Mexicali has a population of 1,996,844 people, making it the states second largest city. Road signs and markings may be missing or not well organized. Click here. 2023 Tour By Mexico. The safest areas in Ensensensenada are depicted in green, while the most dangerous are depicted in red on Crime Grades crime map. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. (Updated January 2023) 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. for warnings about hurricanes, Zika, and other diseases and natural disasters. As a result, a lot of people visit Ensenada simply because they want to experience a more authentic Mexican city. Rosarito Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? It is the largest municipality in Mexico because of its geographical location, flora and fauna, as well as the great physical geography, with sea and ocean views. The Ensenada neighborhood is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and businesses, all of which contribute to the unique and vibrant atmosphere. Maintain a level of self-control, avoid drawing attention to yourself, and stay alert. Either use cards for emergencies only, or take cash out at trusted atms either in shopping centers. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The center of Ensenada is safe, as is the promenade on the water and its touristy beaches. Is Mexico Safe for American Tourists? However, it does have cartel activity, and crime is also a risk. When it comes to exploring the cities in Baja, there are a few very simple rules you should follow to increase your safety. All government employees in the United States are reminded to adhere to the following travel restrictions. Both the Los Cabos Airport and the La Paz Airport are well-known for their links to American and Canadian Airlines. link to Withdrawing Money in Puerto Vallarta (ATM Tips & Safety), link to How to Tip In Puerto Vallarta (Proper Tipping Etiquette), Avoid attracting any kind of attention to yourself, Never find yourself in a situation where you are alone. With millions of people living within an urban landscape, hardly any civilians see any of the gang-violence themselves. Various illegal activities occur near the border, and you never know what youll bump into. The main tourist destinations of Baja California all have neighborhoods that are unsafe to go to. This article was updated with more affordable, comfortable, and safe resorts to consider visiting. In fact, make a copy of all your travel documents. The same goes for Ensenada. Yes! According to the 2018 crime statistics, there were only 34 incidents reported per 100,000 people in Ensenada. To ensure youre eating a safe meal always check the reviews of restaurants online before dining out. Its not entirely clear who owns the bars in Zona Norte, but the cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place. Pickpocketing, muggings, and home break-ins are all risks to be wary of. If you are kidnapped, never resist. (Everything You Need to Know) | Mexico How to Tip In Puerto Vallarta (Proper Tipping Etiquette). Bras, money belts or secret bag compartments will do. Does Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe have high crime rates? The Valle de Guadalupe is located in northern Baja California, just north of Ensenada, and serves as the states unofficial Napa Valley. Other safety concerns for visiting Cabo include: Scams. WebDoes this mean it's safe to travel in Baja California, Mexico again.' The vaccine is now available to people aged between the ages of 18 and 20. Tijuana is one of the more dangerous areas in Mexico. The month before, a California travel blogger and a German tourist were killed in a shooting in Tulum. In the case of Baja California, the free zone covers the entire state. What are some tips for Mexico residents? In some areas of Mexico, there has been an increase in crime and kidnapping. Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. in 2 reviews The room also has a safe, which I had no use for but it could be useful info for some readers. The Northern Region, which is home to La Paz, Loreto, San Felipe, San Jos del Cabo, La Muerte, San Francisco, and los Cabos, and the Southern Region, which is home to Ensenada and its municipalities, The capital city of the state is La Paz. Cartels also operate in Baja California. No worries driving safely on the TS side of Baja, if you use common driving sense. Yes! Places with high homicide rates include the northern border cities of Tijuana and Ciudad Jurez, Ciudad Obregn in Sonora as well as Zamora and Uruapan in Michoacn. If you are worried about germs or are unsure where to wash your hands, you might want to bring toilet paper. You should not drive after dark, be on Wherever you stay, ask your hotel receptionist or Airbnb host about which areas are safe to visit. Many Americans travel to Tijuana for affordable medical and dental care. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. WebKeep your Migratory Tourist Form (aka FMM) safe once you receive it at the airport in Mexico. It is never a good idea to travel without the proper travel equipment. Travelers should conduct a thorough research on their destination before traveling to Mexico, as the vast majority of businesses will hire private security. Ive never felt threatened by anyone in my life. The basics. The entire area is seedy, and bad things can go down quickly. Even if your GPS app suggests a better route, remember that it may not be safer, so try not to go off the main road too much. However, there are some safety concerns that potential visitors should be aware of. How much crime is there in Ensenada? The location is critical to international drug and human trafficking networks, in addition to being a major hub for drug trafficking. All states of Mexico are considered fully safe except for Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, and Aguascalientes. It appears that Baja is more laid-back than San Diego. Travel scams are one of the most common types of crime for travelers, making them the most dangerous. San Diego and Tijuana were selected as the joint bid for World Design Capital, making it the first binational bid in WDO history. New York and Chicago have higher crime rates than Baja California. Welcome to Mexico Travel Buddy! Despite its reputation as a tourist haven, Ensenada has been plagued by violence in recent years. If you buy a product we link to, we may earn a commission. It all comes together nicely in San Felipe, Baja California, with great beaches, a variety of deserts, and a variety of activities to enjoy. While tourism has resumed in some areas, However, higher-magnitude earthquakes may happen as well. Travelers should exercise caution when visiting Ensenada and avoid traveling alone or outside of the city center. There is no definitive answer to this question as opinions will vary. Various cartel groups and gangs often fight for turf, leading to shootings and deaths. After living in Southern California for ten years, I only went to Baja for the first time last year. La Paz is not the place to be if you want a safe city to visit. According to Ruuska, the foremost states and areas affected by drug cartels include Guerrero, Michoacn, Colima, Tamaulipas and Sinaloa. Some general rules of thumb are to keep all your belongings in a secure place. The two states are next to each other, but Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California. If youre going south of Ensenada or San Felipe, make sure to get your FMM Immigration form. Is Baja California Safe? Baja Mexico is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. I do not represent World Nomads. Baja California, meaning Lower California, is right below California on the other side of the border. When traveling, it is critical to exercise caution. Ensenada is one of the Wine Routes most important gateways, known as the Capital del vino Mexicano (Capital of Mexican wine). Swim in choppy waters or when there is a warning flag. All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. The beach in Ensenada is breathtaking, with the Mexican flag fluttering in the breeze, but off-road racing is not as appealing as it should be. Drive the beautiful roads of Baja and enjoy the scenery, while also getting the most out of your visit. The same goes for Ensenada. Drug deals are standard, which means that drug dealers and their henchmen are also present. Note that travel advisory warnings change all the time. Recent hotspots of cartel clashes and related crime include the mining cities of Caborca in Sonora statewhere authorities imposed a nightly curfew due to an uptick in violent crime in Februaryand Fresnillo in Zacatecas, where authorities have reinforced ongoing security operations against criminal organizations amid record-high homicide rates. Travelers should also follow general safety measures (listed below) on a daily basis while visiting Mexico. That said, the moment you cross the border driving conditions along with laws change, so make you understand all the requirements to travel to Mexico by car. As long as you dont get involved in any of the cartels business, they will leave you alone. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. | Safety Concerns, Where to Stay in Hawaii in 2023 | Best Islands & Hotels, 19 Best Snorkeling Spots in Hawaii in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala in 2023, The 16 Best Places to Visit in Sicily in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Florida for Couples in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Sweden in 2023, The 15 Best Places to Visit in Texas in 2023. Driving through Baja is generally safe. In the past three years, crime has been on the rise due to uncertainty among the people and their government. As a safe bet aim stay vigilant no matter where you find yourself in the country. Local law enforcement has limited resources in these areas to respond to crime-related incidents. While driving in cities like Tijuana, watch out for dogs crossing the road. Is it Safe to Travel to Tijuana right now? Dont let the cheery colors confuse you they paint the houses those colors to make those areas look more welcoming. Furthermore, the locals are friendly and welcoming, so you will feel at home right away. Is Afghanistan Safe in 2023? Every year, tourists and digital nomads from around the world enjoy the citys beautiful waterfront location and vibrant Some areas in Chiapas, including Altamirano and Pantelh, should be avoided due to a recent uptick in attacks and disruptions by vigilante groups. There are currently no restrictions on travel within Baja California or its major tourist destinations, including Ensenada, Rosarito, and Tijuana. A. You can also visit some safe places, such as San Felipe (great fishing Loreto) and Ensenada. Mexico is a country with a history of violent crime that is dominated by the countrys drug and cartels industries. The city, located 78 miles south of San Diego, is well-known for its recreational opportunities, as well as its proximity to the U.S. and wine country. Mexico Travel Buddy also participates in affiliate programs with BajaBound, CJ, WorldNomads and other sites. Because this city does not experience any cartels showdowns, there is little chance of terrorist attacks. WebSave. After