From the indigenous Kumiai to migrant families from all over Mexico, visiting Baja California may expose you to new and interesting people, food and cultures. crime that provide context for current dynamics of the violence in Baja California Sur. Basket and plate weaving from the indigenous Kumiai at the Community Museum in Tecate, Baja Calfornia. With these safety precautions, travelers can avoid risky situations and enjoy their Cabo San Lucas adventure. Is Baja California Safe? 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. Yes. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. Crime Grades. I lived 1 block from Zona Norte on Calle 2da and constitution for 8 years. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. For the last 6+ years they have explored all over North America and share their top tips on things to do in locations with kids, along with road trip ideas and tips on RVing. 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. Featuring coastal towns like Rosarito and cities like Tijuana, Baja California has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, nightlife, and family fun not to mention its fantastic food, such as the famous fish tacos. Also, Baja California and Baja California Sur are two different areas. 53. Of course, dont forget to be aware of your surroundings at all times and practice standard safety precautions. When we were driving there were random checkpoints. If you're planning your next travel adventure, ready for some fun with friends, family, the love of your life or fortunate enough to conduct business on the beach, Los Cabos holds . 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, also called Baja California Norte, estado (state), northwestern Mexico, bounded to the north by the United States ( California and Arizona), to the east by the state of Sonora and the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez), to the west by the Pacific Ocean, and to the south by the state of Baja California Sur. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. Since 1995, Benchmark Maps has been driving and mapping the American West, publishing award-winning recreation maps and atlases. Theyre fighting for the streets and corners of different neighborhoods, the unnamed officials said, naming Snchez Taboada which has been described as the most dangerous neighborhood in Tijuana as a hotspot. This means that the rates of Covid-19 infections continue to be high, which is why they recommend that the country not be visited. The yucca plant catches the eye of organized crime in Baja California. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. During the daytime, its mostly safe. The Valle de Guadalupe (Guadalupe Valley) in Baja California features many wineries and restaurants. It also advises you to always stick to the main roads and highways. You may also have to fill out a form from the Mexican immigration authorities. In the list of the most populated towns of the whole municipality, it is the number #3 of the ranking. You will need clothes that breathe well and a good full coverage hat. warns against picking up hitchhikers. View photos and listing details of La Ribera, Baja California Sur, Mexico real estate, save or compare the properties you like. It has magnificent resorts, endless sunshine, and robust party life. Fortunately, Cabo San Lucas has low crimes against women, especially in well-lit crowded areas. La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur state and a two-hour drive from Los Cabos, was ranked the sixth most-violent city in the world in the CCPSCJ study, despite having never previously . Wenn Sie Alle ablehnen auswhlen, verwenden wir Cookies nicht fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Baja California is one of the safer areas of Mexico, especially if you stick to Rosarito, Ensenada, and Guadalupe Valley. Finally, make sure that your car is given a maintenance check before you travel! The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. The most dangerous thing in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The people of Baja were warm and inviting and very family oriented. View Details. I think they are probably crazy it doesnt make sense. So don't complain. The 25,000-sq-km Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcano is one of . 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. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. The State Department says the Baja California advisory includes Tijuana, Ensenada as well as other locations that are a hot spot for organized crime. Many illegitimate vehicles wait outside the airport. However, there are a few tips to reduce risk even further. I'm a White American from Chicago. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we see from our readers about staying safe in Baja California. 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. 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. 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. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. Seriously, it is so community and family orientated and everyone is nice and wants to be helpful. Excited to travel to Cabo? Discover Baja Travel Club 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. 3 Beds. Stay in a secure hotel, hostel, or Airbnb instead of camping on the beach. A native of Jalisco, Moscote finished fourth in the Seville Marathon on Sunday with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes and 53 seconds. No. 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. Happy travels! Beautiful home surrounded by gardens and a dreamy view. Id definitely suggest keeping your plans and I hope you enjoy Baja as much as we did! They carry big machine guns and drive around with soldiers in the back of their pickup trucks. . The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. However, its not a safe area. I even asked a wail back in the Jalisco forum( because we travel to PV more often) if people get the same comments about how dangerous it is , when they tell people theyre going to Mexico, because I was so frustrated about having the same conversation. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. There have been more than 2,500 homicides in the state this year. These Maps of Baja California may sometimes be out of date. The first edition Baja California Road & Recreation Atlas showcases the diverse recreation opportunities found along the full length of the Baja California Peninsula.State maps illustrate and describe both states, Baja California & Baja California Sur . The most common trouble Americans will face in Baja California is petty crime. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. We use this 50+ map booklet to help research our trips. Not always. All of that couldnt have been more far from the truth. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. The further away you get from the touristy area, the more dangerous it gets. Since we have young kids, this wasnt a problem, and most of the places we visited, we felt comfortable being out after dark. The safest parts of city are the downtown and Playas de Tijuana. October 6, 2020: View of poor area of Tijuana Mexico with buildings on hill and traffic in foreground/Manuela Durson/Shutterstock. You will be exposed to new and interesting cultures. 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 the. In addition, you will notice more potholes and poorer road conditions than in San Diego, so drive slowly. 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 https://www.jtgtravel.com/north-america/mexico/most-dangerous-places-in-mexico/. Remain calm and comply with any searches or inspections that they carry out. Ensenada is part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network since 2015. Avoiding Unprofessional or Unlicensed Doctors. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, The 10 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica in 2023, 15 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Traveling, The 15 Best Hotels in Ocean City, MD in 2023, The 15 Best Hotels in Rome in 2023 | For All Budgets, The Best Hotels in Orlando in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Seattle in 2023 | For All Budgets, The 15 Best Hotels in Philadelphia in 2023. As Mexican national guard troops patrolled the streets of Tijuana and cruise lines canceled dockings in Ensenada over fears of violence, Baja California residents struggled Sunday to return to. Just like we would do in Chicago or another city back in the States. You will also see them standing around town sometimes. Dangers on the road come in two forms. Yes You Can RV Baja, California Mexico In A Big Rig, Camping Baja California: 13 Awesome Places To Stay. The information is gathered by experienced and trusted Nexstar Media Group journalists hired specifically to cover the border. Stats show eight people are killed in a "violent manner" every day in the state directly south of California.. What is your reference for the dangerous conditions in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns, Is Pittsburgh Safe in 2023? Here is our YouTube Playlist on our time in Baja: 53+ Amazing Things To Do In Baja California, How To Prepare For A Badass Baja California Road Trip, The Secret to the Best Baja Internet To Keep You Online. Ect. No way. Baja California is the state with the most auto theft in the country with almost 1,900 cars stolen from January through August. Cabo San Lucas is also a favorite destination for bachelorette parties and girls getaways. If you are kidnapped, never resist. South Baja Map (Detailed) 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. Cabo San Lucas is an exciting Baja California Sur retreat that attracts A-list celebrities and visitors from all corners of the globe. We hope that you find these tips helpful on your travels. Think random potholes and topes (speed bumps). ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111088419', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabo were from 2017 when yes, there was some cartel activity amongst two rival cartels. Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. If you plan on going off the big roads and highways, we suggest using more detailed maps of Baja California. It would be such a bummer if your car suddenly broke down while you were on the road. 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. Now we hear the most terrifying stories about street checkpoints, murder, kidnapping. The only way to get in trouble. is to look for some. Is Baja California Safe in 2023? It has magnificent resorts, endless sunshine, and robust party life. The map below shows a simple count for violent crime in California, and will closely resemble state population maps. This figure is a bar graph that presents the number of property and violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants for the four regions of the nation in 2019, along with a map that defines the four regions by shading. Im so worried about it. The backbone of the state is the Sierra de Baja California, where Picacho del Diablo, the highest point of the peninsula, is located. It is much safer than many cities in the United States and other popular locations. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. US citizens need a passport or passport card to cross the border. Los Barriles has an extremely low crime rate. Nicht personalisierte Werbung wird von den Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, und Ihrem ungefhren Standort beeinflusst. 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. Its best to eat from established restaurants with good reviews. Each map will provide you with a good visual guide to the Baja Peninsula. If you plan on going off the big roads and highways, we suggest using more detailed maps of Baja California. If you stay in the "tourist" areas, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 3. Its a very safe area, but public transport isnt always available. Stats show eight people are killed in a violent manner every day in the state directly south of California. We are also a member of several other affiliate networks. Many police officers in Mexico are highly corrupt. In this article, well go over everything travelers need to know about crime in Cabo San Lucas in 2021 and 2022 from general safety to tips for staying safe. Wenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswhlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, um. In Baja California, the murder rate this year is 73 per 100,000 residents so far. Its an issue of narcomenudeo [small-scale drug trafficking] on [street] corners, one official said. Scammers call demanding ransom for a fake kidnapping or money for a relative in trouble. Rosarito is generally safe, but crime can still occur. But reading ithus helped me a lot. A man believed to be the leader of the Sinaloa Cartel in Tijuana and considered one of the main instigators of violence in the city was arrested in September, but the violence goes on. San Jose del Cabo Map. Crime and Safety in Cabo San Lucas in 2021/2022. However, not all doctors are professional or good at what they do. At least 40 vehicles were stolen or hijacked and then burned around Baja California last weekend in a shocking and significant escalation of public violence across the border. One of the main draws of Baja California Sur is the ocean. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. Safety is a top concern for many female travelers. However, travelers should know that pickpocketing can occur. #101-102 San Diego, CA 92111 800-727-BAJA (2252) ask@discoverbaja.com (After stopping to get your FMM at the Mexican Immigration office). While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. However, we do have friends that have lived there for several years and they love it and feel perfectly safe there. The Department of State recorded 22 homicides among Americans in Baja California in 2021, according to data on its website. Police officers guard a crime scene where a man was killed by gun fire in downtown Tijuana, Baja California state, Mexico, on April 21, 2019. You may encounter one of the 4 or 5 military checkpoints along the road while you are in Baja. ***When readers buy products and services advertised on our site, we often earn affiliate commissions that support this website. 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-. While the cartels primary income source is not robbing tourists, thats not to say it never happens. The same goes for Ensenada. fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
We have broken down in the hot time of year and it is miserable while getting our vehicle fixed. | Safety Concerns, Written by: Author Andrew Helling |Reviewed by: Editorial Team, Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2022. Kidnappers may attempt to extort money from family members as a ransom, or they may take you to ATMs and force you to take out cash in exchange for your freedom. The 2019 study details that the bloody incidents have created a negative image of the tourist gem, which has a . The first few times I saw them I didnt feel right about it. Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. Should we stick to our dream and plan or abandon for savety reasons? The boundaries of the restricted area are: to the east, the Baja California/Arizona and Baja California/Sonora borders; to the south, from La Ventana (on Highway 5) due east to the Colorado River; to the west, Highway 5; and to the north, Boulevard Lazaro Cardenas/Highway 92/Highway 1 to Carretera Aeropuerto, from the intersection of Highway 1 These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone.