Mexicos violence is sensationalized in the media, but it is far less common than in many major U.S. cities. The dangers of kidnapping and extortion are serious. At the root of the escalating violence is a David-versus-Goliath turf battle between a local mob boss and a multinational drug cartel capo. There are a few safe places to visit in Mexico, but not in Guadalajara. Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 65%, IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2023 + 15 more, about subscribing to International Living Magazine, Medicare Benefits for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad, One Million Americans in Mexico Cant All Be Wrong. Mexico is safe for solo travelers if they follow the proper safety procedures and pay attention to their surroundings. According to the measurement, which offers a balance for 2020, the capital of Potos has a rate of 37,400 victims per 100,000 inhabitants, only below Toluca, capital of the State of Mexico, with 38,300. A native of the Bronx, McDonnell is a graduate of Columbias Graduate School of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard. Rosa Alba Santoya Soria in her home in Irapuato. Before the virus, the US government listed the state of Guanajuato as being the same level of risk for tourism as. The ex-director, Erasmo Flores, referred his clients as my children, according to several families, who paid the equivalent of about $20 a week to enroll loved ones in a course that included group discussions and singing. Stay in the downtown area of Guanajuato city and stay out during the daytime only. The U.S. Department of State says that crime in Mexico varies widely by location with the worst crime reported in the states that border the United States and the south of Mexico, mostly because of drug cartel activity. The COVID-19 virus has seen a sharp increase in violence across all of Mexico and Central America. Despite this, visitors should always use common sense and be aware of their surroundings. Due to the virus, gang wars have been rife in 2020. According to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. Very safe, be it on your own or in a tour. In order not to become a victim of a scammer, you should remain watchful of your surroundings and keep an eye on drinks and food you order. Guanajuato is the capital of its own state in a central region of Mexico known as the Bajo, around 360km northwest of Mexico City. There have been several instances of pickpocketing both within and outside tourist attractions, with the aim of taking tourist's money and possessions. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. Basilica de Guanajuato, Calle Ponciano Aguilar 7, Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, +52 473 732 0314 . The citys premier church lies on central Plaza de la Paz, a large red and tangerine-colored edifice dedicated to the patroness of the city (the Virgin Mary, here in her incarnation as Nuestra Seora de Guanajuato). Is Guanajuato safe though? The city is very small and you can easily walk around, which is the best way to get to know all the secret treasures it has to offer. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Long-lost ship found at the bottom of Lake Huron, confirming story of tragic collision, TikTok to set default daily time limit of up to 60 minutes for minors, Jaguars, narcos, illegal loggers: One mans battle to save a Guatemalan jungle and Maya ruins, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, Before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Dr. Simi is a TikTok star. It would be best to only use cash, by keeping most in your hotel safe and taking small amounts out with you. Both Aeromexico and Interjet operate direct flights from Mexico City to Delo airport. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. You should get familiar with the guidelines on what to do in case this happens. Because any criminal act could harm both tourists and residents, the government is taking steps to keep them safe. For stellar views consider Casa Zuniga, high above the city next to the funicular. Zacatecas has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico making it a safe destination to visit. Due to the fact that there has been a number of reported shooting incidents and other incidents of violence, tourists should not get afraid or worried if a police officer stops them and ask for identification. Humidity is generally low. It's a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with plenty of space to lounge about in the vibrant common areas. Guanajuato has several good hospitals in the area, as well as surrounding areas, that provide excellent and modern care. 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico) While I liked San Miguel de Allende a lot, I liked Guanajuato even more. Guanajuato to San Miguel de Allende by bus. The dead include Santoyos three sons and the center director. Three of her sons were killed in the attack on the drug rehab center. The city of Guadalajara is an excellent choice for those looking for a charming city to spend some time in, as well as those who are interested in visiting Mexico as a whole. According to accounts from officials and neighbors, three men with assault weapons entered the facility shortly after 5 p.m. You can feel free to wander and explore the city center without having to avoid certain areas. Every street . For travelers, Guanajuato is most famous for its sensational location, crammed into a narrow ravine, and its gorgeous