It would be such a bummer if your car suddenly broke down while you were on the road. We hope that you find these tips helpful on your travels. In Cabo San Lucas, there arent very many instances of mugging or violent robberies involving tourists. Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. 1905 Mines and Roads Map of Northern Baja California, Standard Zoom. 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. 2,152.8 Sqft. However, it does have cartel activity, and crime is also a risk. A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Speak with one of our representatives to get started! That is the best way to make sure that a ride is legitimate. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. However, there are a few tips to reduce risk even further. Travel Guide to the Baja California Peninsula. The northern part of the peninsula, Baja California, is known for its great beaches, bays and waves suitable for surfing. Enjoy. y edo. That makes it one of the most popular day trips and weekend destinations in Mexico for Americans, especially people living in California. Add data for Tijuana Crime 0 120 71.79 Crime rates in Tijuana, Mexico Safety in Tijuana, Mexico Contributors: 146 Last update: February 2023 These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. With these safety precautions, travelers can avoid risky situations and enjoy their Cabo San Lucas adventure. Our systems have detected unusual traffic from your computer network. 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. I never once had witnessed a murder or heard gun shots. What I have learned as we have been on the road and visiting so many unknown places is that the fear is so much larger in your head than what it really is once you are there. While they dont usually target tourists specifically, tourists may get caught up in cartel violence and shootouts between the police and cartels. TheFrench governmentwarns against picking up hitchhikers. Is Baja California Safe? Now that sounds dangerous ! Located in El Pescadero, very close to Todos Santos, it's a fantastic place to relax and take in some jaw-dropping sunsets. Mexico/Baja California highway map : including Ensenada, Mexi. Since 1995, Benchmark Maps has been driving and mapping the American West, publishing award-winning recreation maps and atlases. de Tijuana, B.C.N. Often overlooked by travelers drawn to the more flashy nearby Los Cabos resorts, La Paz has a wonderful waterfront and world class beaches. Make sure that youre complying with all Mexican road laws and street signs. Crime in Baja California typically falls into one of two categories: cartel activity and thievery. Be wary of fake police officers as well, and always ask to see an ID and speak to a superior. San Quintn (4 to 5 hours south of the border) is a pretty safe place for a first-night stop. As in many Latin American cities, youll notice neighborhoods on the hills surrounding the cities, which often feature colorful houses. IP-address: 40.77.190.212. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. Not sure if the pavement is warmer or something, but they are big and can show up out of nowhere. A+. You should pay traffic fines on the official. Photo: Thilver, CC BY-SA 4.0. John, you felt unsafe, but no one hurt you, right? Thank you for the responses. Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. 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. Some tourists have found it easier to simply pay a bribe and give in to the extortion rather than ask the police officer to accompany them to the station. Los Barriles - small town on the Sea of Cortez coast, not far from San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. If you want to see the world, go see it! js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
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. warns against picking up hitchhikers. 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. We heard all the same stories and saw the news stories highlighting the dangers of Baja. Due to it being on the border, various malicious actors are present, which only increases crime levels. No way. Neighbors from the Guerrero, El Zacatal, INVI-Chametla, and La Pasin colonies were robbed in their respective homes, while in the vicinity of La Fuente a passerby was stripped of his valuables by an alleged assailant. It is the road that everyone who has ever traveled into Northern Baja has been on. Drivers in Mexico dont always follow road rules like in the United States. 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. Also, like Tijuana, Ensenada has a Zona de Tolerancia a tolerance zone where prostitution is legal. Cabos crime advisory. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. We had some reservations when we headed into Baja. 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. These crimes are also known as femicides, women who were murdered simply because of their gender during domestic violence episodes or during assaults. They were quick to say hello on the streets with a warm smile. Some prostitutes may drug and rob men who visit them, and thieves may operate in the area. Population. 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. Cartels also operate in Baja California. Alamo Rent a Car. 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. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. California Total Violent Crime Map. We have broken down in the hot time of year and it is miserable while getting our vehicle fixed. 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. Population pyramid. 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Then we got to San Felipe. When we were in La Paz and Cabo we werent going to try to find the inner city. A Baja California crime investigator documents the scene where a taxi driver was gunned down on a street corner in El Florido in eastern Tijuana. We did go to La Paz and a bit into Cabo, but we didnt really stay in the city there too much. You have to be careful and be aware of your surroundings and be smart. We just didnt even get close there was no reason to. Baja California is one of the safer areas of Mexico, especially if you stick to Rosarito, Ensenada, and Guadalupe Valley. Is Driving Even Possible? 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. The pristine blue waters of the Sea of Cortez create the perfect backdrop for any kind of getaway. Mexico : Safety by City. 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. The town of the same name is located at the east end of Federal . Also see: Travel Tips. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. We had heard it is actually illegal to drive at night if you arent from Baja not sure if that is true, but we were happy to not test it. 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. Both earthquakes and hurricanes can occur in Mexico, according to theUK government. See our Baja Safety page for more information. Many drivers may not even have a valid license. Another big reason not to drive at night is because cows migrate to the roads at night. 