General security context
Mexico City occupies a distinct security environment from the rest of the country. Several foreign ministries classify Mexico as a country where increased caution is advised, primarily due to organized crime that is geographically concentrated in states such as Jalisco and Michoacán, approximately 400–600 km west of the capital, and not in Mexico City itself. Incidents reported in early 2026 involving cartel-related violence did not affect Mexico City or its metropolitan area.
As a large metropolis, Mexico City presents risks typical of any major global city, rather than exceptional insecurity. Violent crime exists but is rarely directed at foreign visitors. The primary concern for tourists is petty crime—pickpocketing and theft in crowded public spaces or on public transport. Central districts and business areas benefit from higher levels of security and surveillance.
The conference dates (October 26–29) coincide with the approach of Día de Muertos festivities, which means heightened police presence in the central areas, increased foot traffic, and a festive atmosphere. The Mexico City government and federal government are placing special emphasis on visitor safety in 2026 due to the FIFA World Cup (summer) and Formula 1 Grand Prix (also October), resulting in enhanced security infrastructure that benefits all visitors to the capital.
After the recent unfortunate incident at the Teotihuacán archaeological site, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her solidarity with the victims and emphasized that Mexico remains a safe country to visit. She underlined that this was an extremely rare and isolated event, not linked to organized crime but attributed to the actions of a single individual. In response, authorities are reinforcing security measures in Teotihuacán and other archaeological sites—including stricter access controls and increased presence of security forces—to offer greater peace of mind to all visitors planning their trips.
Safe mobility area
The conference venue is exceptionally well located for safe exploration. The following area covers the central tourist corridor that participants can navigate comfortably on foot or via short rides with a high level of safety.
Boundaries
West: Bosque de Chapultepec, Museo Nacional de Antropología, Polanco
North: Colonia Santa María la Ribera, Monumento a la Revolución
East: Zócalo / Centro Histórico (Plaza Mayor, Catedral Metropolitana)
South: Colonia Roma Norte, Colonia Condesa
Recommended neighborhoods
Paseo de la Reforma (the boulevard directly in front of the hotel): monumental axis, well-patrolled, camera-monitored, ideal for walking.
Colonia Tabacalera (surrounding the hotel): traditional urban neighborhood with cafés, restaurants, and informal vendors; well-served by public transport.
Alameda Central (10 min walk east): the oldest public park in the Americas, open and monitored.
Centro Histórico / Zócalo (20–25 min walk east via Av. Juárez and Calle Madero): Palacio Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, Templo Mayor; strong police presence, especially during this period.
Colonia Roma Norte / Condesa (15–20 min by Metrobús south): safe, walkable, cosmopolitan neighborhoods with the best restaurant and café scene in the city.
Polanco / Bosque de Chapultepec (10–15 min by Metrobús west): luxury area with world-class museums (Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Tamayo, Museo Soumaya), high-end shopping, and restaurants; extremely safe.
Areas to avoid
Tepito (northeast of Centro Histórico): known for high crime rates; not a tourist area.
Doctores / parts of Iztapalapa: peripheral working-class neighborhoods with higher incident rates.
Centro Histórico at night: requires greater caution after dark; visit during daylight hours.
Walking alone late at night outside well-frequented areas is inadvisable, as in any major global city.