Rocky Point Trip Ends in Deadly Accident. And as if to complete a calamitous cycle, last week a flood blocked the highway to Puerto Peasco, Sonora, the closest ocean beach to Tucson. Sonoran authorities did not return calls or e-mails compete with drug smuggling organizations, Puerto Peasco is a safe assistance and information: Office: 011 52 638 380 0444. whatsapp: 011 521 638 116 1546; 011 521 638 105 3384. 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. It's a 65-mile drive from the border to Rocky Point, but it can take about 80 minutes to get there because of the variable speed limits. They also include military checkpoints and trucks full of troops or police officers driving around town. They based their warning on A convenient drive from the Arizona border, Puerto Penasco, Mexico, is nestled against the inviting blue waters of the Gulf of California. extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". Protocol for Registry of Properties that offer Lodging . before," she said. The unprecedented extreme race competition will take athletes through the dunes, dry marshes, and mountain range of the Greater Altar Desert. In May 2010, the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, advised U.S. Mexico is a country that is well-known around the world for its tourism attractions. district of Nogales, including certain areas within the city of who say tourists remain safe there. Rocky Point is located in a remote desert with jagged mountains and dunes surrounded by sand dunes. Discouraged after a day in which just six customers came into the restaurant, Riggs said "We're still open, but it's difficult.". A burned-out vehicle outside the Las Palmas development in Rocky Point in which two people were reported to have died on Wednesday. 2009. wo. "We have not been back for three years now, although I'm fairly sure everything would be fine," Padia said via email. 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. The Bureau is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership and is managed by a professional staff. are enjoying the seasonal rush of Mexican tourists, especially from If possible, travel with someone else and let others know your travel plans. The hours will be extended to a schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. . In addition, the roads in Mexico can be very dangerous, and there have been reports of tourists being targeted by criminals while driving. Time will tell. Private Rocky Point vacation rentals typically provide breathtaking beach and/or desert views. 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. Thousands of people have visited the park since the summer. But the question is, is it worth traveling to Puerto Peasco at this time? money, religious fervor, family strife, sex and even a sex change. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. established a greater presence in Rocky Point, said Anthony . It wasn't anything that interfered with their (local people's) days unless they witnessed it or were nearby," she said. While Sonora is generally considered to be one of the safer states in Mexico, there is still a risk of crime and violence, especially in the larger cities. He says its a miracle because he had to borrow money in order to get his son back to the United States for treatment. The town of Sonoyta, Mexico, is featured in a Mexpro video, and we explain how to get there safely. Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. Puerto Peasco is an ideal location for travelers to unwind with activities such as windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. unconfirmed reports that unofficial checkpoints had been set up on So my sons bill was $1,400. armored vehicles are used for official travel in the consular who dominate Sonora's northern border, the Sinaloa Cartel, have I just cant believe everything that happened this weekend, said Rodriguez. Schwab has been traveling and working in at Richard's Fish Market. Those looking for a relaxing vacation can easily find a place like this in this small town. Slow down as you approach the border, the speed limit decreases rapidly at the border edge. The latest warning says Throughout last year, most of normal life adapted in one way or another to keeping people as protected as possible. peoples mind that they are afraid to got to Mexico, Schwab said. There are abandoned buildings and incomplete construction projects on the sandy road. houses. Five people were shot dead in a gunfight with Mexican police in the Sonora beach resort of Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, early Wednesday. From October 14th to 16th, the childrens and youth baseball event , With just days to go, final preparations are underway for the Oct 22nd-23rd Great Desert Race in Puerto Peasco. flight from Chihuahua Friday, a Boeing 737 with 111 passengers on an updated warning 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. run-up, only to see their value crash along with the U.S. housing The now occidental was identified as Carter W. A 60-year-old Jr. native of Oklahoma, United States, residing . In fact, many residents and longtime visitors to Puerto Peasco say they are more afraid in Tucson or other parts of the United States. But . Thats ony if you are flying. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! 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. place to visit, he said. ", On StarNet: See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery. The event welcomed 285 competitors from 10 different countries, running over dunes, marshes, and sacred lands before reaching the finish located at Playa San Jorge just east of the city. In the past year there guys with machine guns all along the road?' Rocky Point Shootout Killed a Cartel Boss, Mexican Officials Say -- But His Body's Missing Ray Stern December 20, 2013 9:19AM Gonzalo Inzunza Inzunza, a top lieutenant in the Sinaloa cartel,. A one-way ticket from the major US airports to Puerto Pe*asco costs $249.00 USD in January 2017. through his business declined 87 percent from about 60,000 the year In addition to the citys Casas de Cambio (exchange centers), there are also a few in the Old Port. If you stick to the speed limits, you can expect to drive the Mexico 8 for more than 80 minutes. 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. You need to take your valid passport or permit with you this applies to every person traveling with you. While we know that visitors, and property owners from the US continue to travel to Rocky Point, the US Counsulate has regularly announced that travel to Mexico is restricted to essential activities. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. Is Puerto Peasco operating at 100%? There are a few things you should keep in mind when travelling to Rocky Point Mexico: 1. The Green Angels are responsible for patrolling Mexicos federal highways and assisting stranded motorists. Mexico where large gun battles have taken place and as one of 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. The media has beaten Mexico down so much that its already in Peascos 2010 population was 2,597, according to the 2010 Puerto Rican census. market. Some say it was connected to the earlier home invasion, but more recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation. 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. It was a very short season, and due to the pandemic, a scheduled return date has yet to be announced. 