Chiapas is a tourist paradise full of nature and beautiful attractions; however, insecurity has put tourists on alert. Is it safe to visit?
Are you thinking of visiting Chiapas but are afraid of the insecurity? Find out how safe it is for tourists, what the risks are, and how recommendable it is to visit this Mexican state.
The president of the Mexican Association of Tour Operators in Chiapas, Maricarmen Ponce Robles, has expressed her concern about the insecurity in the state, which has led to a notable decrease in the influx of tourists.
According to Ponce Robles, although visitors still arrive at popular tourist destinations such as San Cristóbal de las Casas, Comitán de Domínguez, Palenque, and the Sumidero Canyon, tour operators have had to adjust their itineraries to avoid dangerous areas.
Tour operators in Chiapas have adopted strict security measures to protect visitors. They avoid traveling on roads considered unsafe and prefer to travel during the day.
Ponce Robles emphasizes that tourists are not taken to the Border, Sierra, or Jungle areas due to insecurity, which has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of visitors.
Despite the requests and concerns expressed by the tourism sector, the insecurity situation in Chiapas remains critical.
The United States Embassy in Mexico issued a travel alert in April due to violence and security problems in the state.
The U.S. Embassy alert delineates a danger zone that covers much of the border between Chiapas and Guatemala, including cities such as Netzahualcóyotl, Ocosingo, El Ocote, and Mapastepec.
For those planning to visit Chiapas, it is essential to take additional precautions. Travel agencies recommend hiring tour packages with certified companies and avoiding offers with prices that are too low, as they could be fraudulent.
Additionally, it is advisable to monitor the local press to stay informed about the security situation and follow the authorities’ instructions in case of an emergency.
Source: Debate
