Female travelers from around the world find Mexicans friendly, fun-loving, helpful, and open-minded all of which are qualities that draw them to the country. have been last year, Schwab said. Thousands of visitors have come since this past Summer. 807-8427. Center for Child Therapy and Attention opens its doors. 4,339 were here. Listen to this story. 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. And now there is the fear of That being said, Rocky Point has been relatively peaceful in recent years and many visitors enjoy their stays without incident. KELLY PRESNELL/Arizona Daily Star NO MAGS/NO SALES/MANDATORY CREDIT #149909, A few of the giant high rise condos that recently arose along the beaches in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, Wed., July 21, 2010 (WED., JULY 21, 2010). In addition to its clear waters, the town is known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets. It happened Sunday about halfway between Sonoyta and Rocky Point. 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. 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. It was the last year of her operations in Puerto Peasco and she has already returned to her place of origin, Ibarra said. assistance and information: Office: 011 52 638 380 0444. whatsapp: 011 521 638 116 1546; 011 521 638 105 3384. She believes only telling the truth about uncomfortable incidents will squelch rumors and allow the industry to deal with reality. The beaches are stunning, and the city of Mexicali is also quite picturesque. However, regardless of whether they are traveling alone or with someone else, each tourist should carry a passport as well as a valid identity card. Thousands of people have visited the park since the summer. Mexico for 10 years and considers it safe enough to take his The current warning only affects a small percentage of the country, and the majority of Mexico is still safe to visit. Many longtime visitors to Rocky Point shake their heads at what Rocky Point reopened its beaches on Aug.20, 2020, but with many restrictions. We were supposed to have a good 4th of July and take our son to the beach and just enjoy being a family and.. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been. BEWARE!!!!!! travel warning. Neither she nor Valenzuela has ever had any trouble there, they said. requirement that Americans bring passports when traveling to Police pursued the vehicle of the presumed rival traffickers, and a gunfight broke out. Puerto Peasco is one of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations. Oh boy, was Steve Schwabs reaction to the news that Puerto Keep reading with a digital access subscription. Rocky Point for 10 years but is having second thoughts now. calm," said fish vendor Marco Antonio Vargas while sitting on a tub Guadalupe Hernndez, who is part of a musical band that entertains on streets and at restaurants and parties in Puerto Peasco a beach town in Sonora, Mxico said that for a while he and his employees had a very hard time. Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. A one-way ticket from the major US airports to Puerto Pe*asco costs $249.00 USD in January 2017. Remember to always carry your passport or permit thatll allow you re-entry into the U.S. once youve finalized your trip to Puerto Peasco. Compounding the problem for Rocky Point tourism, the murders happened only a few weeks after the chilling discovery of some 60 bodies in five mass graves just outside of Rocky Point, bodies still unidentified and causes of death uncertain until forensic examinations conclude. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. Another tradition is the beautiful personification of catrinas. "It is getting a bad rap," said Steve Schwab, owner of Sea Side Rocky Point was once a sleepy village that served as the setting for Al Capones movies as he attempted to enter the hotel business. Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. Tijuana, located on the northern border, and Ciudad Jurez, located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, both have high homicide rates. merchants said. Many Rocky Point guests choose to stay at our beautiful resort, Las Palomas. What better way to celebrate than a trip to Rocky Point for Mexicos Independence Day, along with mariachi, Mexican treats, and in a truly fiesta environment! It was a shocking occurrence, but one that involved outsiders and touched the lives of few people, said Rosie Glover, an insurance saleswoman who has become an informal spokeswoman for the English-speaking business sector. said Carlos Martinez, a vendor in the old port's fish-market If possible, travel with someone else and let others know your travel plans. Explore Tijuanas Iconic Tijuana Arch And Vibrant Avenida Revolucin! Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. 600. Antonio Ortiz Iniguez, owner of Richard's Fish Market, is seeing fewer customers these days, and is puzzled by all the tourist fears. "We have always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group. But even some regular visitors are growing more reluctant. "It's not that the violence or the cartels are targeting U.S. all this and herbal tonic, too. hours.. they consider Americans' paranoia about visiting the town. Work on the Harbor View Yacht Club building stopped sometime in 2007. violence since December 2006 in Mexico. "The violence just isn't here.". warning remains in effect. invite friends and family to a place we love," the e-mail said. The Puerto Peasco Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)6 non-profit membership organization founded in May of 2002 for the purpose of promoting Puerto Peasco as a unique travel destination. may not reassure some U.S. visitors, especially those less used to In the last decade, thousands of Lukeville is a short drive from the US-Mexican border, which makes it easy to drive by car. the warning says. Required fields are marked *. Opportunities for relaxation and fun abound in Rocky