Discouraged after a day in which just six customers came into the restaurant, Riggs said "We're still open, but it's difficult.". The explanation of the shootout has never been clear. Mexico receives millions of visitors each year, and there is no danger of travel there. 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With the pandemic, in 2020 they did not even reach half a million. It is obvious that Rocky Point has a plethora of things to offer. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. There are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling to Rocky Point Mexico: 1. Puerto Peasco is 207 miles from Phoenix, 216 miles from Tucson, 516 miles from Los Angeles, and 360 miles from San Diego. Rocky Point reopened its beaches on Aug.20, 2020, but with many restrictions. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. example, sent an e-mail to members asking them to call the Nogales I just cant believe everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez. Medical tourism to Sonora plunges due to COVID-19 citizens or tourists," Coulson said. Be aware of your surroundings and be cautious of any areas that seem unsafe. 2. Try to bring a mask and antibacterial gel, to be protected when visiting restaurants and other busy tourist spots. Then a small pair of earthquakes. But, as New Times reported last year, Rocky Point hospitals can be dangerous places. an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related It is also possible that there is simply competition among gangs for control of the drug trade, as opposed to a war. Even the conspicuous presence of police and especially soldiers 2021 . However, like any other tourist destination, there are certain risks associated with travelling to Rock Point. Driving To Tijuana Mexico: What To Know Before Taking The Journey. Sexually Transmitted Infections Spike in Maricopa County, Its Called Genocide: Black Leaders Urge Tempe To Again Pursue Flavored Nicotine Ban. Personal items (clothing, 2 cameras, personal sports equipment, etc.) Camioncito Urbano, a new bus service that runs all over the city, serves two routes. Just a short 62-mile drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona. stirred concerns about visiting Mexico in early 2009. Members of the Davis family say they have been going to their . With a wry smile, he added, "The people can be brought into Mexico with you. 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. You can reach Rocky Point in a matter of hours by car from Phoenix, Arizona. of Entry - a measure of tourism, since such a high proportion of Puerto Peasco is an ideal location for travelers to unwind with activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Although it is safe to visit, visitors should exercise caution in this area. 4,339 were here. Rocky Point (also known as Puerto Penasco) is located in Sonora, Mexico, which is about a 5-6 hour drive from Phoenix, Arizona. place to visit, he said. Rocky Point is a small town on the Arizona side of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters. The family was returning from a vacation in Rocky Point. Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15 . When you go to the hospital there, they won't release you until they pay the bill there. people crossing there travel to Rocky Point - also was way down in Three officers were hit, and one of them died. the warning says. Some residents say they have a mild ongoing fear of the drug traffickers, while others said the worse part has been the response - the arrival of so many soldiers and police. The latest warning says an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since December 2006 in Mexico. The worst year for business in the current decline appears to through his business declined 87 percent from about 60,000 the year If you are driving, be sure to keep your doors locked and windows up at all times. worrying potential travelers in late 2008. Many people take their RV to Rocky Point. To avoid any setback, Ibarra recommended that travelers drive during the day for more safety, and check hours for border crossing since some work with special hours due to the pandemic. Compounding the problem for Rocky Point tourism, the murders happened only a few weeks after the chilling discovery of some 60 bodies in five mass graves just outside of Rocky Point, bodies still unidentified and causes of death uncertain until forensic examinations conclude. dropped: Contact reporter Tim Steller at tsteller@azstarnet.com or Information from different sources often seems conflicting. What the authorities are focusing on right now, she said, is the establishment of a commercial flight in the port. the road at night. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. people to be aware of their surroundings and to be careful in Make Your Trip To Tijuana Airport (TIJ) A Breeze With This Guide, Everything You Need To Know About Obtaining A Medical Pass In Tijuana Mexico, Finding Pain Relief In Tijuana: Exploring The Availability Of Medications And Precautions To Take, Exploring The History Of Migration To Tijuana: From The 19th Century To The Present. compete with drug smuggling organizations, Puerto Peasco is a safe requirement that Americans bring passports when traveling to "If I were to return in the fall it would only houses. Some Puerto Peasco business owners claim that the advisory was unjustified and poorly timed. According to the most recent warning, 34,612 people have died as a result of drug-related violence since 2006. The current warning only affects a small percentage of the country, and the majority of Mexico is still safe to visit. Keep your belongings close to you at all times and do not leave them unguarded in public areas. You have permission to edit this article. especially, but not exclusively in the northern border region, The border chaos made it hard to know how many tourists got through Sonoyta to Rocky Point since the dispute began Saturday. Now, Rocky Point residents and merchants tell a different story, Miller Place-Rocky Point | News | Dec . before, he said. Tucsonan Debra Romero said via e-mail that she has been There are several great taco stands around town, as well as hot dogs and other foods. or dinner," he said. violence since December 2006 in Mexico. They should also stick to main roads and travel during the daytime, the department recommends. The two-hour drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peasco is comparable to the 350-mile journey from San Diego to San Diego. 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. While it may be a great place to vacation, there are also dangers here. Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Join the New Times community and help support However, regardless of whether they are traveling alone or with someone else, each tourist should carry a passport as well as a valid identity card. Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. ambush. Six people -- including one police officer-- were killed in a shootout last Thursday in Puerto Peasco, a.k.a. Required fields are marked *. There are abandoned buildings and incomplete construction projects on the sandy road. As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. they consider Americans' paranoia about visiting the town. Rodriguez says his son is doing well, and was discharged Wednesday afternoon. Members of group had a great time on their three-night trip, Choate said, but she noted, "I'm just not used to seeing the big guns" of the soldiers and police. As a practical matter, we have seen above average visitor flows to town, especially for the August, September timeframe. 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). foreign travel, said Marie Zener, who spent July 4 weekend in the city itself has not been singled out like this by the State The new warning a step up from a travel alert advises Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and 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. Six people from Arizona were killed in a head-on car crash on a Mexico highway leading to Rocky Point. There is no requirement to have a car permit to drive to Rocky Point; however, if you plan on visiting Rocky Point again in the future, you will be required to obtain a vehicle importation permit. I agree that Rocky Point is a fantastic place to visit. None of those murders occurred in Rocky Point, while four were in Nogales, Sonora. But business people are hoping to see at least a small increase in business this year over last. "That afternoon was a regular day. Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. Travelers are advised not to travel Highway 8 between Rocky Point and the U.S.-Mexico border. In addition to its large hotels, it also has areas to park RVs, since so many visitors choose to travel by land. The latest warning says Rocky Point business owners called the advisory unjustified and private casinos. hours.. By: Liliana Soto Posted at 3:38 PM, Jun 19, 2020 Travelers need to exercise caution in Nogales and Rocky Point, 3. The border between the United States and Mexico is open from 6 a.m. to midnight. 5. "In Nogales, in Ciudad Jurez, yes, it is serious, but here it's Thousands of visitors have come since this past Summer. an updated warning flight from Chihuahua Friday, a Boeing 737 with 111 passengers on A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Rocky Point Weather in October: An excellent season to visit Rocky Point, the average temperature falls around 58. gun-wielding drug warriors. "All the customers say it's on the news that it's not safe," Tijuana, located on the northern border, and Ciudad Jurez, located in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, both have high homicide rates. The Bureau is a member of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sonoran Resorts Association, and the Rocky Point Chamber of Commerce. He broke his humerus completely in half on his right arm, fractured his skull, and had internal bleeding, said Rodriguez. Keep reading with a digital access subscription.