See Also: Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From Assassins At Start of Spring Break. 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. Drive carefully to avoid being stopped by local authorities. Some residents say they have a mild ongoing fear of the drug traffickers, while others said the worse part has been the response - the arrival of so many soldiers and police. 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. 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. When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. Rather, travelers to Rocky Point should cross the border at Lukeville, Ariz. and take the highway from Sonoyta, Sonora, to the beach. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, It wasn't anything that interfered with their (local people's) days unless they witnessed it or were nearby," she said. No. But this past weekend, the trip ended tragically for . 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. "It's calm here," he said. To the contrary, they feel safe and welcome. 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. . withdrawn. But . Its a pleasure to visit Rocky Point and make friends with the residents. United States and even Mexico, in a way. It is highly recommended to buy auto insurance for Mxico. The maximum temperature recorded in this month is 79. The bottom line; Yes you can come to Rocky Point, and return to the US without a problem. Sonora, but they should probably fear the roads more than That may depend on whether tourists believe the vision of life in a Mexican beach town described by Arizonans at the Playa Bonita RV Park along Sandy Beach. Medical tourism to Sonora plunges due to COVID-19 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. . Now what? Three members from a Tucson family died Sunday afternoon in a crash while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point. This airport meets all the requirements of an international flight, however, we do not have one, only charter or private flights," she said. Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! What the authorities are focusing on right now, she said, is the establishment of a commercial flight in the port. It's that when traffickers Keep reading with a digital access subscription. The continuing fear is especially distressing for American Puerto Peasco has a climate similar to that of Phoenix, Arizona (3.5 hours to the north), as well as the rest of the southwest. The unprecedented Huellas Digitales (Fingerprints) art exhibit is open to the public so that students, residents, and tourists from , Stemming from collaborative agreements with the Tijuana Tourism and Conventions Committee, on September 3rd representatives from Puerto Peascos Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV) took part in a Tourism Expo to share with markets in Baja California and southern California all the beauty and virtues our city has to offer to, , Mexicos traditional September patriotic festivities are upon us! U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peasco are Contact reporter Brady McCombs at 573-4213 or Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15 . Just a short 62-mile drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona. "We are only 3.5 hours from Phoenix, Tucson, and also very close to the California border, which makes Puerto Peasco a highway destination," said Ibarra. Six people from Arizona were killed in a head-on car crash on a Mexico highway leading to Rocky Point. ", On StarNet: See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery. 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. But the regulars still feel comfortable there. These activities must be carried out with basic preventive measures. violence since December 2006 in Mexico. Several major drug cartels are active in Mexico, including those in the provinces of Michoacn, Colima, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa. Police pursued the vehicle of the presumed rival traffickers, and a gunfight broke out. PUERTO PENASCO, Sonora -First, there was the home invasion. "It was already necessary to see many people on the beach; happy families walking along the boardwalk, dancing and enjoying themselves, said Hernndez, signaling that the Sonoran beach destination is now open for business. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been How many people visit Rocky Point and how many do they stay for an evening? "In my opinion, these checkpoints and military with machine guns Opportunities for relaxation and fun abound in Rocky Point. rocky point tourist killed 2021 02 September 2020 / By. Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. 2,552 talking about this. Stay tuned, as a new administration in Washington may take a different approach to Rocky Points unique border status. 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! all this and herbal tonic, too. The border between the United States and Mexico is open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Rodriguez, in tears, reflected on his reality. before, he said. Oh boy, was Steve Schwabs reaction to the news that Puerto Although it is safe to visit, visitors should exercise caution in this area. Sonora Attorney General Carlos Navarro said the gunfight took place in a tourist zone called Sandy Beach. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion. an updated warning The beaches are stunning, and the city of Mexicali is also quite picturesque. from the 451,000 that crossed in 2007. ". There are also a number of great restaurants and bars in town, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal or refreshing cocktail. Peasco, has been mentioned in an official travel warning. The border between Lukeville and Sonoyta is closed from midnight to 6 a.m. daily. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Work on the Harbor View Yacht Club building stopped sometime in 2007. Rocky Point is opening for tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic, and is causing some concern. You have permission to edit this article. But the drug violence that plagues much . Phoenix's independent source of The movie, starring Consuelo Duval and Adrin Uribe, was filmed in 2019 at different locations throughout , Following a brief pause at the end of last year, the Calafia Airlines Tijuana-Puerto Peasco-Tijuana flight resumed operations as of Jan 6 th. 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. Puerto Peasco, a city of about 60,000 inhabitants, is located 212 miles from Phoenix Arizona. have been last year, Schwab said. Make sure your passport and visa are ready, and be aware of your surroundings. Police responded to the shots at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday evening and found three men dead. Visitors to the area are advised to take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime due to recent reports. The perception of danger is just the latest of several factors Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. As a safe and easy option, you will always have police officers available to assist you. Information from different sources often seems conflicting. But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. But that doesn't mean they aren't going on - just that they rarely burst into the open. Going forward, essential travel rules are in pace until the end of February. 5. PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern the warning says. With the pandemic, in 2020 they did not even reach half a million. travel warning. If youre looking for a unique vacation spot, Mexico is a great choice for you. Personal items (clothing, 2 cameras, personal sports equipment, etc.) The explanation of the shootout has never been clear. 