I know this forum isn't the best when it comes to places beyond Europe, but just in case someone here happens to have a favorite guide or good experience with a day tour around Monterrey in Nuevo Leon, I thought I would ask.
To put in a (strained) connection to European travel, it seems to me that Monterrey is in some ways like the Bilbao of Mexico. Too much of a stretch?
I have family in South Texas and they advised us when we visited a couple of years ago not to try visiting northern Mexico, that seems to be dominated by the drug cartels.
I imagine that people in Monterrey say the same thing about visiting South Texas.
https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/every-texas-mass-shooting-of-2025-so-far-22200313/
Overview Of Crime Statistics In Mexico And The US
Understanding crime statistics in Mexico and the US provides valuable insight into safety and security in these two neighboring countries. Both nations face distinct challenges and trends when it comes to crime, influenced by a range of factors including socio-economic conditions, law enforcement practices, and regional disparities.
Mexico has long struggled with high crime rates, particularly in violent crime categories such as homicides and kidnappings. According to recent data, Mexico’s homicide rate is notably high, driven by drug-related violence and organized crime. The country has experienced spikes in violence in recent years, especially in regions heavily influenced by drug cartels and gang activities. Cities like Tijuana, Ciudad Juárez, and Acapulco are among those with the highest crime rates, reflecting severe local challenges. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) regularly reports these figures, highlighting the severity of issues like extortion, robbery, and assault.
The United States, while also grappling with crime, generally reports lower rates of violent crime compared to Mexico. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the US has seen a decline in crime rates over the past few decades, though certain urban areas experience higher crime rates. Major cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and Detroit often face challenges related to violent crimes such as shootings and gang violence. However, property crimes such as burglary and theft are prevalent across various regions. The crime statistics in the US are influenced by diverse factors including socio-economic disparities, drug abuse, and socio-political issues.
To say that people should avoid all of northern Mexico due to crime from cartels is to really exaggerate the danger posed for the average tourist. Please back up any incidents with verifiable links about crimes perpetrated on tourists in northern Mexico. I wish I had an answer to the original question and I'm sorry that I don't. But English is widely spoken in Monterey which is one of the (if not THE) wealthiest city in Mexico. I'm not sure you would really need a guide there. For a tourist experience in the north, but not in that city, look at the Copper Canyon train journeys.
I'm not sure about the comparison to Bilbao; Monterey has a very good Moderna art museum, (MARCO) in a building designed by Ricardo Legorreta, but most of the attractions are nature-related. There are six Michelin-guide-listed restaurants (one with a star and one Bib Gourmand) in the city. But there is not a food scene like in Bilbao.
The State Department continues to warn against ALL travel to six Mexican states. U.S. citizens are urged to "reconsider travel" to eight other Mexican states (the details about which we'll get to a bit later in this article).
The August 12, 2025, revised State Department Travel Advisory for Mexico also includes an updated "Advisory Summary:"
Many violent crimes take place in Mexico. They include homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery. There is a risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mexico.
The U.S. government has limited ability to help in many parts of Mexico. U.S. government employees are not allowed to travel to certain high-risk areas.
Due to security risks, U.S. citizens should follow the same restrictions as U.S. government employees while traveling.
Emergency services are limited or unavailable in remote or rural areas.
If you encounter a road checkpoint, you should comply. Fleeing or ignoring instructions can lead to you being hurt or killed.
"NO GO" ZONES FOR US RESIDENTS:
The US State Department has placed six Mexican States under Level 4 - "Do Not Travel" advisories for US Residents, mainly due to the threat of violent crime by the Cartels there.
Do Not Travel To:
Colima state due to crime and kidnapping.
Guerrero state due to crime.
Michoacan state due to crime.
Sinaloa state due to crime.
Tamaulipas state due to crime and kidnapping.
Zacatecas state due to crime and kidnapping.
One of those states (Tamaulipas) borders the United States, which means the State Department is advising US residents NOT to cross from Texas into Mexico via the International Crossing Points from:
Brownsville
Los Indios
Donna
Pharr
McAllen
Hidalgo
Mission
Los Ebanos (Ferry Crossing)
Rio Grande City
Roma
Falcon Heights (Lake Falcon Dam)
Laredo
(Unless otherwise indicated, these crossings are all via International Bridges)
The State Department warns that "criminal groups target public and private passenger buses, as well as private automobiles traveling through Tamaulipas, often taking passengers and demanding ransom payments.
Heavily armed members of criminal groups often patrol areas of the state and operate with impunity, particularly along the border region from Reynosa to Nuevo Laredo. In these areas, local law enforcement has limited capacity to respond to incidents of crime."
These "Do Not Travel" advisories cover many Pacific Coast tourist destinations, including Manzanillo, Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa, Mazatlan, and Los Mochis.
"RECONSIDER TRAVEL" TO:
Baja California state due to crime and kidnapping.
Chiapas state due to crime.
Chihuahua state due to crime and kidnapping.
Guanajuato state due to crime.
Jalisco state due to crime and kidnapping.
Morelos state due to crime and kidnapping.
Sonora state due to crime and kidnapping.
Among the areas covered by this "Level 3" designation are the popular Pacific Coast tourist destinations of Ensenada, Rosarito, San Felipe, Puerto Vallarta, and Puerto Peñasco on the Sea of Cortez.
I hope American tourists heed those warnings especially regarding Zacatecas and Guanajuato so that travelers will be able to enjoy them before they are overrun by package tour groups. Fingers crossed!
(I say this partially in light of prior warnings about never taking a taxi in Mexico City unless it is from an official taxi stand, when my personal experience has always been that the private unofficial taxis (that often work with popular venues) are usually both nicer and cheaper than the official taxis. Also, typical residents looking for rides home after a late evening of fun take for granted that flagging down a minivan will work as well as going to a taxi dispatch line.)
Most experienced travelers know that the US govt travel site tends to warn people about perfectly safe areas.
Where are those links I requested telling of incidents in Monterrey in which tourists were harmed?
Are we to understand that all of Jalisco for example, is a "no go" zone? I guess everyone bound for Puerto Vallarta will be placing themselves in terribly dangerous territory. . And where do we see the city of Monterrey listed as a scary city that one should avoid at all costs?
For much saner information I suggest checking the UK government site for travelers.
Agree..let the frightened stay home so the rest of us can enjoy.
