I hear it everytime I plan a trip south of the border: “Are you crazy?  You’re going to get caught in a crossfire between drug gangs, or kidnapped and tortured until your family coughs-up a million bucks.” 

Due to the sensational headlines that accompany coverage of the brutal drug violence, people assume the whole country is like the lawless Wild West of American lore.  The fact of the matter is only a few areas of the country, particularly the border, are to be completely avoided.  Other pockets are questionable as well, but most of the country is as safe as any major US city.  Click on the headline above to get the real scoop on the risks of Mexico travel today.

Puebla, a leisurely two hour bus ride from Mexico City, is a must see.  A colonial gem with classic architecture and one of the most beautiful zocalos (central plaza) in the country, Puebla’s myriad charms are both obvious and hidden.  The famous sister volcanoes Popocatpetl and Iztacchihuatl are an easy and worthwhile day trip away.

Mexico’s second tallest mountain, Popocatepetl, has shown some ominous signs of life in recent weeks, enough so that evacuation plans are being reviewed and warnings posted in the villages closest to the magnificent peak.

I’ve spent more time during the 30 years I’ve gone back and forth discovering the magic of Mexico in the gorgeous southwest city Oaxaca than anywhere else.  Combined with the Pacific coast gem Puerto Escondido, I don’t think there is a better “one two punch” for someone starting to explore the land of the Mayas, tequila, Frida, and mole.   

These days when I am planning my next trip south of the border, it is almost inevitable that someone questions my sanity.  Every horrific headline about the ongoing violence resulting from drug cartel turf wars and the government’s efforts to curtail them, leads to the widespread belief that there is not one square foot in that magical country safe for travellers.  However, I can say from personal experience that most of Mexico is as safe as just about anywhere in the United States and Europe.  Here are the facts to back that up.

While back in the capital for a bike ride on Sunday before heading off to Puebla, I found this fab article in the New York times travel section.  Missed Dolores Hidalgo, but had a great two weeks split between San Miguel de Allende and guanajuato.