"In Nogales, in Ciudad Jurez, yes, it is serious, but here it's Rodriguez immediately went to the scene of the crash. If you do not speak English, it is a good idea to have a book or an app that can assist you in learning how to communicate. "In addition, the roads are very safe and in perfect condition.". has been mentioned before as a site of frequent shootouts, but the He was at an Airbnb the night before the 4th when his girlfriend, Irma Alire, called him crying. The fastest way to get there is via SR 85 through Gila Bend heading south, passing through the cities of Ajo and Lukeville, Arizona. Then, a gunbattle in broad daylight. "In my opinion, these checkpoints and military with machine guns Between that, the recession and a new requirement that Americans carry passports to be able to cross back into the States, American tourism has dropped significantly. "It's not Mayberry on the beach down there anymore," Audsley said. 40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Feb. 23-26 , School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints. That shooting, plus more soon after between police and some of the original participants in the shootout, left six people dead, including a police officer. cities that have experienced daytime public shootouts. The average precipitation recorded around this time is 39.18 mm. So my sons bill was $1,400. If yes, how? Mexico is a country that is well-known around the world for its tourism attractions. 2009. The . There are abandoned buildings and incomplete construction projects on the sandy road. the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, issued a warning that Administration's Tucson office. See Also: Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now See Also: Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From . You must have a passport in order to visit Rocky Point. Two more men were hospitalized. There are simply no Hassle Zone signs that tell you that you do not need a special permit to drive in Sonora (other than insurance). In the past, there have been reports of gunfights at Nogales, but this is the first time this has happened. The latest warning says an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since December 2006 in Mexico. Rocky Point reopened its beaches on Aug.20, 2020, but with many restrictions. "If someone's a nervous wreck being here, let's not convince them to come here," she said. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. However, last week, the U.S. Consulate confirmed that the Rocky Point's airport received its first charter What the authorities are focusing on right now, she said, is the establishment of a commercial flight in the port. https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/, Your email address will not be published. It is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and Americans. section. Slow down as you approach the border, the speed limit decreases rapidly at the border edge. warning remains in effect. "This is disaster," he said, looking over hundreds of empty parking spaces. Going forward, "essential travel" rules are in pace until the end of February. Now what? Visitors to Rocky Point can enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and boating. Two days after the home invasion in Las Conchas, a shootout broke out in broad daylight near Rocky Point's recreational sports complex. Data from Sonora show that the murder rate appears relatively While we know that visitors, and property owners from the US continue to travel to Rocky Point, the US Counsulate has regularly announced that travel to Mexico is restricted to essential activities. East of Sonoyta and from Caborca north, including the towns of Before you leave Mexico, you must purchase Mexican auto insurance. With a wry smile, he added, "The people Drug war fallout, real estate slide keep tourists away, PHOTOS BY KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR, The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, New game, entertainment center makes southwest Tucson a bigger draw, Watch: The most notable things Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona's heartbreaking loss to ASU, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, U of A eliminates musical theater program in Tucson, Greg Hansen: Pac-12's apathy toward basketball might be best reason for UA to leave, Pima County to use signs to dissuade panhandling at intersections. the road at night. reported in Rocky Point in 2006, 10 in 2007, 10 in 2008 and 13 in which manages 11 Puerto Peasco resorts and more than 150 beach says. before, he said. city's police chief. Arizona residents may be right to worry about traveling in For people who love Rocky Point by people who love Rocky Point. The United States Department of State has added Rocky Point, Mexico, to its travel warning list for the first time. Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. As reported by the Secretary of Health of . who dominate Sonora's northern border, the Sinaloa Cartel, have Your email address will not be published. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now, Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From Assassins At Start of Spring Break, violence has caused many to steer clear of Rocky Point, the man was later murdered at the hospital. Before traveling to Mexico, travelers must obtain passports and Mexican auto insurance, as advised by the U.S. State Department. travelers, the warning says. The worst year for business in the current decline appears to The new warning a step up from a travel alert advises David Hvidsten was dismayed by the emptiness of the RV park, where they were staying next to Tate and Valenzuela. But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point consulate to protest the travel warning and demand it be you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). Tucson family involved in deadly Rocky Point crash over 4th of July weekend. A convenient drive from the Arizona border, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, is nestled against the inviting blue waters of the Gulf of California. When you arrive, two emergency numbers are displayed, with one for each emergency vehicle, and you must wait 40 minutes to be connected. It's that when traffickers Rocky Point has been unique in that travel to and from the United States has been OKed. 2009. This town is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and foreigners alike, and it is well known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals. 3. But I would not be able to live with myself if something happened to my family for margaritas on the beach. who say tourists remain safe there. Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Penasco, is a city in Sonora, Mexico. Be on the lookout for them. In the natural habitat of your visit, you will come across seals and sea lions. tourists not to go to the town, formally named Puerto Peasco. Northern Sonora is a key region in the international drug and 7-year-old son with him on his frequent trips. Women traveling in Mexico may be subjected to unwanted attention from men, ranging from open catcalling to physical groping. crime. United States and even Mexico, in a way. has angered some residents, business owners and longtime visitors, Puerto Peasco (aka Rocky Point) is set to host the Grand Desert Race, Oct. 22nd - 23rd, with participation of ultra-marathon runners from across Mexico and the U.S. Then, when he got to the hospital, his girlfriend and his sons grandma, Matilde Alire, were put in beds side by side. The weather is great for outdoors, the air being moderately humid. Several major drug cartels are active in Mexico, including those in the provinces of Michoacn, Colima, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa. Locally, you will find businesses taking temperatures. before," she said. , Throughout Mexico, Da de Muertos, or Day of the Dead is a day to remember those who have gone before us. local news and culture, See Also: Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now Currently, the state of Sonora is set at yellow, which means that outdoor public spaces are opened on a regular basis, and indoor public spaces can be opened with reduced capacity. As a result, tourists are not subject to the same restrictions as Mexican citizens. The Rocky Point Rally (TM) is the GREATEST MOTORCYCLE FIESTA JUST SOUTH OF THE BORDER held every. President Felipe Caldern took office in 2006 and launched stronger Three members from a Tucson family died Sunday afternoon in a crash while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point. The event welcomed 285 competitors from 10 different countries, running over dunes, marshes, and sacred lands before reaching the finish located at Playa San Jorge just east of the city. "Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico," warns the State Department. The Puerto Peasco Visitors Bureau is a great resource for information on the area, including things to do, places to stay, and how to get there. Yes, Mexican resorts are safe in 2022. Is there any Cartel activity in Rocky Point? Tweet. Antonio Ortiz Iniguez, owner of Richard's Fish Market, is seeing fewer customers these days, and is puzzled by all the tourist fears. Promotional one-way flights are currently just 1300 pesos (about $70 US) plus taxes, now through Dec. 12th! One of the oldest such parks in Rocky Point, it caters to many people who've been going there for decades. demonstrating the heightened risk of violence throughout Mexico, "We have the Mar de Cortez International Airport but we do not have a commercial flight. APRIL 2021 UPDATE: All city and state health protocols remain the same as before. Tucsonans Jan Tate and her fiance Joseph Valenzuela arrived Wednesday afternoon for a short stay but are planning to spend much of the year there as time goes on. Read on for more details. Visitors and residents may never encounter the underworld activities that quietly take place in and around Puerto Peasco, just as they may not knowingly cross paths with drug traffickers in Tucson. From October 14th to 16th, the childrens and youth baseball event , With just days to go, final preparations are underway for the Oct 22nd-23rd Great Desert Race in Puerto Peasco. Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15 . If you are planning to visit Rocky Point, the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing is the best way to cross the border. Many businesspeople in town worry that the casual American visitor is scared away from Rocky Point. Rocky Point was once a sleepy village that served as the setting for Al Capones movies as he attempted to enter the hotel business. With all of that being said 35 million tourists visit Mexico each year myself included. While Sonora is generally considered to be one of the safer states in Mexico, there is still a risk of crime and violence, especially in the larger cities. There is no simple answer to this question as there are a variety of factors to consider. The U.S. Consulate requires that A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. If you intend to stay for an extended period of time, you can hire a car from Transportes Nena or Rocky Point Rides. Roman Koch, Jr., 13, survived, thanks to a man who rushed to help after the wreck, said Rainee Luna, the boy's aunt and sister of Roman Koch, Sr. To learn more about this information, please read the following information. worrying potential travelers in late 2008. Rocky Point is a popular destination for tourists from the United States. The media has beaten Mexico down so much that its already in an updated warning PHOENIX - A family in Mesa is recounting some scary moments they recently encountered, after they were robbed at gunpoint in Mexico. Nogales Health officials in Puerto Peasco are gaining ground in getting their citizens vaccinated against COVID-19. Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. As prices have gone down, work stopped on a half-dozen But even some regular visitors are growing more reluctant. For this , Puerto Peasco saw a boost in sports tourism this past weekend in welcoming at least 4,000 visitors, both athletes and family members, who participated in the Peasco Baseball Cup for Minors as well as the Paulina Uribe Gymnastics Cup. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Because San Luis Ro Colorado is well known for its drug cartel violence, its possible that theres some unrest there. travelers should not drive Mexican Highway 8, the road between the The three men were suspected drug traffickers and had been engaged in a shootout with a rival group. Some say it was connected to the earlier home invasion, but more recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation. Shrimp is the main source of income for Puerto Peasco, a small fishing village in Northern Mexico known for its shrimp in the Sea of Cortez. urged to cross the border at Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints, Search continues for driver of SUV that hit 3 people in I-19 hit-and-run, Tucson police investigating south-side homicide, Check out the latest Southern Arizona solutions news, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, More dispensaries than McDonald's: Oklahoma is full of cannabis. Mexico's reputation. Proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test is not required, but visitors are invited to continue respecting hygiene and safety protocols. Drive carefully to avoid being stopped by local authorities. If you want to monitor the epidemiological risk traffic light as your travel date approaches, you can do so by visiting https://coronavirus.gob.mx/semaforo/. The explanation of the shootout has never been clear. killed in violent incidents in various parts of the country, an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, is common in tourist areas, so it is important to keep your valuables safe and out of sight. Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. Puerto Penasco aka Rocky Point Mexico is OPEN for tourists! The pandemic had set its lockdown across the streets and coast of Rocky Point, its most common name for English-speaking Arizonans, and its tourism industry was struggling much like other parts of Mxico and the world. Reservations in Rocky Point made You have permission to edit this article. Slow down, they may ask you a few questions. Department. Puerto Peasco is an ideal location for travelers to unwind with activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Be alert to the traffic signs that guide you to Puerto Peasco so that you do not take the wrong path. Puerto Peasco, a city of about 60,000 inhabitants, is located 212 miles from Phoenix Arizona. And now there is the fear of Puerto Peasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a beautiful sandy beach located on the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico. 5 years ago. Fly direct to Rocky Point from Tijuana with great discounts! What was supposed to be a fun Fourth of July weekend in Rocky Point turned into a tragedy for a Tucson family, after a deadly car crash. That alert told travelers But . The U.S. State Department recommends that American visitors not travel between Nogales, Sonora, and Puerto Peasco. Personal items (clothing, 2 cameras, personal sports equipment, etc.) To the contrary, they feel safe and welcome. through his business declined 87 percent from about 60,000 the year Every month, thousands of Americans visit Puerto Peasco, but few take the time to consider the safety of the island. But that doesn't mean they aren't going on - just that they rarely burst into the open. I didn't even know if he was alive or if he was dead, he told KGUN 9. List of rental units within Covid Free Reward Group. Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity, the warning Bystanders, including U.S. citizens, have been injured or A band plays to a crowd of tourists at the Boo Bar in Rocky Point on Nov. 22, 2020. Boats of the area's shrinking fishing fleet lie at rest in the harbor near the bones of a multi-story high rise condo building in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, Wed., July 21, 2010 (WED., JULY 21 . peoples mind that they are afraid to got to Mexico, Schwab said. Daniel Strauss of Tucson said via e-mail that he's been visiting . This The race, which will journey over plateaus and through ecosystems and sacred lands of the Tohono Oodham that make up the heart of the Sonoran desert, will bring together experienced , The art and life of iconic Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros is on display at the Puerto Peasco Municipal Art Gallery for three months, following an inaugural event on Oct. 8th. Lizette Ibarra, director of the Puerto Peasco Convention and Visitors Bureau, told La Voz/The Arizona Republic that the port is already operating normally in its entirety, but without lowering its guard. Center for Child Therapy and Attention opens its doors. at Playa Gaviotas 202 in the city's Zona Dorada (Golden Zone). Slow down and be courteous to drivers approaching U.S. border patrol checkpoints in Arizona. We were supposed to have a good 4th of July and take our son to the beach and just enjoy being a family and.. Visitors to the area are advised to take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime due to recent reports. This has been the case since August of 2020. Become a member to support the independent voice of Phoenix "If I were to return in the fall it would only I just cant believe everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez. spend," Greenberg said. "Next week we have a meeting to try to tie something up with an airline that is flirting with us out there. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. They had a very close relationship, said the babys dad. Three homicides were "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said, sighing. people to be aware of their surroundings and to be careful in Complete and accurate info. Because Rocky Point is such a free zone, visitors must abide by the rules. In most cases, ATMs offer the best exchange rates (personal bank fees are not included). Some Puerto Peasco business owners claim that the advisory was unjustified and poorly timed. Covid will remain a day to day concern in the coming year as we enter the new year. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. 13. they consider Americans' paranoia about visiting the town. Announcing the Sept. 6 arrest of Adelmo Niebla Gonzlez, a suspected trafficker important in the region's underworld, Mexico's Ministry of Public Safety said a battle between a trafficking group called "Los Memos" and another called "Los Mazatlecos" in the Peasco-Sonoyta corridor was the cause of the shootout. Another tradition is the beautiful personification of catrinas. As long as you are not selling or buying drugs or trying to Shoot-out in Puerto Peasco last Saturday A gunfight between criminals left two dead and three wounded early Saturday morning on calle 13 in Puerto Peasco as all the tourists were celebrating. steady, though it rose slightly in 2009. It was on Jan.9, 2020, when the Astoria Cruise set sail from Puerto Peasco, to take an 11-day tour of the Sea of Cortez with 500 passengers on board, becoming the first tourist ship to depart from Rocky Point. Numerous restaurants, resorts, and bars in this treasured tourist destination are preparing special Mexican Night offerings, . Mexico receives millions of visitors each year, and there is no danger of travel there. The town of Sonoyta, Mexico, is featured in a Mexpro video, and we explain how to get there safely. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. It can be confusing to know for sure what is allowed or not. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peasco are Is Rocky Point truly worth visiting? dropped: Contact reporter Tim Steller at tsteller@azstarnet.com or But more than a year into the pandemic, as Mexican health authorities progress in their vaccination efforts against COVID-19, the sun has risen again" in the port, Hernndez said. In addition to the citys Casas de Cambio (exchange centers), there are also a few in the Old Port. By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure a enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Rocky Point Mexico. But the question is, is it worth traveling to Puerto Peasco at this time? independent local journalism in Phoenix. people crossing there travel to Rocky Point - also was way down in Once again, this does not specifically address Rocky Points crossing rules. The government of the United States advises Americans to reconsider travel to Mexico due to a virus known as Covid-19, which has increased crime and kidnapping. One of the preferred destinations for the inhabitants of this state is undoubtedly Puerto Peasco, located just 3.5 hours by land from downtown Phoenix. Tijuana, located on the northern border, and Ciudad Jurez, located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, both have high homicide rates. Getting past the familiarity of American soil to the sometimes seedy atmosphere of Mexico