The drug-related violence that has blighted some parts of Mexico has largely skipped Guanajuato city itself, and it remains a relatively safe, family-friendly university town. Is it safe to travel? A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Visitors to Mexicos northeastern Yucatn Peninsula should avoid the Riviera Maya due to its risk of being attacked. Another reason to simply just explore the streets is that when it comes to the cultural explorer, Guanajuato does not disappoint. 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 city is known for its magnificent Spanish-colonial architecture (it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988) and for its many cultural activities, most notably the annual International Cervantes Festival, one of Latin Americas largest and most prestigious performing arts festivals. The Uber driver was scared to pick us up so we had to walk around the corner so we didnt get caught by the Federal Police, as they have a big issue with Uber. Make sure beer bottles are open in front of you before drinking, and dont drink Mexico Citys tap water. Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Puerto Vallarta are the safest areas in Mexico to visit. Guanajuato is known to have among the highest homicide rates in all of Mexico due to cartel related violence. The #1 question I've been asked since visiting this charming city. Several officers said under duress that town officials and law enforcement took orders from El Marro. The monument commemorates local miner and independence hero Jun Jos Martnez, aka El Ppila. The city offers a variety of attractions and activities to explore, as well as a low crime rate. Make sure your travel insurance is up to date and ready to go in case of an emergency. Direct flights to Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles are available through U.S. carriers American, Delta, and United. 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. Parity theft is the most common cause of your problems. The government is just trying to protect both tourists and residents of possible criminal acts. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no exception. However, like any large city, there are areas that are best avoided. There were a total of 1,062 reported crimes in Guanajuato in 2016, which resulted in a crime rate of 24.65 per 100,000 people. Mexico is at the third-highest level of danger, so the government advises people to reconsider their plans to visit the country. Crime involving drugs has increased in Mexico in recent years, but it primarily affects tourists. 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. Travelers to Guanajuato, including solo female travelers, will feel safe as long as normal precautions are taken. 2 It was through blind arrogance and stupidity that El Marro went to war with the Jalisco New Generation cartel.. Missing something? Its well worth touring the old Guanajuato state legislature building the Palacio Legislativo now converted into the Museum of the Powers. The streets are all one ways, and not well organized, so sometimes taking Uber is not ideal and takes much longer than walking, FYI. In a nation convulsed by violence, the central state of Guanajuato long stood out as an island of relative calm. Students report feeling safe. Services are operated by Primera Plus and ETN. Mexico is a country with a high rate of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and kidnapping. Is Queretaro a desert? Why justice? asks Santoyo, mother of seven, only two of whom remain alive two others died in accidents, she said. Always carry your sunscreen. Any precaution for visiting the city of Guanajuato and travel to CDMX by bus? Aside from saving money and the environment, you can also save energy. Guanajuato is actually the name for both the state and the city. He put his right turn blinker on and signaled with his hand to the hotel, without saying a word. Basilica de Guanajuato, Calle Ponciano Aguilar 7, Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, +52 473 732 0314 . Is Guanajuato safe The short answer is "yes". You are going to have to eat your insults of Seor Mencho! Pretty much everywhere we went, we were the only people who looked non-Mexican, so we got quite a few stares, but nothing that made us feel unsafe. The city also increasingly attracts part-time expats, especially during high season. The drug-related violence that has blighted some parts of Mexico has largely skipped Guanajuato city itself, and it remains a relatively safe, family-friendly university town. Get lost in the historical city center 3. Guanajuato Spanish Schools Safety. The best things . 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). 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. The dead include Santoyos three sons and the center director. Festivals, open-air performances, parades, and impromptu festivities are common. Is Guanajuato safe? A. Why is Guanajuato so dangerous? Crime in Guanajuato usually involves thieves wanting money. The city of Guadalajara, in addition to its rich history and beautiful landscape, is an important city in Mexico. How safe is gujarat for foreigners? She was El Marros sister. At Apple Vacations, we've collected the best Guanajuato resort deals available online and made them easy for you to compare and book. Typically 105 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Ecuador, on the other hand, has a lower homicide rate than most countries, but a higher rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. Acting wisely and avoiding the possibility of becoming a victim is all you have to do to stay safe in Guanajuato. Guanajuatos grandest building is Teatro Jurez, a Neoclassical theater completed in 1903, fronted by slim Doric columns and topped with bronze statues of the Greek muses. Stay in the downtown area of Guanajuato city and stay out during the daytime only. It is expected that the people will be pleasant and welcoming. Guanajuato is also known for its vibrant festival culture, and there are often festivals and other events taking place in the city. With international travel on the rise as a result of rising COVID-19 vaccination rates, Mexico's centrally situated state of Guanajuato continues to welcome visitors from the U.S. while implementing various sanitation protocols and measures to protect the safety of its citizens and tourists.. Geographically located in the heart of Mexico, the state of Guanajuato is famous for its cultural . Today we can thank that wealth for the spectacular churches and public buildings that grace the historic center. 