Its central location makes Guanajuato a great jumping-off point for trips to the historic silver towns of Mexico, from San Miguel de Allende to Quertaro. A month later, at least three people were killed in a commando-style raid on a church during a wedding gathering in the small town of Pelavacas. San Miguel, where over 8,000 Canadian, British, and Americans live, is a great distance from the cartel wars and highway robberies. Mexico has a high crime rate overall, but it also has a high homicide rate. The dangers of kidnapping and extortion are serious. Many of the outfits are seedlings of organized crime, Guanajuatos security chief, Alvar Cabeza de Vaca, told reporters in June, after 10 people were killed in an attack on a different center in Irapuato. While cartels do operate in the surrounding countryside, they generally don't cause too much of a problem in the city - and if they do, it's nearly always targeted at specific people (usually of . Natalia Acosta Medina holds a photo of her slain son, Marco Antonio Castillo Medina. Though Guanajuato is not as well known in this regard as the expat haven of San Miguel de Allende, about 90 minutes away, Guanajuatos art scene is increasingly lively. 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. According to a report by a Mexican non-governmental organization, the Citizen Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice (Consejo Ciudadano para la Independiente), the most violent city in 2020 was Celaya, a city of about 500,000 people in the central state of Guanajuato. Low crime rates are common in Leon, Mexico, with an average crime rate of 82.55 crimes per 1,000 people. El Marro has no chance, said Vigil, the ex-DEA official. Give yourself a curfew in order to stay indoors during dark hours. There are numerous travel advisories and cautions from the State Department for Mexico, some of which concern crime and COVID. While Guanajuato is a small safe tourist city, following basic safety rule is a key. Nonetheless, keep in mind that you will be less likely to be targeted if you are not directly involved in the violence. Has anyone traveled here this year 2021? El Marro denounced his rival as an aging coward racked by gonorrhea. 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. Guanajuato is in the region known as El Bajo, a relatively high-altitude area with a semi-dry climate. 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. Put 500 pesos . Guanajuato has been a relatively safe city and crime generally is moderate. Bras. 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. Len (with a population of about 1.5 million) is a major industrial city and home to numerous excellent hospitals and shopping malls. Lined by cafs and bars such as popular Luna, its the perfect spot for an early evening drink local bands and musicians often play outdoors here at dusk. In particular, the neighborhoods of La Union and El Colonia are known for crime and should be avoided after dark. Get lost in the historical city center 3. A recent study discovered that Guadalajara is the most beautiful city in Mexico. The summer months are when it rains the most, July tends to be the wettest with May being the warmest. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Entrate de las noticias locales, regionales, nacionales e internacionales ms relevantes | el sol del bajo . 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. Guanajuato is crammed with elegant colonial churches, but this is one of the best, built by the Jesuits and consecrated in 1765 (the Jesuits were kicked out of Mexico just two years later). Visit the Alhondiga de Granaditas museum 7. There are several street food stands throughout the city. Police searched residences and seized vehicles, but El Marro escaped, possibly through an underground tunnel complex authorities later discovered. A few hours later, the funicular pulled me to safety while Latin music played in the alleys. As a result of this process, police officers become more effective, and crimes are less likely to occur. Whatever I say, it wont make a difference. While Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. Even though there is not a high risk of females being attacked in Guanajuato, it is better for them to choose the safer option and not to walk alone at night than the riskier one. Casa Mercedes is perfect for a last night splurge in the city, though its essential to make reservations. The third largest municipality in Mexico, with a population of 1,721,215 people or . The Jardin de la Union, located in the heart of the city, serves as the citys central square. Only thing to worry is taxi drivers or cops shaking you down or wrong place wrong time situations with the current turf wars going on in the area. The city lies in a long, narrow valley. The news from other cities: Salamanca, Len, Irapuato does not make you think that the state is dangerous but a little precaution is always suggested. The local church is a gorgeous example of 18th-century Mexican Churrigueresque style every inch is covered in gilded sculpture, painting, or ornate plasterwork. Among New Generations most profitable enterprises is the smuggling of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. El Marro, being the arrogant person that he is, figured that he was just as powerful as El Mencho, said Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. At the time, my wife, my son, and I were traversing Mexico with a list of 18 cities to investigate as potential . The Clnica La Presa, in one of the citys central neighborhoods, serves medical needs. Gang violence, often associated with the theft of petroleum and natural gas from the state oil company and other suppliers, occurs in Guanajuato, primarily in the south and central areas of the state. Guanajuato is a city with plenty of plazas and squares. A native of the Bronx, McDonnell is a graduate of Columbias Graduate School of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard. The city is home to numerous museums, churches, and other historical landmarks. A couple of kilometers west of the center lies one of Guanajuatos grandest colonial mansions, built for the wealthy Barrera family in the late 17th century. (Rental properties, however, are relatively scarce, and some properties for sale may require renovation.). Humidity is generally low. Guanajuato state does frequently make headlines for being a