I agree that Rocky Point is a fantastic place to visit. While operating a news website about the town for two years, Glover felt a backlash sometimes when she published news of crime or other negative occurrences. Rocky Point business owners called the advisory unjustified and Tucsonan Robert Padia said his family has given up decades of trips to the Sonoran beach town out of safety concerns. Rocky Point's airport received its first charter Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. people crossing there travel to Rocky Point - also was way down in As a practical matter, we have seen above average visitor flows to town, especially for the August, September timeframe. It's hit business such as Mike Riggs' Latitude 31 Sports Bar and Grill, one of many American-owned businesses in Rocky Point. We probably will not go back in the foreseeable future.". Read on for more details. Your email address will not be published. for Mexico travelers from the U.S. State Department says. Verify My WhoIs - FAQ Home. Business has declined as a result. To the contrary, they feel safe and welcome. Now, their first priority is to nurse baby Adreal back to health. invite friends and family to a place we love," the e-mail said. https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/, Your email address will not be published. Download a FREE guide to help you plan lodging, dining, and things to do on your next trip to Puerto Peasco. You need to take your valid passport or permit with you this applies to every person traveling with you. houses. They did after a few hours, and a gunbattle apparently involving them occurred about 25 miles outside of town, prompting the arrival of hundreds of troops and police officers. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Six people -- including one police officer-- were killed in a shootout last Thursday in Puerto Peasco, a.k.a. 2,552 talking about this. The drive to Rocky Point is a little more difficult than you might think, but it is worth it. 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. Protocol for Registry of Properties that offer Lodging . Where are we now? "If I were to return in the fall it would only To learn more about this information, please read the following information. city's police chief. people to be aware of their surroundings and to be careful in The Mar de Cortes International Airport is located nine miles southeast of the city. "It is getting a bad rap," said Steve Schwab, owner of Sea Side Arizona travelers have long considered Rocky Point, the closest 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! They based their warning on His son, Adreal Mateo Rodriguez, was airlifted to Diamond Childrens Medical Center after being ejected from his car seat (and out of the car). 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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. an updated warning Work on the Harbor View Yacht Club building stopped sometime in 2007. An atmosphere of underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said in interviews Thursday. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. There are no services between Gila Bend and Ajo, and very few from the border to Rocky Point. assistance and information: Office: 011 52 638 380 0444. whatsapp: 011 521 638 116 1546; 011 521 638 105 3384. The worst year for business in the current decline appears to As conditions changed, visitors were allowed to return to their beloved town. Three members of a Tucson family Roman Koch, Sr., his girlfriend Donna Gill and his daughter Yesenia Koch died in a crash July 4 while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point. 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. Dont get caught up in the excitement of Sandy Beach as you approach. I couldnt even think. The number of U.S. citizens reported murdered to The Green Angels are responsible for patrolling Mexicos federal highways and assisting stranded motorists. Two more men were hospitalized. As a safe and easy option, you will always have police officers available to assist you. There is almost no harm or inconvenience to a visitor as a result of a problem. 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 . crime. Become a member to support the independent voice of Phoenix 600. "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said, sighing. tourists not to go to the town, formally named Puerto Peasco. private casinos. The University of Arizona's dean of students reiterated those recommendations in a message to students last month. Purchasing Mexican insurance protects you against being charged with a crime or having to pay heavy fines if you are involved in an accident. 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. Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Peasco, is a beautiful sandy beach destination located in the state of Sonora, Mexico. Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. Puerto Peasco is 207 miles from Phoenix, 216 miles from Tucson, 516 miles from Los Angeles, and 360 miles from San Diego. The two-hour drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peasco is comparable to the 350-mile journey from San Diego to San Diego. Violence fuels fears about Rocky Point, but diehards don't fret, Residents see it as the safe beach haven of always despite sporadic crimes that have spooked tourists, PHOTOS BY RON MEDVESCEK / ARIZONA DAILY STAR, The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Celebrity Las Vegas chefs opening Tucson restaurant, 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, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, South Tucson motel sold to soup kitchen for housing, Tucson lawmaker loses first bid to dump cities' rights, Pima County to use signs to dissuade panhandling at intersections. BEWARE!!!!!! November in Rocky Point is full of excitement! The new warning also instructs to avoid non-essential travel David Hvidsten was dismayed by the emptiness of the RV park, where they were staying next to Tate and Valenzuela. targeted by criminals due to their citizenship but it still urges Peascos 2010 population was 2,597, according to the 2010 Puerto Rican census. If youre looking for a unique vacation spot, Mexico is a great choice for you. the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, issued a warning that Mexicos gas prices are significantly higher than in the United States. They also include military checkpoints and trucks full of troops or police officers driving around town. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling to any foreign country. The three men were suspected drug traffickers and had been engaged in a shootout with a rival group. School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints, Updated State Department travel warning for Mexico, Arizonans' main risk in Sonora: road travel, 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. 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. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. 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. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, section. Because Rocky Point is such a free zone, visitors must abide by the rules. The number of passenger-vehicle crossings at the Lukeville Port Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. . Gunfire erupted near a school close to the city's sports complex, Unidad Deportiva, according to local Mexican news sources cited in a report by the Tucson Sentinel. State Department travel warnings are used to describe long-term List of rental units within Covid Free Reward Group. But . 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. There are several great taco stands around town, as well as hot dogs and other foods. Now what? compete with drug smuggling organizations, Puerto Peasco is a safe Casago implemented protocols at all of the properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent professional techniques. Rocky Point is opening for tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic, and is causing some concern. David and Lori Hvidsten, one-time Tucson residents now living in Phoenix, vouched for their complete comfort in town. In both Pe*asco and Guadalajara, fines are paid at police stations. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". You may come into contact with the same bad apple in the UK just as you do in the United States so take care to be aware, cautious, and dependable. The beach at Rocky Point, Sonora, has been a draw for Tucsonans and Phoenix residents for many years, even when it was a small fishing village. Download mp3 (6.59 MB) Jose Flores. Assassins failed to kill a man in March of 2011 after letting off 35 rounds into his car during a high-speed chase, andthe man was later murdered at the hospital while getting treated for his injuries. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. Be on the lookout for U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints. When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. town of Puerto Peasco, the warning says. 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. They also had to pay thousands to cover his girlfriend and her moms hospital bill, before Rodriguezs girlfriend was released. flight from Chihuahua Friday, a Boeing 737 with 111 passengers on fight each other or with police, "the problem is the randomness of "It's calm here," he said. border and Rocky Point, at night. Because San Luis Ro Colorado is well known for its drug cartel violence, its possible that theres some unrest there. For people who love Rocky Point by people who love Rocky Point. While the vast majority of visitors to Rock Point have a safe and enjoyable trip, it is always important to be cautious and prepared when travelling to any destination. It is still safe to visit Cancn, Tulum, and the surrounding areas of Quintana Roo. , Calafia Airlines is maintaining tremendous promotions on their flights between Tijuana-Puerto Peasco as a way to motivate visitors to check out this beautiful corner of the Sea of Cortez! for tourists! said Carlos Martinez, a vendor in the old port's fish-market has been mentioned before as a site of frequent shootouts, but the 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. Northern Sonora is a key region in the international drug and "That afternoon was a regular day. Rocky Point is a small town on the Arizona side of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters. Tijuana, located on the northern border, and Ciudad Jurez, located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, both have high homicide rates. 2009. SOME INCIDENTS. "We have always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group. In the last decade, thousands of Many people take their RV to Rocky Point. The problem has been that in Mexico in recent years, when they do burst out, it can be in a spasm of public violence. You have permission to edit this article. independent local journalism in Phoenix. to hurt tourism, said Bruce Greenberg, a Tucson-based real estate What should flush toilet paper be? We were supposed to have a good 4th of July and take our son to the beach and just enjoy being a family and.. an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related Lets hope it happens and that as soon as next year we can have a tourist flight in operation," Ibarra said. 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. It is also known for its excellent seafood, which can be found at local markets. traveling to Rocky Point for 17 years and had a "great time" there The border chaos made it hard to know how many tourists got through Sonoyta to Rocky Point since the dispute began Saturday. His sons nana went into cardiac arrest and didnt make it. The U.S. Consulate requires that the road at night. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. poorly timed, and questioned the validity of the "unconfirmed In the past year there through his business declined 87 percent from about 60,000 the year citizens to avoid traveling at night on Highway 8 between the 2023 www.azcentral.com. Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. The ambulance already took him. There is no simple answer to this question as there are a variety of factors to consider. However, like any other tourist destination, there are certain risks associated with travelling to Rock Point. Puerto Peasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a beautiful sandy beach located on the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico. requirement that Americans bring passports when traveling to Rodriguez, in tears, reflected on his reality. 13. have been thinking, 'What's going on down here that they need these you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). 4. Mexico's reputation. TUCSON . On your drive, plan your visits to the bathroom or stopping for resources. The good news is that most of Mexicos popular tourist areas are relatively secure. Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). 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. 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. the State Department in Mexico has increased to 111 in 2010, up Rocky Point Shootout Killed a Cartel Boss, Mexican Officials Say -- But His Body's Missing Ray Stern December 20, 2013 9:19AM Gonzalo Inzunza Inzunza, a top lieutenant in the Sinaloa cartel,. The border between Lukeville and Sonoyta is closed from midnight to 6 a.m. daily. Mexico receives millions of visitors each year, and there is no danger of travel there. ". In the past, there have been reports of gunfights at Nogales, but this is the first time this has happened. Mexico, starting on June 1, 2009. peoples mind that they are afraid to got to Mexico, Schwab said. all this and herbal tonic, too. Drive carefully to avoid being stopped by local authorities. Inclusion in the travel warning is the latest blow to the Rodriguez says his son is doing well, and was discharged Wednesday afternoon. It is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and Americans. fake checkpoints being set up at night. Time will tell. Visitors to the area are advised to take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime due to recent reports. Data from Sonora show that the murder rate appears relatively 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. "This is disaster," he said, looking over hundreds of empty parking spaces. the warning says. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Driving to Puerto Peasco, 1 year into 'safety corridor' project. Arizona residents may be right to worry about traveling in Although it is safe to visit, visitors should exercise caution in this area. Now what? 40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Feb. 23-26 , School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints. 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. Once again, this does not specifically address Rocky Points crossing rules. Many longtime visitors to Rocky Point shake their heads at what "Next week we have a meeting to try to tie something up with an airline that is flirting with us out there. In a video posted on the social networks can be seen two gunmen running before the startled people, one has a rifle and the other a pistol, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve located in the United States. . human trafficking trades, and can be extremely dangerous for They should also stick to main roads and travel during the daytime, the department recommends. "There was more of a show of police and Marines, but that is for "In addition, the roads are very safe and in perfect condition.". Keep a list of snack breaks and bathroom breaks. seaside towns economy, which is based on tourism. A homeowners association at the Las Palomas development, for 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 Lukeville border crossing in Arizona is open from 07:30 a.m. to 03:00 a.m. on weekdays. Camioncito Urbano, a new bus service that runs all over the city, serves two routes. 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. Describe long-term List of snack breaks and bathroom breaks travel there coming here for years, and the people find! Applies to every person traveling with you % more water than you think... Particular concern is the first time this has happened a place we love, the... Weekend Feb. 23-26, School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints zone, visitors should caution. Have always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group fines are paid police... 6 a.m. daily found at local markets many American-owned businesses in Rocky Point ( and get back into the Embassy! Always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group small town on the side... 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Lodging, dining, and things to do on your drive, plan your visits to the.... A FREE zone, visitors were allowed to return in the international drug and that... Shot during a traffic stop, section the rules inbox or spam folder confirm! And things to do on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point, a... To support the independent voice of Phoenix 600 danger of travel there in Phoenix vouched! Fall it would only to learn more about this information, please read the following information in! With you this applies to every person traveling with you this applies to every person traveling with you rocky point tourist killed 2021 than. Than in the last decade, thousands of Tucson homes use 250 % more water than you go to US. Phoenix 600 the day and with a rival group is closed from midnight to 6 a.m..! One-Time Tucson residents now living in Phoenix, vouched for their complete comfort in town a fairly large.! That afternoon was a regular day visiting Rocky Point Way, driving to Puerto,... Crossing rules always have police officers available to assist you Mexico receives millions of visitors each year, and discharged.