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. Bras. The afternoon of the attack, Geovani, 27, told his mother he was going to deliver soft drinks to his two elder brothers, who remained clients at the center. Do not accept drinks from strangers as they might be spiked. Put 500 pesos . The citys colonial architecture, with brightly colored mansions, is a testament to its history. 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. Souvenirs bearing the Forma Migratoria Mltiple (FMM) label on arrival in Mexico should be kept in a special envelope alongside their passports. On September 15, there were 83,834 active cases reported in Mexico, a 1% decrease from Tuesday, September 14. The best way to start a visit to Guanajuato is by soaking up the mesmerizing views from the Monumento al Ppila, high on the hillside above the old towns colorful blend of colonial houses and churches. On Sunday, the governor of Guanajuato state announced the arrest of El Marro, along with five others. For an easy break from the city, take a taxi or bus over the hills north of Guanajuato to the colonial village of La Valenciana. All of Guanajuato is with Seor Mencho!. Guanajuato has been a relatively safe cityand crime generally is moderate. Its best to take a taxi here. Guanajuato, Mexico, is a colonial-era city in the mountains of central Mexico that has a rich history and culture. Tourists who have been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus will be able to enter the United States from Mexico beginning Monday. You can stay updated on travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of State website. Mexico has a high crime rate overall, but it also has a high homicide rate. El Marro not only rejected the offer, but his mob ambushed and killed El Menchos emissary a nephew of the New Generation boss at a coffee shop here in Irapuato. And in recent years there has been a tendency for an increase in the number of crimes. Our resort selection includes 49 top-rated Guanajuato resort hotels, with ratings up to 5 stars.. If you are a person that suffers from typical. We place affiliate links in our content as well. 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. It's the most romantic town in Mexico". When flying, be mindful of being safe and keeping the stopover as short as possible. It is one of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations, and visitors can enjoy its scenery and accommodations in a safe manner. The Jardin de la Union, located in the heart of the city, serves as the citys central square. After the war, the city rapidly expanded as a textile production hub. No surprise, the U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning about travel to Mexico with a level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning "reconsider travel.". Many major thoroughfares in the city center are actually underground tunnels. The intentional homicide rate of Guanajuato was the highest in Mexico in 2019, with a total of 4,494 deaths. For these reasons, Guanajuato is a major tourist destination for Mexicans. Today the faade is a highly ornate example of the Churrigueresque style, while the clear glass in the dome was added in 1884. The most violent place in the world in 2020 was Celaya, a city of around half a million people in the central state of Guanajuato, according to . At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. Yes, Leon Guanajuato is a generally safe place to visit. The threat of drug-related violence between security forces and drug militias is always present. US State Department travel advisories apply to the southern parts of Guanajuato State only, where cartels do operate. . 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. In 2017, according to Mexican media accounts, El Mencho offered El Marro a deal: Keep the lucrative fuel-theft business but allow his cartels drug mules to ferry their product through the state. 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. There are police scattered around the city at all times, keeping an eye on things. The state is the sixth-highest populated in the Mexican nation and is famous for, among other things, blue corn tortillas. The Yucatn police force is far superior to the Mexico Police Department in terms of pay and training. The publicly owned Hospital General de Guanajuato is the city's general hospital. But here in the gritty Arandas district, residents speak highly of the facility, situated on an unpaved dead-end street in an anonymous brick building with an ocher facade and small yard. Nonetheless, keep in mind that you will be less likely to be targeted if you are not directly involved in the violence. For all that did not know, Guanajuato is the name of a province as well as a city in Mexico, nearby to Mexico City. However, if you don't want to stay there overnight, you can see the . World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. 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. It is advised to avoid the industrial outskirts of the area and exploring the streets alone at night, as in most cities. Keep a lookout for a car that is driving outside of major cities at night. Anyways, we arrived at our Air BnB, which was right downtown. Guanajuatos brightly painted homes also climb up the hillsides above the center. In general, Guanajuato is considered a safe city, the police are always nearby, and the people are very friendly to tourists. Guanajuato has several good hospitals in the area, as well as surrounding areas, that provide excellent and modern care. The city of Guadalajara is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Mexico. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel along the Yucatn Peninsula are just a few of the impressive places to see. Tunnels, underground streets, and the viewpoint of the Rayas mine are some of the highlights of this visit. A man was shot to death on a beach at the Riu Dunamar resort. 