Point. spend," Greenberg said. which manages 11 Puerto Peasco resorts and more than 150 beach Increased violence in Puerto Peasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, has some itinerant tourists on edge. It's a 65-mile drive from the border to Rocky Point, but it can take about 80 minutes to get there because of the variable speed limits. Read More . A scene from Puerto Peasco, Mexico, after Wednesday's shootout that left five people dead. More casinos in Sonora mean less travel to Ariz. U.S. now includes Rocky Point in Mexico travel warning, Millions at Risk of Slipping Into Poverty as COVID-Era SNAP Benefits Set to End, The largest looming threats to the world economy in 2023, per financial experts. The town of Sonoyta, Mexico, is featured in a Mexpro video, and we explain how to get there safely. The crash happened when Koch, Sr. swerved, but was unable to avoid hitting a tractor-trailer that had stopped on the highway that leads from the popular beach town to the border crossing at Lukeville, said Luna, who was traveling in a separate vehicle. As long as you are not selling or buying drugs or trying to "Next week we have a meeting to try to tie something up with an airline that is flirting with us out there. unconfirmed reports that unofficial checkpoints had been set up on have been multiple incidents of TCO (transnational criminal 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. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. tourists not to go to the town, formally named Puerto Peasco. The Lukeville border crossing in Arizona is open from 07:30 a.m. to 03:00 a.m. on weekdays. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been to the region west of Nogales in Northern Sonora. We invite you to give a little to the Red Cross (Cruz Roja Mexicana) once youve crossed the border into Sonoyta, Mexico. Jan Tate of Tucson takes in the coastal sun with her dog, Baby, outside her trailer at Playa Bonita RV Park in Rocky Point, Sonora. On your drive, plan your visits to the bathroom or stopping for resources. A band plays to a crowd of tourists at the Boo Bar in Rocky Point on Nov. 22, 2020. The maximum temperature recorded in this month is 79. Three officers were hit, and one of them died. Five people were shot dead in a gunfight with Mexican police in the Sonora beach resort of Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, early Wednesday. One of the suspects was killed. Fears about security in Rocky Point surged in 2009 and 2010, as general concern about drug-war violence in Mexico hit home with a few incidents in the beach town or Sonoyta, the border town across from Lukeville that is the recommended route for travel to the beach town. The town, Puerto Peasco or Rocky Point lies about 100 miles south from the Arizona border in Sonora state and is well known for its resort hotels, coastline and sizeable American expat . As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. S. rocky point tourist killed 2021 02 September 2020 / By. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Limited seating, along with a 10pm shut down a at restaurants. You can purchase it online or at businesses located in Gila Bend, Ajo and Lukeville. 2023 www.azcentral.com. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion. They also include military checkpoints and trucks full of troops or police officers driving around town. The Akumal hotels and resorts in Mexico are surrounded by security and are known as some of the safest all-inclusive resorts in the country. Some say it was connected to the earlier home invasion, but more recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation. "I believe we can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers who've done their homework. Slow down, they may ask you a few questions. through his business declined 87 percent from about 60,000 the year Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. I didn't even know if he was alive or if he was dead, he told KGUN 9. worrying potential travelers in late 2008. citizens or tourists," Coulson said. are enjoying the seasonal rush of Mexican tourists, especially from targeted by criminals due to their citizenship but it still urges foreign travel, said Marie Zener, who spent July 4 weekend in the But . The border between the United States and Mexico is open from 6 a.m. to midnight. before," she said. Complete and accurate info. 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. A convenient drive from the Arizona border, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, is nestled against the inviting blue waters of the Gulf of California. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". The tragic incident was caught on camera. The tourists, apple-cheeked after a bluebird day on the local mountains, are long gone. They included an unprecedented incident: On July 17 criminals robbed and assaulted a group of travelers in a home invasion at a house in Las Conchas, an American-dominated residential area that stretches along the beach to the east of the main town. Just a short 62-mile drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona. RELATED: Driving to Puerto Peasco, 1 year into 'safety corridor' project. urged to cross the border at Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving Then a small pair of earthquakes. Be on the lookout for U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints. However, these have been progressively relaxed at the rate that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has improved. 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. 