Tijuana is safe to travel to with the family so long as you spend your time during the daylight hours and stick to the downtown areas such as Avenida Revolucin. See this list of some of the. This natural paradise is made of stone streets and uncrowded beaches but also features a ton of natural beauty and world-class waves. Traveling around Mexico is considered to be lower risk than people might be led to believe, and some destinations are comparably safer than others. Authorities have also increased security measures in these areas, including Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. Capital Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California and on the Baja California Peninsula. Furthermore, the locals are friendly and welcoming, so you will feel at home right away. If you lose it, you will have to pay for a new one. Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. There is no definitive answer, as conditions can change rapidly and vary depending on the specific route taken. The primary mode of transportation in Campeche State is Highway 5 during daylight hours. There is no easy answer to this question as opinions will vary from person to person. If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. So what is a traveler to do? If you want to see the world, go see it! Rosarito Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Although petty crime is the most common experience for all visitors, both physical and sexual violence is also at an all-time high. (Note: FCDO does not advise against all travel or all but essential travel to any part of the state of Baja California Sur.) Without proper hygiene in between such acts, the likelihood of receiving contaminated food is high. This is significantly safer than American cities such as New York (50.35) and Los Angeles (55.70). COVID cases are available in official data for Baja California. San Felipe is a very safe town located on the eastern coast of Baja California. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Plus, many locals dont have insurance, so if you do get into an accident at least youll be covered. Travel Advisory 2023. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. The best way to find rentals in Ensenada is through classifieds, but this is difficult. If this one wasnt true, Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. When it comes to exploring the cities in Baja, there are a few very simple rules you should follow to increase your safety. Some people even rent or buy camper vans and sleep on the road. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. You can catch the bus at one of the approximately 230 Greyhound stations in the United States. 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. According to a recent official research, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo are the safest destinations in Mexico. WebYes it is safe. Some areas in Chiapas, including Altamirano and Pantelh, should be avoided due to a recent uptick in attacks and disruptions by vigilante groups. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. The province of Michoacan is off-limits to visitors. Check that the taxi has been registered before entering pickpockets can target tourists riding public transportation. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Its no surprise that Loreto, Los Cabos, and La Paz are popular tourist destinations. Updated: Sep 16, 2022. Qantas Introduces New First-Class Cabins Looking Like Small Living Rooms. If you enjoy the sea, La Paz is an excellent place to visit because it is located on the Sea of Cortez. Generally, the answer is yes. Welcome to Mexico Travel Buddy! In November 2021, four American travelers were hurt in an attack in Cancun when gunmen opened fire on the beach. However, look for a place popular with locals and tourists, as the ingredients will be fresher. On the border with Mexico, the situation remains unchanged. La Paz does not have a drinkable tap water system. Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? The city is a popular tourist destination, known for its sandy beaches, seafood restaurants, and duty-free shops. His favorite destination is anywhere in Mexico. Is Baja California Safe to Visit in 2023? Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. After a night out, take it easy as you will be unable to return to your hotel. During the spring and fall, it is best to visit Ensenada. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). Baja California is far safer than the rest of Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. 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. You do not need to provide a negative result of a Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination to enter. While domestic travel is not prohibited, there are a few restrictions. In contrast, areas with high crime rates, such as Punta Banda, have higher rates of crime. . You should pay traffic fines on the officialMultas de Transito (Traffic Fines) government site. Tijuana is one of the more dangerous areas in Mexico. The information I gained on our drive to and from Ensenada is summarized below. Traveling to new places has changed our lives, and we hope to share our experience, insight, and passion with you in order to inspire you to change yours as well! However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? When the sun goes down, temperatures drop near beaches. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. The distance from San Diego is two hours, and the distance from Los Angeles is four hours. In general, you might want to avoid Tijuana altogether. But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? Before driving down, you should be aware of a few things. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. Ensenada is a wonderful place to visit whether youre going from San Diego to Mexico for a short trip or going all the way around. The water quality at Tijuana and Rosarito beaches has been declared poor by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risks. Mexico is the worlds sixth most popular tourist destination, according to the World Tourism Organization. But what is it that makes Baja, Mexico a safe place? The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. It's beautiful, but is Mexico safe? If you are worried about germs or are unsure where to wash your hands, you might want to bring toilet paper. UPDATE: 2022/11/12 15:18 EST BY AARON SPRAY. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. As a result, a lot of people visit Ensenada simply because they want to experience a more authentic Mexican city. Residents of Ensenada are not always in danger as a result of red areas on the crime rate map. Of course, not all the food you might find will be safe to eat. When transiting, avoid public transport and hailing taxis on the street, and use app-based services or regulated taxi stands. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. This part of Mexico is not attributed to the drug war and has had no major problems. 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. Some plastic surgeons may not have the proper licenses. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Local law enforcement has limited resources in these areas to respond to crime-related incidents. 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. The crime rate in Baja is low, and tourists are unlikely to encounter any problems. But like everywhere you take your precious brood go heavy on the research. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Pictured here: Cancun, where recent violence has impacted [+] tourists. Try using a taxi booked through a hotel or Uber. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. Keep a photocopy of your passport with you at all times. Cartels also operate in Baja California. It is critical to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling in this area because there has been a significant increase in drug-related violence in recent years. To ensure youre eating a safe meal always check the reviews of restaurants online before dining out. It is common for muggings and assaults to take place in secluded or unlit areas. Below are some of the safest areas you can visit in Baja, Mexico. The more recent map is here. October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. Violent crime rates in big cities, such as Mexico City, where there is a high population density, are extremely low. However, its not a safe area. Dont accept offers of drugs. Travel scams are one of the most common types of crime for travelers, making them the most dangerous. The local patrulla is a relaxed environment, unlike the police, who are more likely to issue citations for minor traffic violations. Looking for the latest on COVID-19 in Mexico? Violent crime is possible as well. One of the reasons the State Department increased Baja Californias advisory to a Level 3 warning was the arrest of a cartel leader, which led to increased violence between cartels and the police, according to theUS Embassy in Mexico. Here are 10 reasons why! Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. Dont have ice with drinks and only drink from factory-sealed bottles. When you go alone in Tijuana, you are more likely to be a victim of violent crime and sexual assault. Visit Hussongs Cantina, the oldest in Baja, for a taste of the legendary margarita. The state of Baja California Sur has a population of 2,643,426 people, making it Mexicos most populous. WebMaster far more: Ideal travel insurance coverage. The Ensenada neighborhood is a beautiful and friendly community located in the heart of Tijuana. US citizens should also register with the US Embassy in Mexico before traveling to Ensenada. What are the symptoms of CVIDA-19? USA. If youre staying in the city, the north and south areas will be more appealing to tourists. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. Drive the beautiful roads of Baja and enjoy the scenery, while also getting the most out of your visit. The United States is safer than many other countries in Mexico. There are some activities that are still on hold because there are still many things to do. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. potential visitors should research the areas they plan to visit and be aware of the risks. Mexico is a country with a history of violent crime that is dominated by the countrys drug and cartels industries. Consider purchasing a portable water filtration system. Does Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe have high crime rates? No. If youre in a situation where you are being threatened for money or valuables, do not resist and/or fight back.. Taxi drivers may try taking you to restaurants or hotels. My parents were coming out to see me, so I wanted to take them out for a little visit down there. La Paz is a popular tourist destination for Americans looking for a beach vacation. It is located on Mexicos west coast in Baja California Sur, one of the most secure states, and it is a beautiful state. While visiting Baja, you should always be ready for anything. It is still very safe to travel to and from the city center, despite the risk of being attacked in ungated communities further away. In fact, Mexico is the perfect country to embrace this new trend of work-cation or hush trips. Recent shooting incidents have mainly been settling of scores between drug traffickers.. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, asmost victimsare not foreigners but Mexican nationals, but its essential not to wander around alone at night. Baja California is a state in Mexico with a large population. Because there isnt much traffic at the border, its best to cross between 4 and 6 a.m. According to Ruuska, the foremost states and areas affected by drug cartels include Guerrero, Michoacn, Colima, Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Travel to and from the United States should be postponed until the H1N1 vaccine is fully available. It is possible that criminal activity or violence will occur throughout the state. 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. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. Avoid flashy clothes and jewelry.. warns against picking up hitchhikers. Tasting wine in the Santo Tomas Valley and San Vicente Valley is more intimate and less crowded. 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