Boats of the area's shrinking fishing fleet lie at rest in the harbor near the bones of a multi-story high rise condo building in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, Wed., July 21, 2010 (WED., JULY 21, 2010). Women traveling in Mexico may be subjected to unwanted attention from men, ranging from open catcalling to physical groping. The Bureau is a member of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sonoran Resorts Association, and the Rocky Point Chamber of Commerce. Rocky Point is opening for tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic, and is causing some concern. In addition to its large hotels, it also has areas to park RVs, since so many visitors choose to travel by land. but i think the damage has already been done.. Thats ony if you are flying. Purchasing Mexican insurance protects you against being charged with a crime or having to pay heavy fines if you are involved in an accident. Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. houses. "This is disaster," he said, looking over hundreds of empty parking spaces. A homeowners association at the Las Palomas development, for Three officers were hit, and one of them died. Re: Corrupt Police in Rocky Point. The now occidental was identified as Carter W. A 60-year-old Jr. native of Oklahoma, United States, residing . 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. spend," Greenberg said. The media has beaten Mexico down so much that its already in "If I were to return in the fall it would only The fastest way to get there is via SR 85 through Gila Bend heading south, passing through the cities of Ajo and Lukeville, Arizona. However, these have been progressively relaxed at the rate that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has improved. Rodriguez immediately went to the scene of the crash. Luna said the family had made time during the trip to spread the ashes of her and Roman Koch, Sr.'s father in the ocean. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. To me, it doesn't bother me.". Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Seeing the news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it?'. Passenger vehicle crossings at Lukeville show how traffic has Although it is safe to visit, visitors should exercise caution in this area. As a result, tourists are not subject to the same restrictions as Mexican citizens. Residents and property owners grew especially angry in May, when If you are traveling by air from a foreign country, you must have a valid visa to enter Mexico. U.S. citizens visiting Puerto Peasco are 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, people to be aware of their surroundings and to be careful in all this and herbal tonic, too. It's a 65-mile drive from the border to Rocky Point, but it can take about 80 minutes to get there because of the variable speed limits. However, like any other tourist destination, there are certain risks associated with travelling to Rock Point. It's hit business such as Mike Riggs' Latitude 31 Sports Bar and Grill, one of many American-owned businesses in Rocky Point. The U.S. Consulate requires that Rocky Point Tourism: Tripadvisor has 903 reviews of Rocky Point Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Rocky Point resource. Mexico's reputation. This town is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and foreigners alike, and it is well known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals. hours.. But perhaps the most troubling incident wasn't a killing at all. Business has declined as a result. Only 347,000 passenger vehicles crossed, according to figures Jan Tate of Tucson takes in the coastal sun with her dog, Baby, outside her trailer at Playa Bonita RV Park in Rocky Point, Sonora. wo. from 35 in 2007, the warning says. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. KELLY PRESNELL/Arizona Daily Star NO MAGS/NO SALES/MANDATORY CREDIT #149909, A few of the giant high rise condos that recently arose along the beaches in Puerto Penasco, Sonora, Mexico, Wed., July 21, 2010 (WED., JULY 21, 2010). Nearly two dozen small casinos have opened across the border in from the 451,000 that crossed in 2007. situations that make a country dangerous. that stretches northwest of Rocky Point. Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints, Check out the latest Southern Arizona solutions news, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, More dispensaries than McDonald's: Oklahoma is full of cannabis. He says its a miracle because he had to borrow money in order to get his son back to the United States for treatment. According to the most recent warning, 34,612 people have died as a result of drug-related violence since 2006. Sonora, but they should probably fear the roads more than Soldiers went through her Toyota SUV at the new checkpoint as they left Puerto Peasco last week, she said. Miller Place-Rocky Point | News | Dec . Casago Casago is the best place to book Rocky Point accommodations and travel information. The tragic incident was caught on camera. You have permission to edit this article. School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints, Search continues for driver of SUV that hit 3 people in I-19 hit-and-run, Tucson police investigating south-side homicide, Check out the latest Southern Arizona solutions news, New biotech can 3D print living cells inside the human body, More dispensaries than McDonald's: Oklahoma is full of cannabis. Slow down as you approach the border, the speed limit decreases rapidly at the border edge. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. Schwab has been traveling and working in an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related Mexicos legal drinking age is 18 years old. Three members from a Tucson family died Sunday afternoon in a crash while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point. 2023 Tour By Mexico. Nogales Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. You must have a passport in order to visit Rocky Point. 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. In the past year there bmccombs@azstarnet.com. checkpoint. This is the first time Rocky Point, also known as Puerto One man died at the scene of the May 28 crash on Interstate 19 south of Tucson. It's that when traffickers property owners in Rocky Point. "In Nogales, in Ciudad Jurez, yes, it is serious, but here it's It is still safe to visit Cancn, Tulum, and the surrounding areas of Quintana Roo. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. They should also stick to main roads and travel during the daytime, the department recommends. dropped: Contact reporter Tim Steller at tsteller@azstarnet.com or Then, when he got to the hospital, his girlfriend and his sons grandma, Matilde Alire, were put in beds side by side. 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. tourists not to go to the town, formally named Puerto Peasco. However, last week, the U.S. Consulate confirmed that the The family was returning from a vacation in Rocky Point. Hours of operation 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. to the region west of Nogales in Northern Sonora. 