, La Paz Mexico is relatively safe for tourists. Although the city is not crime-free, it doesn’t have a high crime rate or cartel violence that’s common in some parts of Mexico.
La Paz is the capital of Baja California Sur, known for its eco-tourism and some of the most beautiful beaches on the peninsula like Balandra and Tecolote. While La Paz is less popular than Los Cabos, it offers a different side of Baja with more traditional Mexican flair.
It’s a perfect stop along your Baja Calfornia itinerary if you want to experience more authentic Mexico away from the glitzy resorts of Cabo and areas catering predominantly to American tourists.
If you are worried about your safety in La Paz, this article is for you.
I’ve traveled all over Baja and visited La Paz several times. I never had a bad time in La Paz, but my advice is based solely on my experience, which can be different from yours. Whether you are in La Paz or any other city in Baja California, always exercise increased caution.
In this article, I will give you my honest opinion about safety in this up-and-coming beach town.
Where is La Paz Mexico?
La Paz is along the southeastern coast of Baja California Sur. While the town has a big urban core, it’s surrounded by hundreds of miles of pristine desert and remote beaches.
Is La Paz Mexico safe for tourists?
Yes. You are not likely to become a victim of a serious crime in La Paz, but you should always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings. Petty theft is the most common type of crime against tourists in this town.
Crime in La Paz, Mexico
Crime in La Paz rarely affects tourists, unless you get into a sketchy station, which involves drugs or other illegal things. Corruption and property theft are the most common types of crime in the city. If you lock your car and keep a close eye on your belongings, you will minimize your chances of risk.
How to get around La Paz?
You can get around by Uber, Didi, taxi, and public transportation. The center of La Paz is walkable, but if you are further away from Malecon and downtown, you can get a ride share or catch a local bus.
If you want to use public transportation in La Paz, you will need at least a basic level of Spanish, because not all locals speak English.
Is it safe to walk around La Paz, Mexico?
Yes, it’s safe to walk around La Paz, especially around downtown and Malecón. If you are venturing away from popular areas, always be cautious. Although La Paz is not dangerous, statically, you are more likely to become a victim of crime in remote areas with fewer tourists.
Is it safe to drive to La Paz, Mexico?
Yes, it’s safe to drive to La Paz Mexico. Many tourists rent cars in Cabo and visit La Paz as part of their road trip in Southern Baja. Some visitors also drive to La Paz from Baja Norte.
What you will need if you want to drive to La Paz Mexico
1. Valid driver’s license
Ensure your driver’s license and vehicle registration are current. Foreign driver’s licenses, such as those from the U.S., are recognized in Mexico as long as they are in English or Spanish.
If your license is in a different language, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You will need it whether you want to rent a car in La Paz or take a road trip to La Paz from the United States.
2. A TIP Permit
Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit is required for all vehicles traveling outside the Free Travel Zone in Mexico. You can get it online before your trip to La Paz.
3. Mexican car insurance
Mexican car insurance is mandatory for all vehicles in the country. The US car insurance is not valid in Mexico and will not protect you in case of an accident. Driving without a valid Mexican insurance is illegal in the country.
You need to get your Mexican insurance before your trip to Mexico and can do it through Baja Bound, a leading company in Baja California insurance market that offers covers for cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and motorhomes.
I’ve used Baja Bound multiple times, and always had a good experience with them 👍
Safe things to do in La Paz Mexico
1. Take a tour of Espiritu Santo Island
Take a boat tour to Espiritu Santo Island for snorkeling, kayaking, and observing marine life such as sea lions 🦭 and dolphins 🐬 Isla Espíritu Santo is one of the most popular islands in Baja California and is a perfect spot for wildlife watching 👀
Best guided tours of Isla Espiritu Santo
2. Stroll along La Paz Malecon
Take a stroll along the Malecón, a waterfront promenade with scenic views of the area.
Exploring this area on foot is one of the best free things to do in La Paz, and the best thing about it is that you can also enjoy panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez.
If you are visiting the city for the first time, book this popular street food tour of La Paz 🌮 that offers a detailed introduction to the city’s culinary scene.
Best guided tours in la Paz, Mexico
3. Spot whales in the Sea of Cortez
Depending on the season (usually January to March), you can go whale watching to see gray whales during their migration to Baja Sur. Seeing whales is one of the most magical experience in Baja California, and you shouldn’t miss out on it!
Best whale watching tours in La Paz, Baja California
4. Marvel at La Paz Cathedral
Visit the Cathedral of La Paz, a historic landmark in the city center with its distinct architecture and some interesting history.
5. Get cultured at La Paz museums
Explore museums such as the Anthropology and History Museum of Baja California Sur or Museo de la Ballena y Ciencias del Mar, that offers fun exhibits about whales, dolphins and other marine creatures.
6. Enjoy water sports
Besides kayaking and snorkeling, you can try paddleboarding or sailing in the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez. I highly recommend a guided tour of Playa Balandra, one of the most beautiful beaches in Baja California where you can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling and paddleboarding.
