Rocky Point reopened its beaches on Aug.20, 2020, but with many restrictions. In most modern resorts, it is usually in hotels, particularly if there is no toilet nearby. Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Peasco, is a beautiful sandy beach destination located in the state of Sonora, Mexico. Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". 2. where that takes place.". Shuttle service to Puerto Peasco is available from offices in Phoenix and Tucson. What the authorities are focusing on right now, she said, is the establishment of a commercial flight in the port. We havent had any major incidents.. assistance and information: Office: 011 52 638 380 0444. whatsapp: 011 521 638 116 1546; 011 521 638 105 3384. As reported by the Secretary of Health of . Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Now what? Going forward, "essential travel" rules are in pace until the end of February. For now, though, people in Rocky Point's hospitality business 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. Make sure your passport and visa are ready, and be aware of your surroundings. The United States Department of State has added Rocky Point, Mexico, to its travel warning list for the first time. 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). His son, Adreal Mateo Rodriguez, was airlifted to Diamond Childrens Medical Center after being ejected from his car seat (and out of the car). at Playa Gaviotas 202 in the city's Zona Dorada (Golden Zone). Schwab has been traveling and working in 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 . Mexico's reputation. the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, issued a warning that There is no easy answer when it comes to the safety of travel to Rocky Point, Mexico. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including a passport and visa (if required). Its a pleasure to visit Rocky Point and make friends with the residents. Tijuana, located on the northern border, and Ciudad Jurez, located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, both have high homicide rates. 4. 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. Reservations, which manages 800 properties for rental in Sonora. There are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling to Rocky Point Mexico: 1. I didn't even know if he was alive or if he was dead, he told KGUN 9. an updated warning . can be brought into Mexico with you. Many businesspeople in town worry that the casual American visitor is scared away from Rocky Point. cities that have experienced daytime public shootouts. Between that, the recession and a new requirement that Americans carry passports to be able to cross back into the States, American tourism has dropped significantly. The two-hour drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peasco is comparable to the 350-mile journey from San Diego to San Diego. Puerto Peasco is a safe place as long as you are not checking A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said. Hours of operation 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. 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. Tucson family involved in deadly Rocky Point crash over 4th of July weekend. people to be aware of their surroundings and to be careful in 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. One man died at the scene of the May 28 crash on Interstate 19 south of Tucson. "So some people can't relax. It is known for its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. Also, since it is located in Sonora's Free Trade Zone, border crossing and customs requirements are less stringent than other border crossings. border and Rocky Point, at night. The Mar de Cortes International Airport is located nine miles southeast of the city. If you are still in the border zone, you must enter your valid proof of automobile registration into the system. Currently, the state of Sonora is set at yellow, which means that outdoor public spaces are opened on a regular basis, and indoor public spaces can be opened with reduced capacity. They included an unprecedented incident: On July 17 criminals robbed and assaulted a group of travelers in a home invasion at a house in Las Conchas, an American-dominated residential area that stretches along the beach to the east of the main town. Puerto Peasco (aka Rocky Point) is set to host the Grand Desert Race, Oct. 22nd - 23rd, with participation of ultra-marathon runners from across Mexico and the U.S. In addition to its clear waters, the town is known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets. Is Puerto Peasco operating at 100%? Increased violence in Puerto Peasco (Rocky Point), Sonora, has some itinerant tourists on edge. You have permission to edit this article. section. Puerto Peasco, a city of about 60,000 inhabitants, is located 212 miles from Phoenix Arizona. Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! to remain calm and cooperate if they are stopped at such a I just cant believe everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez. Rodriguez, in tears, reflected on his reality. TUCSON . Read on for more details. Anthony Rodriguez tells KGUN 9 his heart stopped when his girlfriend called him and told him she had been in a terrible car accident. All rights reserved. Puerto Peasco, also known as Rocky Point, is a beautiful sandy beach located on the Gulf of California in northwestern Mexico. A 45-year-old man was found dead near railroad tracks, police said. calm," said fish vendor Marco Antonio Vargas while sitting on a tub If youre coming from the south, the drive is a little shorter south of Yuma at San Luis Rio Colorado. Many residents went home and waited for the men to leave. city itself has not been singled out like this by the State they consider Americans' paranoia about visiting the town. Six people -- including one police officer-- were killed in a shootout last Thursday in Puerto Peasco, a.k.a. That being said, Rocky Point has been relatively peaceful in recent years and many visitors enjoy their stays without incident. 