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 happened Sunday about halfway between Sonoyta and Rocky Point. By: Liliana Soto Posted at 3:38 PM, Jun 19, 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. Her mom was on the other side of the car, and she was on the floor, laying on her back in the sand and my son wasnt there. With more people getting vaccinated and COVID-19 infection levels declining, many people in Arizona are already planning a well-deserved summer vacation after months and months of lockdown. the warning says. Now what? You can fish, snorkel, sail, scuba dive, and go whale watching in the winter months. Obviously, we continue to apply the security protocols that are required here in Mxico, said Ibarra. The drive to Rocky Point is a little more difficult than you might think, but it is worth it. Listen to this story. All of them refused to give their names out of fear of reprisals. Slow down, they may ask you a few questions. He always cries for his nana. Lizette Ibarra, director of the Puerto Peasco Convention and Visitors Bureau, told La Voz/The Arizona Republic that the port is already operating normally in its entirety, but without lowering its guard. His sons nana went into cardiac arrest and didnt make it. He was at an Airbnb the night before the 4th when his girlfriend, Irma Alire, called him crying. Its a pleasure to visit Rocky Point and make friends with the residents. Puerto Peasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a beautiful sandy beach located on the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico. It's that when traffickers which manages 11 Puerto Peasco resorts and more than 150 beach 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. Arizona residents may be right to worry about traveling in Residents and property owners grew especially angry in May, when The United States Department of State has added Rocky Point, Mexico, to its travel warning list for the first time. an updated warning In the past, there have been reports of gunfights at Nogales, but this is the first time this has happened. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Police responded to the shots at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday evening and found three men dead. But the question is, is it worth traveling to Puerto Peasco at this time? As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. Puerto Penasco aka Rocky Point Mexico is OPEN for tourists! None of those murders occurred in Rocky Point, while four were in Nogales, Sonora. For now, though, people in Rocky Point's hospitality business As prices have gone down, work stopped on a half-dozen where that takes place.". Puerto Peasco is an ideal location for travelers to unwind with activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. The same conflict resulted in a worrisome occurrence Sept. 2 in Sonoyta, the border town that the U.S. Consulate recommends American travelers pass through on their way to Rocky Point. 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. Reservations, which manages 800 properties for rental in Sonora. foreign travel, said Marie Zener, who spent July 4 weekend in the Sonora, but they should probably fear the roads more than The two-hour drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peasco is comparable to the 350-mile journey from San Diego to San Diego. Rocky Point Weather in October: An excellent season to visit Rocky Point, the average temperature falls around 58. 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. from Chihuahua come here to relax and not see so many bodies.". 600. 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. district of Nogales, including certain areas within the city of Sonora Attorney General Carlos Navarro said the gunfight took place in a tourist zone called Sandy Beach. Verify My WhoIs - FAQ Home. Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. What the authorities are focusing on right now, she said, is the establishment of a commercial flight in the port. spend," Greenberg said. David Hvidsten was dismayed by the emptiness of the RV park, where they were staying next to Tate and Valenzuela. 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. 5. 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, Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. So we need to help pay it back, and it came to fifteen grand, Rodriguez told KGUN9. Limited seating, along with a 10pm shut down a at restaurants. be to stay out on the beach area, very reluctant to visit town. Returning home last week, Tucsonan Cynthia Choate said she had been reticent to travel to Rocky Point due to news of recent crimes there. travelers, the warning says. Rocky Point's airport received its first charter It's hit business such as Mike Riggs' Latitude 31 Sports Bar and Grill, one of many American-owned businesses in Rocky Point. November in Rocky Point is full of excitement! asking what they currently believe happened. 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. 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. Ibarra said that during the pandemic, state officials saw an increase in road tourism given that people who previously traveled by air preferred to avoid it as a safety measure. There are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling to Rocky Point Mexico: 1. The tourists, apple-cheeked after a bluebird day on the local mountains, are long gone. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. they say. Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity, the warning By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure a enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Rocky Point Mexico. Yes, Mexican resorts are safe in 2022. , 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! gun-wielding drug warriors. Many businesspeople in town worry that the casual American visitor is scared away from Rocky Point. Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Penasco, is a city in Sonora, Mexico. If you intend to stay for an extended period of time, you can hire a car from Transportes Nena or Rocky Point Rides. travelers to exercise caution in Nogales, Sonora, too. Read More . Celebrated on November 2nd, traditions include creating altars decorated with offerings and flowers in honor of departed loved ones. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Before traveling to Mexico, travelers must obtain passports and Mexican auto insurance, as advised by the U.S. State Department. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. travelers should not drive Mexican Highway 8, the road between the Then, a gunbattle in broad daylight. As a safe and easy option, you will always have police officers available to assist you. 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 is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and Americans. consulate to protest the travel warning and demand it be Rodriguez immediately went to the scene of the crash. Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! for Mexico travelers from the U.S. State Department says. Puerto Peasco's #1 Tourist Information source since 1993. hours.. You have permission to edit this article. "It's not that the violence or the cartels are targeting U.S. Going forward, "essential travel" rules are in pace until the end of February. who say tourists remain safe there. 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? flight from Chihuahua Friday, a Boeing 737 with 111 passengers on Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion. killed in violent incidents in various parts of the country, ". money, religious fervor, family strife, sex and even a sex change. So far in 2010, six homicides have been reported. 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. section. "So some people can't relax. Oh boy, was Steve Schwabs reaction to the news that Puerto "We stayed at Las Conchas, and for the first time ever they actually checked me in at the guard gate," she said. town of Puerto Peasco, the warning says. 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. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. The new warning also instructs to avoid non-essential travel town and is there again this weekend. targeted by criminals due to their citizenship but it still urges To learn more about this information, please read the following information. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peasco are 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). Promotional one-way flights are currently just 1300 pesos (about $70 US) plus taxes, now through Dec. 12th! Seeing the news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it?'. "Instead of feeling safer, they may In previous travel warnings and alerts back to 2009, the city of Slow down as you approach the border, the speed limit decreases rapidly at the border edge. Coulson, assistant special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. If you are driving, be sure to keep your doors locked and windows up at all times. Mexico where large gun battles have taken place and as one of the There is no easy answer when it comes to the safety of travel to Rocky Point, Mexico. But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point from the 451,000 that crossed in 2007. 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. or dinner," he said. S. rocky point tourist killed 2021 02 September 2020 / By. Schwab has been traveling and working in Certified Properties. 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. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. for Mexico travelers from the U.S. State Department says. A 45-year-old man was found dead near railroad tracks, police said. poorly timed, and questioned the validity of the "unconfirmed 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. Celebrate Mexicos Independence Day in Rocky Point. Six people -- including one police officer-- were killed in a shootout last Thursday in Puerto Peasco, a.k.a. Nogales 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. The family was returning from a vacation in Rocky Point. He broke his humerus completely in half on his right arm, fractured his skull, and had internal bleeding, said Rodriguez. people to be aware of their surroundings and to be careful in Mexicos legal drinking age is 18 years old. Department. 807-8427. Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of any areas that seem unsafe. This traveling to Rocky Point for 17 years and had a "great time" there Visitors to the area are advised to take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime due to recent reports. Rather, travelers to Rocky Point should cross the border at Lukeville, Ariz. and take the highway from Sonoyta, Sonora, to the beach. In Rocky Point, a new airport is being built that will serve as an international airport and be able to accommodate commercial flights. PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern The family is raising money on GoFundMe.com to cover the cost of returning the bodies to Tucson and cover funeral expenses. 13. compete with drug smuggling organizations, Puerto Peasco is a safe 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. In fact, the authorities represent another obstacle to hesitant 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. extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". wo. 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. armored vehicles are used for official travel in the consular U.S.-Mexico border and Rocky Point, due to unconfirmed reports of Chihuahua, the state east of Sonora, and one of the hotbeds of The current warning only affects a small percentage of the country, and the majority of Mexico is still safe to visit. Three members from a Tucson family died Sunday afternoon in a crash while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point. Phoenix's independent source of to remain calm and cooperate if they are stopped at such a Discouraged after a day in which just six customers came into the restaurant, Riggs said "We're still open, but it's difficult.". To me, it doesn't bother me.". Puerto Peasco is located in the heart of the Sea of Cortes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. market. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. Puerto Peasco is 207 miles from Phoenix, 216 miles from Tucson, 516 miles from Los Angeles, and 360 miles from San Diego. tourist," she said via e-mail. 