more violent part of Mexico; but is the city safe for tourists? In general, Guanajuato is considered a safe city, the police are always nearby, and the people are very friendly to tourists. It is caused by a variety of factors, including high crime and kidnapping rates. Mexico Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen, Museo Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera, Museo Regional de Guanajuato (Alhndiga de Granaditas). And in recent years there has been a tendency for an increase in the number of crimes. While Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. It wont bring my sons back.. I turned over the bodies one by one and looked at their faces, Acosta recalled. Acting wisely and avoiding the possibility of becoming a victim is all you have to do to stay safe in Guanajuato. One method is when the cashier swipes your card twice (once for the transaction and once for nefarious purposes). The majority of people drive safely in Mexico City, but there are some who feel the need to drive. Parity theft is the most common cause of your problems. Curious to hear if there has been incident involving tourists (except in the case when they were looking for drugs). 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. Water cannot be drank in Mexico. As many as 10,000 are studentsthe University of Guanajuato is here, with many university divisions housed right in the city center. You are more likely to attract criminals (gang members) and animals onto the road if you do not act aggressively. Estimates put its numbers at 300 to 500 for permanent, year-round expats. This amazing money belt is an excellent way to keep your cash safe. You can feel free to wander and explore the city center without having to avoid certain areas. My impression of Guanajuato is that it's a relatively (campared to much of Mexico) safe place to live and move about and that one need not be preoccupied with his/her safety or the safety of children. According to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order. All of Guanajuato is with Seor Mencho!. The city was founded in 1524, when Juan de Zum*rraga, second bishop of the newly formed diocese of Le*n, established it. In comparison to many other American cities, Mexico is safe. We came for you, filthy Marro! a voice declared. In March 2019, more than 1,000 police officers and soldiers descended on El Marros luxurious compound in Santa Rosa de Lima in an operation dubbed Strike the Helm. For retirees, Guanajuatos low cost of living is an additional attraction. The best-known expat haven in the Colonial Highlands is San Miguel de Allende. Hike to el Ppila Statue 5. Though U.S. and Canadian expats predominate, the city also has expats from the U.K., Australia, France, Japan, and elsewhere. Do not accept drinks from strangers as they might be spiked. Guanajuato state has had some security issues, but that's primarily been restricted to the cities of Celaya, Salamanca & Irapuato. A male identification card with three different names was discovered among the remains in an apartment. We were there in July 2021. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its signature architecture, silver mines, and rich history. The museum holds a macabre collection of mummified human corpses, displayed in glass cases. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. We then returned to GTO via 2nd class bus (1st class sold out) which was still fine but not as nice/luxury. Compared with other cities in Mexico, San Miguel de Allende is safe to walk around during both the day and night. Most of the turf wars take place in states in central Mexico such as Guanajuato. Today the museum chronicles the history of Guanajuato from pre-Columbian times to the 1910 Revolution, while the stairwells are decorated in murals created by local artist Jos Chvez Morado in the 1950s and 1960s, depicting scenes from Mexican history. Foreign correspondent Patrick J. McDonnell is the Los Angeles Times Mexico City bureau chief and previously headed Times bureaus in Beirut, Buenos Aires and Baghdad. El Marro, who is thought to be around 40, called his organization the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel, after his tiny hometown. There are several useful tips to be gained from this article. Mexican authorities had already lost control of security in much of the country when President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador took office in December 2018. How to spend 24 hours in Guanajuato Late night city stroll Eight days after authorities arrested El Marros family members, a state judge ordered them released and threw out the case for lack of evidence a decision that Lpez Obrador blamed on inefficiencies and corruption in the Guanajuato justice system. Three of her sons were killed in the attack on the drug rehab center. It seems GTO (state, in general) is friendly toward tourists, but not necessarily always their own citizens. In addition, various other museums and performance spaces in the city provide cultural activities throughout the year. The states silver mines, which are among the worlds richest, have helped the economy grow over the years. Type: Entire Home (2BR, 2B) Location: 1.6 mi to Guanajuato Center. Image by: https://layerculture.com. Our lodging there was a hotel and seemed safe. Is Guanajuato city safe for travels as foreigners? Being that there is no recent history of terrorism in Mexico, there is a very low risk of the attacks to happen. Guanajuatos expat community is international. When flying, be mindful of being safe and keeping the stopover as short as possible. World Nomads provides insurance for The Broke Backpacker, and he trusts them with his wildest escapades. It dominates the surrounding hills and plains, and provides sensational, albeit hazy views. Guanajuato has been a relatively safe cityand crime generally is moderate. In a nation convulsed by violence, the central state of Guanajuato long stood out as an island of relative calm. It is always best to use World Nomads Insurance as a fully comprehensive policy for backpackers and travelers. An outbreak of violence in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, and in the western states of Jalisco and Guanajuato have stunned even Mexicans accustomed to violence. Not being an industrial or commercial city, it avoids the crime problems of larger cities. The state is the sixth-highest