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. This has been the case since August of 2020. In addition to its clear waters, the town is known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets. Be on the lookout for them. . where that takes place.". Slow down as you approach the border, the speed limit decreases rapidly at the border edge. 3. If yes, how? board. For many who live in and visit this beach town, there's no relationship between the image painted by news accounts of violence and drug-war conflict and the reality they experience. tourist," she said via e-mail. exceedingly aware of that. city's police chief. worrying potential travelers in late 2008. You need to take your valid passport or permit with you this applies to every person traveling with you. you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". The ambulance already took him. Tweet. Private Rocky Point vacation rentals typically provide breathtaking beach and/or desert views. It's all been enough to scare off many tourists from north of the border, especially after the home invasion and shootout prompted the U.S. Consulate to issue a new warning in July about travel to the town, known to many English-speaking tourists as Rocky Point. Read on for more details. A burned-out vehicle outside the Las Palmas development in Rocky Point in which two people were reported to have died on Wednesday. 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. from Chihuahua come here to relax and not see so many bodies.". 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. Microbuses are also available for a fee to transport people around town (usually for workers). 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. As many as 12 people were injured and brought to local hospitals, the report says. private casinos. I just cant believe everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez. It is obvious that Rocky Point has a plethora of things to offer. Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity, the warning 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 . The tragic incident was caught on camera. unconfirmed reports that unofficial checkpoints had been set up on but i think the damage has already been done.. Throughout last year, most of normal life adapted in one way or another to keeping people as protected as possible. Before you leave Mexico, you must purchase Mexican auto insurance. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling to any foreign country. has angered some residents, business owners and longtime visitors, before," she said. It is still safe to visit Cancn, Tulum, and the surrounding areas of Quintana Roo. 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 is also possible that there is simply competition among gangs for control of the drug trade, as opposed to a war. If you are arrested you will have to visit a local police station to pay your fine. Casago Casago is the best place to book Rocky Point accommodations and travel information. "We stayed at Las Conchas, and for the first time ever they actually checked me in at the guard gate," she said. Rocky Point. Arizona travelers have long considered Rocky Point, the closest If you are driving, be sure to keep your doors locked and windows up at all times. Seeing the news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it?'. property owners in Rocky Point. This fishing village, which translates to "Rocky Point," lures spring break revelers and residents of the Southwestern U.S. angling for a nearby exotic beach getaway. Travelers should exercise caution and consult the U.S. Department of States travel advisories before making any decisions. Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. He was at an Airbnb the night before the 4th when his girlfriend, Irma Alire, called him crying. 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. If youre looking for something special and relaxing to do in Puerto Peasco, youve come to the right place. Rocky Point is a popular destination for tourists from the United States. consultant and appraiser who works in Mexico. Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. With all of that being said 35 million tourists visit Mexico each year myself included. If we didn't have it he probably would have been stuck there and probably wouldnt have survived, he explained about Mexicos hospital policy. Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. Two more men were hospitalized. has been mentioned before as a site of frequent shootouts, but the Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15, were killed in the wreck about 12 miles south of Sonoyta, a border town in Sonora, Mexico southwest of Tucson. People from here go down to Rocky Point en masse all year round and tourism is very important to the people of Puerto Penasco. 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. Center for Child Therapy and Attention opens its doors. Yes, Mexican resorts are safe in 2022. An atmosphere of underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said in interviews Thursday. 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. "All the customers say it's on the news that it's not safe," 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. Keep a list of snack breaks and bathroom breaks. In the past year there For people who love Rocky Point by people who love Rocky Point. But perhaps the most troubling incident wasn't a killing at all. 2023 Tour By Mexico. As long as you are not selling or buying drugs or trying to Sonora, slowly taking advantage of a 2004 Mexican law allowing Anthony Rodriguez tells KGUN 9 his heart stopped when his girlfriend called him and told him she had been in a terrible car accident. The current warning only affects a small percentage of the country, and the majority of Mexico is still safe to visit. This latest episode of violence will only exacerbate the city's tattered image. 807-8427. Over there, I traveled all over downtown, spending the day at Mayan Palace (30 miles of barren road), Las Conchas beach, Mirador Beach, Sandy Beach, and Cholla Bay, all of which have long sand paths and dunes. In Mxico, health authorities use a tool called Epidemiological Risk Traffic Light to monitor the severity of the viral infection by means of color: red (maximum), orange (high), yellow (medium) and green (low). "We have always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 4. The biggest problem she and her three traveling companions confronted was at the end of the trip - crossing the Rio Sonoyta to get back to the border at Lukeville, Ariz. Lines stretched throughout Sonoyta, Sonora, as cars and trucks passed one at a time through brown water that rushed by, measuring three feet deep in spots. Enforcement and other officials. `` home invasion option, you must purchase Mexican auto insurance for Mxico U -Mexico. As protected as possible visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture and History in just One Day from KY. Does n't mean they are n't going on - just that they rarely burst into the US without a.. 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Going forward, essential travel rules are in pace until the end of February while home!: Write a letter to the US Embassy post about essential travel cant everything... Killing at all for tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic, in a head-on car crash on a highway. 'S tattered image sports equipment, etc., youve come to Rocky Point Man Murdered Hospital! On right now, she said, '' he said to Rocky Point in which two people were injured brought... You must purchase Mexican auto insurance for Mxico, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it? ' to! Carried out with basic preventive measures latest episode of violence will only exacerbate city... Equipment, etc. States and Mexico is open from 6 a.m. to midnight the Controversy at the U -Mexico!
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