Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. One finds culinary routes, wine routes, missionary routes, hunting tours, eco- and agritours and cycle races organized entirely by American communities. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. Its geography ranges from beaches to forests and deserts. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. It has also bolstered security efforts in Mexicos 50 most violent municipalities, among which are four Baja California cities: Tijuana, Ensenada, Tecate (allegedly the CJNGs Baja California base) and Mexicali. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. However, we do have friends that have lived there for several years and they love it and feel perfectly safe there. Youll be back on your way in no time! A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. It really is just like going anywhere in the US. Now that we have been there and traveled from the bottom of Baja to the top on our own (no caravan) on the way back to the States I do not think you have to caravan to go down to Baja. You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. In Baja California, the murder rate this year is 73 per 100,000 residents so far. 2 most violent state, next in line for new security plan. The main tourist area in Cabo San Lucas along the water has plenty of people around and is well lit, so it is rarely a crime target. . Whale Watching and Yachting in Cabo San Lucas! The officials told Milenio that different criminal cells dominate different parts of Tijuana. These travel maps of Baja California are great for reference and normal vacation planning, but should not be used for serious navigational purposes like offroading. Tourists should also be wary of scams on taxis and rideshare vehicles. It's very common for Expats in Ensenada to buy or rent homes between the cities of Rosarito and Ensenada. We are very nature oriented people who love to share a good spirit with kind people in the world. The 2019 study details that the bloody incidents have created a negative image of the tourist gem, which has a . 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 get me wrong, that doesnt mean we werent aware we are in another country or that we threw caution to the wind. The United States Embassy has now issued a travel warning for U.S. citizens who plan to travel to these areas. For example, never leave drinks unattended, even at the resort, avoid discussing hotel locations in public, and keep an eye out for people following you. Check with the locals for the safest/quickest route to your destination. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? Im so worried about it. It would be such a bummer if your car suddenly broke down while you were on the road. Baja California Type: Peninsula Description: peninsula of North America on the Pacific Coast of Mexico Location: Mexico, North America View on OpenStreetMap Latitude of center 28 north Longitude of center -113.5 or 113 30' west Elevation 186 metres (610 feet) GeoNames ID 4017701 Wikidata ID Q178543 The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. Finally, avoid wandering around near the border except for the. The U.S. State Department has labeled the city of Tijuana as being a critical threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. Should we stick to our dream and plan or abandon for savety reasons? js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
Make sure that youre complying with all Mexican road laws and street signs. By keeping track of earthquake warnings, you can better plan your trip. Primo Tapia is at 37 meters of altitude. Odds are they will help you the best they can. This is a comment to Buck who has an issue with Rosarito being called "Nearby cities" to Tijuana and said when really it's the same one-. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. This whole form is specific to signing up for newsletter, therefore their approval for newsletter signup is auto-approved. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. Telephone scams targeting tourists are also common in Cabo San Lucas. . A two-day drive, over 550 miles of winding roads through the mountains, will take you the length of the state from Guerrero Negro to Cabo San Lucas. warns against picking up hitchhikers. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111081599', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabo San Lucas is safer than any American tourist destination. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111086646', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabo? Please read my disclosure for more info. 3. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswhlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke. Were going to Baja California [to deal with] the security issue and well report [from] there, Lpez Obrador told his Monday morning press conference. Look out for crumbling missions, date palms, coconuts and mangrove swamps as you meander southward. You may encounter one of the 4 or 5 military checkpoints along the road while you are in Baja. Criminal Justice Information Services Division, FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. Even if your GPS app suggests a better route, remember that it may not be safer, so try not to go off the main road too much. TIJUANA (Border Report) The border state of Baja California overall is Mexicos most crime-ridden when it comes to murders, crimes against women and auto theft, according to the National Public Safety System in Mexico. Mit den gewonnenen Informationen mchten wir verstehen, wie unsere Dienste verwendet werden, und die Qualitt dieser Dienste verbessern. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. We have included a quick translation guide below to help you navigate the roads of Baja: NO UTILIZAR FRENO CON MOTOR NO ENGINE BRAKING, NO MALTRATE LAS SENALES DO NOT DISREGARD THE SIGNS, GUARDE SU DISTANCIA WATCH YOUR DISTANCE, REDUCTOR DE VELOCIDAD REDUCE YOUR SPEED, RESPETE LMITE DE VELOCIDAD RESPECT THE SPEED LIMIT. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. We hope that you find these tips helpful on your travels. Rosarito and Tijuana are in the same built-up area according to most experts. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. 2010-2023 | AllAboutBaja.com - Travel Guide to the Baja California Peninsula | No part of this website may be reproduced without our written consent. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. The one I can remember is jtgtravel. We have broken down in the hot time of year and it is miserable while getting our vehicle fixed. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. It says criminal activity and violence, including homicide, are a primary concern throughout Baja California. You will be exposed to new and interesting cultures. 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. Yes You Can RV Baja, California Mexico In A Big Rig, Camping Baja California: 13 Awesome Places To Stay. North Baja Map (Detailed) Do you think Tesla's investment will signal a shift towards more renewable energy in Mexico. He said a special plan to strengthen security in Baja California, the countrys second most violent state this year for total homicides, will be adopted. The only way to get in trouble. is to look for some. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. A drivers license is not acceptable. But its 2017 murder rate of 78.6 per 100,000 residents was the second-highest figure in the nation -- more than triple the national average of 22.5 per 100,000. Visit theBorderReport.com homepagefor the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the United States-Mexico border. Beautiful home surrounded by gardens and a dreamy view. Ideal as a home or AIRBNB investment, Ensenada, Baja California. Thank you for the responses. Watching Out for Earthquakes, Hurricanes, and Diseases, Both earthquakes and hurricanes can occur in Mexico, according to the, There is also a risk of Zika virus along the coast, according to. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-zgpswl6aw"));
. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. There are 6,238 inhabitants. During the daytime, its mostly safe. One of the main draws of Baja California Sur is the ocean. The competing cartel cells are mainly selling methamphetamine on the streets, the officials said, although drugs such as cocaine and heroin are also available. The state ranked second in per capita homicides with just 1.86 per 100,000 citizens. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. Thanks. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. Tijuana Border Crossing Map (Detailed)*** Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. In general, we are not easily frightened but open to people and countries. President Lpez Obrador said Monday that he will travel to Tijuana Mexicos most violent city on Saturday to address security issues in the northern border state, where more than 2,500 homicides were recorded in the first 10 months of the year. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. Sie knnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. 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. Countless beautiful coves and inlets, most with exquisite white sandy beaches are seemingly around every corner. Yes! The travel maps of Baja California below are as accurate and up to date as possible. The department says transnational. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. Driving through Baja is generally safe. The regional rates for violent and property crimes per 100,000 inhabitants were as follows: in the Northeast, 1,350.4property crimes and 292.4 violent crimes; in the Midwest, 1,935.4 property crimes and 361.7 violent crimes; in the South, 2,355.3 property crimes and 406.6 violent crimes; and in the West, 2,411.7 property crimes and 413.5 violent crimes. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Stats show eight people are killed in a violent manner every day in the state directly south of California. In the same way, they have asked travelers toreconsider traveling to other states, including Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Mexico City, Morelos, Nayarit, Sonora and Zacatecas. Mexican authorities arrested a man on suspicion of killing two San Diego retirees last summer, then dumping their bodies . Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. The news frequently highlights violence, drug cartels, and kidnappings in Mexico. PHONE. Crime Grades. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. But beyond that it is very safe. Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. 