City in Baja California Sur, Mexico
Is La Paz safe?
Calm for visitors in the center and malecón, though Baja California Sur has seen more cartel-linked violence recently.
Is La Paz safe?
Calm for visitors in the center and malecón, though Baja California Sur has seen more cartel-linked violence recently. Normal city care and careful beach choices are enough.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2025-08-11.
- Homicide rate in Mexico: 24.9 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Mexico: 12.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
Safety in La Paz at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Petty theft from cars and beaches, occasional break-ins, and drunk-driving risks. Targeted violence rarely involves tourists. |
| At night | The malecón stays busy until late; away from it streets empty fast. Use a taxi or app for longer returns after bars. |
| Solo women | Solo women find La Paz one of the easier Baja towns. Catcalling is mild; keep to lit areas at night and watch drinks. |
| Other risks | Hurricanes, Aug–Oct, with possible flooding; Strong afternoon winds (coromuel) on water trips; Extreme summer heat |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Boat tour touts promising sea lion swims at unrealistic prices
- Taxis charging more than the posted airport fare
- Timeshare reps offering free tours or dinners
Take care
- Unlit stretches of the malecón late at night
- Remote beaches at night, including Balandra after closing
- Driving the highway to Cabo after dark
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carrying any firearm or even a single bullet can mean prison.
- Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned and can be confiscated.
- Drinking in the street is illegal in most cities and brings fines or arrest.
How La Paz compares in Mexico
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Mérida | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| San Miguel de Allende | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Cozumel | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Isla Mujeres | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Holbox | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Bacalar | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Guanajuato | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Monterrey | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Valladolid | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| La Paz | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puebla | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Querétaro | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Puerto Morelos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mazunte | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Todos Santos | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Ajijic | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Mexico City | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cancún | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tulum | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Playa del Carmen | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Vallarta | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Cabo San Lucas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Oaxaca | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Guadalajara | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Puerto Escondido | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Sayulita | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| San Cristóbal de las Casas | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Mazatlán | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Tijuana | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Acapulco | 2/5 · High risk |
Quick answers
Is La Paz safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women find La Paz one of the easier Baja towns. Catcalling is mild; keep to lit areas at night and watch drinks.
Is La Paz safe at night?
The malecón stays busy until late; away from it streets empty fast. Use a taxi or app for longer returns after bars.
What is the crime rate in La Paz?
Petty theft from cars and beaches, occasional break-ins, and drunk-driving risks. Targeted violence rarely involves tourists. Nationally, Mexico records 24.9 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2023).
What number do I call in an emergency in La Paz?
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · Tourist police 078 · All emergencies 911.
More about La Paz
Going to La Paz solo?
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Baja Ferries
- Instituto Nacional de Migración
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.