Mexico for wimps: A guide to safe, popular travel spots

— -- Scared of narco-terrorists? So are we.

But that doesn't mean we've written off all of Mexico, where the ramped-up war against and between violent drug cartels has spooked many would-be visitors.

Border areas notwithstanding, "most of the country has a pretty low crime rate," and tourists usually aren't targets, notes international security expert Bruce McIndoe of iJET Travel Intelligence. "Yes, there's room for collateral damage, but you can get struck by lightning, too."

Even the U.S. State Department, whose recently expanded warning cautions against non-essential travel to parts or all of 14 (out of 31) Mexican states, exempts most of the country's marquee tourist spots — including these nine:

Cancun/Riviera Maya

Cancun's manicured beaches, cheap margaritas and plethora of U.S. chain restaurants have helped make it the country's top destination for party-hearty types. But the Caribbean state of Quintana Roo, which runs south to the Belize border, is gearing up for a different celebration. Though some doomsday theorists equate the end of the "Long Count" Maya calendar on Dec. 21, 2012, with the end of civilization, local tourism promoters beg to differ — and are touting everything from archaeological lectures to a "Mayan Galactic Alignment" cruise.

Riviera Nayarit

Stretching 100 miles along Mexico's Pacific coast from Nuevo Vallarta north to San Blas, this region packs a lot of stylistic variety. Prefer all-inclusive chain hotels? Try Nuevo Vallarta. If money's no object, slip inside the gated enclaves of Punta Mita. If you like water sports by day and watering holes by night, the town of Sayulita is your spot. If you're seeking peace and quiet in an artsy village, check into one of San Francisco's (aka San Pancho's) small hotels. Beach options range from secluded, rocky coves to palm-fringed expanses flanked by the Sierra Madres.

Los Cabos

The coastal towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, connected via a 20-mile expanse of glitzy resorts and gated all-inclusives known as The Corridor, cater to tourists of all stripes — from tequila-swigging spring breakers to privacy-obsessed Hollywood stars. (Arriving in June: global honchos bound for the G20 financial summit.) While desert sun and the turquoise Sea of Cortez may be the area's biggest draws, up-and-coming San José del Cabo offers free art gallery walks on Thursday evenings from November through June.

Mérida

This colonial city on the Yucatán Peninsula is the ideal spot from which to explore important Maya archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Uxmal. The city has one of the largest historical centers in the Americas (next to Mexico City and Havana), and many of the Spanish colonial buildings from its wealthy past remain. (Look for carved Maya stones that were used in the construction of some.) Check into one of many small, elegant hotels downtown near the central square, or stay in the countryside at one of several fabulously restored haciendas.

San Miguel de Allende