Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. In 2002, San Diego was named the first National Design Capital of the United States, a designation that has since evolved into the name of the West Design Center. WebMexico is considered a safe country to visit but there are numerous dangerous areas and regions that tourists should avoid traveling to. Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. Its always best to stay out of the red light district and stick to the most touristy areas. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. As a tourist, youre most likely to come across petty crimes like theft. In recent years, there have been several clashes between rival criminal gangs in Cancn and surrounding areas. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. The Zona Centro is home to some of Ensensensenadas most popular clubs and bars, as well as its central location. Our aim is to help you experience Mexico to its fullest so you can "Travel Like A Local". The country may be the top destination for U.S. travelers, but violent crime is soaring, leaving travelers questioning whether Mexico is safe to visit. Although, violent crimes should be easily avoidable using common sense. , some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. What is the average rent in Ensenada? Land and Ferry Travel to the United States Plus, many locals dont have insurance, so if you do get into an accident at least youll be covered. Todos Santos is a surf town with spectacular views all over the country. When you include the citys metro areas, there are 2.1 million people in the Mexican border city. Use common sense, stay alert, and dont draw attention to yourself. Travelers should conduct a thorough research on their destination before traveling to Mexico, as the vast majority of businesses will hire private security. The top destination was Cancun and the Riviera Maya, with 2.4 million visitors, according to the Mexico Tourism Bureau. The police are trusted by many people. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana. Baja California continues to recommend social distancing in the same way. Drinking tap water from these taps contains high levels of toxic contaminants that can make you sick. It is far safer to visit Baja California than it is to visit Mexico or parts of the United States. The crime rate in Baja is low, and tourists are unlikely to encounter any problems. On the border with Mexico, the situation remains unchanged. . You should be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid any problems. With that being said, be aware of who is around you at all times, dont leave your personal belongings lying around, and certainly dont carry all of your money with you. Re: Client wants me in Mexicali for a week. Make sure all foods are heated all the way through. Baja California is far safer than the rest of Mexico and the United States. In the state of Guanajuato: the areas south west of the road 45D 1. | Safety Concerns. Many travelers visit the red light district of Tijuana to hire prostitutes, visit massage parlors, or simply enjoy a drink at one of the many lady bars or strip clubs in the area. Its best to avoid Ensenadas red light district as well. Ive covered the main safety concerns Not only are these some of the safest areas in all of Mexico, but also some of the most exciting because theyre the home to acclaimed national parks and amazing caves. The vast majority of homicides are the result of targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. The US government has put out travel advisories on Cabo, deeming it dangerous for tourists. La Paz, Puerto Vallarta, Ensenada, and Mazatln are just a few of the popular tourist destinations in Baja California, which is well known for its rich marine environment. Does Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe have high crime rates? As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. In November 2021, four American travelers were hurt in an attack in Cancun when gunmen opened fire on the beach. As a Mexico-based company constantly monitoring the safety of travel and tourism in Mexico, we aim to provide current and unbiased information on safety in Mexico. There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on a variety of factors, including the specific location within Baja California and Mexico, the time of year, and the current political and social climate. Cruises for sportfishing and sightseeing are available all year. Despite the fact that the number of homicides is concerning, experts believe that tourists visiting Baja California in tourist areas are unlikely to face cartel violence or The San Diego-Tijuana joint bid was chosen as the first binational World Design Capital by WDO. Recent hotspots of cartel clashes and related crime include the mining cities of Caborca in Sonora statewhere authorities imposed a nightly curfew due to an uptick in violent crime in Februaryand Fresnillo in Zacatecas, where authorities have reinforced ongoing security operations against criminal organizations amid record-high homicide rates. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. Yes, it is safe to travel to Mexico currently. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. If you enjoy the sea, La Paz is an excellent place to visit because it is located on the Sea of Cortez. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. It has been named the safest place in all of Mexico due to its low crime rate. Is Baja California, Mexico, a good place to drive? Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Bras, money belts or secret bag compartments will do. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. (Updated January 2023) Overall crime rates in Mexico are quite low, despite varying city, state, and region crime rates. There has been a high rate of kidnapping and crime in the state of Tamaulipas. Baja Mexico is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. While the cartels are stronger in some areas than others, and other states like Sinaloa have more cartel activity, Baja California isnt safe from cartels. But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? Ensanada, Mexico, has one of the lowest crime rates in Baja, Mexico. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. This figure has since dropped to 30 per 100,000 in 2016, but it is still far higher than the average murder rate in Mexico, which was 16 per 100,000 in 2016. It is best to ignore these advances or confrontations and walk away., Some of the most common places for harassment in Mexico include taxis and public transport. 3 years ago Save 4 year old post Report inappropriate content 8. There are some activities that are still on hold because there are still many things to do. Many people in Ensenada are now able to obtain the vaccine. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. The high crime rates, including theft, kidnapping, harsh weather, and gang violence, may deter many from vacationing in Cabo. Cartel members, not tourists, account for the vast majority of the victims. in 2 reviews Location & Hours Av. 2023 Tour By Mexico. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. According to Ruuska, the foremost states and areas affected by drug cartels include Guerrero, Michoacn, Colima, Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Despite that, they dont usually cause trouble for tourists. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. The name Ensenada comes from the fact that it is located at the tip of the Pacific Ocean. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. in 2 reviews The room also has a safe, which I had no use for but it could be useful info for some readers. Nonetheless, tourists must exercise caution and take precautions whenever possible. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. Keep dummy wallets for pickpockets and keep your money hidden away. Spring Break is just a few weeks ahead and the most popular destination for U.S. travelers is Mexico a country with stunning sandy beaches in the Pacific Ocean These motorcyclists are often in a hurry, as many deliver food for apps like Rappi or Uber Eats. Traveling around Mexico is considered to be lower risk than people might be led to believe, and some destinations are comparably safer than others. The same goes for Ensenada. Mexico City, Nayarit, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo and Oaxaca are issued an "exercised increased caution when traveling to" warning. Ensenada is only 70 miles from the border at a distance of 1.5 hours. Baja California is known to have a large number of residents who speak English fluently. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns. All three cities are some of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Baja California Sur. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. Before driving down, you should be aware of a few things. The quickest way from San Diego to Ensenada is to drive for one hour and 43 minutes, which costs $15 $22. Mexican Resorts Are Safe Places To Stay. It really depends on the individuals perspective and experiences. No better place to travel than Baja, Mexico in 2022. The safest areas remain Ensanada, Rosarito, and Guadalupe Valley. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. Discover the best tips and tricks for withdrawing money in Puerto Vallarta. According to the UK Government, over 576,971 British nationals visited Mexico in 2017 with most visits being trouble-free. Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. Travellers Worldwide is reader-supported. Ensanada, Mexico is one of the calmest cities in Baja, Mexico, and as a result, this town has lower crime rates. Do not walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods, desolate areas or beaches. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. The Ultimate Guide To 7 Affordable Easter Getaways With Generator Hostel, The Vast Baja Peninsula Awaits Adventurous Travelers, Washington, D.C. Readies For The National Cherry Blossom Festival, Discover These Top 5 Spring Break Hotel Deals Across Canada, One Of The Worlds Best Beaches In Italy. There is no need to be concerned because roads are open and businesses are accepting deposits. Recent shooting incidents have mainly been settling of scores between drug traffickers.. Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe are both open for travel. Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? Baja California, a region located on the western coast of Mexico, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. The highest advisory level is Level 4: Do Not Travel. This is significantly safer than American cities such as New York (50.35) and Los Angeles (55.70). Ensenada has a thriving craft beer scene. A police officers corruption can be a problem here, and tourists are sometimes targeted. Because there isnt much traffic at the border, its best to cross between 4 and 6 a.m. Those crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require proof of vaccination. This fishing village is home to less than 20,000 citizens and is known to be much calmer than bigger cities within the state like Rosarito. If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. It is common for muggings and assaults to take place in secluded or unlit areas. Although Mexico is safe and beautiful, it is also vulnerable to dangers. The crime and kidnapping prevalent throughout Baja California make it difficult to live a peaceful life. It is not necessary to be concerned about your safety while traveling between San Diego and Tecate in Baja California. Except for the north and south beaches, the only beaches accessible to swimming, sunning, surfing, and camping are those in the outskirts of Ensenada. WebPetty theft. So what is a traveler to do? However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the State Departmenthas released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. Aguililla and Zitcuaro and surrounding towns in Michoacn, and certain areas in Guanajuato, including Celaya, Salamanca and Irapuato, are off limits, for the same reasons, says Ruuska. Some tips: Learn some basic Spanish and keep personal things to yourself. The vast majority of violent crimes in Ensenada are drug-related. Mexico, despite the medias sensationalized depictions of violence, is also a relatively peaceful place to live than many major U.S. cities. 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