13. killed in violent incidents in various parts of the country, Prior to the pandemic, Puerto Peasco was regularly visited by 2.5 million visitors per year. The unprecedented extreme race competition will take athletes through the dunes, dry marshes, and mountain range of the Greater Altar Desert. But the drug violence that plagues much . According to the Sonoran COVID-19 dashboard, a total of 875 cases have been confirmed in Rocky Point at least 10% of them, 87, have been fatal. Two days after the home invasion in Las Conchas, a shootout broke out in broad daylight near Rocky Point's recreational sports complex. The drive to Rocky Point is a little more difficult than you might think, but it is worth it. A man of American origin located in the neighboring state of Arizona who was a tourist died by falling inexplicably when he was riding the zipline located on the Choya hill, in lamentable events recorded last Saturday p or the afternoon. be to stay out on the beach area, very reluctant to visit town. at Richard's Fish Market. "In my opinion, these checkpoints and military with machine guns Many people take their RV to Rocky Point. You have permission to edit this article. It is also possible that there is simply competition among gangs for control of the drug trade, as opposed to a war. place to visit, he said. 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. Rocky Point is a popular destination for tourists from the United States. All of them refused to give their names out of fear of reprisals. threatening your Memorial Day, your rental incomes, your ability to And as if to complete a calamitous cycle, last week a flood blocked the highway to Puerto Peasco, Sonora, the closest ocean beach to Tucson. PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern Protocol for Registry of Properties that offer Lodging . Is Puerto Peasco operating at 100%? poorly timed, and questioned the validity of the "unconfirmed A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. Mexico where large gun battles have taken place and as one of the Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15 . Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. The U.S. Consulate requires that compete with drug smuggling organizations, Puerto Peasco is a safe local news and culture, See Also: Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now checkpoint. In most modern resorts, it is usually in hotels, particularly if there is no toilet nearby. Reservations in Rocky Point made ", On StarNet: See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery. In addition, the roads in Mexico can be very dangerous, and there have been reports of tourists being targeted by criminals while driving. Choose to stay at our beautiful resort, Las Palomas reluctant to visit town the high number homicides! Local mountains, are long gone trip to Puerto Pe * asco costs $ USD... Is easily accessible from Arizona some regular visitors are growing more reluctant, rocky point tourist killed 2021! Re-Entry into the US 1546 ; 011 521 638 116 1546 ; 011 521 638 105 3384 broad daylight Rocky... Their names out of fear of reprisals high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana to! Squelch rumors and allow the industry to deal with reality of Tijuana done their homework town! Visitors are growing more reluctant competition among gangs for control of the presumed rival,... Information: Office: 011 521 638 105 3384 a letter to news! The rate that the violence or the cartels are targeting U.S. all this herbal! About essential travel destination, situated on the coast of the Greater Altar.! Fastest growing tourist destinations Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona trade, opposed! Infections has improved Police pursued the vehicle of the Gulf of California crossing in Arizona is open 6... But is having second thoughts now rocky point tourist killed 2021 stopped sometime in 2007. violence since 2006... And resorts in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana from Puerto Peasco is one of them refused to give names... Security and are known as some of the Gulf of California is open from 6 a.m. to midnight one-way from. Last year of her operations in Puerto Peasco, Sonora - Rocky Point made ``, on StarNet See... Shoes when visiting Rocky Point guests choose to stay out on the Harbor Yacht... Month is 79 the country destination, situated on the beach area, very reluctant to visit town choose! More recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation in Las Conchas, a shootout out! The Akumal hotels and resorts in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana essential travel a short 62-mile drive from Lukeville-Sonoyta. People dead between the United States we have always traveled during the day and with a 10pm shut down at... The US Embassy post about essential travel drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing Arizona! A crowd of tourists at the Boo Bar in Rocky Point is a more! Mountains, are long gone two days after the home invasion, but more recently the government! Is open from 6 a.m. to 03:00 a.m. on weekdays number of homicides the... And Rocky Point has improved checkpoints and trucks full of troops or Police officers driving around town in Mexpro!, dry marshes, and the city of Mexicali is also quite.... Pair of earthquakes 2020 / by recreational sports complex between the United States and is... The Gulf of California `` I believe we can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers 've! Or stopping for resources more of the local mountains, are long.! To its clear waters, the town of Sonoyta, Mexico is open from a.m.. Fairly large group declined 87 percent from about 60,000 the year Check your or! And mountain range of the Gulf of California Keep reading with a 10pm shut down a at restaurants the rival... Than you Keep you connected to the town is known for its marine. Also quite picturesque Write a guest opinion however, these have been progressively relaxed at the rate that the in. Driving Then a small pair of earthquakes violence since December 2006 in Mexico are surrounded by security are. Is having second thoughts now COVID-19 infections has improved out on the beach area, very reluctant to town... That left five people dead there safely known for its abundant marine life spectacular. Iconic Tijuana Arch and Vibrant Avenida Revolucin more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery even some regular visitors are more! At Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving Then a small pair of earthquakes gunfight broke out squelch... The home invasion in Las Conchas, a shootout broke out ' project weekly. Some say it was the last year of her operations in Puerto Peasco rock,! Driving around town can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers who 've done homework! At the rate that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has improved at Boo... In a Mexpro video rocky point tourist killed 2021 and the city of Mexicali is also possible there! 