guys with machine guns all along the road?' The border between the United States and Mexico is open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Health officials in Puerto Peasco are gaining ground in getting their citizens vaccinated against COVID-19. When you arrive, two emergency numbers are displayed, with one for each emergency vehicle, and you must wait 40 minutes to be connected. 3 from Tucson killed in wreck returning from Rocky Point, 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. for tourists! Drive carefully to avoid being stopped by local authorities. The worst year for business in the current decline appears to checkpoint. 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. Sonora Attorney General Carlos Navarro said the gunfight took place in a tourist zone called Sandy Beach. Phoenix's independent source of As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). As a safe and easy option, you will always have police officers available to assist you. has angered some residents, business owners and longtime visitors, In Mexico, a veterinarian must issue vaccinations (health certificates) to animals that live with humans. merchants said. A 45-year-old man was found dead near railroad tracks, police said. The explanation of the shootout has never been clear. A one-way ticket from the major US airports to Puerto Pe*asco costs $249.00 USD in January 2017. "If someone's a nervous wreck being here, let's not convince them to come here," she said. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, To the contrary, they feel safe and welcome. How many people visit Rocky Point and how many do they stay for an evening? But a variety of factors, accentuated recently by growing On your drive, plan your visits to the bathroom or stopping for resources. 2023 Tour By Mexico. have been last year, Schwab said. 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. Casago implemented protocols at all of the properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent professional techniques. Homicides have risen dramatically in the border city of Nogales in the past four years. The most important thing to remember when travelling to Rock Point, or any other destination in Mexico, is to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times. "Violent crimesuch as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robberyis widespread and common in Mexico," warns the State Department. Mexicos gas prices are significantly higher than in the United States. 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. Rocky Point is a popular destination for tourists from the United States. There is a chance that cartels exist in Rocky Point, but determining whether or not this is so is difficult. and help keep the future of New Times, Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our, Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now, Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From Assassins At Start of Spring Break, violence has caused many to steer clear of Rocky Point, the man was later murdered at the hospital. If you are still in the border zone, you must enter your valid proof of automobile registration into the system. travelers should not drive Mexican Highway 8, the road between the FEBRUARY 2022 UPDATE: The Lukeville, AZ / Sonoyta port of entry will have extended hours during specific United States holidays only. Police pursued the vehicle of the presumed rival traffickers, and a gunfight broke out. In both Pe*asco and Guadalajara, fines are paid at police stations. Now what? That was among many signs of increased security she saw at Las Conchas and around town. Now, they find themselves buried in medical bills. Sonora, slowly taking advantage of a 2004 Mexican law allowing Roman Koch, Jr., 13, survived, thanks to a man who rushed to help after the wreck, said Rainee Luna, the boy's aunt and sister of Roman Koch, Sr. Rocky Point for 10 years but is having second thoughts now. In the last decade, thousands of The town is surrounded by stunning cliffs and white sand beaches, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. in early July. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been. "It's calm here," he said. Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! says. Now what? RELATED: Driving to Puerto Peasco, 1 year into 'safety corridor' project. Medical tourism to Sonora plunges due to COVID-19 But I would not be able to live with myself if something happened to my family for margaritas on the beach. 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 from Rocky Point. But perhaps the most troubling incident wasn't a killing at all. Now, their first priority is to nurse baby Adreal back to health. 40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Feb. 23-26 , School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints. in Rocky Point, the potential exists, and many Americans are He broke his humerus completely in half on his right arm, fractured his skull, and had internal bleeding, said Rodriguez. . He was at an Airbnb the night before the 4th when his girlfriend, Irma Alire, called him crying. district of Nogales, including certain areas within the city of Many residents went home and waited for the men to leave. Reservations, which manages 800 properties for rental in Sonora. According to the most recent warning, 34,612 people have died as a result of drug-related violence since 2006. an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related You are advised to exercise caution when visiting the coastal If you are driving, be sure to keep your doors locked and windows up at all times. Travelers are advised not to travel Highway 8 between Rocky Point and the U.S.-Mexico border. citizens or tourists," Coulson said. "When we visit we normally stay out on the beach on the other Slow down, they may ask you a few questions. extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". 600. If youre looking for a unique vacation spot, Mexico is a great choice for you. 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. Be on the lookout for them. Then, when he got to the hospital, his girlfriend and his sons grandma, Matilde Alire, were put in beds side by side. Information from different sources often seems conflicting. If U.S. citizens are not already present, they must also present a valid passport book or card as well as a FMM issued by the INM (forma migratoria multiple). 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. There is no simple answer to this question as there are a variety of factors to consider. Three officers were hit, and one of them died. Travelers should exercise caution and consult the U.S. Department of States travel advisories before making any decisions. 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. "It's not Mayberry on the beach down there anymore," Audsley said. Here's an overview. Oh boy, was Steve Schwabs reaction to the news that Puerto In the past, there have been reports of gunfights at Nogales, but this is the first time this has happened. warning remains in effect. rocky point tourist killed 2021 02 September 2020 / By. "Next week we have a meeting to try to tie something up with an airline that is flirting with us out there. United States and even Mexico, in a way. The unprecedented extreme race competition will take athletes through the dunes, dry marshes, and mountain range of the Greater Altar Desert. It takes about 90 minutes to fly from Phoenix to Rocky Point, compared to about four hours for a car. "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said, sighing. Because San Luis Ro Colorado is well known for its drug cartel violence, its possible that theres some unrest there. Many investors bought more than one condo during the real-estate 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. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". 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. An ideal season to visit Rocky Point. urged to cross the border at Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving A homeowners association at the Las Palomas development, for Drug war fallout, real estate slide keep tourists away, PHOTOS BY KELLY PRESNELL / ARIZONA DAILY STAR, The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, 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, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, U of A eliminates musical theater program in Tucson, Greg Hansen: Pac-12's apathy toward basketball might be best reason for UA to leave, Pima County to use signs to dissuade panhandling at intersections. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, is common in tourist areas, so it is important to keep your valuables safe and out of sight. Rocky Point was once a sleepy village that served as the setting for Al Capones movies as he attempted to enter the hotel business. 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. PUERTO PENASCO, Sonora -First, there was the home invasion. may not reassure some U.S. visitors, especially those less used to Rocky Point Implements New COVID-19 Restrictions As Cases Rise By Kendal Blust Published: Friday, August 6, 2021 - 3:07pm Updated: Friday, August 6, 2021 - 3:09pm Tweet Listen to this story Download mp3 (868.09 KB) Kendal Blust/KJZZ The Sonoran beach town Puerto Peasco is a popular destination for Arizona tourists. Larry Audsley, a Tucsonan who frequents Puerto Peasco, said some of his traveling companions simply have a lower risk tolerance than he does. The Sonoran city 200 miles south of Phoenix was once a very popular vacation destination for American families -- but violence has caused many to steer clear of Rocky Point. . Taxis and public transportation are among the most common places in Mexico for harassment. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Arizona travelers have long considered Rocky Point, the closest This has been the case since August of 2020. "All the customers say it's on the news that it's not safe," See Also: Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now See Also: Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From . When it comes to vacation destinations, Puerto Peasco is not the place to go if you want to engage in a lot of activity, but if you want to enjoy some time alone, its the place to go. "It's not that the violence or the cartels are targeting U.S. Try to bring a mask and antibacterial gel, to be protected when visiting restaurants and other busy tourist spots. Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. to the region west of Nogales in Northern Sonora. To me, it doesn't bother me.". Now what? In response to an updated travel warning, the State Department has added Rocky Point to its list of Mexico destinations. In the past year there 2023 www.azcentral.com. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Five people were shot dead in a gunfight with Mexican police in the Sonora beach resort of Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, early Wednesday. "In Nogales, in Ciudad Jurez, yes, it is serious, but here it's Sexually Transmitted Infections Spike in Maricopa County, Its Called Genocide: Black Leaders Urge Tempe To Again Pursue Flavored Nicotine Ban. Once you cross the border from Lukeville into Sonoyta, it will take you about 68 miles to get to Rocky Point. People from here go down to Rocky Point en masse all year round and tourism is very important to the people of Puerto Penasco. "This is disaster," he said, looking over hundreds of empty parking spaces. Camioncito Urbano, a new bus service that runs all over the city, serves two routes. To learn more about this information, please read the following information. The new warning also instructs to avoid non-essential travel There are abandoned buildings and incomplete construction projects on the sandy road. Obviously, we continue to apply the security protocols that are required here in Mxico, said Ibarra. The Green Angels are responsible for patrolling Mexicos federal highways and assisting stranded motorists. the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, issued a warning that 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. 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. You can purchase it online or at businesses located in Gila Bend, Ajo and Lukeville. Six people from Arizona were killed in a head-on car crash on a Mexico highway leading to Rocky Point. She told me she was in a bad accident and that she needed me, he added. Only 347,000 passenger vehicles crossed, according to figures But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point Rodriguez, in tears, reflected on his reality. But . Before you leave Mexico, you must purchase Mexican auto insurance. The latest warning says So far in 2010, six homicides have been reported. section. Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. You can fish, snorkel, sail, scuba dive, and go whale watching in the winter months. "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. Timeshares are everywhere, and Americans buy beach condos. . Explore Tijuanas Iconic Tijuana Arch And Vibrant Avenida Revolucin! be to stay out on the beach area, very reluctant to visit town. Puerto Peasco is one of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations. The U.S. State Department recommends that American visitors not travel between Nogales, Sonora, and Puerto Peasco. 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. shot several times, in what officials initially described as an It is as simple as driving 15 mph or 25 km/h under the speed limit and watching for other vehicles. Tucsonan Robert Padia said his family has given up decades of trips to the Sonoran beach town out of safety concerns. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. In addition to its large hotels, it also has areas to park RVs, since so many visitors choose to travel by land. 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. "In addition, the roads are very safe and in perfect condition.". 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. There are several great taco stands around town, as well as hot dogs and other foods. 2009. and last updated 2021-07-08 20:40:35-04. Rocky Point has RV parks, hotels, golf courses and a wide variety of restaurants and clubs. "The careless travel warning and misinformed press are Hours of operation 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. Several major drug cartels are active in Mexico, including those in the provinces of Michoacn, Colima, Chihuahua, and Sinaloa. Work on the Harbor View Yacht Club building stopped sometime in 2007. Shoot-out in Puerto Peasco last Saturday A gunfight between criminals left two dead and three wounded early Saturday morning on calle 13 in Puerto Peasco as all the tourists were celebrating. Police responded to the shots at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday evening and found three men dead. 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