Is it too dangerous to drive in Mexico?

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Ancient Oaxaca is, for many travellers, the highlight of Mexico

Q We fancy a two-week trip to Mexico in March. The concept involves a few days in Mexico City, then hiring a car to drive to Puebla and on to Oaxaca. Nowhere is entirely safe, but are well-meaning friends’ warnings of robbery, kidnappings, etc, likely to prove exaggerated? We would follow UK government advice to drive only in daylight hours and where possible on toll roads. Or would we do better to only use public transport, giving up the chance to stop and investigate whatever we think might be interesting along the way?

Ronnie S

A Mexico is one of my favourite countries, but it is not crime-free. Your starting point is a spectacular, fascinating and friendly city, yet according to the US State Department: “Criminal incidents in the capital city occur at a significantly higher rate than much of the rest of Mexico. Pay particular caution to areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.”