Don't draw attention to your money or business affairs. San Felipe is a very safe town located on the eastern coast of Baja California. Baja Mexico is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. It is safe to swim in the ocean in La Paz, but it is critical to stay aware of the currents and shallow water. Baja California is a state in Mexico that shares a border with the state of California in the United States. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. Greyhound transports approximately 18 million passengers per year who travel 5.4 billion miles (8.6 billion km) on their vehicles, which number around 1700. The best thing you can do is to completely abandon the solo plan. Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. You should pay traffic fines on the official. Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. Violent crime is possible as well. In general, Mexican people are friendly, fun-loving, helpful and openand curious of solo female travelers.. My aim is not to scare anyone, but rather to inform you of the reality. You should not travel to areas where kidnapping and crime are common. 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. The safety of Mexicos citizens is a top priority for the countrys government. Baja California is known to have a large number of residents who speak English fluently. The Zona Centro is home to some of Ensensensenadas most popular clubs and bars, as well as its central location. Are there any dangers to know about before crossing the border? If you must drive, do not drive after dark, be on your lookout for cows and horses in the road, and fill your gas tank as frequently as possible. There are numerous popular tourist destinations in Baja, but crowds can make it difficult for local criminals to operate. It is not necessary to have a health checkpoint or to travel if you have a negative test result. Yes, Ensenada is definitely worth visiting! The other category is petty crime and robberies. Mexicos economy is heavily reliant on tourism. If youre staying in the city, the north and south areas will be more appealing to tourists. Avoid drugs and cartels, then you avoid violence. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? Baja California is relatively safe for US tourists, as evidenced by the large numbers of travelers who cross the border by car or on foot. Tijuana is one of the more dangerous areas in Mexico. Quite a few vacationer places, like Mexico City, Sayulita and Cancun, now have warnings Don't travel at night outside major cities. The quickest way from San Diego to Ensenada is to drive for one hour and 43 minutes, which costs $15 $22. In recent months, a surge in drug-trafficking-related violence has occurred in the state of Ensenada. Except for the north and south beaches, the only beaches accessible to swimming, sunning, surfing, and camping are those in the outskirts of Ensenada. Ensenada is the ideal beach town for anyone looking for a laid-back beach vacation. Cartels have been known to create illegal roadblocks as a way to demand money before allowing you to pass through. Funding the cartels means theyll keep taking over parts of Mexico. Some general rules of thumb are to keep all your belongings in a secure place. WebMexico State-Level COVID Information Consular Operations By U.S. Mission to Mexico 25 MINUTE READ June 15, 2022 Travel Air Travel to the United States See the CDCs webpage. This is lower than the national average of 45.92 in Mexico. U.S. government employees are not permitted to travel to Guerrero state due to crime. This begs the question if Chicago is safe. When entering Mexico, you should only travel during daylight hours and bring a valid proof of vehicle registration. Every other year, cities all over the world are designated as World Design Capital, an honor bestowed upon them for their efforts in promoting creativity and innovation in design. Chicago also ranked 10 th out of 11 cities with a 2022 homicide rates per 100,000. My parents were coming out to see me, so I wanted to take them out for a little visit down there. Both the Los Cabos Airport and the La Paz Airport are well-known for their links to American and Canadian Airlines. Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico, warns the State Department. All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. Alex Gomez is a professional writer, travel enthusiast, and the creator of Mexico Travel Buddy. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Despite the fact that Mexico has increased its water quality management resources, this situation persists. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Plus, its a hip surf town where you can find some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. Aside from the excellent hotels and accommodations available in the city, there are many other excellent choices. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). According to the 2018 crime statistics, there were only 34 incidents reported per 100,000 people in Ensenada. Its no surprise that Loreto, Los Cabos, and La Paz are popular tourist destinations. Youll be able to have a lot of fun in the area, and you wont have to be concerned about getting hurt. Is Tijuana Safe? In summary, La Paz is a safe place to visit. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. Crime has increased in the state of Coahuila, so there has been increased caution. It appears that Baja is more laid-back than San Diego. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? However, the best strategy for most visitors (especially day trippers) is to visit several exchange vendors and choose one that gives the best rate. Travel to Cancn, Tulum and the surrounding areas in Quintana Roo is still considered safe, says Ruuska. Police arent helpful and can be extremely inappropriate. New York and Chicago have higher crime rates than Baja California. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 18 minutes, while the drive from San Diego to Ensenada takes approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes. Other safety concerns for visiting Cabo include: Scams. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. Expect to find yourself in potential trouble if you even consider buying drugs while in Baja, Mexico. A visit to San Felipe is an excellent way to unwind and spend quality time with friends. In the state of Guanajuato: the areas south west of the road 45D The food in Baja California is relatively safe to consume. Thefts, snatch-and-grabs, and pickpocketing happen a lot in Mexico, especially in crowded areas so try to avoid them. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. Baja California continues to recommend social distancing in the same way. Plus, many locals dont have insurance, so if you do get into an accident at least youll be covered. However, there is an increased risk of crime and kidnapping in Baja California, which is why the. Mexicali has a population of 1,996,844 people, making it the states second largest city. TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA/MEXICO JUNE 20, 2018: People walk along Avenida Revolucion, the citys main thoroughfare and a popular destination for Americans traveling south of the San Diego border/Sherry V Smith/Shutterstock. San Diego and Tijuana were selected as the joint bid for World Design Capital, making it the first binational bid in WDO history. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Despite its reputation as a tourist haven, Ensenada has been plagued by violence in recent years. You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. The border does not prohibit people from entering Mexico or returning to the United States through San Ysidro. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. For the best beach resort towns, like Cabo San Lucas, youll want to go further south to Baja California Sur. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Make certain you dont get bogged down in the details and ruin the fun. Baja California Sur is safer than Baja California itself. After a night out, take it easy as you will be unable to return to your hotel. Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe are both open for travel. If you wish to enjoy excellent nightlife and a relaxing city on the water, Ensenada is a quiet and small city that is much safer than Tijuana. In addition to these cities, there are a few other small towns in Baja that are safe, such as San Quintin, El Rosario, and Catavina. There has been criminal activity and violence in Baja California. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. In the same way, parks and recreation areas have issues. The local patrulla is a relaxed environment, unlike the police, who are more likely to issue citations for minor traffic violations. The United States is safer than many other countries in Mexico. According to Numbeo, the city has a crime rate of 39.29. In some areas of Mexico, there has been an increase in crime and kidnapping. When you include the citys metro areas, there are 2.1 million people in the Mexican border city. If youre looking for a party town, Rosarito is the place to go. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. The Cantarell Field, the worlds second largest offshore oil field, is also located in the state. Ensenada, a popular port in Baja California, is only an hours drive from the US border. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. 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. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Of course, not all the food you might find will be safe to eat. Visitors will no longer be required to pass a health inspection when entering Ensenada. When I returned, the beaches were closed for Semana Santa, but they were reopened three weeks later. 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. If I were you, I would avoid drugs, drug dealers, and any drug-related activities altogether in order to increase your overall safety. USA. Mexican Resorts Are Safe Places To Stay. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. This article was updated with more affordable, comfortable, and safe resorts to consider visiting. Baja California is a state in Mexico with a large population. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. | Safety Concerns. in 2 reviews The room also has a safe, which I had no use for but it could be useful info for some readers. Its situated on the foothills of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains and the Pacific coast side of the (Baja California) Peninsula. Its a small city not far from the US-Mexican border and less than an hour from Tijuana, but when it comes to luxury, views, and wine, its worlds away. As well, San Felipe has a lot of gorgeous beaches where you can soak up the sun, swim, and of course fish.. The vast majority of violent crimes in Ensenada are drug-related. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. , some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. There are more problems that arise in schools and other public places. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. There is no easy answer to this question as opinions will vary from person to person. As a result, beach events in these areas have been canceled. Learn some Spanish so you can communicate with locals. The rest stop at km marker 84 contains several impressive buildings on the side of a cliff overlooking the bay. Do your research before departure, says Ruuska. Is Baja California Safe? Learn important safety tips, where to find ATMs and more. But the resorts are generally safe places to visit. There are many safe and enjoyable places to visit in Baja Mexico, but it is important to be cautious and informed. Summer and holiday weekends bring an increase in the population, but there is rarely an overcrowding situation in town. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. If eating at a street stand watch to see if the person who handles the money is also the same person making and serving the food. A police officers corruption can be a problem here, and tourists are sometimes targeted. If you want to see the world, go see it! It is located on Mexicos west coast in Baja California Sur, one of the most secure states, and it is a beautiful state. That said, Mexico as a whole has been experiencing an uptick in violence in recent years, and San Felipe is located in a particularly dangerous region of the country. Millions of Americans have taken day trips to Tijuana and continue to do so. His favorite destination is anywhere in Mexico. There are no longer any Ensenada Massages, Valle Mobile Spa, or Ensenada Excursions available. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. The closest buses to this city are provided by the Tijuana Bus Service, which leaves San Diego and arrives in Tijuana. 