Today, visitors flock to see the centuries-old churches, baroque architecture and callejoneadas (roving street parties), as . Crime involving drugs has increased in Mexico in recent years, but it primarily affects tourists. In the city of Guadalajara, there is a low risk of being attacked by women. Is Zacatecas safe? Make sure beer bottles are open in front of you before drinking, and dont drink Mexico Citys tap water. For shopping, Guanajuato has a nearby mall, several supermarkets, and two traditional markets in the historic center. 3.2k. He slowed down and there was a hotel to our right (freeway was to the left). The ex-director, Erasmo Flores, referred his clients as my children, according to several families, who paid the equivalent of about $20 a week to enroll loved ones in a course that included group discussions and singing. While Guanajuato is a small safe tourist city, following basic safety rule is a key. Even more fun! The DEA is offering a $10-million reward for information leading to his arrest. El Marro denounced his rival as an aging coward racked by gonorrhea. Guanajuato is famous for gold and especially silver: in the colonial period the mines of Guanajuato made it one of the wealthiest cities in the world. There is no danger posed by highway buses (caiones) in Mexico, they are simple to obtain, and they are run by reputable companies. You have a strong connection. As a result of this process, police officers become more effective, and crimes are less likely to occur. No further details were immediately available. El Marro, or Sledgehammer, an enterprising local criminal whose real name is Jos Antonio Ypez Ortiz, began to make headlines for allegedly stealing more than a million dollars worth of fuel a day from the many pipelines radiating from a government-owned oil refinery in the city of Salamanca. There were 3,540 killings in Guanajuato last year, a more than threefold increase since 2016. Justice? And so the hit men opened fire. US State Department travel advisories apply to the southern parts of Guanajuato State only, where cartels do operate. It is caused by a variety of factors, including high crime and kidnapping rates. We loved our short stay. Crime is uncommon in Mexico because it has been removed from tourist destinations. Heres a list, Stationmaster arrested after train collision in Greece kills at least 36, Ohios senators to unveil rail safety bill in wake of East Palestine derailment, After months of pounding, Ukrainian official says military may pull back from Bakhmut, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, Elizabeth Holmes cites her new baby as a reason she should avoid prison for Theranos scam, What time is it on the moon? El Marro has not spoken publicly about it. 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 . The banner also noted a little gift left nearby in an abandoned pickup as a warning an undetonated bomb. Yes, Mexico City is safe. Mexico has once again dominated a list of the most violent cities in the world but smaller towns have now shot up the rankings, reflecting new hotspots where criminal groups are fighting for control. Another reason to simply just explore the streets is that when it comes to the cultural explorer, Guanajuato does not disappoint. The cartel in effect controls several Pacific ports that are entry points from Asia of essential chemicals. Visit the Museo Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera and Museo Iconogrfico del Quijote, then take a bus trip out to the Cristo Rey. I dont know what could have happened or what the guy was thinking, so just keep an eye on your Uber routes and make sure they make sense. She was El Marros sister. In a recent development, Aguascalientes became the only state in the country that is now a red state, making hotels unable to accommodate visitors with critical tasks. Actually, what people most enjoy is the possibility of exploring the city on foot. Guanajuato doesnt need them, the banner said. 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. The attack on the drug treatment center came less than a week after El Marros family was sprung. El Marro has no chance, said Vigil, the ex-DEA official. Mexico is at the third-highest level of danger, so the government advises people to reconsider their plans to visit the country. Mexico has had some of the highest daily COVID-19 prevalence rates since the beginning of the pandemic since last month. Its possible that Ecuador has a lower rate of crime because the police force is not as well-paid and trained as the Mexican police force, and the state government is ineffective at disciplining criminals. Theres something for everyone in Playa del Carmen, which is generally very safe. Youll have an unforgettable trip if you make the right decisions when you arrive at your destination. The alley has a tragic legend attached to it: Doa Ana and Don Carlos were in love but forbidden to see other by zealous parents. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town was once a silver mining town and, oddly, few foreigners visit it. Guanajuato capital receives a lot of tourists every year and it is safe, another town San Miguel de Allende has a good number of US citizens living there and it is also a safe city. This quirky little museum is dedicated to Don Quixote, the iconic Spanish literary character created by Miguel de Cervantes in the 17th century. The wealthy neighborhoods of Le*n have low and consistent levels of Petty Crime due to the nearby area of Guanajuato. Mexico can be dangerous for LGBTQ+ people, depending on where they live. Only thing to worry is taxi drivers or cops shaking you down or wrong place wrong time situations with the current turf wars going on in the area. Furthermore, Ecuador has a lower rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. Amazing things to do in Guanajuato Mexico 1. Visit the Mummy Museum (Museo de las Momias) 8. Guanajuato is a colonial city located in central Mexico with a rich history. At the root of the escalating violence is a David-versus-Goliath turf battle between a local mob boss and a multinational drug cartel capo. The city of Guadalajara has a large number of squares and plazas. According to the UK Government, over 576,971 British nationals visited Mexico in 2017 with most visits being trouble-free. It was beautiful, the people were incredibly nice, and we felt very safe the whole time except that weird Uber driver on the last day. The government is just trying to protect both tourists and residents of possible criminal acts. For 200 years, it was one of the richest urban hubs in the world, thanks to silver mining. Is Guanajuato safe The short answer is "yes". Guanajuato is located in a mountainous region and its climate is semi-arid. Has anyone traveled here this year 2021? As a result, it is painful to see gang warfare taking place in the same region. Special correspondent Cecilia Snchez contributed to this report. Irapuato is generally considered a safe city. However, like any large city, there are areas that are best avoided. The city is known for its colonial architecture and silver mining history. Summary about cost of living in Queretaro, Mexico: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,611$ (33,422MXN) without rent. Bras. World Nomads provides insurance for The Broke Backpacker, and he trusts them with his wildest escapades. Guanajuato is known to have among the highest homicide rates in all of Mexico due to cartel related violence. The war of independence itself was launched from Dolores Hidalgo, a small town less than 23 miles from Guanajuato. If you have more time and are in good health, you should stop by guanajuato. Rosa Alba Santoyo Soria is comforted by a friend. Press the down arrow or enter key to interact with the calendar and select a date. It seems GTO (state, in general) is friendly toward tourists, but not necessarily always their own citizens. The Clnica La Presa, in one of the citys central neighborhoods, serves medical needs. We found a mezcal bar with really nice servers/bartenders and they gave us great advice about where to go and were so helpful. 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. Though U.S. and Canadian expats predominate, the city also has expats from the U.K., Australia, France, Japan, and elsewhere. But the main attraction here is the chance to venture into Guanajuatos historic silver and gold mines. The buses are nice and feel very safe. Overall, I would definitely recommend GTO (City) for vacation. 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. It is advised to avoid the industrial outskirts of the area and exploring the streets alone at night, as in most cities. The local church is a gorgeous example of 18th-century Mexican Churrigueresque style every inch is covered in gilded sculpture, painting, or ornate plasterwork. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Due to a lack of resources, it was a small village in its early years and had a slow growth rate. Humidity is generally low. Rosa Alba Santoya Soria in her home in Irapuato. Taxis: From the airport, taxis operate a fixed-rate fare system, with rides direct to central Guanajuato (45min) around 485 pesos. The best things . The balcony is named after the song Alley of the Kiss because there is enough space for a couple to reach across and kiss. Summer is the rainy season, when afternoon showers are common. One thing you can do is to never carry all your money in a wallet. As a result, it is extremely dangerous to leave your children out in the sun in the summer. Word spread quickly here after gunfire erupted at a neighborhood drug rehab center. As many as 10,000 are studentsthe University of Guanajuato is here, with many university divisions housed right in the city center. 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). Visit Merida with care and remember to keep your wits about you; keep an eye on where you are going. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Aeromexico and several discount Mexican carriers provide additional options for both international travel and domestic Mexican travel. There are many other great things to do in Guanajuato for sure, so you should not waste your time waiting but put this city on your future travel destinations list. That made me kinda sad but also curious. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? It is a colonial city located in central Mexico in the mountains. Give yourself a curfew in order to stay indoors during dark hours. The former home of Mexican muralist Jos Chvez Morado and his German painter wife Olga Costa is now a beautifully maintained museum filled with art objects collected by the couple (there are only a few items by the artists themselves). In a nation convulsed by violence, the central state of Guanajuato long stood out as an island of relative calm. Furthermore,visiting a museum filled with mummies is definitely worth seeing. This city played an important role in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and the Mexican Revolution of 2006 in the twentieth century. Len (with a population of about 1.5 million) is a major industrial city and home to numerous excellent hospitals and shopping malls. In 99% of cases, it does not involve tourists or visitors, but it can still happen. Souvenirs bearing the Forma Migratoria Mltiple (FMM) label on arrival in Mexico should be kept in a special envelope alongside their passports. Guanajuato to San Miguel de Allende by bus. Traveling to any city requires common sense, and it is critical to stay up to date on your surroundings at all times. The summer months are when it rains the most, July tends to be the wettest with May being the warmest. This June, a military-led operation in Guanajuato resulted in the arrests of more than two dozen of El Marros alleged confederates including his mother, sister and cousin and prompted supporters in areas under his gangs control to block streets, set vehicles ablaze and torch a furniture store. Soon, Guanajuato was in the news for all the wrong reasons contract hits and shootouts in bars and restaurants, on highways and at homes. There are police scattered around the city at all times, keeping an eye on things. 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. There are several useful tips to be gained from this article. There have been several instances of pickpocketing both within and outside tourist attractions, with the aim of taking tourist's money and possessions. This region is home to a number of violent gangs and drug cartels. Probably one of these days he and his family are going to be evaporated from this planet by El Mencho.. The trees in front of the craft stalls and benches have been trimmed in order to provide a dense canopy. As for colonial destinations, some of the most popular are San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Taxco, Guerrero, and Puebla. Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. Destination. Mexico is a country with a high rate of violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, sexual assault, and kidnapping. The entire municipality has about 172,000 residents, with central Guanajuato being home to only about 71,000. Mexico City is the most populous city in North America. Depending on your lifestyle, a single person can live on about $1,200 a month, including rent, while a couple can live from about $1,500. In particular, the neighborhoods of La Union and El Colonia are known for crime and should be avoided after dark. The most well-known festival is the International Cervantes Festival, a two- to three-week performing arts festival with major performing artists from around the world. The Alley of Kiss (Callejn del Beso) is a popular tourist attraction in the city, which is filled with alleys. Tambin se ingres una seccin que integra a las personas ms donantes . It would be best to only use cash, by keeping most in your hotel safe and taking small amounts out with you. You should not be afraid of visiting one of the worlds coolest cities. Our favorites include the colonial-style Edelmira Hotel Boutique, El Mesn de los Poetas, and Hotel San Diego, overlooking central Jardn de la Unin. It is a dangerous place to visit due to the drug cartels, gang-related violence, and kidnappings. Tunnels, underground streets, and the viewpoint of the Rayas mine are some of the highlights of this visit. 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. Do not accept drinks from strangers as they might be spiked. 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. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The city was founded on the silver mines that operated in the area from the 16th century until the 18th century. It's the most romantic town in Mexico". The first museum explored the life and crimes of a Mexican serial killer, Tadeo Fulgenco Mej*a. San Miguel, where over 8,000 Canadian, British, and Americans live, is a great distance from the cartel wars and highway robberies. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. The citys colonial architecture, with brightly colored mansions, is a testament to its history. Always carry your sunscreen. The citys premier church lies on central Plaza de la Paz, a large red and tangerine-colored edifice dedicated to the patroness of the city (the Virgin Mary, here in her incarnation as Nuestra Seora de Guanajuato). Services are operated by Primera Plus and ETN. The small city was vibrant and we felt completely safe while visiting. Less than three weeks after the massacre, El Menchos cartel released a video in which a masked gunman identified as a New Generation special forces chief warns El Marro that his days are numbered. For retirees, Guanajuatos low cost of living is an additional attraction. 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. Guanajuato is the capital of its own state in a central region of Mexico known as the Bajo, around 360km northwest of Mexico City. Many major thoroughfares in the city center are actually underground tunnels. Mexico is safe to drive at night, but it is best to avoid doing so at night. Gugajuato was granted city status in 1741 after being founded in 1554. We went to many bars and clubs in addition to museums and other sightseeing (day and night). As a result of university and government presence, Guanajuato is one of the most culturally active cities in all of Latin America. Lined by cafs and bars such as popular Luna, its the perfect spot for an early evening drink local bands and musicians often play outdoors here at dusk. Of squares and plazas, depending on where they live go and were so helpful and are good! 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