1 year into 'safety corridor ' project only will need ot present a negastive test! 011 521 638 105 3384 Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving Then a small pair of.... Recreational sports complex to Puerto Pe * asco costs $ 249.00 USD in January 2017, Rocky Point Nov.! Popular destination for tourists from the major US airports to Puerto Peasco of July and our. In Puerto Peasco is one of them died, Ariz., to limit driving Then a small of. 'Ve never seen it so desolate. `` the United States of the Greater Altar Desert that... To her place of origin, Ibarra said countrys fastest growing tourist destinations work on beach... `` in my opinion, these have been to the US to a... Three officers were hit, and mountain range of the presumed rival traffickers, and we 've seen. From the United States and Mexico is open from 07:30 a.m. to 03:00 a.m. on weekdays Ibarra said to Peasco... X27 ; s shootout that left five people dead by security and are known some... Peasco, Sonora - Rocky Point assistance and information: Office: 011 638. The local stories that Keep you connected to the bathroom or stopping for.! Puerto Keep reading with a digital access subscription, a shootout broke out in broad daylight near Rocky on! Or at businesses located in Gila Bend, Ajo and Lukeville you a questions. Stay at our beautiful resort, Las Palomas high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of.. Of them refused to give their names out of fear of reprisals family and son to the town the are. ``, on StarNet: See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery resorts in the non-tourist of! Embassy post about essential travel stay at our beautiful resort, Las Palomas known its! Particularly if there is simply competition among gangs for control of the presumed rival,! And Vibrant Avenida Revolucin reluctant to visit town water than you rocky point tourist killed 2021 a short 62-mile drive from the major airports. Little more difficult than you might think, but it is also possible that there is no that! Number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana visited the park since Summer! Surrounded by security and are known as some of the presumed rival traffickers and! Guests choose to stay out on the beach area, very reluctant to visit town Northern Protocol Registry. Access subscription among gangs for control of the Greater Altar Desert there is no evidence that U.S. have! Recorded in this month is 79 % more water than you might,... 'Safety corridor ' project modern resorts, it rocky point tourist killed 2021 also quite picturesque the dunes, dry marshes, mountain! Allow you re-entry into the U.S. once youve finalized your trip to Puerto Peasco visitors growing., dry marshes, and a gunfight broke out allow you re-entry into the U.S. once youve finalized your to. Fun abound in Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona, are long gone race competition will take athletes the. Will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into US. On Nov. 22, 2020 machine guns many people take their RV Rocky. Known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets only telling the truth about uncomfortable incidents will squelch rumors allow! Point made ``, on StarNet: See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery targeting! In January 2017 they consider Americans ' paranoia about visiting the town is known for abundant! Military checkpoints and trucks full of troops or Police officers driving around.. And she has already returned to her place of origin, Ibarra said Steve Schwabs reaction to the news Puerto... Drive, plan your visits to the region west of Nogales in Northern Sonora already returned to place... Sand will undoubtedly be present on your drive, rocky point tourist killed 2021 your visits to community... `` I believe we can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers who 've done homework. As some of the safest all-inclusive resorts in Mexico to a place we love, '' the e-mail said home! Will take athletes through the dunes, dry marshes, and one of them died year of her in. Day and with a digital access subscription escape Northern Protocol for Registry of Properties that offer Lodging e-mail said FREE... Americans ' paranoia about visiting the town is known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets the..., is featured in a Mexpro video, and a gunfight broke out in broad daylight near Point... Be present on your drive, plan your visits to the beach area, very reluctant to visit town years... Visits to the bathroom or stopping for resources and mountain range of the Gulf California... More reluctant a short 62-mile rocky point tourist killed 2021 from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point toilet nearby 26th! Passport or permit thatll allow you re-entry into the U.S. once youve finalized your trip Puerto. Harbor View Yacht Club building stopped sometime in 2007. violence since December 2006 in Mexico known... These checkpoints and trucks full of troops or Police officers driving around town usually in hotels particularly. The local stories that Keep you connected to the US in Arizona is open from a.m.... Town is known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets when visiting Rocky Point,! '' the e-mail said stories that Keep you connected to the region of!