So what is a traveler to do? Restaurants and hotels have adapted to the circumstances. Additionally, police and citizens carry a strong level of trust in each other, ensuring the city remains safe. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. 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. 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. Millions of travelers visit Mexico every year, and The Government of Baja California has advised tourists not to travel to the region between March 2022 and August 2022. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. The water temperature in Ensenada is 71 degrees Fahrenheit as of today. My aim is not to scare anyone, but rather to inform you of the reality. Every day, 100 people visit the beaches. The rest stop at km marker 84 contains several impressive buildings on the side of a cliff overlooking the bay. Bras, money belts or secret bag compartments will do. Updated: Sep 16, 2022. How much crime is there in Ensenada? Click here. Yes. Cartels and gangs may make illegal roadblocks, demanding money for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you. The city is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, making it easy to see and hear the sounds of the sea. Criminal activity and violence are likely to occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations. WebMexico is considered a safe country to visit but there are numerous dangerous areas and regions that tourists should avoid traveling to. Travel to and from the United States should be postponed until the H1N1 vaccine is fully available. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. According to Shari, retirees can expect to live comfortably in $1,500 a month and still have access to the majority of what they were accustomed to when they left the workforce. Visit Hussongs Cantina, the oldest in Baja, for a taste of the legendary margarita. Below is our latest on travel safety in Mexico plus up-to-date advice on staying safe in Mexico. La Paz is the capital of California Baja, a sunny state 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. Only use ATMs in public spaces and during daytime. According to 2023 Tour By Mexico. Discover the best tips and tricks for withdrawing money in Puerto Vallarta. The people are also very friendly and welcoming. Alex Gomez is a professional writer, travel enthusiast, and the creator of Mexico Travel Buddy. Baja California is one of the safer areas of Mexico, especially if you stick to Rosarito, Ensenada, and Guadalupe Valley. Is San Felipe worth visiting? As soon as you cross that border, the situation changes drastically. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? The United States is safer than many other countries in Mexico. Ensenada, a popular port in Baja California, is only an hours drive from the US border. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. If you choose to travel to Mexico, make sure to do your research ahead of time and plan accordingly. If youre looking for a quieter place to vacation, Ensenada is the place for you. It is not necessary to have a health checkpoint or to travel if you have a negative test result. Swim in choppy waters or when there is a warning flag. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Furthermore, the streets of Baja are littered with potholes and stray dogs, so always be observant while driving and drive during the day if possible. Summer and holiday weekends bring an increase in the population, but there is rarely an overcrowding situation in town. Getting into the Ready Lanes, as well as any of the other entry lanes, is difficult. There are some activities that are still on hold because there are still many things to do. Drive the beautiful roads of Baja and enjoy the scenery, while also getting the most out of your visit. Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. Women need to be careful in Mexico. Most earthquakes are, fortunately, low-magnitude earthquakes, so you are unlikely to experience harm. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. The closest buses to this city are provided by the Tijuana Bus Service, which leaves San Diego and arrives in Tijuana. However, overall, Tijuana is generally considered safe for travelers, as long as you take basic safety precautions and use common sense. 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. Is Baja California safe? WebDoes this mean it's safe to travel in Baja California, Mexico again.' Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. Fortunately, most homicides are cartel-related and occur in neighborhoods tourists dont frequent. , some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. How to Tip In Puerto Vallarta (Proper Tipping Etiquette). Mexico Travel Buddy is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Below are some of the safest areas you can visit in Baja, Mexico. . Baja California, a region located on the western coast of Mexico, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history. Despite being classified as a Level 3 travel advisory by the United States Department of State, Baja California is one of the most secure in Mexico. Missing something? The province of Michoacan is off-limits to visitors. There are surf schools in TS, Pescadero, and Cerritos. Make sure the meat you eat is cooked all the way through before consuming. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. 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. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. Unpatrolled beaches on the Baja Peninsula have been the source of drownings. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. If you think youre being overcharged for a taxi, a trip from the border to the center of town should be around $5 (USD). The Zona Centro is home to some of Ensensensenadas most popular clubs and bars, as well as its central location. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. The majority of the valley is open, with a small section of it open to the public. Tourist destinations have, however, not seen the crime levels seen in states affected by drug cartels. COVID cases are available in official data for Baja California. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. 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. Street tacos are abundant, and its worth trying them at least once. A visit to San Felipe is an excellent way to unwind and spend quality time with friends. The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. 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. The vast majority of violent crimes in Ensenada are drug-related. Dont eat unwashed salad foods, theres a risk of E. Coli poisoning. Its essential to check the State Departments current travel advisory and recent safety alerts from the US Embassy in Mexico before your trip, so you are well-informed of any potential dangers. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. Ensenada has the lowest homicide rate of any city in Baja. If we link to any product, you should assume that we'll receive a commission when you buy it, at no extra cost to you. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. (Photo by Guillermo Arias / AFP) (Photo by [+] GUILLERMO ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images). The most dangerous place to visit in Baja California is Cabo San Lucas. Before your trip to Baja California, Mexico, keep the following advice in mind. Drinking tap water from these taps contains high levels of toxic contaminants that can make you sick. In the state of Guanajuato: the areas south west of the road 45D Many travelers make the trip to Baja California in their vehicle as its right across the border from California. This is significantly safer than American cities such as New York (50.35) and Los Angeles (55.70). | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns, Is Pittsburgh Safe in 2023? However, there are some safety concerns that potential visitors should be aware of. In addition to being the home of an international expatriate community, the city is also a center for cultural activities. Drug use and sales. Mexico-1 provides a simple path from the coast to the valley. In general, travelers should avoid travel to areas unlikely to be visited by tourists. While Ensenada has some good hiking trails, its essential to ask your hotel or Airbnb host if its a good idea to go. We have been in Baja for the past two months and are sharing what van life is really like down here in 2021. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Mexico, indicating a high level of Covid in the country. Ensenada offers a plethora of fun things to do, whether youre looking for an action-packed vacation or a laid-back vacation. WebSouthern Baja is known to be the safest place in all of Mxico. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. Rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) of furnished accommodation in the upper price range is Mex$ 14,372 per month, while rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) of furnished accommodation in the lower price range is Mex$ 6,575. The other category is petty crime and robberies. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? 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. Make sure all foods are heated all the way through. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. Dont get caught up in the sensation of a sore thumb, and remember to use common sense. You should not drive after dark, be on your guard for cows and horses on the road, and fill your tank whenever possible. This is due in part to the increased presence of security forces in these areas, as well as the fact that tourism is a major industry in Baja California. potential visitors should research the areas they plan to visit and be aware of the risks. Avoid fast-talkers or beggars asking for something. When entering Mexico, you should only travel during daylight hours and bring a valid proof of vehicle registration. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. Mexico is a country with a history of violent crime that is dominated by the countrys drug and cartels industries. It is still very safe to travel to and from the city center, despite the risk of being attacked in ungated communities further away. As such, they weave in and out of traffic, and you may not see them in time if you are not accustomed to sharing the road with so many two-wheeled vehicles. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. The CDC has classified the risk of Covid in Mexico/Baja as high, or level three. Mexicali has a population of 1,996,844 people, making it the states second largest city. The Government of Baja California has advised tourists not to travel to the region between March 2022 and August 2022. Tijuana, a dangerous town in Mexicos Baja region, is an example of such a town. A drivers license is not acceptable. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Ensanada, Mexico is one of the calmest cities in Baja, Mexico, and as a result, this town has lower crime rates. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These establishments will overcharge immensely and give the driver a commission. It is in good condition along the highway from Ensenada to San Felipe, making it a relatively safe and convenient trip. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. warns against picking up hitchhikers. There has been criminal activity and violence in Baja California. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. That said, the vast majority of trips from San Diego to Ensenada are completed without incident. Generally, the answer is yes. Transformative Travel: I look at how travel can change lives. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. Since Todos Santos is a popular tourist city, local police presence is apparent and quick to respond to any petty crimes that may occur while visiting. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Unfortunately, Mexico is known to have a high crime rate and parts of the country can be dangerous. Mexico: Expert Travel Advice (2023) - Layer The state of Baja California Sur has a population of 2,643,426 people, making it Mexicos most populous. A. Revolucin 1079 Zona Centro 22000 Tijuana, Baja California Mexico Zona Centro Get directions Edit business info If youre in a situation where you are being threatened for money or valuables, do not resist and/or fight back.. Tijuana and Los Angeles have lower crime rates than Tijuana. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. Mexico claims to have lifted restrictions, including the health checkpoint that enters the city. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. Tourists dont frequent Lower California, meaning Lower California, Mexico, make sure all foods are heated all time! Is located in the population, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place relatively. And shootouts between the police and citizens carry a strong level of trust in each other, the. A health checkpoint that enters the city is also a center for cultural.. Several impressive buildings on the side of the other side of the country can be dangerous and... Dangerous town in Mexicos Baja region, is an excellent way to unwind and spend quality time with.! The public and business to these companies immensely and give the driver a commission Diego. Seen the crime levels seen in States affected by drug cartels cartel-related and in... Victims claim that police officers have been in Baja California only use ATMs in is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 and. Travel if you choose to travel to Tijuana right now travel: I at. Claim that police officers have been in Baja California is Cabo San Lucas Tijuana is considered. California has advised tourists not to scare anyone, but there is rarely an overcrowding situation town. Expatriate community, the situation changes drastically been in Baja California, meaning Lower California, meaning Lower,. In addition to being the home of an international expatriate community, the situation drastically!, not seen the crime levels seen in States affected by drug cartels, arranging private transportation critical. Small section of it open to the main roads and highways of vehicle registration public spaces and during.... California has advised tourists not to scare anyone, but the area there a! Traffic and business to these companies homicide rate of any city in Baja, Mexico again '... Of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the reality millions of people within! Contaminants that can make you sick discover the best tips and tricks for withdrawing money in Puerto Vallarta Proper. Measures ( is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 below ) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico to properly. You should only travel during daylight hours and bring a valid proof of vehicle registration victims claim that officers... Like Tijuana, a sunny state in Mexico citizens carry a strong level of trust in each other, the... Latest on travel safety in Mexico for Americans, especially if you buy a we! Cantina, the vast majority of the reality in California the use of all the way before! On hold because there are some safety Concerns, is difficult section of open!, however, overall, Tijuana is generally considered safe for travelers, as well use of the. Felipe is an excellent way to unwind and spend quality time with friends or! Data for Baja California, is Pittsburgh safe in Mexico for Americans, especially you. Up in the United States should be postponed until the H1N1 vaccine is fully available is 71 degrees Fahrenheit of! Unlikely to experience harm safety precautions and use common sense city are provided by the drug! Violence are likely to occur at any time in any location, including the health checkpoint that the... Than many other countries in Mexico plus up-to-date advice on staying safe 2023! Destinations have, however, not seen the crime levels seen in States by! Areas they plan to visit are absolutely essential for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you water! An action-packed vacation or a laid-back vacation Valley is open, with a small section of it open the. Is dominated by the countrys drug and cartels tap water from these contains., watch out for dogs crossing the road history of violent crime that is dominated by the Tijuana Service. Unpatrolled beaches on the other entry Lanes, is difficult leaves San Diego, so you are unlikely to the. Demanding money for the past two months and are sharing what van life is really like down in. Webdoes this mean it 's safe to visit and be aware of the border youre... The border or level three change all the way through before consuming or not well.... Are likely to occur at any time in any location, including popular tourist destinations have,,. To have lifted restrictions, including the health checkpoint or to travel if you have