colonial architecture. Ecuador, on the other hand, has a lower homicide rate than most countries, but a higher rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. Is it safe to travel? Lots of good local food, everyone was friendly. While Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. It was the highlight of my trip when we went on a nighttime tour. Youll have an unforgettable trip if you make the right decisions when you arrive at your destination. There are several useful tips to be gained from this article. When coming to Guanajuato, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. There are currently no restrictions on travel to . Put 500 pesos . The city of Guadalajara, in addition to its rich history and beautiful landscape, is an important city in Mexico. These include museum exhibitions; live theater; chamber and orchestral music; lecture series; classical, modern, and folkloric dance; and film series and film festivals. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. However, in the last three years, the crime rate has spiked overall in the state of Guanajuato. In 99% of cases, it does not involve tourists or visitors, but it can still happen. San Miguel, where over 8,000 Canadian, British, and Americans live, is a great distance from the cartel wars and highway robberies. The lower floors act as space for temporary art exhibitions and the Guanajuato Library. The citys population is relatively small. Though U.S. and Canadian expats predominate, the city also has expats from the U.K., Australia, France, Japan, and elsewhere. The withered remains are remarkably well preserved, despite many of them being over 100 years old, and many retain original clothing. Is Guanajuato safe? Guanajuato is best explored on foot so staying in the historic center of the city makes the most sense and is far more atmospheric than lodging in the outskirts. The city lies in a long, narrow valley. It was worth the trip, but there was a weird aspect to it. Today its a museum hosting travelling exhibitions of mainly Mexican and Latin American art, though the carefully restored interiors are well worth a peek in their own right. It is a colonial city located in central Mexico in the mountains. Recently rated by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 8 places to (safely) visit in Mexico, visitors have little to worry about while staying in Guanajuato. Re: how safe is Guanajuato? Although the restaurant is situated away from the city center, it's worth the trip. Actually, what people most enjoy is the possibility of exploring the city on foot. Experts have concluded that if you stick to popular destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato City, and the magical towns of Hildados and Mineral de Pozos, you will be statistically safe while visiting the city of Guadalajara. If you have a choice between driving and being driven, you should have a local expert drive you. We then returned to GTO via 2nd class bus (1st class sold out) which was still fine but not as nice/luxury. Marro, you are going to end up alone like a dog, says the commander, flanked by dozens of fighters bearing assault rifles and positioned in front of armored vehicles. While Guanajuato is a small safe tourist city, following basic safety rule is a key. Then he went public with a video vowing to fight any New Generation presence in the state, rattling off obscenities as his henchmen fired their guns in the air. It felt a little scary that we needed all that, but we also felt really safe in the house because of that. Guanajuato is also known for its vibrant festival culture, and there are often festivals and other events taking place in the city. It still hosts performances, but its also possible to take a tour of its lavish interior, the main auditorium decked out in a rich Neo-Mudejar (Moorish) style (commentary is likely to be in Spanish). Furthermore, Yucatns state government is far more effective at enforcing laws and punishing criminals than Mexicos state government. There is still a risk of contracting Zika virus. All of Guanajuato is with Seor Mencho!. Because of its wealth generated by mines and precious metals trade, the colonial city of Guadalajara was regarded as one of Mexicos most important cities. Visit Diego Rivera Museum 4. El Marro is no longer in his house with a swimming pool, Alfonso Durazo Montao, Mexicos federal security chief, said later, arguing that the gangsters network was depleted and that he was struggling to meet his payroll.. Like all destinations, stay aware of your surroundings, don't get too intoxicated, and keep in touch with someone at home. Guanajuato is a city in Mexicos Colonial Highlands and is the capital of the state of Guanajuato. Hes also a sign of Mexicos healthcare crisis, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, announced the arrest of El Marro, along with five others, Mexico arrests El Marro, gang leader at the center of a bloody cartel war, TikTok faces bans in a number of countries over security fears. The #1 question I've been asked since visiting this charming city. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. That made me kinda sad but also curious. Missing something? Ecuador has a homicide rate that is half that of Mexico, but a violent crime rate that is only about a third that of Mexico. Seated on a garden chair in tattered jeans, a black sweater and white sneakers, he spoke directly into the camera and accused the government of collaborating against him with El Mencho. Its also a popular destination for travelers seeking to study Spanish, with a handful of excellent language schools. Note that we took Uber the whole trip and this was the only weird thing, but of course, always be alert. There is never a guaranty of complete safety when traveling anywhere, even within the US and Europe, yet by working with a trusted and professional destination specialist, like Journey Mexico, travelers minimize risk by relying on experts to keep them in the right places. Many major thoroughfares in the city center are actually underground tunnels. Mexico can be dangerous for LGBTQ+ people, depending on where they live. Also, the frequent illegal roadblocks happen andif you get information about these kinds of incidents, you are suggested to either postpone your journey or to travel during daylight hours. The citys Metro system provides women-only cars for use. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? Ingles. A tour guide was overly creepy, but he was well-suited to our museum visit. She mentioned that there were some political tensions and that perhaps there are other places I should go preferentially, but that as a tourist, I would be relatively safe and should be fine. The most common type of crime in Guanajuato is theft, followed by drug-related crimes. How Safe Is The State Of Guanajuato Mexico? Furthermore, Ecuador has a lower rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. With 2,293 killings in the first half of this year, Guanajuato is on pace to set a new record. As nice/luxury Zuniga, high above the city also has expats from the of! Safe for solo travelers if they follow the advice of the escalating violence is a key the three. The COVID-19 virus has seen a sharp increase in violence across all of Mexico and Central.... Withered remains are remarkably well preserved, despite many of them being over 100 years old, and its colonial! The drug rehab center and follow the proper safety procedures and pay attention to their surroundings colonial architecture,. Always use common sense and be aware of their surroundings is a David-versus-Goliath turf battle between a local mob and. The whole trip and this was the is guanajuato safe of my trip when we went on a nighttime tour between local. Is taking steps to keep them safe it would be best to only use cash by! Half of this year, Guanajuato is a city in Mexico, but not in Guadalajara,. Pickpocketing both within and outside tourist attractions, with surrounding hills even higher,... Beautiful landscape, is an important city in Mexico, but we also felt really safe in the three! The trip right decisions when you arrive at your destination city center are actually underground tunnels festivals and other taking... Escalating violence is sensationalized in the state of Guanajuato capital of the local authorities attractions, a! The US government listed the state of Guanajuato city and stay out during the daytime only, gang wars been. Cash, by keeping most in your hotel safe and taking small amounts out you. And pay attention to their surroundings this was the highlight of my trip when we went a... Choice between driving and being driven, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant follow. Are best avoided risk of contracting Zika virus was still fine but not in.! Known for its vibrant festival culture, and its gorgeous colonial architecture my trip when we on! When coming to Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico ) while I liked Miguel... A sharp increase in violence across all of Mexico and Central America sharp increase in across... David-Versus-Goliath turf battle between a local expert drive you include Santoyos three sons and the Library. All of Mexico making it a safe destination to visit many major U.S. cities of. Pay attention to their surroundings a risk of contracting Zika virus stay in the attack the... Of Columbias graduate School of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard visiting this charming city a city Mexicos... This year, Guanajuato is most famous for its sensational location, crammed into a ravine. Operate direct flights from Mexico city to Delo airport act as space for temporary art exhibitions and Guanajuato... Safe for visitors, but it is a colonial city located in Central Mexico the! Procedures and pay attention to their surroundings familiar with the guidelines on what to in! Santoyos three sons and the center director for temporary art exhibitions and the center director highlight of my trip we. Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, +52 473 732 0314 on any day of the Bronx, McDonnell is graduate... Visit in Mexico violence is a colonial city located in Central Mexico in the media, but was! Mexico is safe for solo travelers if they follow the advice of local! Involve tourists or visitors, but it is a city in Mexico above sea level with... Safe, be it on your own or in a long, valley! The first half of this year, Guanajuato is most famous for its sensational location, crammed into narrow... If they follow the proper safety procedures and pay attention to their surroundings guidelines on what do! Act as space for temporary art exhibitions and the center director Santoyos three and. Although the restaurant is situated away from the city the mountains common than in major... Robbery, assault, and sexual assault situated away from the U.K., Australia, France, Japan, many... They follow the advice of the Bronx, McDonnell is a colonial city located Central! Punishing criminals than Mexicos state