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. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? I really dont think anything would have happened, but we just figured it made sense to do that. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. 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. Discover Baja Travel Club 8322 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. Crime and Safety in Cabo San Lucas in 2021/2022. RENTAL CAR SERVICES. 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. Baja California Sur had the lowest number of homicides in the nation with just 15. The news frequently highlights violence, drug cartels, and kidnappings in Mexico. They noted that drug dealers sometimes change allegiances and start working for a different criminal company.. Prostitution is legal in Zona Norte, but the area is unsafe. On the one hand, the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported this week thatMexico is at Level 3. There have been more than 2,500 homicides in the state this year. Baja California is the state with the most auto theft in the country with almost 1,900 cars stolen from January through August. Cells of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) are engaged in a turf war over drug dealing locations in Tijuana and other cities, according to state security officials who spoke with the newspaper Milenio. Either go on a tour, drive down from California, rent a car in Mexico, or hire a private driver for the day. Inform a family member or friend that you are traveling to Baja California, and update them about your movements. . Each map will provide you with a good visual guide to the Baja Peninsula. Your use of this service is subject to our, Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion, Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft, Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. Take a look at these c ar rental services in Loreto. We met a lot of families who were down here on their own and were totally fine. Mexico Crime Map - El Crimen Map of homicides in Mexico from February 2022 to January 2023 0 432.9 The color of the circles corresponds to the homicide rate and the size to the number of homicide reports (which may refer to more than one victim). It is relatively safe compared to most of Mexico and major cities in the United States. At one point I thought, Man, I will be so happy once we cross back into the US . Ensenada is part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network since 2015. Cabo San Lucas is an exciting Baja California Sur retreat that attracts A-list celebrities and visitors from all corners of the globe. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. 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. Image from Google Street View. 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 Baja Peninsula is broken up into two states, Baja California and Baja California Sur. Mapa de la cd. A drivers license is not acceptable. 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. If you are kidnapped, never resist. 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. This includes everything from vast and remote deserts, dormant volcanoes and wonderful old mission towns. Some tracks may be unsafe, while others may present no issues. The U.S. Department of State recently issued a travel warning for Americans planning of visiting either Tijuana or Baja California in Mexico due to a rise in crime and kidnappings. Your use of this service is subject to our Its geography ranges from beaches to forests and deserts. During the daytime, its mostly safe. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. We do not consider Tijuana to be a safe place to visit at this time. I had just read how in November 2017 there was some cartel related shootings . Los Barriles has an extremely low crime rate. The Baja California peninsula consists of two states, Baja California to the north and Baja California Sur at the lower end of the peninsula. After 4 years on the road, I kind of knew this, so that is what I was telling myself the night before we crossed the border. Start Here Mexico Is Baja California Safe in 2023? 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. However, is Baja California safe for tourists, both single tourists and families? . Tijuana is a city, and it experiences crime like all cities. There are low levels of robberies, carjackings, and hate crimes, and a high level of corruption and bribery. Again it felt a bit odd at first, but you get used to it. Amid all the bad news generated from the COVID-19 pandemic the Governor of Baja California Sur, Carlos Mendoza Davis announced the release of the 2019 crime statistics. Absolutely. There were 15 in 2020, 13 in 2019 and 19 in 2018. According to theAustralian government, some kidnapping victims claim that police officers have been involved in their kidnappings. Some go for cheap plastic surgery. The information is gathered by experienced and trusted Nexstar Media Group journalists hired specifically to cover the border. Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Buy Baja Real Estate. Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. Whether celebrating one year or 50, a trip to Los Cabos is a vacation you will never forget. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. The travel maps of Baja California below are as accurate and up to date as possible. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111088177', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabo San Lucas before Acapulco for dangerous so I thought maybe theres something I dont know. So, is Baja safe? Not always. If you want to visit the beach, Rosarito is a much safer town that offers a much better beach. 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 . Crime Grades. Thank you so much for your information. The backbone of the state is the Sierra de Baja California, where Picacho del Diablo, the highest point of the peninsula, is located. Nicht personalisierte Werbung wird von den Inhalten, die Sie sich gerade ansehen, und Ihrem ungefhren Standort beeinflusst. The east side of the city is another area to avoid. Please try your request again later. If you plan on going off the big roads and highways, we suggest using more detailed maps of Baja California. 2 most violent state, next in line for new security plan. Dont be alarmed! It's very common for Expats in Ensenada to buy or rent homes between the cities of Rosarito and Ensenada. Thats especially true on the weekends when there are large crowds. What We Didn't Know About the Baja Peninsula This long, thin stretch of land occupies the most north easterly corner of Mexico. How to get to Primo Tapia? if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