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. He slowed down and there was a hotel to our right (freeway was to the left). There have been several instances of pickpocketing both within and outside tourist attractions, with the aim of taking tourist's money and possessions. But GTO (city) is a college town, and so it seemed like it would be relatively safe for even long term visitors as long as you arent getting into anything questionable. Destination. There are many mines adjacent to the city and you can actually go on an ATV tour to see this area. It's a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment with plenty of space to lounge about in the vibrant common areas. The dangers of kidnapping and extortion are serious. As a result, it is painful to see gang warfare taking place in the same region. Today, visitors flock to see the centuries-old churches, baroque architecture and callejoneadas (roving street parties), as . According to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order. Justice? Explore The Music Scene In Tijuana Baja California: Check Out The Top Headliners In The City, Explore The Cost Of Tijuana Hotel Tickets Discover The Discounts And Tips For The Best Experience, Exploring Tijuana: Exploring The Convenient Stops Of Tourismo Express In Downtown Tijuana, Exploring A Vegan Lifestyle In Tijuana: Delicious Vegan-Friendly Options And Tips For A Plant-Based Diet. Is Guanajuato safe? Making yourself available to your child will help you and the locals work through the differences. It is caused by a variety of factors, including high crime and kidnapping rates. How Safe Is The State Of Guanajuato Mexico? The buses are nice and feel very safe. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. See. It's Safe, and the Locals are Super Friendly . Among New Generations most profitable enterprises is the smuggling of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. In particular, the neighborhoods of La Union and El Colonia are known for crime and should be avoided after dark. The first museum explored the life and crimes of a Mexican serial killer, Tadeo Fulgenco Mej*a. There were 3,540 killings in Guanajuato last year, a more than threefold increase since 2016. . . See these Guanajuato facts: The intentional homicide rate of Guanajuato was the highest in Mexico in 2019, with a total of 4,494 deaths. It is seldom violent, and you should take precautions while in this city to diminish it or minimize losses. Take a taxi or walk from the Jardn de la Unin (30 min). The city was founded by the silver mines that were discovered in the area in the 16th century, and it has grown to be one of Mexicos most important cities. Is Cuautla Morelos Mexico safe? Gugajuato was granted city status in 1741 after being founded in 1554. As a general rule, if you use common sense and don't stray from the beaten path, the city of Guanajuato is a safe place to stay. Crime is uncommon in Mexico because it has been removed from tourist destinations. 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. Being that there is no recent history of terrorism in Mexico, there is a very low risk of the attacks to happen. Mexico has a diverse range of resources, from food to culture to music to history to the environment. Guanajuato city is just fine. Thanks to the large student presence, Guanajuatos vibe skews young and lively. 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. At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. For many Mexicans, this museum is the most significant in all Guanajuato thanks to its role in the Mexican War of Independence. Tours last around 1 hour 30 minutes, and include a ceramic porrn (traditional drinking vessel) filled with orange or apple juice (booze is discouraged nowadays). When coming to Guanajuato, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Groups of students and musicians dressed like medieval minstrels, playing guitars lead groups through the historic alleys of the city, singing and joking. How to spend 24 hours in Guanajuato Late night city stroll The safest way to take a taxi is to follow the rules such as getting a taxi license, using an app, and asking your hotel for assistance. It wont bring my sons back.. Millions visit Guanajuato each year, drawn to the urban beauty which has earned it the tag of the most beautiful city in Mexico. The mummies come from a local cemetery, where space constraints mean that bodies are removed from crypts after five years if annual payments are not made (they are usually cremated or transferred to a common grave thereafter). The city is known for its colonial architecture and silver mining history. Rosa Alba Santoya Soria in her home in Irapuato. How do you get around Guanajuato? 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 . It's also a great place to spend the day if you're looking for a city with a lot to offer. It is a dangerous place to visit due to the drug cartels, gang-related violence, and kidnappings. General Motors, Mazda and Toyota make cars here, and U.S. tourists and retirees flock to the artsy enclave of San Miguel de Allende. 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. Guanajuatos expat community is international. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. They helped my son Geovani a lot, Rosa Alba Santoyo Soria said of the center, where he had recently completed treatment. However, we have to warn the tourists not to get involved with drugs. We went to many bars and clubs in addition to museums and other sightseeing (day and night). These numbers are based on violence going on throughout the entire state of Guanajuato. For travelers in over 100 countries were 83,834 active cases reported in Mexico accept drinks from strangers as they be! A high homicide rate of 24.65 per 100,000 people your experience while you navigate the. Includes 49 top-rated Guanajuato resort hotels, with brightly colored mansions, an... To death on a beach at the third-highest level of danger, so the government is just trying protect... Stay safe in Guanajuato in 2016, which resulted in a crime rate beach. 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