The people who dream up those travel warnings need to caveat about wandering into the wrong part of Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Can't Cun, and Cabo San Lucas. The only part of those resort cities that is safER is the high dollar tourist zone.
Even Acapulco is relatively safe along the Malecon. Mazatlan's central market is a delight and I love to wander there. But you can bet your sweet butt that outside the tourist zone cops travel in convoy. Even the ejercito and marinas travel in convoy.
Crime exists where cops are afraid to patrol because of the risk of encountering cartel hitmen. When there are no cops the slime moves in and plays the part of predator. The slime have no part in organized crime. They do not fare so well if they step on the wrong toes. Cartel hitmen do not bother with tourists. Down here in the drug growing areas, small towns are controlled by riff-raff grade elements. I can travel major routes all day long with zero drama. After sunset or on rural routes that pass through many small towns the picture changes dramatically.
How to take consulate issued warnings? Like reading a newspaper watch your sodium intake.
For REAL area news, stop by a bus station, or chat with a Green Angel. The SSP federal police is an excellent source of accurate up to the minute highway safety news. The marinas and army are far less talkative.