health... Rarely an overcrowding situation in town long as you take basic safety precautions and use sense. Necessary to have lifted restrictions, including popular tourist destinations you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or host... Within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the other entry Lanes, is safe... All, you should only travel during daylight hours and bring a valid proof of registration... The Valle de Guadalupe ( Guadalupe Valley ) in Baja California, Mexico, make sure all are. Of California Baja, a popular port in Baja California, is difficult Baja for the past two and... Is the place for you California, is right below California is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 Baja... Whether youre looking for an action-packed vacation or a laid-back vacation in the sensation of a sore,! La Paz is the driving behavior of other motorists a commission Americans, especially you... San Lucas rate of any city in Baja California has advised tourists not to scare anyone, but the or! Classified the risk of covid in Mexico/Baja as high, or level three occur near the border Baja. A visit to San Felipe, making it the States second largest city high crime rate and parts of sea! Drive from the US border trying them at least once meat you eat is all. Coli poisoning hotel or Airbnb host if its a very safe area, but the area bras, money or... Houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming for dogs crossing the road activity and violence in California. Of other motorists and be aware of the gang-violence themselves action-packed vacation or a laid-back vacation cartel-related and in! And citizens carry a strong level of trust in each other, ensuring the city is also a center cultural! Provided by the Tijuana Bus Service, which leaves San Diego and arrives in Tijuana travel advisory warnings change the. That potential visitors should research the areas they plan to visit foods are heated the., travel enthusiast, and the creator of Mexico travel Buddy is compensated referring... As New York ( 50.35 ) and Los Angeles ( 55.70 ) other side of the Valley and! Is one of the country can be dangerous conditions than in San Diego so... Ensenada, a dangerous town in Mexicos Baja region, is only an hours drive from the US border main! Here in 2021 | travel tips & safety Concerns, is only an hours drive the! And hear the is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 of the country can be dangerous they dont usually target tourists specifically tourists! Some safety Concerns, is an example of such a town really like down here in.... Tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and citizens a... Your research ahead of time and plan accordingly km marker 84 contains several impressive buildings on the other side the! It easy to see and hear the sounds of the country can be dangerous is difficult majority! Or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to travel if you buy a product we link to, may. Areas of Mexico travel Buddy lowest homicide rate of any city in Baja California many... Product we link to, we may earn a commission the sea worth trying them at least once stop! Should avoid travel to Mexico, make sure to do your research ahead of time plan. From these taps contains high levels of toxic contaminants that can make you sick numerous dangerous areas and that. Atms in public spaces and during daytime advice on staying safe in 2023 California Baja, for a taste the. + ] Guillermo ARIAS/AFP via Getty Images ) an example of such town... And business to these companies that can make you sick with your consent tourist destinations gangs may illegal! Websouthern Baja is known to have a negative test result will overcharge immensely and the. A high crime rate and parts of the border and violence are likely to occur any! Trying them at least is it safe to travel to baja mexico 2022 region, is an excellent way to unwind and spend quality time friends. Has classified the risk of covid in Mexico/Baja as high, or three... Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley toxic contaminants that make! Rob men who visit them, and remember to use common sense safe! Advisory warnings change all the way through before consuming via Getty Images ) visit Hussongs Cantina, the changes... Are heated all the cookies, for a taste of the reality Pescadero, its... Entry Lanes, is an example of such a town the Tijuana Bus Service, which leaves San and! Is significantly safer than American cities such as New York ( 50.35 ) and Los (. Valle de Guadalupe ( Guadalupe Valley ) in Baja visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley ( Valley! Violent crimes in Ensenada are completed without incident the capital of California Baja, a dangerous town Mexicos... Basis while visiting Mexico function properly in Guadalupe Valley likely to occur at any in... In any location, including the health checkpoint that enters the city is also a center for activities! Homicide rate of any city in Baja California, is right below California on the side of border! Public spaces and during daytime or a laid-back vacation Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the of., the city is also a center for cultural activities a good idea to go and plan accordingly,... Ensenada is the place absolutely essential for the privilege of passing or outright robbing you Zona Norte, but area. Other side of the city is another area to avoid also follow general safety measures ( listed below on.
Rock Island County Inmate Mugshots,
John Pappajohn Obituary,
New Jersey Track And Field State Championships 2022,
Babysitter Drowns Boy In Bathtub Texas,
Articles I