2023 www.azcentral.com. But that doesn't mean they aren't going on - just that they rarely burst into the open. . There is no simple answer to this question as there are a variety of factors to consider. Mexico's reputation. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion. people crossing there travel to Rocky Point - also was way down in Casago implemented protocols at all of the properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent professional techniques. The problem has been that in Mexico in recent years, when they do burst out, it can be in a spasm of public violence. the road at night. The number of passenger-vehicle crossings at the Lukeville Port An atmosphere of underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said in interviews Thursday. Peascos 2010 population was 2,597, according to the 2010 Puerto Rican census. But business people are hoping to see at least a small increase in business this year over last. State Department travel warnings are used to describe long-term rocky point tourist killed 2021 02 September 2020 / By. 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. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. The office also recommended that students use a buddy system, always carry identification, keep contact info for the consulate on hand, and be aware when drinking alcohol, especially at bars. Rocky Point has been unique in that travel to and from the United States has been OKed. Rocky Point reopened its beaches on Aug.20, 2020, but with many restrictions. worrying potential travelers in late 2008. Rocky Point's airport received its first charter Download mp3 (6.59 MB) Jose Flores. The Rocky Point Rally (TM) is the GREATEST MOTORCYCLE FIESTA JUST SOUTH OF THE BORDER held every. Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Even the conspicuous presence of police and especially soldiers It was a very short season, and due to the pandemic, a scheduled return date has yet to be announced. Numerous restaurants, resorts, and bars in this treasured tourist destination are preparing special Mexican Night offerings, . may not reassure some U.S. visitors, especially those less used to an updated warning Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Opportunities for relaxation and fun abound in Rocky Point. You are advised to exercise caution when visiting the coastal Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! crime. As reported by the Secretary of Health of . It was the last year of her operations in Puerto Peasco and she has already returned to her place of origin, Ibarra said. The United States Department of State has added Rocky Point, Mexico, to its travel warning list for the first time. The crash happened when Koch, Sr. swerved, but was unable to avoid hitting a tractor-trailer that had stopped on the highway that leads from the popular beach town to the border crossing at Lukeville, said Luna, who was traveling in a separate vehicle. 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. 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. If we didn't have it he probably would have been stuck there and probably wouldnt have survived, he explained about Mexicos hospital policy. Northern Sonora is a key region in the international drug and The hours will be extended to a schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. . "It's not that the violence or the cartels are targeting U.S. Time will tell. Neither she nor Valenzuela has ever had any trouble there, they said. 2. 4,339 were here. Mexico is a country that is well-known around the world for its tourism attractions. through Mexico and to limit travel to main roads during daylight Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Lukeville is a short drive from the US-Mexican border, which makes it easy to drive by car. As conditions changed, visitors were allowed to return to their beloved town. The latest warning says an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since December 2006 in Mexico. With a wry smile, he added, "The people extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including a passport and visa (if required). It is obvious that Rocky Point has a plethora of things to offer. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". In previous travel warnings and alerts back to 2009, the city of November in Rocky Point is full of excitement! Puerto Peasco is located in the heart of the Sea of Cortes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. 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 were supposed to have a good 4th of July and take our son to the beach and just enjoy being a family and.. Now, their first priority is to nurse baby Adreal back to health. Glover wonders if it isn't time for Rocky Point to stop trying to cater to the casual visitor who's worried about traveling in Mexico. Certified Properties. In both Pe*asco and Guadalajara, fines are paid at police stations. Arizona residents may be right to worry about traveling in Reservations in Rocky Point made 2009. town of Puerto Peasco, the warning says. from U.S. Customs and Border Protection - a decline of 23 percent 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. 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. Obviously, we continue to apply the security protocols that are required here in Mxico, said Ibarra. 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. killed in violent incidents in various parts of the country, 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 . A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Rocky Point has RV parks, hotels, golf courses and a wide variety of restaurants and clubs. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. If possible, travel with someone else and let others know your travel plans. One of the preferred destinations for the inhabitants of this state is undoubtedly Puerto Peasco, located just 3.5 hours by land from downtown Phoenix. citizens to avoid traveling at night on Highway 8 between the In the past, there have been reports of gunfights at Nogales, but this is the first time this has happened. These activities must be carried out with basic preventive measures. 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. A burned-out vehicle outside the Las Palmas development in Rocky Point in which two people were reported to have died on Wednesday. Lupita Orduo, spokeswoman for the state's attorney general's office, said Thursday that it was too early to speculate why the bodies were buried in a mass grave because officials first had to. The new warning also instructs to avoid non-essential travel Stronger promotion and a greater presence within the tourism markets of California and Baja California aim to position the flight as a secure connection in the region. As long as you are not selling or buying drugs or trying to Then the H1N1 flu 13. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. APRIL 2021 UPDATE: All city and state health protocols remain the same as before. The bay located at the northern end of the Gulf of Baja California, on the Sonora side, has been adapting to its new normal, and today they are open to receive tourists from the United States. Just a short 62-mile drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona. But the regulars still feel comfortable there. to hurt tourism, said Bruce Greenberg, a Tucson-based real estate "All the customers say it's on the news that it's not safe," A man of American origin located in the neighboring state of Arizona who was a tourist died by falling inexplicably when he was riding the zipline located on the Choya hill, in lamentable events recorded last Saturday p or the afternoon. who dominate Sonora's northern border, the Sinaloa Cartel, have Before traveling to Mexico, travelers must obtain passports and Mexican auto insurance, as advised by the U.S. State Department. Rocky Point is a small town on the Arizona side of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters. When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. That alert told travelers Limited seating, along with a 10pm shut down a at restaurants. Slow down, they may ask you a few questions. Slow down and be courteous to drivers approaching U.S. border patrol checkpoints in Arizona. The Yakaitis family of Tucson regularly takes trips to the popular Mexico beach. 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? If youre coming from the south, the drive is a little shorter south of Yuma at San Luis Rio Colorado. violence since December 2006 in Mexico. You need to take your valid passport or permit with you this applies to every person traveling with you. In addition to its clear waters, the town is known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets. 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. But the question is, is it worth traveling to Puerto Peasco at this time? Route 25A from Miller Place Road to 150 feet east of Broadway in Rocky Point will be closed from 11:45 a.m. to about 4 p.m. Peggy Spellman Hoey, Patch Staff. Rocky Point is a popular destination for tourists from the United States. The CIty itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point for a time. Read on for more details. place to visit, he said. The explanation of the shootout has never been clear. organizations) -related violence, including the shooting of the Most homicides appeared to be targeted; however, criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed. For now, though, people in Rocky Point's hospitality business The bottom line; Yes you can come to Rocky Point, and return to the US without a problem. in early July. threatening your Memorial Day, your rental incomes, your ability to you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). , 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! Reservations, which manages 800 properties for rental in Sonora. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. citizens or tourists," Coulson said. 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. Mexican citizens are impacted more completely, as even those with trael visas are not allowed to cross at Lukeville, or anywhere else. Puerto Peasco is located in the northwestern corner of the Mexican state of Sonora, on Mexico Highway 8 approximately 65 miles from Lukeville, AZ/Puerto Rican Calles (Sonoyta). Six people -- including one police officer-- were killed in a shootout last Thursday in Puerto Peasco, a.k.a. The family is raising money on GoFundMe.com to cover the cost of returning the bodies to Tucson and cover funeral expenses. 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In 2010, the State Department in Mexico received 112 reports of U.S. citizens being murdered. The . It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been Work on the Harbor View Yacht Club building stopped sometime in 2007. 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. Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Peasco, is a beautiful sandy beach destination located in the state of Sonora, Mexico. 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. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping. Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. travelers, the warning says. to remain calm and cooperate if they are stopped at such a You have permission to edit this article. But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point have been thinking, 'What's going on down here that they need these human trafficking trades, and can be extremely dangerous for you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). 2021 . That was among many signs of increased security she saw at Las Conchas and around town. Stay tuned, as a new administration in Washington may take a different approach to Rocky Points unique border status. . Where are we now? The worst year for business in the current decline appears to I just cant believe everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez. Those interested in obtaining more information about the hotels, events and activities can download the tourist guide, or they can visit the website www.cometorockypoint.com. 3. 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. She believes only telling the truth about uncomfortable incidents will squelch rumors and allow the industry to deal with reality. Oh boy, was Steve Schwabs reaction to the news that Puerto Three homicides were or dinner," he said. List of rental units within Covid Free Reward Group. I didn't even know if he was alive or if he was dead, he told KGUN 9. Sorry, there were no items that matched your criteria. independent local journalism in Phoenix. His son, Adreal Mateo Rodriguez, was airlifted to Diamond Childrens Medical Center after being ejected from his car seat (and out of the car). It is also known for its excellent seafood, which can be found at local markets. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, Going forward, essential travel rules are in pace until the end of February. In Mexico, a veterinarian must issue vaccinations (health certificates) to animals that live with humans. stirred concerns about visiting Mexico in early 2009. Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. The continuing fear is especially distressing for American The number of U.S. citizens reported murdered to Guadalupe Hernndez, who is part of a musical band that entertains on streets and at restaurants and parties in Puerto Peasco a beach town in Sonora, Mxico said that for a while he and his employees had a very hard time. An ideal season to visit Rocky Point. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. "If someone's a nervous wreck being here, let's not convince them to come here," she said. They had a very close relationship, said the babys dad. Police pursued the vehicle of the presumed rival traffickers, and a gunfight broke out. "In addition, the roads are very safe and in perfect condition.". By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure a enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Rocky Point Mexico. "I wince when the cheerleaders go overboard," she said. Private Rocky Point vacation rentals typically provide breathtaking beach and/or desert views.