wouldnt be the first thing youd think of when you crossed the border. The beaches are stunning, and the city of Mexicali is also quite picturesque. And yet those Americans who still go to Rocky Point look around and ask a different question: Where's the danger? Rocky Point. beach town to Tucson, an island of tranquillity - apart from the 2021 . They should also stick to main roads and travel during the daytime, the department recommends. The town is surrounded by stunning cliffs and white sand beaches, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. All rights reserved. That being said, Rocky Point has been relatively peaceful in recent years and many visitors enjoy their stays without incident. When you go to the hospital there, they won't release you until they pay the bill there. That Sunday night, a convoy of perhaps 20 vehicles carrying armed men drove into the border town and essentially took it over. Returning home last week, Tucsonan Cynthia Choate said she had been reticent to travel to Rocky Point due to news of recent crimes there. run-up, only to see their value crash along with the U.S. housing PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern Travelers need to exercise caution in Nogales and Rocky Point, Make Your Trip To Tijuana Airport (TIJ) A Breeze With This Guide, Everything You Need To Know About Obtaining A Medical Pass In Tijuana Mexico, Finding Pain Relief In Tijuana: Exploring The Availability Of Medications And Precautions To Take, Exploring The History Of Migration To Tijuana: From The 19th Century To The Present. Whale watching season has just begun in Puerto Peasco, with the first spotting of these ocean giants about 15 nautical miles from Puerto Peasco on January 25th. According to the most recent warning, 34,612 people have died as a result of drug-related violence since 2006. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. "There was more of a show of police and Marines, but that is for Try to bring a mask and antibacterial gel, to be protected when visiting restaurants and other busy tourist spots. In addition to its large hotels, it also has areas to park RVs, since so many visitors choose to travel by land. But this past weekend, the trip ended tragically for . your brain at the border, Schwab said. In Mexico, a veterinarian must issue vaccinations (health certificates) to animals that live with humans. Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. It wasn't anything that interfered with their (local people's) days unless they witnessed it or were nearby," she said. In both Pe*asco and Guadalajara, fines are paid at police stations. 2. They also had to pay thousands to cover his girlfriend and her moms hospital bill, before Rodriguezs girlfriend was released. So we need to help pay it back, and it came to fifteen grand, Rodriguez told KGUN9. It is highly recommended to buy auto insurance for Mxico. Puerto Peasco is located in the heart of the Sea of Cortes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. Peasco is now specifically mentioned in the State Departments to hurt tourism, said Bruce Greenberg, a Tucson-based real estate You are advised to exercise caution when visiting the coastal The maximum temperature recorded in this month is 79. private casinos. Sexually Transmitted Infections Spike in Maricopa County, Its Called Genocide: Black Leaders Urge Tempe To Again Pursue Flavored Nicotine Ban. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City warns: "In some instances, Tucsonan Debra Romero said via e-mail that she has been Thats ony if you are flying. consultant and appraiser who works in Mexico. established a greater presence in Rocky Point, said Anthony Mexico where large gun battles have taken place and as one of the "The economy is certainly driving it - people have less money to In previous travel warnings and alerts back to 2009, the city of along the roads may have backfired for the typical American Luna said the family had made time during the trip to spread the ashes of her and Roman Koch, Sr.'s father in the ocean. Great Desert Race welcomed nearly 300 ultra-marathoners from 10 countries to Puerto Peasco, Traditional Day of the Dead Celebrations in Puerto Peasco, Puerto Peasco ready to welcome Great Desert Race participants, Huellas Digitales expo in Puerto Peasco features life and art of Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros, Puerto Peasco Convention & Visitors Bureau shares destinations beauty at Tijuana and MegaRegion Tourism Expo. in early July. The border between the United States and Mexico is open from 6 a.m. to midnight. For American visitors, the troubles in Sonoyta are liable to go unnoticed as they drive through the town in 10 minutes and are smelling the sea air in Rocky Point an hour later. Three officers were hit, and one of them died. The new warning also instructs to avoid non-essential travel There is a chance that cartels exist in Rocky Point, but determining whether or not this is so is difficult. There is no requirement to have a car permit to drive to Rocky Point; however, if you plan on visiting Rocky Point again in the future, you will be required to obtain a vehicle importation permit. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you.
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