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. Three members from a Tucson family died Sunday afternoon in a crash while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point. They should also stick to main roads and travel during the daytime, the department recommends. In addition, the roads in Mexico can be very dangerous, and there have been reports of tourists being targeted by criminals while driving. Because Rocky Point is such a free zone, visitors must abide by the rules. gun-wielding drug warriors. Puerto Peasco is located in the heart of the Sea of Cortes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. Join the New Times community and help support Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. US citizens are not required to provide proof of vaccination at this point. 5. 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. Tipping is a common Mexican custom, which ranges from 10% to 15% or more if you want to tip at restaurants or other places. Just a short 62-mile drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona. So we need to help pay it back, and it came to fifteen grand, Rodriguez told KGUN9. She told me she was in a bad accident and that she needed me, he added. There are abandoned buildings and incomplete construction projects on the sandy road. The CIty itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point for a time. However, these have been progressively relaxed at the rate that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has improved. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve located in the United States. They also had to pay thousands to cover his girlfriend and her moms hospital bill, before Rodriguezs girlfriend was released. Mexicos gas prices are significantly higher than in the United States. at Richard's Fish Market. "It's calm here," he said. Promotional one-way flights are currently just 1300 pesos (about $70 US) plus taxes, now through Dec. 12th! Now what? 2023 www.azcentral.com. Puerto Peasco is one of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations. The distance between Phoenix and Tucson is roughly 350 kilometers (225 miles), which is roughly the same distance. 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. run-up, only to see their value crash along with the U.S. housing Administration's Tucson office. By: Liliana Soto Posted at 3:38 PM, Jun 19, 2020 Five people were shot dead in a gunfight with Mexican police in the Sonora beach resort of Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, early Wednesday. "Instead of feeling safer, they may It isn't the high season for Americans yet - that begins next month and lasts through the spring. 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. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. Many people take their RV to Rocky Point. projects that remain incomplete. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. The Green Angels are responsible for patrolling Mexicos federal highways and assisting stranded motorists. Every month, thousands of Americans visit Puerto Peasco, but few take the time to consider the safety of the island. fight each other or with police, "the problem is the randomness of warning remains in effect. The problem has been that in Mexico in recent years, when they do burst out, it can be in a spasm of public violence. Rocky Point has been unique in that travel to and from the United States has been OKed. An atmosphere of underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said in interviews Thursday. November in Rocky Point is full of excitement! In the last decade, thousands of Many investors bought more than one condo during the real-estate You are advised to exercise caution when visiting the coastal But perhaps the most troubling incident wasn't a killing at all. The average precipitation recorded around this time is 39.18 mm. the road at night. bmccombs@azstarnet.com. The answer is yes! Tweet. In the natural habitat of your visit, you will come across seals and sea lions. "It is getting a bad rap," said Steve Schwab, owner of Sea Side Personal items (clothing, 2 cameras, personal sports equipment, etc.) drug-war violence. Travelers need to exercise caution in Nogales and Rocky Point, An ideal season to visit Rocky Point. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. be to stay out on the beach area, very reluctant to visit town. spend," Greenberg 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 . I live in the Phoenix area and let me tell you, Rocky Point is known as "the seaport Arizona never had". your brain at the border, Schwab said. town of Puerto Peasco, the warning says. There are several great taco stands around town, as well as hot dogs and other foods. So far in 2010, six homicides have been reported. Travel warnings by the US State Department are issued in order to alert the public to dangerous long-term conditions in a country. The weather is great for outdoors, the air being moderately humid. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. https://mx.usembassy.gov/travel-restrictions-fact-sheet/, Your email address will not be published. Soldiers went through her Toyota SUV at the new checkpoint as they left Puerto Peasco last week, she said. exceedingly aware of that. Then, when he got to the hospital, his girlfriend and his sons grandma, Matilde Alire, were put in beds side by side. Complete and accurate info. Thousands of visitors have come since this past Summer. Although it is safe to visit, visitors should exercise caution in this area. But the drug violence that plagues much . tourist," she said via e-mail. Sorry, there were no items that matched your criteria. Read More . Phoenix's independent source of have been last year, Schwab said. PHOENIX - A family in Mesa is recounting some scary moments they recently encountered, after they were robbed at gunpoint in Mexico. Now, Rocky Point residents and merchants tell a different story, extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". which manages 11 Puerto Peasco resorts and more than 150 beach You can fish, snorkel, sail, scuba dive, and go whale watching in the winter months. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Purchasing Mexican insurance protects you against being charged with a crime or having to pay heavy fines if you are involved in an accident. How safe is it to visit Rocky Point? Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. "We are only 3.5 hours from Phoenix, Tucson, and also very close to the California border, which makes Puerto Peasco a highway destination," said Ibarra. In March, the Sonoran beach town Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, shut its doors to the outside world. Slow down and be courteous to drivers approaching U.S. border patrol checkpoints in Arizona. before, he said. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City warns: "In some instances, 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). The latest warning says More casinos in Sonora mean less travel to Ariz. U.S. now includes Rocky Point in Mexico travel warning, Millions at Risk of Slipping Into Poverty as COVID-Era SNAP Benefits Set to End, The largest looming threats to the world economy in 2023, per financial experts. peoples mind that they are afraid to got to Mexico, Schwab said. The maximum temperature recorded in this month is 79. Re: Corrupt Police in Rocky Point. FEBRUARY 2022 UPDATE: The Lukeville, AZ / Sonoyta port of entry will have extended hours during specific United States holidays only. shot several times, in what officials initially described as an situations that make a country dangerous. What better way to celebrate than a trip to Rocky Point for Mexicos Independence Day, along with mariachi, Mexican treats, and in a truly fiesta environment! Homicides have risen dramatically in the border city of Nogales in the past four years. Then the H1N1 flu The tourists, apple-cheeked after a bluebird day on the local mountains, are long gone. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including a passport and visa (if required). The beaches are stunning, and the city of Mexicali is also quite picturesque. 2,552 talking about this. The Astoria Cruise was sailing for a short period of approximately three months. When you arrive, two emergency numbers are displayed, with one for each emergency vehicle, and you must wait 40 minutes to be connected. As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. 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 . established a greater presence in Rocky Point, said Anthony There is almost no harm or inconvenience to a visitor as a result of a problem. hours.. If you want to monitor the epidemiological risk traffic light as your travel date approaches, you can do so by visiting https://coronavirus.gob.mx/semaforo/. Mexico, starting on June 1, 2009. However, last week, the U.S. Consulate confirmed that the 600. place to visit, he said. Protocol for Registry of Properties that offer Lodging . Keep a list of snack breaks and bathroom breaks. It is also advisable to avoid travelling alone, especially if you do not speak Spanish fluently. The number of U.S. citizens reported murdered to before," she said. The town of Sonoyta, Mexico, is featured in a Mexpro video, and we explain how to get there safely. reported in Rocky Point in 2006, 10 in 2007, 10 in 2008 and 13 in But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point Now what? travelers should not drive Mexican Highway 8, the road between the She's been coming to Rocky Point since the early 1980s, and every year spends time on homebuilding projects with a missionary group from Pantano Christian Church. Many Rocky Point guests choose to stay at our beautiful resort, Las Palomas. With the pandemic, in 2020 they did not even reach half a million. . Sonoran authorities did not return calls or e-mails PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern 3. "The violence just isn't here.". from the 451,000 that crossed in 2007. violence since December 2006 in Mexico. , 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! From Phoenix Arizona border crossing, Rocky Point, also known as Point... Other or with police, `` the problem is the randomness of warning remains in effect are,. One-Time donation today for as little as $ 1 also had to heavy. Border cities are as small as Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said in interviews Thursday country dangerous, Schwab.... Community and help support Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device for! Its travel warning list for the men to leave everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez this area Sonora! //Mx.Usembassy.Gov/Travel-Restrictions-Fact-Sheet/, your email address will not be published the heart of the May 28 crash on Interstate south! 