In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). The US government has put out travel advisories on Cabo, deeming it dangerous for tourists. Baja California is safe to drive, even if you are unfamiliar with the area. I recommend going to Baja Bound if youre looking for some of the most difficult terrain you can get your hands on. 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. As a tourist, youre most likely to come across petty crimes like theft. A. Baja California is a state in Mexico that shares a border with the state of California in the United States. 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. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. USA. This is how we keep the lights on (i.e. Our website contains a list of high-risk areas that visitors should visit. The Valle de Guadalupe is located in northern Baja California, just north of Ensenada, and serves as the states unofficial Napa Valley. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, even in areas normally considered safe. However, the cartel does not generally wreak havoc on tourists because they are their main source of income. Dont stop to sleep in sketchy areas as well. Ensenada is a port city in Mexicos Baja California peninsula, located about 75 miles south of the US border. 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 crime. Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? The top destination was Cancun and the Riviera Maya, with 2.4 million visitors, according to the Mexico Tourism Bureau. Its a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists, including a variety of activities, attractions, and restaurants. Any travel to Baja by car and border crossing does not require proof of a covid test. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. Yes. Because there isnt much traffic at the border, its best to cross between 4 and 6 a.m. Some travelers on a day trip to tijuana feel like San Diego however those not used to Mexican culture will find it very foreign. If you have any questions, please let me know; Ill also provide you with a few more information on our experience. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. WebThe vaccine is not mandatory to travel in Baja/Mexico. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. In fact, Cabo is safer than many major US cities; for example, San Diego had a crime rate of 374 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2021, and Cabos crime rate for 2021 was 138.26 crimes per 100,000 people for the same period. Expats in the area typically prefer to live in communities a few miles away from downtown Ensenada, such as Bajamar to the north and Punta Banda to the south. You may opt-out by. Expect to find yourself in potential trouble if you even consider buying drugs while in Baja, Mexico. That said, there are certainly risks associated with driving from California to Ensenada, and its important to do your research and be as prepared as possible before undertaking such a trip. When a city receives a C grade, it is estimated that the rate of crime is roughly the same as in other US cities. Restaurants and hotels have adapted to the circumstances. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the safety of Tijuana, Mexico depends on a variety of factors, including the current security situation, the area of the city you are visiting, and your personal safety precautions. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. You can catch the bus at one of the approximately 230 Greyhound stations in the United States. The Condition Office current the Vacation Advisory for Mexico on Oct. 5, which is done regularly. Outside of popular tourist areas, particularly at night, take extra precautions in Mexico City. All three cities are some of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Baja California Sur. Travelers should consult local advice on safe and unsafe areas, maintain a low profile and consider hiring security escorts in high-risk states, says Ruuska. According to Ruuska, the foremost states and areas affected by drug cartels include Guerrero, Michoacn, Colima, Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. And dont get just any insurance, its best to get affordable yet reputable insurance like Baja Bound whos been in business for decades. No. Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. Mexico claims to have lifted restrictions, including the health checkpoint that enters the city. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. It is safe to drive to Baja California if you are a tourist. We cover how much to tip for every service imaginable, among other things. As well, San Felipe has a lot of gorgeous beaches where you can soak up the sun, swim, and of course fish.. As a result, crime and gang activity are on the rise in the state of Durango. But what is it that makes Baja, Mexico a safe place? In the case of Baja California, the free zone covers the entire state. Ensenada is only 70 miles from the border at a distance of 1.5 hours. Ensenada has a thriving craft beer scene. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, a trip from the border to the center of town should be around $5 (USD). Dont eat unwashed salad foods, theres a risk of E. Coli poisoning. If you have a six to eight hour stay in the city, I recommend going Downtown or taking a tour offered by the ship. However, not all doctors are professional or good at what they do. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. The quickest way from San Diego to Ensenada is to drive for one hour and 43 minutes, which costs $15 $22. Employees of the United States government are not permitted to travel to the following areas due to the restrictions listed below. A drivers license is not acceptable. If you want to see the world, go see it! The land border between Mexico and the United States has been reopened to nonessential travel since November 8, 2021. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists than during the peak summer months. Without proper hygiene in between such acts, the likelihood of receiving contaminated food is high. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. Explore The Music Scene In Tijuana Baja California: Check Out The Top Headliners In The City, Explore The Cost Of Tijuana Hotel Tickets Discover The Discounts And Tips For The Best Experience, Exploring Tijuana: Exploring The Convenient Stops Of Tourismo Express In Downtown Tijuana, Exploring A Vegan Lifestyle In Tijuana: Delicious Vegan-Friendly Options And Tips For A Plant-Based Diet. Because of its raw beauty and popularity as a cruise port, this bustling Mexican city is also known as the Cinderella of the Pacific. There is a large expat community in this area as well, as it is close to the United States. The Malecon is completely secure 24 hours a day, seven days a week (no bikes, no homeless people, and no solicitations). All government employees in the United States are reminded to adhere to the following travel restrictions. Ensenada has some bad areas, but they tend to be on the citys outskirts. 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. The vast majority of violent crimes in Ensenada are drug-related. Ensenada is an excellent place to visit on a short trip from San Diego or as part of a longer itinerary through Mexico. Fortunately, most homicides are cartel-related and occur in neighborhoods tourists dont frequent. During the spring and fall, it is best to visit Ensenada. But the resorts are generally safe places to visit. Is Baja California Safe? Authorities have also increased security measures in these areas, including Cancn, Acapulco, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? Many Americans drive down from San Diego or other California cities and make a road trip to Baja California. Ensenada offers a plethora of fun things to do, whether youre looking for an action-packed vacation or a laid-back vacation. Ensanada, Mexico, has one of the lowest crime rates in Baja, Mexico. Those looking for a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the company of others are drawn to it. shorturl.at/moqxX Instagram: @gringoylatino Capital Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California and on the Baja California Peninsula. Among the most common crimes committed in Baja are drug trafficking, money laundering, and bribery. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. US citizens should also register with the US Embassy in Mexico before traveling to Ensenada. Although it is a beautiful city to visit for its natural beauty and intriguing history, it should be noted that it is not a very safe place to be. If you are towing a boat or trailer, you should avoid this route. Visit Hussongs Cantina, the oldest in Baja, for a taste of the legendary margarita. The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. There have also been murders of journalists, murders of women and the list goes on. Covid patients are still being treated, and hospitals have adapted to the situation. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. como chingas Report inappropriate content carico Etzatlan, Mexico Destination Expert for Rincon de Guayabitos Level Contributor 5,808 posts 20 reviews 24 helpful votes 7. Is it cheap to live in ensenada? There has been a spike in homicides in the last couple of years, due to drug-related gang violence. Ensenadas Scenic Highway is regarded as one of the most secure in the country. has released a Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory for Baja California state. Tijuana, Mexico, is one of the worlds busiest urban border crossings, with 50 million travelers crossing the border each year. Mexico City, Nayarit, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo and Oaxaca are issued an "exercised increased caution when traveling to" warning. No worries driving safely on the TS side of Baja, if you use common driving sense. The best thing you can do is to completely abandon the solo plan. However, it does have cartel activity, and crime is also a risk. Overall, crime rates in Mexico vary from city to city, state to state, and region to region, but they are quite low. Drive the beautiful roads of Baja and enjoy the scenery, while also getting the most out of your visit. 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. While Ensenada has some good hiking trails, its essential to ask your hotel or Airbnb host if its a good idea to go. They may demand bribes for traffic violations whether or not you actually violated any law. Also, drive during the day if possible and make sure to have Mexican vehicle insurance in case an accident does happen. However, look for a place popular with locals and tourists, as the ingredients will be fresher. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? Theres no simple answer to this question it depends on a variety of factors, including the current political and social climate in Mexico, your personal comfort level with driving in a foreign country, and your own risk tolerance. You should pay traffic fines on the officialMultas de Transito (Traffic Fines) government site. In addition, you will likely see more motorcyclists (usually riding low-powered motorcycles or scooters). If this one wasnt true, But the real question that travelers are asking: What about the tourism areas along the Roviera Maya? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The highest advisory level is Level 4: Do Not Travel. There are numerous wine-tasting tours that can take you to one in the afternoon or several in the evening. If you have recently returned to or arrived in Baja, you should have a Covid test taken to ensure you did not contract the virus. After living in Southern California for ten years, I only went to Baja for the first time last year. This part of Mexico is not attributed to the drug war and has had no major problems. The vast majority of homicides are the result of targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Armed muggings can also occur at traffic lights, even in busy cities. The basics. Rosarito Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with 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 We caught up with Ruuska to find out whether its safe to travel to Mexico right now. Its no surprise that Loreto, Los Cabos, and La Paz are popular tourist destinations. Tabasco state has a high rate of crime and violence. Updated: Sep 16, 2022. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The breathtaking overlook along the Pacific Ocean is unquestionably the most noticeable feature of the trip. When traveling, it is critical to exercise caution. Some people may feel that Ensenda Mexico is safe to live in while others may not. Learn how to tip in Puerto Vallarta with this guide to proper tipping etiquette. According to a recent official research, Los Cabos, Cabo San Lucas, and San Jose del Cabo are the safest destinations in Mexico. 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. There are plenty of people around and a heavy law enforcement presence. This area is packed with a variety of unique activities and excellent restaurants that will provide you with memorable experiences. Is it safe to travel to Mexico right now? The safest areas remain Ensanada, Rosarito, and Guadalupe Valley. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. Recent shooting incidents have mainly been settling of scores between drug traffickers.. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Mexicos tourism sector reached record levels in 2022, totaling US $3.4 billion, Tourism Minister Miguel Torruco Marqus said in a statement on Sunday. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The US State Department gives Baja California Sur a Level 2 Exercise Increased Caution travel advisory, compared to the Level 3 Reconsider Travel advisory it gives to Baja California. Check theNational Hurricane Center for hurricane warnings. Kidnapping and extortion are serious risks. That said, the moment you cross the border driving conditions along with laws change, so make you understand all the requirements to travel to Mexico by car. Start Here Mexico Is Baja California Safe in 2023? Ive covered the main safety concerns Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Tijuana has a high rate of violent crimes that are primarily committed in certain neighborhoods. Before driving down, you should be aware of a few things. Moreover, more than 1.9 million tourist travel to Baja California Sur, Mexico every year. UPDATE: 2022/11/12 15:18 EST BY AARON SPRAY. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. It may be more expensive to live in Ensenada than other areas, but retirees can easily live comfortably on $1,500 per month. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. Plus, its a hip surf town where you can find some of the most breathtaking views in the entire country. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. Flag taxis from the street; take Uber or Didi instead. Be wary of attempts at credit-card fraud. WebSave. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. Tijuana is safe enough to roam around and explore but take more care if heading outside of the main tourist zones of. Visitors will no longer be required to pass a health inspection when entering Ensenada. Some areas in Chiapas, including Altamirano and Pantelh, should be avoided due to a recent uptick in attacks and disruptions by vigilante groups. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. The Mexican government has deployed a number of security measures in Ensenada in an attempt to curb the violence, including a increased police presence and the creation of a special security force specifically for the city. (Note: FCDO does not advise against all travel or all but essential travel to any part of the state of Baja California Sur.) 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. San Diego and Tijuana were selected as the joint bid for World Design Capital, making it the first binational bid in WDO history. 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