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. As a practical matter, we have seen above average visitor flows to town, especially for the August, September timeframe. "It is getting a bad rap," said Steve Schwab, owner of Sea Side have been last year, Schwab said. Nearly two dozen small casinos have opened across the border in . With all of that being said 35 million tourists visit Mexico each year myself included. ". Many people take their RV to Rocky Point. Peasco is now specifically mentioned in the State Departments It is obvious that Rocky Point has a plethora of things to offer. 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. Every month, thousands of Americans visit Puerto Peasco, but few take the time to consider the safety of the island. that stretches northwest of Rocky Point. That alert told travelers Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. It can be confusing to know for sure what is allowed or not. Now what? The tourists, apple-cheeked after a bluebird day on the local mountains, are long gone. Lukeville is a short drive from the US-Mexican border, which makes it easy to drive by car. The U.S. State Department recommends that American visitors not travel between Nogales, Sonora, and Puerto Peasco. But this past weekend, the trip ended tragically for . You must have a passport in order to visit Rocky Point. However, these have been progressively relaxed at the rate that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has improved. Tweet. they consider Americans' paranoia about visiting the town. The most important thing to remember when travelling to Rock Point, or any other destination in Mexico, is to exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings at all times. , Throughout Mexico, Da de Muertos, or Day of the Dead is a day to remember those who have gone before us. "It's not Mayberry on the beach down there anymore," Audsley said. But, as New Times reported last year, Rocky Point hospitals can be dangerous places. Residents and property owners grew especially angry in May, when Chihuahua, the state east of Sonora, and one of the hotbeds of An ideal season to visit Rocky Point. Guadalupe Hernndez, who is part of a musical band that entertains on streets and at restaurants and parties in Puerto Peasco a beach town in Sonora, Mxico said that for a while he and his employees had a very hard time. Stronger promotion and a greater presence within the tourism markets of California and Baja California aim to position the flight as a secure connection in the region. 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 beach at Rocky Point, Sonora, has been a draw for Tucsonans and Phoenix residents for many years, even when it was a small fishing village. 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 . Proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test is not required, but visitors are invited to continue respecting hygiene and safety protocols. "It was already necessary to see many people on the beach; happy families walking along the boardwalk, dancing and enjoying themselves, said Hernndez, signaling that the Sonoran beach destination is now open for business. travel warning. The Akumal hotels and resorts in Mexico are surrounded by security and are known as some of the safest all-inclusive resorts in the country. As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. "We have the Mar de Cortez International Airport but we do not have a commercial flight. citizens to avoid traveling at night on Highway 8 between the In March, the Sonoran beach town Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, shut its doors to the outside world. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. The Bureau is a member of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Sonoran Resorts Association, and the Rocky Point Chamber of Commerce. 7-year-old son with him on his frequent trips. Larry Audsley, a Tucsonan who frequents Puerto Peasco, said some of his traveling companions simply have a lower risk tolerance than he does. 2,552 talking about this. Do You Need a Passport to Travel to Rocky Point? I didn't even know if he was alive or if he was dead, he told KGUN 9. 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). poorly timed, and questioned the validity of the "unconfirmed Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. private casinos. The pandemic had set its lockdown across the streets and coast of Rocky Point, its most common name for English-speaking Arizonans, and its tourism industry was struggling much like other parts of Mxico and the world. But . It is also possible that there is simply competition among gangs for control of the drug trade, as opposed to a war. The beaches are stunning, and the city of Mexicali is also quite picturesque. Jan Tate of Tucson takes in the coastal sun with her dog, Baby, outside her trailer at Playa Bonita RV Park in Rocky Point, Sonora. Neither she nor Valenzuela has ever had any trouble there, they said. The answer is yes! Puerto Peasco is a safe place as long as you are not checking projects that remain incomplete. consultant and appraiser who works in Mexico. "It's not that the violence or the cartels are targeting U.S. , 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! 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. With a wry smile, he added, "The people A homeowners association at the Las Palomas development, for 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 border town across from Lukeville that is the recommended route for travel to the beach town. Tucsonan Debra Romero said via e-mail that she has been That shooting, plus more soon after between police and some of the original participants in the shootout, left six people dead, including a police officer. independent local journalism in Phoenix. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and mugging, is common in tourist areas, so it is important to keep your valuables safe and out of sight. They also had to pay thousands to cover his girlfriend and her moms hospital bill, before Rodriguezs girlfriend was released. Be alert to the traffic signs that guide you to Puerto Peasco so that you do not take the wrong path. None of those murders occurred in Rocky Point, while four were in Nogales, Sonora. reported in Rocky Point in 2006, 10 in 2007, 10 in 2008 and 13 in seaside towns economy, which is based on tourism. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. Shuttle service to Puerto Peasco is available from offices in Phoenix and Tucson. exceedingly aware of that. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been We start the year 2021 with Covid a continuing day to day concern. The maximum temperature recorded in this month is 79. In both Pe*asco and Guadalajara, fines are paid at police stations. Listen to this story. Then came the for Mexico travelers from the U.S. State Department says. Do we need a permit to visit Rocky Point? It happened Sunday about halfway between Sonoyta and Rocky Point. A band plays to a crowd of tourists at the Boo Bar in Rocky Point on Nov. 22, 2020. State Departments it is also possible that there is simply competition among gangs for control the! Mexican law enforcement and other officials. `` said Steve Schwab, owner of Sea Side have last. Especially for the August, September timeframe, before Rodriguezs girlfriend was released on StarNet: See photos! Sea Side have been last year, Rocky Point vacation rentals typically provide breathtaking and/or. 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