✅ Read: The best guided tours in La Paz
Best guided water activities in La Paz
7. Take a day trip to Todos Santos
Rent a car to visit Todos Santos, a gorgeous pueblo magico known for its art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants and surfing beaches.
If you have a 4X4 rental, drive to Cabo Pulmo National Park, one of the last undeveloped places along the coast of Baja California Sur known for its pristine coral reef where you can snorkel and dive.
Where to stay in La Paz?
- Hotel Catedral La Paz – One of the best boutique hotels in the city’s downtown, Hotel Catedral has stellar reviews from travelers thanks to its top-notch services, friendly and welcoming staff.
- Hotel & Suites El Moro – A perfect place if you are looking for a resort-style vacation, El Moro boasts some of the best amenities of all hotels in town.
- Hotel Lorimar – A basic but comfortable and quiet place that has everything for you to rest after a long day on the road. Great if you are on a budget.
✅ Best resorts in La Paz for a fun getaway
Where to eat in La Paz
1. McFisher
This spot has some of the best fish tacos in town. They also have many other seafood items like ceviche, grilled fish, and scallops on the menu that come in generous portions. The staff is welcoming and friendly.
📍Address: José María Morelos y Pavón entre Revolución y Madero, Zona Central, La Paz
2. Taco Fish
Taco Fish is one of the best-reviewed restaurants in La Paz that has thousands of reviews from happy customers. They have tacos, tostadas and burritos.
📍Address: Gral Manuel Márquez de León S/N, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz
3. Azotea
Azotea is one of the best restaurants for fine dining in La Paz that offers spectacular sunset views and an amazing atmosphere. If you want to treat yourself to something special or celebrate an event, this is the place to go to.
📍Address: Belisario Domínguez 387, Zona Central, 23000 La Paz
La Paz safety tips:
The rugged, untouched beauty of Baja’s vast deserts and endless isolated coastlines draws countless travelers seeking adventure off the beaten path. Although La Paz is not remote, many areas around it are.
Exploring these hidden corners is a lot of fun, but they also come with unique challenges, including limited access to basic services, spotty cellular coverage, and the absence of reliable emergency response systems, which can complicate things a lot in an emergency.
Here are my top tips on staying safe in La Paz, and surrounding areas:
1. Watch your belongings
Keeping a close eye on your belongings is the main rule for staying safe during your trip. While violent crime against tourists is not common in La Paz, petty theft is more widespread. Whether you are in a restaurant or at the beach, don’t leave your things unattended.
Pickpockets and thieves often operate in popular areas, that’s why I recommend carrying your belongings in a theft-proof bag.
2. Don’t leave your food and drinks unattended
Never leave your food and drinks unattended when you are in a restaurant, nightclub or bar. If you need to step away, always finish your meal first.
3. Don’t get too close to wildlife
The capital of Baja California is a gateway to the Sea of Cortez, aka Aquarium of the World, the nickname that was coined by Jacquies Yves Cousteau, a renowned French naturalist, who explored this part of Mexico back in the day.
The Sea of Cortez is home to whales, dolphins, orcas, and tons of other incredible marine species. Some tours, like snorkeling with sea lions at Isla Espiritu Santo or swimming with whale sharks offer an incredible opportunity to swim with these marine species.
The key is to keep the distance.
Don’t ever try to touch or get close to a wild animal, because their reaction could be unpredictable and lead to an injury if you are not careful.
When you join a guided tour, your instructor will give you a safety briefing before getting in the water. As a rule of thumb, always keep a safe distance from any wild animals that you encounter.
Book a snorkeling tour with whale sharks in La Paz
4. Put on plenty of sunscreen
Baja California is known for its bright sun, and it’s very easy to get a sunburn, even on a cloudy day. If you want to spend time outdoors, always put on sunscreen. Get a reef safe sunscreen that won’t bleach coral reefs when you get in the water.
Regular sunscreen often contains harmful chemicals that can damage corals and marine habitat. A reef safe sunscreen with SPF 50 will help you avoid a sunburn when spending time outside.
5. Wear a hat to avoid sunstroke
Another easy way to avoid the harsh sun is to put on a hat. May through October can be very hot in La Paz when it’s common to see triple digits. Regardless of when you visit, packing a hat for your trip to La Paz is a good idea.
6. Always lock your car
If you rent a car in La Paz, always lock your doors. Rental cars are very easy to spot, and if you leave your doors open, there’s a risk someone could steal your belongings.
7. Avoid remote areas
Avoid remote areas of La Paz, especially at night. Parts of town that are further from the center are more likely to have crime, and you don’t want to end up in a desolate area by yourself.
8. Drive during the day
If you are going to drive to La Paz, don’t be on the road during late hours.
There are several problems with driving in Baja at night. First, you are running a risk of hitting cows or donkeys that often roam around during late hours.
Unfortunately, some people leave their domestic animals around and they end up wandering along busy roads and highways.
Second, many roads in Baja have potholes and uneven surfaces coupled with poor lighting. If you hit a bump or a pothole at full speed at night, you could damage your car. Highways in Baja have very narrow shoulders and some also have steep drop-offs, which could lead to an accident.
