I would like to get some information concerning safety in Mexico. What interests me in particular is whether one can travel by bus safely on the route Mexico City – Oaxaca - San Cristobal – Palenque – Merida - Cancun. Any particular personal experiences to share? Thanks in advance.

Have not done that myself. Generally, one should always take 1st class buses. For one, they are nicer. They are also faster and safer, since they take toll roads and make fewer stops.

Did all that a few years ago.<BR><BR>1st class buses are safer as they generally have an armed security guard onboard. But if you were a poor bandit looking to get rich would you attempt to loot the luxury bus full of wealthy tourists or the old creaking bus with mainly Mexican onboard and the odd backpacker?<BR><BR>You should check with the FCO or the US consulate in Mexico. When I was there Chiapas was the dodgy area with a civil war going on. We went through it and were OK - other buses weren't so lucky.<BR><BR>Outside of these dangerous area you have little to worry about. Something might happen but statistically it is unlikely.

I have not done Mexico City to Oaxaca. I have elderly friends in Mexico that do this regularily on "Uno." They have had no problems and recommend it. I have traveled from Oaxaca to Huatulco on Cristobol Colon line with no problems. The same friends as above just advised me to wear a money belt and to fit in as much as possible for considering I'm and Anglo. We had no trouble and the bus line seemed very concerned about security. On route they had check points where bus line supervisors would get on and make sure everything was o.k. Part of this route took us about half the way you would be going to Chiapas. I would do your trip myself and beleive it is quite safe. Day travel would be even safer.

Excuse me but what is "Uno"?

Uno is a first class premier bus line which has a non-stop from Mexico City to Oaxaca. It is a little more expensive than the others but my friends hwo use it say it is very nicevery nice. I belive their site is uno.com.mx. Also ticketbus.com.mex gives you access to all the major bus lines for more information. The lines I have personally used and like are Turistar, Turistar Ejecutivo, ADO, and Cristobol Colon. All Mexicans I speak to in frequent trips to Mexico agree that First Class bus travel is much safer than the other buses. The reason being first class had higher security, i.e. airline type check, metal detectors, etc. and mainly because the don't stop. The also sometimes follow safer routes. Fisrt class in Oaxaca to Huatulco specifically takes a longer route because it is safer. Also second class stops frequently and anywhere which allows people who are going to do a robbery more access.

I have traveled all over Mexico and have never had a problem. I normally use first class, or better, such as Uno,ADO GL, Maya de Oro, etc.<BR>I have been to Palenque and San Cristobal many times by bus, always using the services of Maya de Oro. They operated from Mexico City, Merida, Cancun, etc, to points in Chiapas.<BR><BR>Robert

One of my favorite trips was one of my first to Mexico. Belize to Playa del Carmen (was trying for Tulum but could not physically get off the 2nd class bus.) lst class after that to Medida, Paleneque, San Cristobal, Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. I had no Spanish at the time. I fell in love with Mexico, the people, their kindness. Did not have any touble at all. e-mail me if you like as I have been to all those places several times.

Can anyone tell me how safe Merida is and do you think it safe enough for two college women to spend a week there?
I would very much appreciate any comments. Thank you in advance.

The temp in Merida was reported at near 90 C today.
M

Merida is a beautiful and safe city--you will enjoy it! So much to see and do.
Regarding the first class buses, I travel them in Mexico most every month and have yet to see an armed security guard aboard. This includes the night buses in Chiapas. Having said that, I have never seen a reason to need one!

90C is oiver 200 degrees!Farenheit.

Merida gets to 100 almost every day ... Farenheit. It is a charming and very safe city. Remember, you are no longer in &quot;Mexico,&quot; you are in the Yucatan.

I have worked in that area 35 years.

In my younbger days I traveled by bus exclusively and by every class possible.
THERE AS NEVER EVEN THE HINT OF A PROBLEM...EVER.

Can something happen? Sure, but the odds are good that it won't. First class is clean and comfy.

In Merida I pick Hotel Dolores Alba every time. Super.