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. But reading ithus helped me a lot. . For the best beach resort towns, like Cabo San Lucas, youll want to go further south to Baja California Sur. Cartels also operate in Baja California. It's a small town of around 5000 residents, half of which are ex-patriots. It has magnificent resorts, endless sunshine, and robust party life. La Paz, Baja California Sur. U.S. officials did not confirm the name of the alleged cartel leader whose arrest prompted the security alert. Should we not stay at the same place the whole time? He always went with them and I stayed with the kids in the car. Remain calm and comply with any searches or inspections that they carry out. I think they are probably crazy it doesnt make sense. With these safety precautions, travelers can avoid risky situations and enjoy their Cabo San Lucas adventure. In Baja California, the murder rate this year is 73 per 100,000 residents so far. It isn't the most violent city in the world. Read on to learn all about staying safe in Baja California, Mexico. Reports indicate 13 people were arrested in connection with the arson events and other acts of vandalism. Bryanna has been full time RVing with her husband and 4 kids since May 2014. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. #101-102 San Diego, CA 92111 800-727-BAJA (2252) [email protected] Due to its proximity to the border, Tijuana and its surroundings are hotspots of cartel activity. Descripciones, geogrficas e hidrogrficas : de muchas tierra. The authors of the Baja California Almanac also create excellent folding maps of Baja California. Is Driving Even Possible? 2,152.8 Sqft. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. Hmmm, The article is recent (July) but the stats they used on (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Time: 2023-02-20T18:36:19+00:00. Alamo Rent a Car. If you are driving into Mexico, youll need your vehicle registration. Nicht personalisierte Inhalte werden u.a. von Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, Aktivitten in Ihrer aktiven Suchsitzung und Ihrem Standort beeinflusst. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. Baja California is the 12th-largest state by area in Mexico. Kidnapping is a risk in Mexico, and Baja California is not exempt. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. We were only in San Jose for a day so I cant say much specifically on that city. Dangers on the road come in two forms. The other category is petty crime and robberies. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. Still no where near the stats of homicide levels comparitivly in other cities listed and known to have high drug/cartel activity (Juarez, Culiacan, Chihuahua, etc). Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. It borders the U.S. and lies directly below some of the more well known parts of its south west coastline like San Diego and Los Angeles. Despite that, they dont usually cause trouble for tourists. Another area to avoid in Tijuana is Zona Centro, or the citys center. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. Both earthquakes and hurricanes can occur in Mexico, according to theUK government. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. Population pyramid. Photo: Cvmontuy, CC BY-SA 4.0. California Annual Crimes Violent Crime Violent Crime Comparison (per 1,000 residents) 20 15 10 5 0 4.40 National Median: 4 California My Chances of Becoming a Victim of a Violent Crime 1 in 227 in California California VIOLENT CRIMES Population: 39,237,836 United States VIOLENT CRIMES Population: 331,888,310 Property Crime C. F. A+ (dark green) areas are safest. Thank you so much! Drug-trafficking re-organization Since around 2010, the dominant criminal organization on the Baja California peninsula - both Baja California and Baja California Sur- has been the Sinaloa cartel, which until #101-102 San Diego, CA 92111 800-727-BAJA (2252) [email protected] Buy Baja Real Estate. I'm a White American from Chicago. Every check point we went through, they were very nice and polite and respectfully went through a few cabinets, refrigerator and looked in the bathroom. In full disclosure when we crossed the border I had a stomach ache and that stomachache did not go away as we drove the 2 +hours to San Felipe. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. The longer we were in Baja the more and more we liked it and really enjoyed all of the people and the beautiful scenery that they have here. See our Baja Safety page for more information. Federal officials say this issue has a wide impact on society, as entire families depend on their automobiles to get around and to conduct business. Crime Rate. A+. If you are kidnapped, never resist. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. View Details. We met a lot of families who were down here on their own and were totally fine. It is relatively safe compared to most of Mexico and major cities in the United States. 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 20 miles of highway that hug the coast below Muleg give access to what are considered by many to be the nicest beaches in all of Baja. There were 15 in 2020, 13 in 2019 and 19 in 2018. Avoiding discussing private information in public, such as room numbers, hotel names, and identifying information, Arranging public transportation ahead of time to ensure rides are legitimate, Discussing transportation fare at the beginning of the trip. Cardn cacti, boojum trees, ocotillo, cholla and other desert marvels thrive in this beautiful desert area that sometimes doesn't receive any rain for a decade. The mission of BorderReport.com is to provide real-time delivery of the untold local stories about people living, working and migrating along the U.S. border with Mexico. The people of Baja were warm and inviting and very family oriented. Even though how safe is Loreto Mexico to drive depends on you exercising caution and staying alert, navigating traffic in this small town makes exploring the Baja Peninsula easy. Its worth paying a bit more for a doctor, plastic surgeon, or dentist who has good reviews and recommendations from other foreigners and who speaks English.