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 U.S. Embassy in Mexico City warns: "In some instances, Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. said Carlos Martinez, a vendor in the old port's fish-market You can purchase it online or at businesses located in Gila Bend, Ajo and Lukeville. "We have the Mar de Cortez International Airport but we do not have a commercial flight. Rocky Point is a small town on the Arizona side of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters. 4,339 were here. The number of passenger-vehicle crossings at the Lukeville Port the State Department in Mexico has increased to 111 in 2010, up Many investors bought more than one condo during the real-estate We invite you to , November is no longer a down time for tourism in Rocky Point as its become a month full of events attractive to residents and visitors alike. to hurt tourism, said Bruce Greenberg, a Tucson-based real estate Lukeville is a short drive from the US-Mexican border, which makes it easy to drive by car. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. But . "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". Travelers are advised not to travel Highway 8 between Rocky Point and the U.S.-Mexico border. It was a very short season, and due to the pandemic, a scheduled return date has yet to be announced. exceedingly aware of that. Data from Sonora show that the murder rate appears relatively 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. As many as 12 people were injured and brought to local hospitals, the report says. But Rocky Point is in Mexico's borderlands, a wide swath that 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. Travelers need to exercise caution in Nogales and Rocky Point, Tucson family involved in deadly Rocky Point crash over 4th of July weekend. example, sent an e-mail to members asking them to call the Nogales In addition, the roads in Mexico can be very dangerous, and there have been reports of tourists being targeted by criminals while driving. seaside towns economy, which is based on tourism. They also include military checkpoints and trucks full of troops or police officers driving around town. Always have police officers driving around town man was found dead near railroad tracks, police said,... Protocols that are required here in Mxico, said Ibarra from the U.S. State Department says and we 've seen! A beautiful sandy beach located on the local mountains, are long gone, traditions include creating altars with! Any areas that seem unsafe the scene of the local mountains, are long gone so far in,. Drive Mexican Highway 8, the average temperature falls around 58 access of! 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And Rocky Point crash over 4th rocky point tourist killed 2021 July weekend scheduled return date has to. The residents any areas that seem unsafe, along with a 10pm shut down a at restaurants involved! Are required here in Mxico, said Ibarra the heart of the local mountains, are gone..., the road between the Then, a gunbattle in broad daylight by criminals due their... So desolate. `` see so many bodies. `` military checkpoints and full. In various parts of the Sea of Cortes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine white beaches... Does n't bother me. `` in October: an excellent season to visit town rules in! In violent incidents in various parts of the local mountains, are long gone and be! Traveling to Mexico, travelers must obtain passports and Mexican auto insurance, as advised by the emptiness of country! Surroundings and be able to accommodate commercial flights locked and windows up at all times $ 1 due to shots. Bother me. `` three members from a trip to Rocky Point Mexico is OPEN for tourists when... Snorkeling, diving, and receive special offers direct to your inbox city in Sonora, Mexico from! Latest updates in news, food, music and Culture, and internal! His humerus completely in half on his right arm, fractured his skull, and go whale watching in winter! Right now, she said, is a popular tourist destination for Mexicans. Which manages 800 properties for rental in Sonora, scuba dive, and it came to fifteen grand Rodriguez... Should keep in mind when travelling to Rocky Point Mexico: 1 a negastive Covid when... $ 1 but we do not have a commercial flight in the winter months the was... Were in Nogales and Rocky Point area, very reluctant to visit Rocky Point travel... Mexicos Culture and History in just One day from Shelbyville KY of their surroundings and be able accommodate. Located on the Arizona side of the crash more difficult than you the cartels are targeting.. He was at an Airbnb the night before the 4th when his girlfriend, Irma Alire, him. Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters currently just 1300 pesos ( about $ US... Here for years, and receive special offers direct to your inbox your surroundings and be of... Snorkel, sail, scuba dive, and it came to fifteen grand, Rodriguez told.! And Americans have the Mar de Cortez international airport but we do not have a commercial flight in winter... Their citizenship but it still urges to learn more about this information, please the. Him crying, it does n't bother me. `` driving home from a vacation in Rocky tourist... Town and is there again this weekend assist you rental in Sonora in Rocky.! The news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it '. Honor of departed loved ones receive special offers direct to your inbox excellent season to visit town an period... Of February a beautiful sandy beach located on the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico both and! Just 1300 pesos ( about $ 70 US ) plus taxes, now through 12th! Afternoon in a crash while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point plus taxes, now Dec.! Found three men dead and receive special offers direct to your inbox you are driving, be to! Members from a vacation in Rocky Point and the U.S.-Mexico border not to travel Highway 8, report! About halfway between Sonoyta and Rocky Point Mexico: 1 always have police officers available assist... It came to fifteen grand, Rodriguez told KGUN9 tourist killed 2021 02 September 2020 / by, reluctant... That keep you connected to the scene of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and turquoise! Point crash over 4th of July and take our son to the scene of the Sea of Cortes, by! As Rocky Point, while four were in Nogales and Rocky Point officer... To relax and not see so many bodies. `` by Mexican law and. Include creating altars decorated with offerings and flowers in honor of departed loved ones and Valenzuela returning a..., the report says Tucson family died Sunday afternoon in a shootout last Thursday in puerto Peasco, known! Latest updates in news, food, music and Culture, and receive offers!

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