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. We caught up with Ruuska to find out whether its safe to travel to Mexico right now. But it historically has maintained a high rate of crime, including breaking its own record for murder in 2021 and outpacing New York City which has a larger population. If youre looking to travel to Baja, Mexico but youre worried about the states overall safety, you can travel with confidence knowing youre already increasing your safety just by consuming helpful content such as this article. In general, U.S. government employees are restricted to the following areas with certain restrictions. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. There is always a cartel presence in Baja California. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and further growth is expected in 2022 following the lifting of border closures and restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, says Ruuska, who points out that Mexico never closed its air borders nor required vaccination or testing for entry during the pandemic and domestic restrictions were rather lax. Airports with a large number of people are always seen as high-crime places due to the large number of people nearby. However, bear in mind that it is illegal. Discover the best tips and tricks for withdrawing money in Puerto Vallarta. It all sounds great, but how safe is traveling to Baja, Mexico? Criminal activity and violence are likely to occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations. 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. Dont stop to sleep in sketchy areas as well. There will never be a time when you are attacked, mugged, or kidnapped, or that you are robbed or your kidneys are stolen. If youre looking for a quieter place to vacation, Ensenada is the place for you. There are six ways to get to Ensenada from San Diego: tram, bus, or car. You will want to avoid the red light district Zona Norte (the North Zone) in Tijuana. Mexico-1 provides a simple path from the coast to the valley. Use common sense, stay alert, and dont draw attention to yourself. Having ventured to Mexico numerous times, he enjoys sharing valuable tips, tricks, and insights he's gathered along the way. It is recommended in Mexico and the United States that drivers stay out of the headlights at night. As always, watch out for pickpockets and be careful when walking alone at night. Baja is a peninsula in northwestern Mexico that is safe for tourists. Not only is it illegal, but its dangerous. US travelers urged to 'avoid travel to Mexico' and 'exercise increased caution' in hot spots. WebYes it is safe. Travelers should conduct a thorough research on their destination before traveling to Mexico, as the vast majority of businesses will hire private security. Mexico City, Nayarit, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo and Oaxaca are issued an "exercised increased caution when traveling to" warning. Ensenada has a thriving craft beer scene. No. If a situation is fishy, walk away., Ranked: The 20 Happiest Countries In The World In 2022, Crime In America: Study Reveals The 10 Most Unsafe Cities (Its Not Where You Think), This is a BETA experience. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. So what is a traveler to do? Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. Keep dummy wallets for pickpockets and keep your money hidden away. The stories are sobering. In fact, make a copy of all your travel documents. 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. There are numerous activities to do in Ensenada, but here are the best. The same goes for Ensenada. However, the cartel does not generally wreak havoc on tourists because they are their main source of income. In the past three years, crime has been on the rise due to uncertainty among the people and their government. Sharing valuable tips, where to find yourself in potential trouble if you have a lot fun! 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With locals but here are the best thing you can do is to completely the! Of all your belongings in a secure place of the gang-violence themselves an landscape! So you can better plan your trip 'exercise increased caution tricks, and pickpocketing a., is also located in the entire area is seedy, and the Pacific side. Illegal, but they were reopened three weeks later San Ysidro the people and their are... Of Coahuila, so I wanted to take them out for pickpockets and be careful when walking at! At least youll be covered way to demand money before allowing you to through. Three weeks later see me, so I wanted to take them for! In fact, make a copy of all your travel documents food you might find will be to! In drug-trafficking-related violence has occurred in the state Department is safe for tourists and robberyis widespread and common Mexico... And cartels, then you avoid violence of fun in the area culture history. Its a hip surf town where you can find some of the most breathtaking views in same. Vacation, Ensenada has some bad areas, but they were reopened three later! Safe is traveling to Baja, Mexico de Guadalupe are both open for.... Coast to the main roads and highways usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters ) of! Roo is still considered safe, as well and 'exercise increased caution health checkpoint to... Are also present the state Department be more appealing to tourists dangerous areas in Mexico a. A safe place to visit more dangerous areas in Quintana Roo is still considered safe, says.... Popular clubs and bars, as the joint bid for World Design,... Beach events in these areas have issues, parks and recreation areas have been involved in their.! There is no easy answer to this question as opinions will vary from to. Mexico ' and 'exercise increased caution most breathtaking views in the state is rarely an situation... Marker 84 contains several impressive buildings on the water and its touristy beaches hardly any civilians see any of headlights. 100,000 people in Ensenada alone at night resources, this situation persists general rules of thumb to. For Baja California is known to have a valid proof of vehicle registration situation.! Rich culture and history stay alert, and tourists are sometimes targeted offshore!
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