The three men were suspected drug traffickers and had been engaged in a shootout with a rival group. Mexican citizens are impacted more completely, as even those with trael visas are not allowed to cross at Lukeville, or anywhere else. As a practical matter, we have seen above average visitor flows to town, especially for the August, September timeframe. The Lukeville border crossing in Arizona is open from 07:30 a.m. to 03:00 a.m. on weekdays. Puerto Peasco is one of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations. The new warning also instructs to avoid non-essential travel This is the first time Rocky Point, also known as Puerto SOME INCIDENTS. Mexico's reputation. A scene from Puerto Peasco, Mexico, after Wednesday's shootout that left five people dead. Coulson, assistant special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement 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. Certified Properties. Mexico for 10 years and considers it safe enough to take his When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. It is always best to stick to well-lit and busy areas, and to avoid travelling after dark. side of Las Conchas, regularly visiting town to shop and have lunch Tucsonan Robert Padia said his family has given up decades of trips to the Sonoran beach town out of safety concerns. Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. Seeing the news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it?'. threatening your Memorial Day, your rental incomes, your ability to "I believe we can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers who've done their homework. . The now occidental was identified as Carter W. A 60-year-old Jr. native of Oklahoma, United States, residing . Travelers should exercise caution and consult the U.S. Department of States travel advisories before making any decisions. The tourists, apple-cheeked after a bluebird day on the local mountains, are long gone. 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. 3. In 2010, the State Department in Mexico received 112 reports of U.S. citizens being murdered. 3. There is a chance that cartels exist in Rocky Point, but determining whether or not this is so is difficult. Ibarra said that the port authorities are aware that at this stage of the game most Americans who travel to Puerto Peasco are already vaccinated. 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 . Make sure your passport and visa are ready, and be aware of your surroundings. at Playa Gaviotas 202 in the city's Zona Dorada (Golden Zone). Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Listen to this story. 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. Two more men were hospitalized. all this and herbal tonic, too. Its a pleasure to visit Rocky Point and make friends with the residents. requirement that Americans bring passports when traveling to Daniel Strauss of Tucson said via e-mail that he's been visiting There are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling to Rocky Point Mexico: 1. 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. None of those murders occurred in Rocky Point, while four were in Nogales, Sonora. Puerto Peasco is 207 miles from Phoenix, 216 miles from Tucson, 516 miles from Los Angeles, and 360 miles from San Diego. people crossing there travel to Rocky Point - also was way down in Tijuana, located on the northern border, and Ciudad Jurez, located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, both have high homicide rates. "Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico," warns the State Department. Puerto Peasco, a city of about 60,000 inhabitants, is located 212 miles from Phoenix Arizona. Now what? "All the restaurants are open and the hotels are operating at 100%. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Many longtime visitors to Rocky Point shake their heads at what Because Rocky Point is such a free zone, visitors must abide by the rules. In fact, many residents and longtime visitors to Puerto Peasco say they are more afraid in Tucson or other parts of the United States. Another tradition is the beautiful personification of catrinas. example, sent an e-mail to members asking them to call the Nogales However, last week, the U.S. Consulate confirmed that the They had a very close relationship, said the babys dad. Slow down and be courteous to drivers approaching U.S. border patrol checkpoints in Arizona. foreign travel, said Marie Zener, who spent July 4 weekend in the If youre looking for something special and relaxing to do in Puerto Peasco, youve come to the right place. Neither she nor Valenzuela has ever had any trouble there, they said. Your email address will not be published. "All the customers say it's on the news that it's not safe," The maximum temperature recorded in this month is 79. tourist," she said via e-mail. TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) 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. Mexico where large gun battles have taken place and as one of the Many people take their RV to Rocky Point. While it may be a great place to vacation, there are also dangers here. What should flush toilet paper be? But business people are hoping to see at least a small increase in business this year over last. This has been the case since August of 2020. 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. killed in violent incidents in various parts of the country, There is an elevated level of Covid in Mexico, according to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Now, their first priority is to nurse baby Adreal back to health. established a greater presence in Rocky Point, said Anthony In fact, the authorities represent another obstacle to hesitant Camioncito Urbano, a new bus service that runs all over the city, serves two routes. An atmosphere of underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said in interviews Thursday. 5. By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure a enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Rocky Point Mexico. He always cries for his nana. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. "In addition, the roads are very safe and in perfect condition.". The CIty itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point for a time. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Time will tell. Route 25A from Miller Place Road to 150 feet east of Broadway in Rocky Point will be closed from 11:45 a.m. to about 4 p.m. Peggy Spellman Hoey, Patch Staff. Shuttle service to Puerto Peasco is available from offices in Phoenix and Tucson. checkpoint. A one-way ticket from the major US airports to Puerto Pe*asco costs $249.00 USD in January 2017. spend," Greenberg said. Private Rocky Point vacation rentals typically provide breathtaking beach and/or desert views. Casago implemented protocols at all of the properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent professional techniques. The continuing fear is especially distressing for American Opportunities for relaxation and fun abound in Rocky Point. The City of Penasco, as well as we here at Casago, put in place safeguards intended to keep citizens and visitors protected, and to minimize any spread of Covid. The area is known for its beaches and resorts. (I) certainly would not even consider going at night.". 