Third, highways in Baja have only two lanes, and when you drive at night, you will be sharing the road mostly with trucks that will pass you frequently. If you are not used to narrow, poorly lit highways, driving in Baja at night could feel uncomfortable.
Not all Baja locals follow the rules when they drive, and it’s not uncommon to see drivers who don’t use tail lights or drive under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
9. Learn about Green Angles
The term “green angles” refers to the “Angeles Verdes” (Green Angels) in Mexico. They are a government-operated roadside assistance service designed to help travelers on major highways and roads across the country, including in Baja California.
Their roadside assistance is free of charge, although tipping for their help is appreciated.
They assist with minor vehicle repairs, provide first aid in emergencies, and offer tourism advice. If your car breaks down, they can help with things like tire changes, battery jumps, or towing.
Call the 078 hotline 🚨 for immediate assistance.
10. Don’t rely on your cell phone
Cell phone service is scarce in many parts of Baja California, especially in remote areas. While you will have good coverage in popular places like Cabo, Todos Santos, or La Paz, your cell phone could disappear entirely in Baja backcountry, and even on some secondary roads.
Never rely on your phone for finding directions. If you want to explore Baja, download offline maps or bring paper maps because cell phones could drop very quickly, depending on where you are.
If you want to go off-roading, it’s better to do it with a group of other travelers, or book a guided tour, because you will have someone who can help you in case you get lost or have a mechanical problem.
Getting stuck in the middle of Baja’s desert could be a scary experience, so do your homework and study the area you wnt to visit before venturing there.
🌵Book a popular ATV tour in La Paz desert
11. Stay away from the beach at night
Most Baja beaches are safe for sunbathing and exploring during the day, but not all of them are safe at night. It’sparticularly true for remote beaches where you could be miles away from help and without any cell phone service. To avoid trouble, skip La Paz beaches at night because you never know who could be there.
12. Don’t carry your valuables around
Carrying your valuables around is never a good idea. Take a credit card and some cash, if you are going around the area but never carry all your valuables around with you.
If your hotel room has a safe, leave your passport and wallet in it, but if it doesn’t, find a secure spot to store your stuff.
13. Don’t flash your wealth
Whether you are in Cabo, La Paz, or any other part of Baja California, keep a low profile. It will help you to avoid unwanted attention and help to get better prices when you haggle with street vendors or buy tours.
When you wear expensive clothes, people often assume you have more money and are less likley to give you a better deal. When you wear plain clothes, it’s easier to blend in with the crowd and act like you are just an average tourist.
It also detracts potential pickpockets who will not see you as a target.
14. Keep someone posted about your trip
Always keep someone posted about your plans, wherever you go. When someone knows what you are up to, it creates an extra layer of safety, in case something goes wrong.
15. Trust your gut
If something looks fishy, it probably is. Always listen to your gut, and if tells you that something is wrong, you should listen to it.
16. Get a travel insurance
Getting travel insurance is an excellent idea for your trip. I recommend SafetyWing, my favorite travel insurance company that has flexible plans and can cover you in the event of lost and stolen belongings, canceled flights, and hospital visits.
Many things can go wrong on the road, and you don’t want your entire vacation to be ruined because something happened in the middle of your trip.
📍Check SafetyWing travel insurance rates
La Paz safety: FAQ’s
Is La Paz Mexico safe for Americans to live in?
Yes, La Paz is safe for Americans to live in. It has a relatively low crime level, with the most common types of crime being property crime and corruption. Crime against foreigners is rare in La Paz, and you will not likely experience any serious situations while living in La Paz.
Is La Paz Mexico safe to live in?
Yes, La Paz is a safe place to live. La Paz is known for its incredible beaches, outdoor opportunities, and tranquil environment, perfect if you are looking for a less tourist place than Cabo San Lucas.
Is it worth living in La Paz, Mexico?
Yes, it’s worth living in La Paz, Mexico, if you enjoy beaches and want to have quick access to some of the best outdoor opportunities that Baja has to offer.
Is La Paz, Mexico safe for Americans?
Yes, La Paz is safe for Americans. Tourists from the United States are by far the largest group of foreigners in La Paz, and many locals are well used to them.
Is La Paz Mexico safe at night?
Yes, La Paz is safe at night, but you should always watch your surroundings and avoid poorly lit and remote areas, where crime is more likely to happen. Stick to more popular parts of town like the historic center and Malecon, which have more pedestrian traffic and better lights.
Is Cabo or La Paz safer?
La Paz is safer than Cabo, which has more crime, most of which stems from drug trafficking. Although La Paz is not free from crime, statistically, it’s safer than Cabo.
La Paz safety: Final word
La Paz is a vibrant destination with scenic landscapes, incredible nature, and friendly locals. If you follow basic safety guidelines, respect locals, and don’t get involved with drugs, you are likely to enjoy a memorable visit to this coastal city.
Whether you’re exploring the pristine beaches, snorkeling with sea lions, or savoring fresh seafood at a local restaurant, a little preparation goes a long way, so you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable trip. Remember, safety is not just about precautions – it’s also about awareness and preparation.
Do your homework, keep track of local news, avoid sketchy situations, and you will multiply your chances of having a safe and fun trip.
