Safety in Mexico




feel confident in mexico


Living and Studying Safely in Cuernavaca

Having lived in Cuernavaca for around ten years, we’ve come to know and love the city. We understand that safety is an important consideration when travelling to Mexico, so we’d like to share our experience, address common concerns and offer practical advice to help you prepare for your visit.

Our Home


Having lived in Cuernavaca for around ten years, we've come to know and love the city and are delighted to share it with our students.

A Local Network


Our close connections with local people, including families whose roots in Cuernavaca go back generations, give us a deeper understanding of the community - and constant support.

Thoughtful Planning


We draw on our local knowledge when planning excursions and activities, making informed decisions with our students' wellbeing always in mind.

24/7 Personal Support

We're always on hand to support our students, answer any questions and help whenever they need us during their stay in Cuernavaca.

Beyond the Headlines

Getting to know the real Cuernavaca

Having lived in Cuernavaca for around ten years, we’ve come to know and love the city. It’s a place where we’ve built friendships, discovered favorite spots, and become part of the local community. We want our students to experience that same sense of connection as they get to know Mexico for themselves.

We understand that safety is an important consideration when choosing to travel to Mexico. News coverage of crime and cartel activity can understandably raise questions, and we don’t want to dismiss those concerns or pretend that risks don’t exist. But headlines alone can’t tell you what everyday life is like in a particular place.

For us, getting to know Cuernavaca means discovering its leafy streets, lively markets, welcoming local businesses, and the people who give the city its character. Through our years here and the relationships we’ve built, we’ve come to appreciate the warmth of the community and the quieter rhythms of daily life.

At Iguana Abroad, we want you to feel informed, supported, and comfortable as you settle into your surroundings. We’ll share our local knowledge, help you navigate everyday situations, and give you opportunities to experience Cuernavaca beyond the usual tourist trail — so you can make your own informed decision about studying Spanish here.

How We Support Our Students

Moving to a new country, even for a couple of weeks, is much easier when you have people around you who know the place. At Iguana Abroad, we’re not just here to teach you Spanish — we’re here to help you feel at home in Cuernavaca.

Over all our years of living here, we’ve built close relationships with local families, businesses, and friends who make this city such a special place to live. We’re happy to share our local knowledge, offer advice on getting around, recommend places to explore, and answer any questions that come up along the way.

From your first day to your last, we’re here to help you settle in, feel comfortable in your surroundings, and make the most of your time in Mexico. You don’t need to know everything before you arrive — that’s part of the adventure, and we’ll be here to help along the way.


safety in every step of your journey

YOUR SAFETY, OUR PRIORITY

From your arrival in Mexico to your daily life in Cuernavaca, your wellbeing is at the heart of how we organize our programs. From private airport transfers with our trusted driver to carefully selected homestays, thoughtful planned excursions and supported cultural activities, we take practical steps to help you feel comfortable, confident, and well looked after throughout your stay.

Airport Pickups & Private Transport

  • Private airport pickup, so you're met on arrival and brought directly to Cuernavaca.
  • You are met at the airport not only with the driver but also by an English speaking program coordinator to ensure that you feel fully comfortable when you arrive- even if you don't speak any Spanish yet
  • Our trusted private driver, Hugo, provides transport for our excursions, and airport pickup, with a British program director always accompanying the group.
  • We carefully plan our journeys and choose excursion destinations with our students' wellbeing in mind.

Our Campus & Learning Environment

  • Classes take place on a beautiful, safe, leafy campus surrounded by tropical plants, green spaces and swimming pools.
  • The campus has security arrangements in place to support a comfortable learning environment.
  • Campus-wide Wi-Fi helps students stay connected throughout the day.
  • Modern, well-equipped classrooms provide a comfortable environment for learning Spanish.
  • Refillable drinking water stations are available across campus, making it easy to stay hydrated.

Carefully Selected Homestays

  • We work with local families we know personally and have built trusted relationships with over the years.
  • We take each student's preferences, needs and circumstances into account to find a homestay that's the best fit for them
  • Students can contact the Iguana Abroad team if they have questions or concerns about their accommodation during their stay.

Excursions & Travel Destinations

  • We carefully plan our excursions, taking our students' wellbeing into account when selecting destinations and activities.
  • We only travel to locations we know very well, have visited many times, over many years, and feel comfortable taking our students.
  • We can adapt plans when changing circumstances mean an alternative arrangement is more appropriate.
  • Our British program directors accompany students on all organised excursions, providing guidance and support throughout each visit.

Cultural Immersion & Activities

  • We organise activities at venues and locations we know well and have visited over the years
  • We only work with trusted local people that we have known for years and have long-standing relationships
  • Our British program directors accompany students during all organised cultural activities

Personal Support Right From the Start

  • Get to know your program directors before arrival, ask questions, and discuss anything you'd like to know before your trip.
  • Every student receives a pre-arrival information booklet to help them prepare for their stay and know what to expect.
  • Our welcome orientation includes practical information about safety, getting around Cuernavaca, and everyday life in Mexico, with plenty of time for questions.
  • If an unexpected issue arises during your program, our team is always here to help you work through it and find the best solution.

FAQs

Will I receive information about safety before I arrive?

Yes. Every student receives a pre-arrival handbook with a dedicated section on safety, alongside practical information to help you prepare for your stay. When you arrive, our welcome orientation covers important aspects of everyday life in Cuernavaca, and you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions and discuss anything you’d like to know.

Can I talk to someone about my concerns before booking?

Absolutely! We understand that choosing to study abroad is a big decision, and you may have questions about safety, daily life in Cuernavaca, or what to expect during your stay. We’re always happy to have a personal conversation before you book, share our first-hand experience of living in Mexico, and talk through any concerns you may have. We want you to feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your decision to join us.

Who can I contact if I need help during my stay?

You’ll have direct contact with the Iguana Abroad team throughout your program. Whether you have a practical question, need advice about everyday life, or encounter an unexpected problem, we’re here to listen and help you work out what to do.