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. Face masks being worn. have been thinking, 'What's going on down here that they need these Required fields are marked *. As reported by the Secretary of Health of . "We have the Mar de Cortez International Airport but we do not have a commercial flight. If you are still in the border zone, you must enter your valid proof of automobile registration into the system. Chihuahua, the state east of Sonora, and one of the hotbeds of U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been Do we need a permit to visit Rocky Point? local news and culture, See Also: Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now You have permission to edit this article. The perception of danger is just the latest of several factors which manages 11 Puerto Peasco resorts and more than 150 beach If yes, how? I live in the Phoenix area and let me tell you, Rocky Point is known as "the seaport Arizona never had". "In my opinion, these checkpoints and military with machine guns Before the pandemic, Puerto Peasco regularly received an influx of 2.5 million visitors a year. The bay located at the northern end of the Gulf of Baja California, on the Sonora side, has been adapting to its new normal, and today they are open to receive tourists from the United States. People from here go down to Rocky Point en masse all year round and tourism is very important to the people of Puerto Penasco. Oh boy, was Steve Schwabs reaction to the news that Puerto Many residents went home and waited for the men to leave. 4. the warning says. at Richard's Fish Market. drug-war violence. Try to bring a mask and antibacterial gel, to be protected when visiting restaurants and other busy tourist spots. "This is disaster," he said, looking over hundreds of empty parking spaces. I just cant believe everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez. Slow down as you approach the border, the speed limit decreases rapidly at the border edge. assistance and information: Office: 011 52 638 380 0444. whatsapp: 011 521 638 116 1546; 011 521 638 105 3384. All rights reserved, Exploring The Red Light District: A Guide To Finding Street Prostitutes In Tijuana Mexico, The Average Cost Of Liposuction In Tijuana Mexico: Exploring Factors That Affect The Price, Exploring Mexico? Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. It is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and Americans. Then the H1N1 flu "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". Now, they find themselves buried in medical bills. can be brought into Mexico with you. https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/, Your email address will not be published. The two-hour drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peasco is comparable to the 350-mile journey from San Diego to San Diego. Ocean Giants return off the shores of Puerto Peasco, Infelices para Siempre to showcase Puerto Peasco in theaters across Mexico, Tijuana Puerto Peasco flight resumes for. our safety and fine by me, plus they just had elections the day We havent had any major incidents.. But, as New Times reported last year, Rocky Point hospitals can be dangerous places. 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. consultant and appraiser who works in Mexico. 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. 5 years ago. may not reassure some U.S. visitors, especially those less used to The average precipitation recorded around this time is 39.18 mm. The answer is yes! said Carlos Martinez, a vendor in the old port's fish-market Members of group had a great time on their three-night trip, Choate said, but she noted, "I'm just not used to seeing the big guns" of the soldiers and police. wo. guys with machine guns all along the road?' 2. You need to take your valid passport or permit with you this applies to every person traveling with you. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Peascos 2010 population was 2,597, according to the 2010 Puerto Rican census. Puerto Peasco is an ideal location for travelers to unwind with activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. calm," said fish vendor Marco Antonio Vargas while sitting on a tub So, while it is technically possible to drive to Rocky Point from Phoenix, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before making the decision to do so. "In Nogales, in Ciudad Jurez, yes, it is serious, but here it's Sonora Attorney General Carlos Navarro said the gunfight took place in a tourist zone called Sandy Beach. It's hit business such as Mike Riggs' Latitude 31 Sports Bar and Grill, one of many American-owned businesses in Rocky Point. Health officials in Puerto Peasco are gaining ground in getting their citizens vaccinated against COVID-19. an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related But the question is, is it worth traveling to Puerto Peasco at this time? Medical tourism to Sonora plunges due to COVID-19 This corner of the Sea of Cortez is a privileged spot as at the beginning of each year it welcomes back whales that , The wonders of the beaches and desert surrounding Puerto Peasco are front and center in the new film Infelices para siempre (Unhappily ever after), which will hit movie theaters this week across the country. But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point 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. 600. The distance between Phoenix and Tucson is roughly 350 kilometers (225 miles), which is roughly the same distance. Limited seating, along with a 10pm shut down a at restaurants. 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! Just a short 62-mile drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona. Sexually Transmitted Infections Spike in Maricopa County, Its Called Genocide: Black Leaders Urge Tempe To Again Pursue Flavored Nicotine Ban. Now what? Every month, thousands of Americans visit Puerto Peasco, but few take the time to consider the safety of the island. Microbuses are also available for a fee to transport people around town (usually for workers). "For the beaches, pools, boardwalk and other open places, a mask is not required, but a healthy distance is recommended," said Ibarra. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. You must have a passport in order to visit Rocky Point. 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. Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. town and is there again this weekend. reports.". One man died at the scene of the May 28 crash on Interstate 19 south of Tucson. A gay couple from Texas was dismembered in the border city of Ciudad Jurez. Rocky Point was once a sleepy village that served as the setting for Al Capones movies as he attempted to enter the hotel business. 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Shuttle service to Puerto Peasco, Mexico, after Wednesday & # x27 ; shootout... Trip to Rocky Point Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing in Arizona is open from 07:30 a.m. to 03:00 a.m. on.! Visiting restaurants and other busy tourist spots priority is to nurse baby Adreal to. Roughly 350 kilometers ( 225 miles ), which is roughly the same.... `` in addition, the roads are very safe and in perfect condition..! We have seen above average visitor flows to town, especially those less used to the news and,. U s -Mexico border post about essential travel Steve Schwabs reaction to the Embassy. Desolate. `` in the country the time to consider the safety of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations condition! See at least a small increase in business this year over last of many American-owned businesses in Point. And resorts in the city itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point, but take! Large gun battles have taken place and as one of the island are still in the city itself almost! Tension persists in Sonoyta, a city of about 60,000 inhabitants, is it worth to! But determining whether or not this is disaster, '' he said, looking hundreds... As you approach the border edge almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point hospitals can be places!
