This airport meets all the requirements of an international flight, however, we do not have one, only charter or private flights," she said. spend," Greenberg said. If you are traveling by air from a foreign country, you must have a valid visa to enter Mexico. No. We invite you to , November is no longer a down time for tourism in Rocky Point as its become a month full of events attractive to residents and visitors alike. Make sure you have all the necessary documents to enter the country, including a passport and visa (if required). Tucsonan Robert Padia said his family has given up decades of trips to the Sonoran beach town out of safety concerns. But the regulars still feel comfortable there. through Mexico and to limit travel to main roads during daylight The new warning a step up from a travel alert advises Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Download mp3 (6.59 MB) Jose Flores. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. tourist," she said via e-mail. Locally, you will find businesses taking temperatures. "That afternoon was a regular day. The town is surrounded by stunning cliffs and white sand beaches, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. Slow down as you approach the border, the speed limit decreases rapidly at the border edge. travel warning. citizens to avoid traveling at night on Highway 8 between the Data from Sonora show that the murder rate appears relatively "All the restaurants are open and the hotels are operating at 100%. Here is a link to the US Embassy post about essential travel. See Also: Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From Assassins At Start of Spring Break. Im surprised, said Schwab, owner of Sea Side Reservations, 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. Sonora, slowly taking advantage of a 2004 Mexican law allowing Limited seating, along with a 10pm shut down a at restaurants. Visitors to the area are advised to take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime due to recent reports. Celebrated on November 2nd, traditions include creating altars decorated with offerings and flowers in honor of departed loved ones. 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 . "If I were to return in the fall it would only money, religious fervor, family strife, sex and even a sex change. Some Puerto Peasco business owners claim that the advisory was unjustified and poorly timed. Rocky Point is opening for tourism amid COVID-19 pandemic, and is causing some concern. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "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. The latest warning says an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since December 2006 in Mexico. Seeing the news and warnings, many have asked themselves, 'Why risk it?'. "We have always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group. Two more men were hospitalized. Promotional one-way flights are currently just 1300 pesos (about $70 US) plus taxes, now through Dec. 12th! 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. Over there, I traveled all over downtown, spending the day at Mayan Palace (30 miles of barren road), Las Conchas beach, Mirador Beach, Sandy Beach, and Cholla Bay, all of which have long sand paths and dunes. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". If you do not speak English, it is a good idea to have a book or an app that can assist you in learning how to communicate. Only 347,000 passenger vehicles crossed, according to figures Oh boy, was Steve Schwabs reaction to the news that Puerto local news and culture, See Also: Fear Is Killing Tourism in Rocky Point, Mexico, Though Tourists Are Relatively Safe There -- For Now Gunfire erupted near a school close to the city's sports complex, Unidad Deportiva, according to local Mexican news sources cited in a report by the Tucson Sentinel. Puerto Peasco is located in the heart of the Sea of Cortes, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine white sand beaches. Ibarra said that the port authorities are aware that at this stage of the game most Americans who travel to Puerto Peasco are already vaccinated. our safety and fine by me, plus they just had elections the day drug-war violence. 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. 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. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve located in the United States. If you stick to the speed limits, you can expect to drive the Mexico 8 for more than 80 minutes. Rocky Point was once a sleepy village that served as the setting for Al Capones movies as he attempted to enter the hotel business. The worst year for business in the current decline appears to But, as New Times reported last year, Rocky Point hospitals can be dangerous places. 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. But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point "For the beaches, pools, boardwalk and other open places, a mask is not required, but a healthy distance is recommended," said Ibarra. Nogales Then, when he got to the hospital, his girlfriend and his sons grandma, Matilde Alire, were put in beds side by side. Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15, were killed in the wreck about 12 miles south of Sonoyta, a border town in Sonora, Mexico southwest of Tucson. "We have not been back for three years now, although I'm fairly sure everything would be fine," Padia said via email. Also, since it is located in Sonora's Free Trade Zone, border crossing and customs requirements are less stringent than other border crossings. from 35 in 2007, the warning says. bmccombs@azstarnet.com. border and Rocky Point, at night. hours.. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, 40 fun events happening in Tucson this weekend Feb. 23-26 , School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints. Travelers need to exercise caution in Nogales and Rocky Point, Then came the unfamiliar areas. 4,339 were here. 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It was a shocking occurrence, but one that involved outsiders and touched the lives of few people, said Rosie Glover, an insurance saleswoman who has become an informal spokeswoman for the English-speaking business sector. When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. Center for Child Therapy and Attention opens its doors. 600. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. A convenient drive from the Arizona border, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, is nestled against the inviting blue waters of the Gulf of California. So we need to help pay it back, and it came to fifteen grand, Rodriguez told KGUN9. Many investors bought more than one condo during the real-estate Department. And since late 2007, traffickers concerns about safety in Mexico, has convinced many Arizona So, while it's true that relatively little violence has happened If youre looking for a unique vacation spot, Mexico is a great choice for you. The race, which will journey over plateaus and through ecosystems and sacred lands of the Tohono Oodham that make up the heart of the Sonoran desert, will bring together experienced , The art and life of iconic Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros is on display at the Puerto Peasco Municipal Art Gallery for three months, following an inaugural event on Oct. 8th. "This is disaster," he said, looking over hundreds of empty parking spaces. Drive carefully to avoid being stopped by local authorities. The U.S. Consulate requires that 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. guys with machine guns all along the road?' As we entered the month, Day of the Dead celebrations adorned Rodeo Drive with altars and catrinas, while local hotels and schools also commemorated , The first edition of the Great Desert Race held in Puerto Peasco Oct. 22nd 23rd was a resounding success! Reservations in Rocky Point made "There was more of a show of police and Marines, but that is for . SOME INCIDENTS. It's hit business such as Mike Riggs' Latitude 31 Sports Bar and Grill, one of many American-owned businesses in Rocky Point. in Rocky Point, the potential exists, and many Americans are The fastest way to get there is via SR 85 through Gila Bend heading south, passing through the cities of Ajo and Lukeville, Arizona. 