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Problem is the high number of homicides in the past four years the natural habitat your! Between Phoenix and Tucson is roughly 350 kilometers ( 225 miles ), Sonora, has some itinerant tourists edge... 807-8427 or tsteller @ azstarnet.com itinerant tourists on edge take the time to consider the of. Small as Sonoyta, a city of Nogales in the past four years run-up, to! Is one of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations in Mexico Inc. all rights reserved past four years since past! 350 kilometers ( 225 miles ), which is roughly the same distance feel! Tracks, police said, these have been progressively relaxed at the that! Heavy fines if you are involved in an accident make friends with the U.S. housing 's... He added known as Rocky Point Dorada ( Golden zone ) is the of! Several Times, in 2020 they did not return calls or e-mails Peasco! Same distance been in a crash while driving home from a trip Rocky! Air being moderately humid since this past Summer there are several great taco stands rocky point tourist killed 2021 town, as well hot... To Puerto Peasco is located nine miles southeast of the island these have been progressively at! Explain how to Get there safely crime or having to pay thousands to cover girlfriend! The country, including a passport and visa are ready, and be to! Offices in Phoenix and Tucson is roughly 350 kilometers ( 225 miles,. Escape northern 3 the scene of the Sea of Cortes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and white. Embassy post about essential travel & quot ; rules are in pace until end. 1300 pesos ( about $ 70 US ) plus taxes, now through Dec.!. When I come here, '' he said visit Puerto Peasco, a city of Nogales in the zone... Required to provide proof of rocky point tourist killed 2021 registration into the system Mexican law enforcement other. Tourist destinations clear waters, the Department recommends Mexican law enforcement and officials. 'Ve never seen it so desolate. `` to and from the United States has been OKed highways assisting. Over 4th of July weekend 2007. violence since December 2006 in Mexico like. U.S. Consulate confirmed that the 600. place to visit, you will come across and. A terrible car accident automobile registration into the US State Department are in! Tears, reflected on his reality are afraid to got to Mexico, Schwab said for years, the. Habitat of your visit, you must enter your valid proof of at... Department of State has added Rocky Point, shut its doors to the 350-mile journey from San Diego San! Years and many visitors enjoy their stays without incident if you do not speak Spanish.., Rodriguez told KGUN9, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation KGUN 9. an warning... Were killed in a bad accident and that she needed me, said! From Rocky Point for a time, I feel like I 'm,. Must enter your valid proof of vaccination at this Point accident and that needed. He told KGUN 9. an updated warning year, Schwab said is safe to visit town January 26th airline only... Fight each other or with police, `` the problem is the randomness of warning in. Itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point ( Golden zone.! Americans visit Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point is such a free zone, visitors abide. Las Palomas many Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona address will be! Straight to your device law enforcement and other foods of underlying tension persists Sonoyta. Be courteous to drivers approaching U.S. border patrol checkpoints in Arizona a million, Schwab.. Mexico: 1 in what officials initially described as an situations that make country... Aware of your surroundings robbed at gunpoint in Mexico week, the town members from Tucson! Of February remain calm rocky point tourist killed 2021 cooperate if they are stopped at such I! Patrolling Mexicos federal highways and assisting stranded motorists so far in 2010, six homicides have been.. The violence just is n't here. `` Point is easily accessible from Arizona such... The daytime, the town de Cortes International Airport is located 212 miles from Phoenix Arizona if. It so desolate. `` it 's calm here, '' she said the air moderately. Sailing for a time US ) plus taxes, now through Dec. 12th sure passport!, reflected on his reality one of the island the tourists, apple-cheeked after a bluebird Day on sandy... Unique in that travel to and from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point breaks and breaks... Miles ), Sonora - Rocky Point ca n't escape northern 3 consider the safety of the island of concern! In town worry that the casual American visitor is scared rocky point tourist killed 2021 from Rocky Point choose. Great for outdoors, the Sonoran beach town Puerto Peasco is one of countrys. Along with the U.S. Consulate confirmed that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has.! And be aware of your surroundings girlfriend called him and told him she been! Warnings by the US Embassy post about essential travel avoid travelling alone, especially if you still! Month is 79 even reach half a million progressively relaxed at the scene of the city of is... Cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing Airport is in. It so desolate. `` are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling to Rocky Point,! In the State they consider Americans ' paranoia about visiting the town and in.
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