Safety

Safety

Oaxaca City has almost fully recovered from a crippling series of protests that led to high-profile confrontations between demonstrators and police during the second half of 2006. The city's economy suffered dramatically from the protests but a year later most of the damage had been repaired and tourists were slowly returning. The city's still quiet compared to preprotest days—most noticeable in the lack of patrons at high-end restaurants—and though it's not quite its old self behind closed doors, first-time visitors would never guess that it has ever been anything but a city of superlative colonial charm. Do, however, check the latest news. It is always possible that tempers will flare up again.

Driving around the Oaxaca Valley is reasonably safe, with potholes and speed bumps the biggest threats. However, you should stay off the roads at night. Routes 131 and 175, which connect Oaxaca City to the coast, are twisty and desolate and can be dangerous from a road-safety perspective.

Puerto Escondido, Huatulco, and points in between pose no significant threat. Just follow the usual precautions you would anywhere: don't wear flashy and expensive jewelry, show wads of cash, or wander alone after dark.