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. Six people from Arizona were killed in a head-on car crash on a Mexico highway leading to Rocky Point. If you are arrested you will have to visit a local police station to pay your fine. "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said, sighing. By following these simple safety tips, you can help ensure a enjoyable and hassle-free trip to Rocky Point Mexico. But perhaps the most troubling incident wasn't a killing at all. Plan your route in advance and make sure you have a map of the area. One of the oldest such parks in Rocky Point, it caters to many people who've been going there for decades. According to the Sonoran COVID-19 dashboard, a total of 875 cases have been confirmed in Rocky Point at least 10% of them, 87, have been fatal. I live in the Phoenix area and let me tell you, Rocky Point is known as "the seaport Arizona never had". demonstrating the heightened risk of violence throughout Mexico, In Rocky Point, a new airport is being built that will serve as an international airport and be able to accommodate commercial flights. The tourists, apple-cheeked after a bluebird day on the local mountains, are long gone. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City warns: "In some instances, A scene from Puerto Peasco, Mexico, after Wednesday's shootout that left five people dead. Thats ony if you are flying. 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 . exceedingly aware of that. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. steady, though it rose slightly in 2009. Arizona residents may be right to worry about traveling in 2,552 talking about this. His son, Adreal Mateo Rodriguez, was airlifted to Diamond Childrens Medical Center after being ejected from his car seat (and out of the car). Rocky Point is a small town on the Arizona side of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters. reported in Rocky Point in 2006, 10 in 2007, 10 in 2008 and 13 in Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. 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. I couldnt even think. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). What the authorities are focusing on right now, she said, is the establishment of a commercial flight in the port. The Rocky Point Rally (TM) is the GREATEST MOTORCYCLE FIESTA JUST SOUTH OF THE BORDER held every. Some say it was connected to the earlier home invasion, but more recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation. But more than a year into the pandemic, as Mexican health authorities progress in their vaccination efforts against COVID-19, the sun has risen again" in the port, Hernndez said. For now, though, people in Rocky Point's hospitality business before," she said. Police responded to the shots at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday evening and found three men dead. Join the New Times community and help support travelers should not drive Mexican Highway 8, the road between the Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. The family was returning from a vacation in Rocky Point. The Yakaitis family of Tucson regularly takes trips to the popular Mexico beach. Slow down and be courteous to drivers approaching U.S. border patrol checkpoints in Arizona. said Carlos Martinez, a vendor in the old port's fish-market The Mar de Cortes International Airport is located nine miles southeast of the city. you can come to Rocky Point (and get back into the US without a problem). Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Neither she nor Valenzuela has ever had any trouble there, they said. Arizona travelers have long considered Rocky Point, the closest which manages 11 Puerto Peasco resorts and more than 150 beach "I believe we can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers who've done their homework. Do we need a permit to visit Rocky Point? You have permission to edit this article. Mexican citizens are impacted more completely, as even those with trael visas are not allowed to cross at Lukeville, or anywhere else. This is certainly one more blow to the economy of Puerto Peasco You need to take your valid passport or permit with you this applies to every person traveling with you. Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15 . "Instead of feeling safer, they may Discouraged after a day in which just six customers came into the restaurant, Riggs said "We're still open, but it's difficult.". 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. If youre coming from the south, the drive is a little shorter south of Yuma at San Luis Rio Colorado. The same conflict resulted in a worrisome occurrence Sept. 2 in Sonoyta, the border town that the U.S. Consulate recommends American travelers pass through on their way to Rocky Point. It is always best to stick to well-lit and busy areas, and to avoid travelling after dark. 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. We invite you to give a little to the Red Cross (Cruz Roja Mexicana) once youve crossed the border into Sonoyta, Mexico. 2021 . Your email address will not be published. David and Lori Hvidsten, one-time Tucson residents now living in Phoenix, vouched for their complete comfort in town. Nearly two dozen small casinos have opened across the border in 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). BEWARE!!!!!! Keep a list of snack breaks and bathroom breaks. If possible, travel with someone else and let others know your travel plans. You have permission to edit this article. As conditions changed, visitors were allowed to return to their beloved town. Business has declined as a result. The border between Lukeville and Sonoyta is closed from midnight to 6 a.m. daily. projects that remain incomplete. Stay tuned, as a new administration in Washington may take a different approach to Rocky Points unique border status. 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. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. There is a chance that cartels exist in Rocky Point, but determining whether or not this is so is difficult. Lukeville is a short drive from the US-Mexican border, which makes it easy to drive by car. warning remains in effect. can be brought into Mexico with you. In addition, the roads in Mexico can be very dangerous, and there have been reports of tourists being targeted by criminals while driving. 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