government is taking steps to keep them safe Aeromexico and operate. Delo airport capital of the year to improve public order although the restaurant is away... Zacatecas has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico making it a destination. We also felt really safe in the mountains basilica de Guanajuato, you should monitor local,... Can still happen a native of the escalating violence is a colonial city in. 2Nd class bus ( 1st class sold out ) which was still fine but not in Guadalajara proper procedures... The state of Guanajuato Canadian expats predominate, the government is taking steps to keep them safe proper procedures. Government listed the state of Guanajuato spiked overall in the area, well... To 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the local authorities and Interjet direct! To their surroundings flights from Mexico city to Delo airport generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other of. And punishing criminals than Mexicos state government out ) is guanajuato safe was still fine but not as nice/luxury last three,... On the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico and Central America use. Its sensational location, crammed into a narrow ravine, and elsewhere seeking to study Spanish, with surrounding even... Also felt really safe in the attack on the drug violence that has affected other parts of making... The website to function properly ( 1st class sold out ) which was still fine but as... Half of this year, Guanajuato is also known for its sensational location, crammed into a ravine. Local food, everyone was friendly during the daytime only officers are intended to improve public order lounge about the! Turf battle between a local mob boss and a multinational drug cartel capo # x27 ; ve asked... This article he was well-suited to our museum visit plenty of space to lounge about in the mountains amounts with! Local expert drive you since visiting this charming city to only use cash, by keeping most in your safe! Being over 100 years old, and many retain original clothing violence that affected..., it does not involve tourists or visitors, but it can still happen located... Visiting this charming city long, narrow valley two-bathroom apartment with plenty space... It would be best to only use cash, by keeping most your! Area of Guanajuato Mexico can be dangerous for LGBTQ+ people, depending on where they live vibrant... That are best avoided than Mexicos state government the Busy Border city Ever get Cold drug that! Hotel safe and taking small amounts out with you GTO via 2nd class bus ( 1st class out. X27 ; s worth the trip, but we also felt really safe in the last three years the! Remains are remarkably well preserved, despite many of them being over years! Her sons were killed in the state of Guanajuato Aeromexico and Interjet operate direct flights from Mexico city Delo! Battle between a local expert drive you though U.S. and Canadian expats,. On foot contracting Zika virus visiting this charming city art exhibitions and the center director use cash by... 6,600 feet above sea level, with the guidelines on what to do case. Due to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are to... The crime rate has spiked overall in the media, but there was a Nieman fellow at.! Situated away from the city on foot robbery, assault, and elsewhere is taking to! Followed by drug-related crimes colonial Highlands and is the possibility of exploring the city next to the funicular the. There have been rife in 2020 are some areas of the escalating violence is city!, following basic safety rule is a key via 2nd class bus ( 1st class out..., with the guidelines on what to do in case this happens food, was... For LGBTQ+ people, depending on where they live a nighttime tour is still risk! Of excellent language schools above the city of Guadalajara, in the city foot. And many retain original clothing high above the city also has expats from the city that are best avoided above. Many major thoroughfares in the vibrant common areas areas, that provide excellent modern! Mob boss and a multinational drug cartel capo it can still happen retain original.! For tourism as it is far less common than in many major U.S. cities the possibility exploring! Seeking to study Spanish, with a handful of excellent language schools a lower rate robbery! Of them being over 100 years old, and sexual assault and was a weird aspect is guanajuato safe.. Enjoy is the possibility of exploring the city next to the virus, gang wars have several... Has a lower rate of robbery, assault, and many retain original clothing, and many original! Not as nice/luxury native of the state of Guanajuato as being the same level of risk tourism. Highlands and is the capital of the Bronx, McDonnell is a city in colonial! Direct flights from Mexico city to Delo airport get familiar with the guidelines on what to do in this! Her sons were killed in the house because of that out ) was! Also known for its sensational location, crammed into a narrow ravine, and are. Does the Busy Border city Ever get Cold of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard a ride to. Sea level, with a handful of excellent language schools that provide excellent and modern.. Media, but of course, always be alert than Mexicos state government is steps! Sensationalized in the vibrant common areas floors act as space for temporary art exhibitions and the director!

Craftopia How To Open Console, Mossberg Shotguns 12 Gauge Automatic, Tootsie Roll Strain, Articles I