populated in the Mexican nation and is famous for, among other things, blue corn tortillas. If you are a person that suffers from typical. These numbers are based on violence going on throughout the entire state of Guanajuato. The city is known for its colonial architecture and silver mining history. Both Aeromexico and Interjet operate direct flights from Mexico City to Delo airport. She was El Marros sister. According to accounts from officials and neighbors, three men with assault weapons entered the facility shortly after 5 p.m. Definitely not even close to being as dangerous as anywhere else. Lots of good local food, everyone was friendly. It is generally safe to walk around Centro Historico and Roma at night, but if you want to explore CDMXs nightlife, you should do so in groups because scammers, robbers, and thieves will be waiting for you. The mind is peaceful when one travels. The banner also noted a little gift left nearby in an abandoned pickup as a warning an undetonated bomb. This city played an important role in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and the Mexican Revolution of 2006 in the twentieth century. Oaxaca, with its numerous historical periods, is one of the places that can be seen throughout Mexico. That did make me feel a bit uneasy for a minute, as it was super weird and made no sense. They forced everyone upstairs to lie face-down on the floor and repeatedly asked: Who is Francisco?, The terrified residents replied one after another: There is no Francisco here.. Expats age 60 and over who have a valid residence visa for Mexico qualify for a retiree cardthe INAPAM cardwhich offers discounts on a variety of goods and services. In recent years, Guanajuato has attracted an increasing number of artists, both expat and local, who specialize in the plastic arts: sculpture, painting, jewelry-making, and the like. The wealthy neighborhoods of Le*n have low and consistent levels of Petty Crime due to the nearby area of Guanajuato. Is Guanajuato safe The short answer is "yes". None of which are directly related to tourists. 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. Mexico City is the most populous city in North America. We went to many bars and clubs in addition to museums and other sightseeing (day and night). According to reports, Merida is also the safest place in Mexico to live and travel. Traveling to any city requires common sense, and it is critical to stay up to date on your surroundings at all times. Despite this, visitors should always use common sense and be aware of their surroundings. At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. It is a dangerous place to visit due to the drug cartels, gang-related violence, and kidnappings. For travelers, Guanajuato is most famous for its sensational location, crammed into a narrow ravine, and its gorgeous colonial architecture. Add a visit to the Museo de las Momias and Museo Casa Diego Rivera, a meal at Casa Mercedes and an afternoon in La Valenciana. For shopping, Guanajuato has a nearby mall, several supermarkets, and two traditional markets in the historic center. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. . It was worth the trip, but there was a weird aspect to it. Rosa Alba Santoyo Soria is comforted by a friend. Its best to take a taxi here. The war of independence itself was launched from Dolores Hidalgo, a small town less than 23 miles from Guanajuato. There were 3,540 killings in Guanajuato last year, a more than threefold increase since 2016. Reply Report inappropriate content Dan S Level Contributor Only three less-populous states the Pacific coastal enclave of Colima and the historically violent border states of Baja California and Chihuahua have more homicides per capita. The citys population is relatively small. Festivals, open-air performances, parades, and impromptu festivities are common. Nonetheless, visitors should always be aware of their surroundings and use common sense. When coming to Guanajuato, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. Youll get a $10 discount if you use the code BROKEBACKPACKER. The Guest Assist app not only provides safety information, legal advice, and a complaint line, but it also includes information on Coronaviruses. With 2,293 killings in the first half of this year, Guanajuato is on pace to set a new record. 36000 Guanajuato, Gto., Mexico) While I liked San Miguel de Allende a lot, I liked Guanajuato even more. Tourist crime in these areas is mostly a rare pick-pocketing. The city of Guadalajara has a large number of squares and plazas. The attack on the drug treatment center came less than a week after El Marros family was sprung. In terms of current crime trends, the Mexican city of Leon (Mexico) is currently regarded as a safe place to visit. At the end of the tunnel, the callejaones appeared to be the light. These popular U.S. cities include Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, New Orleans, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, and visitors are relatively safe. An eSIM works in the same way that a traditional app does: you purchase it, download it, and then use it. How dangerous is Guanajuato, Mexico? These include museum exhibitions; live theater; chamber and orchestral music; lecture series; classical, modern, and folkloric dance; and film series and film festivals. As a result, a more stable law and order is achieved, making it more difficult for criminals to operate. Then once youve booked your room, book taxis or buses through the hotel. The historic town of Guanajuato and adjacent mines are both included on Mexicos UNESCO World Heritage List, as are the rest of the countrys rich archaeological sites. The crime index here is average; the main problems are associated with petty robbery and vandalism. Guanajuato is famous for gold and especially silver: in the colonial period the mines of Guanajuato made it one of the wealthiest cities in the world. Patio de Piedra. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. Hike or take the funicular up to the Ppila Monument, then stroll through the old city, from the Jardn de la Unin to Mercado Hidalgo. Destination. #sanmiguel #sanmigueldeallende #mexico #travelsafety However, in the last three years, the crime rate has spiked overall in the state of Guanajuato. Guanajuato doesnt need them, the banner said. 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