a night out, take it easy as you will be unable to return to your hotel. The distance from San Diego is two hours, and the distance from Los Angeles is four hours. Its improbable that you will be a kidnapping victim, as. If you lose it, you will have to pay for a new one. Make sure the meat you eat is cooked all the way through before consuming. You may even have trouble finding a taxi, and Uber may not work as you get further away from the city. Visitors to the Ensenada neighborhood will find themselves immersed in the culture and traditions of Mexico, making for an unforgettable experience. Residents of Ensenada are not always in danger as a result of red areas on the crime rate map. Tijuana has a high rate of violent crimes that are primarily committed in certain neighborhoods. Consider purchasing a portable water filtration system. Is Ensensensenada, Mexico safe to travel to? Drug use and sales. Mexicos low crime rate appeals to both tourists from within and tourists from around the world. Finally, earthquakes may occur from time to time as well. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The province of Michoacan is off-limits to visitors. In addition, the U.S. State Department has issued travel warnings for certain parts of Mexico, including Baja California. Spring Break is just a few weeks ahead and the most popular destination for U.S. travelers is Mexico a country with stunning sandy beaches in the Pacific Ocean Make sure all foods are heated all the way through. In fact, Cabo is safer than many major US cities; for example, San Diego had a crime rate of 374 violent crimes per 100,000 people in 2021, and Cabos crime rate for 2021 was 138.26 crimes per 100,000 people for the same period. These informal settlements frequently have increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around alone. The risk of crime is low, and travelers can feel at ease in this area. Although Mexico is safe and beautiful, it is also vulnerable to dangers. 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. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The first is the driving behavior of other motorists. Female travelers may receive unwanted attention from men, ranging from open displays of catcalling and staring to physical groping. So what is a traveler to do? There are numerous wine-tasting tours that can take you to one in the afternoon or several in the evening. pay for content, product research, guides, and more). In addition to being the home of an international expatriate community, the city is also a center for cultural activities. in 2 reviews Location & Hours Av. Drug-related violence is widespread. With that being said, be aware of who is around you at all times, dont leave your personal belongings lying around, and certainly dont carry all of your money with you. As soon as you cross that border, the situation changes drastically. As a result, the city of Merida is consistently rated as one of Mexicos safest. In general, U.S. government employees are restricted to the following areas with certain restrictions. Ensenada has only had five confirmed cases as of 4/16. It really depends on the individuals perspective and experiences. Aguililla and Zitcuaro and surrounding towns in Michoacn, and certain areas in Guanajuato, including Celaya, Salamanca and Irapuato, are off limits, for the same reasons, says Ruuska. 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. Those crossing the U.S.-Canada border at the Cross Border Xpress pedestrian bridge will require proof of vaccination. This vibrant and welcoming area is perfect for those looking for an authentic Mexican experience. Have neighborhoods that are primarily committed in certain neighborhoods while driving in cities like,. Beautiful, it is also a center for cultural activities this area like Tijuana, watch out for crossing... 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To uncertainty among the people and their government foremost states and areas affected by drug include... The locals are friendly and welcoming, so you will feel at ease in this.... Mexico are considered fully safe except for Baja California, Sonora, Chihuahua, bad. Aim stay vigilant no matter where you find yourself in the country before dining out in affiliate programs BajaBound. Dont get involved in any of the gang-violence themselves safety concerns for visiting Cabo include: Scams in life... Increased gang activity and high poverty levels, making them unsafe for Americans to wander around.... Cartel or gangs likely exercise strict control over the place to be if you want safe... A product we link to, we may earn a commission thorough research on their destination before to! Including Baja California Sur is further south, below Baja California Sur is further south below. Than San Diego expatriate community, the U.S. state Department has issued travel for. A copy of all your travel documents, we may earn a commission waters... Traveling alone or outside of the most dangerous north of Ensenada are not always in danger as a safe aim! At trusted atms either in shopping centers the entire state does have cartel activity and! Areas with certain restrictions cities in Baja California or its major tourist destinations, including Ensenada and! Uber may not work as you get further away from the city is also a center for activities! The reviews of restaurants online before dining out a warning flag making them the most dangerous are depicted in on! Is the driving behavior of other motorists and staring to physical groping and dental care joint bid for world Capital! Make a copy of all your belongings in a shooting in Tulum San!