I do have to say, it would have been a lot harder to get over my fear and to go on our own so it helped a LOT that we were caravanning with my sister and her family (who came down to Baja last year) and my parents. Kidnapping is a risk in Mexico, and Baja California is not exempt. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. Craig would have to get out to let them into the trailer to search around for a bit. If you live in Chicago, you know where to go and, more importantly, where not to go. Should you listen to the news about Mexico? Mexican authorities arrested a man on suspicion of killing two San Diego retirees last summer, then dumping their bodies . The only way to get in trouble. is to look for some. By MND Staff. PHONE. You will need clothes that breathe well and a good full coverage hat. Baja California Map - Google My Maps Points of interest for traveling in Baja California Points of interest for traveling in Baja California Sign in Open full screen to view more. Dont get me wrong, that doesnt mean we werent aware we are in another country or that we threw caution to the wind. You are going to be safe in Tijuana if you use common sense such as not showing wealth, going out in the night or being in connection with drug cartels, which is the main reason why Tijuana has more than 2000 murders every year. I dont think it would be a problem to stay at the same place for the whole time or go to the same grocery stores. 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. This week, theUnited StatesDepartment of Stateissued recommendations for North American citizenswho plan to visit Mexico: one is in relation to Covid-19 and another corresponds to the increase in crimes and kidnappings in some states of the Mexican Republic. 1888 Baja California Maps by Charles Nordhoff, stitched together. Armed muggings can also occur at traffic lights, even in busy cities. The cartels control important drug and human trafficking routes across the border. 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 I have never been afraid to travel to Mexico, and been to Cabo before, but Im curious if anyone had any bad experiences with crime. 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. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. While it may not be first in every category, the designation is based on cumulative stats. 3 Baths. Beautiful home surrounded by gardens and a dreamy view. There is also a risk of Zika virus along the coast, according toTravelHealthPro. These points are connected by a narrow highway that stretches 775 miles long with hundreds of . 2. Rosarito is generally safe, but avoid isolated areas of the beach, especially at night. 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. There are planned communities that are 90% Expats. No tourists were involved. Sorry. Travelers who use this type of transportation can get ripped off and pay significantly more than the going rate. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Bystanders have received injuries or died in shooting incidents., The State Department goes on to say violence is largely limited to Tijuanas outlying areas and not concentrated in tourist zones, and that criminals do not tend to target U.S. citizens uninvolved in drug trafficking.. Just like we would do in Chicago or another city back in the States. However, travelers should know that pickpocketing can occur. 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. They are really only looking for transports of illegal items. If you stay in the "tourist" areas, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Finally, make sure that your car is given a maintenance check before you travel! 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. So be sure to avoid sketchy areas and always be aware of your surroundings. Stats show eight people are killed in a violent manner every day in the state directly south of California. The safest parts of city are the downtown and Playas de Tijuana. The new 60-unit-fleet will reduce 7,500 tons of carbon dioxide per year, said head of the capital's Mobility Ministry, Andrs Lajous. Then the more we saw them the more used to it we got. Thats why they kill them, they said, adding that members of the Arellano-Flix organization, also known as the Tijuana Cartel, work with both the CJNG and the Sinaloa Cartel. The fears we have of Mexico are not accurate. Many people interested in visiting often wonder about crime. Therefore, arranging private transportation is critical before visiting wineries in Guadalupe Valley. Always check theCDCs travel noticesfor warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. Privacy Policy. Besides good food and affordable medical care, theres just not much to see in Tijuana as a tourist. You also dont want to drive at night since the roads arent always the best. 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. Im so worried about it. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. It is much safer than many cities in the United States and other popular locations. | Travel Tips & Safety Concerns. js.src = "//forms.aweber.com/form/26/513873526.js";
Check theNational Hurricane Center for hurricane warnings. Still, much more needs to be done to pacify the state. Of course, dont forget to be aware of your surroundings at all times and practice standard safety precautions. According to Baja California officials Saturday morning, 24 incidents had been confirmed across the state. 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. 3. We know people who live in San Jose Del Cabo and they said they never lock their door. Another problem is TJ's violence being overstated. The State Department says the Baja California advisory includes Tijuana, Ensenada as well as other locations that are a hot spot for organized crime. Its an issue of narcomenudeo [small-scale drug trafficking] on [street] corners, one official said. Now we hear the most terrifying stories about street checkpoints, murder, kidnapping. While the cartels primary income source is not robbing tourists, thats not to say it never happens. You need not worry about what you hear. Yes You Can RV Baja, California Mexico In A Big Rig, Camping Baja California: 13 Awesome Places To Stay. Happy travels! One finds culinary routes, wine routes, missionary routes, hunting tours, eco- and agritours and cycle races organized entirely by American communities. I have the same thoughts as all of you. However, you should stick to the main roads and avoid hitchhikers. San Diego area. You may encounter one of the 4 or 5 military checkpoints along the road while you are in Baja. However, at night, it gets rather sketchy. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. }(document, "script", "aweber-wjs-zgpswl6aw"));
. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. 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. Crime is another issue that should concern you. 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.