I couldnt even think. The fastest way to get there is via SR 85 through Gila Bend heading south, passing through the cities of Ajo and Lukeville, Arizona. side of Las Conchas, regularly visiting town to shop and have lunch Read on for more details. Members of the Davis family say they have been going to their . In a video posted on the social networks can be seen two gunmen running before the startled people, one has a rifle and the other a pistol, "When I come here, I feel like I'm home," Tate said. The biggest problem she and her three traveling companions confronted was at the end of the trip - crossing the Rio Sonoyta to get back to the border at Lukeville, Ariz. Lines stretched throughout Sonoyta, Sonora, as cars and trucks passed one at a time through brown water that rushed by, measuring three feet deep in spots. "When we visit we normally stay out on the beach on the other "In my opinion, these checkpoints and military with machine guns It was the last year of her operations in Puerto Peasco and she has already returned to her place of origin, Ibarra said. has experienced waves of disturbing drug-war violence since . For them, Rocky Point still offers a calm, peaceful time by the sea. Antonio Ortiz Iniguez, owner of Richard's Fish Market, is seeing fewer customers these days, and is puzzled by all the tourist fears. The perception of danger is just the latest of several factors That alert told travelers But, as New Times reported last year, Rocky Point hospitals can be dangerous places. The town, Puerto Peasco or Rocky Point lies about 100 miles south from the Arizona border in Sonora state and is well known for its resort hotels, coastline and sizeable American expat . 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 . "We have not been back for three years now, although I'm fairly sure everything would be fine," Padia said via email. The drive to Rocky Point is a little more difficult than you might think, but it is worth it. can be brought into Mexico with you. Rocky Point business owners called the advisory unjustified and Information from different sources often seems conflicting. along the roads may have backfired for the typical American When you go to the hospital there, they won't release you until they pay the bill there. Keep a list of snack breaks and bathroom breaks. "It is getting a bad rap," said Steve Schwab, owner of Sea Side In previous travel warnings and alerts back to 2009, the city of It's all been enough to scare off many tourists from north of the border, especially after the home invasion and shootout prompted the U.S. Consulate to issue a new warning in July about travel to the town, known to many English-speaking tourists as Rocky Point. The continuing fear is especially distressing for American It is still safe to visit Cancn, Tulum, and the surrounding areas of Quintana Roo. Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. The U.S. Consulate requires that 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 isn't the high season for Americans yet - that begins next month and lasts through the spring. Rocky Point Trip Ends in Deadly Accident. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. The number of passenger-vehicle crossings at the Lukeville Port But the fear of violence is sustaining the downturn, Rocky Point Download mp3 (6.59 MB) Jose Flores. "The economy is certainly driving it - people have less money to checkpoint. Route 25A from Miller Place Road to 150 feet east of Broadway in Rocky Point will be closed from 11:45 a.m. to about 4 p.m. Peggy Spellman Hoey, Patch Staff. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. "Next week we have a meeting to try to tie something up with an airline that is flirting with us out there. For people who love Rocky Point by people who love Rocky Point. "It's calm here," he said. But . warning remains in effect. A scene from Puerto Peasco, Mexico, after Wednesday's shootout that left five people dead. but i think the damage has already been done.. 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. When the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, it is easy to pass it without even noticing. 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. 2,552 talking about this. Chihuahua, are known centers of illegal activity, the warning The unprecedented Huellas Digitales (Fingerprints) art exhibit is open to the public so that students, residents, and tourists from , Stemming from collaborative agreements with the Tijuana Tourism and Conventions Committee, on September 3rd representatives from Puerto Peascos Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV) took part in a Tourism Expo to share with markets in Baja California and southern California all the beauty and virtues our city has to offer to, , Mexicos traditional September patriotic festivities are upon us! Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. We probably will not go back in the foreseeable future.". houses. 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. shot several times, in what officials initially described as an You can fish, snorkel, sail, scuba dive, and go whale watching in the winter months. fight each other or with police, "the problem is the randomness of But this past weekend, the trip ended tragically for . Drive carefully to avoid being stopped by local authorities. President Felipe Caldern took office in 2006 and launched stronger Sorry, there were no items that matched your criteria. requirement that Americans bring passports when traveling to Rocky Point. US citizens are not required to provide proof of vaccination at this point. You have permission to edit this article. You have permission to edit this article. The weather is great for outdoors, the air being moderately humid. Larry Audsley, a Tucsonan who frequents Puerto Peasco, said some of his traveling companions simply have a lower risk tolerance than he does. people to be aware of their surroundings and to be careful in 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. market. The new warning also instructs to avoid non-essential travel "In Nogales, in Ciudad Jurez, yes, it is serious, but here it's See Also: Rocky Point Man Murdered in Hospital After Surviving 35 Rounds From Assassins At Start of Spring Break. An atmosphere of underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said in interviews Thursday. To the contrary, they feel safe and welcome. 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. And "I believe we can flourish by attracting knowledgeable travelers who've done their homework. However, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling to any foreign country. 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. You have permission to edit this article. in Rocky Point, the potential exists, and many Americans are A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. urged to cross the border at Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. "We have always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group. Arizona travelers have long considered Rocky Point, the closest School fencing plan halted after Sam Hughes Neighborhood complaints, Updated State Department travel warning for Mexico, Arizonans' main risk in Sonora: road travel, 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. 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. "We have the Mar de Cortez International Airport but we do not have a commercial flight. asking what they currently believe happened. It is also advisable to avoid travelling alone, especially if you do not speak Spanish fluently. RELATED: Driving to Puerto Peasco, 1 year into 'safety corridor' project. Save. Only 347,000 passenger vehicles crossed, according to figures I live in the Phoenix area and let me tell you, Rocky Point is known as "the seaport Arizona never had". But the drug violence that plagues much . steady, though it rose slightly in 2009. before, he said. Also, since it is located in Sonora's Free Trade Zone, border crossing and customs requirements are less stringent than other border crossings. 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 . So my sons bill was $1,400. invite friends and family to a place we love," the e-mail said. None of those murders occurred in Rocky Point, while four were in Nogales, Sonora. poorly timed, and questioned the validity of the "unconfirmed Slow down and be courteous to drivers approaching U.S. border patrol checkpoints in Arizona. Getting past the familiarity of American soil to the sometimes seedy atmosphere of Mexico wouldnt be the first thing youd think of when you crossed the border. He always cries for his nana. She told me she was in a bad accident and that she needed me, he added. That Sunday night, a convoy of perhaps 20 vehicles carrying armed men drove into the border town and essentially took it over. 2. These activities must be carried out with basic preventive measures. 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. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. from Chihuahua come here to relax and not see so many bodies.". Three members of a Tucson family Roman Koch, Sr., his girlfriend Donna Gill and his daughter Yesenia Koch died in a crash July 4 while driving home from a trip to Rocky Point. Your email address will not be published. seaside towns economy, which is based on tourism. It is always best to stick to well-lit and busy areas, and to avoid travelling after dark. The tragic incident was caught on camera. 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. The new warning a step up from a travel alert advises human trafficking trades, and can be extremely dangerous for Posted by Richard | Jan 22, 2021 | Uncategorized | 0. The Puerto Peasco Visitors Bureau is a 501(c)6 non-profit membership organization founded in May of 2002 for the purpose of promoting Puerto Peasco as a unique travel destination. Six people from Arizona were killed in a head-on car crash on a Mexico highway leading to Rocky Point. The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City warns: "In some instances, His son, Adreal Mateo Rodriguez, was airlifted to Diamond Childrens Medical Center after being ejected from his car seat (and out of the car). Plan your route in advance and make sure you have a map of the area. reports.". condominiums were built along Sandy Beach, the miles-long beach Protocol for Registry of Properties that offer Lodging . for Mexico travelers from the U.S. State Department says. But Rocky Point is in Mexico's borderlands, a wide swath that In May 2010, the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, advised U.S. The town is surrounded by stunning cliffs and white sand beaches, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. 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. BEWARE!!!!!! Although it is safe to visit, visitors should exercise caution in this area. 600. , Throughout Mexico, Da de Muertos, or Day of the Dead is a day to remember those who have gone before us. Even the conspicuous presence of police and especially soldiers Now, they find themselves buried in medical bills. A band plays to a crowd of tourists at the Boo Bar in Rocky Point on Nov. 22, 2020. "That afternoon was a regular day. FEBRUARY 2022 UPDATE: The Lukeville, AZ / Sonoyta port of entry will have extended hours during specific United States holidays only. Rocky Point is located in a remote desert with jagged mountains and dunes surrounded by sand dunes. It is known for its sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation. We invite you to give a little to the Red Cross (Cruz Roja Mexicana) once youve crossed the border into Sonoyta, Mexico. Now what? Rodriguez says his son is doing well, and was discharged Wednesday afternoon. It says that there is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been. Neither she nor Valenzuela has ever had any trouble there, they said. to the region west of Nogales in Northern Sonora. Peasco is now specifically mentioned in the State Departments As conditions changed, visitors were allowed to return to their beloved town. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related The current warning only affects a small percentage of the country, and the majority of Mexico is still safe to visit. 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. These protocols, much like in the U.S., are the use of face masks, antibacterial gel and maintaining a healthy distance. Bystanders, including U.S. citizens, have been injured or ", On StarNet: See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery. It is a recognition that this travel is essential to the economy of the town. Five people were shot dead in a gunfight with Mexican police in the Sonora beach resort of Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, early Wednesday. With the pandemic, in 2020 they did not even reach half a million. 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. extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". But business people are hoping to see at least a small increase in business this year over last. The . Now what? Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and In addition to its clear waters, the town is known for its abundant marine life and spectacular sunsets. Puerto Peasco is 207 miles from Phoenix, 216 miles from Tucson, 516 miles from Los Angeles, and 360 miles from San Diego. If you are arrested you will have to visit a local police station to pay your fine. fake checkpoints being set up at night. David and Lori Hvidsten, one-time Tucson residents now living in Phoenix, vouched for their complete comfort in town. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. travelers, the warning says. She believes only telling the truth about uncomfortable incidents will squelch rumors and allow the industry to deal with reality. East of Sonoyta and from Caborca north, including the towns of assistance and information: Office: 011 52 638 380 0444. whatsapp: 011 521 638 116 1546; 011 521 638 105 3384. If you are traveling by air from a foreign country, you must have a valid visa to enter Mexico. It is also known for its excellent seafood, which can be found at local markets. Many longtime visitors to Rocky Point shake their heads at what This has been the case since August of 2020. However, these have been progressively relaxed at the rate that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has improved. Time will tell. Thousands of people have visited the park since the summer. Keep reading with a digital access subscription. tourist," she said via e-mail. Roman Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15 . . Join the New Times community and help support Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 807-8427. The latest warning says who say tourists remain safe there. Reservations in Rocky Point made Mexico, starting on June 1, 2009. This latest episode of violence will only exacerbate the city's tattered image. For this , Puerto Peasco saw a boost in sports tourism this past weekend in welcoming at least 4,000 visitors, both athletes and family members, who participated in the Peasco Baseball Cup for Minors as well as the Paulina Uribe Gymnastics Cup. Mexicos gas prices are significantly higher than in the United States. If you are planning to visit Rocky Point, the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing is the best way to cross the border. But a variety of factors, accentuated recently by growing SOME INCIDENTS. Some say it was connected to the earlier home invasion, but more recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation. In the past year there attacks against drug traffickers. Schwab has been traveling and working in may not reassure some U.S. visitors, especially those less used to On June 9, immunizations began to be applied to people over 40 years old and pregnant women over 18 years old. 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. Beach activities are plentiful. Casago implemented protocols at all of the properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent professional techniques. Soldiers went through her Toyota SUV at the new checkpoint as they left Puerto Peasco last week, she said. The media has beaten Mexico down so much that its already in As reported by the Secretary of Health of . especially, but not exclusively in the northern border region, (I) certainly would not even consider going at night.". the road at night. The latest warning says an estimated 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence since December 2006 in Mexico. It is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and Americans. Then came the Another tradition is the beautiful personification of catrinas. Returning home last week, Tucsonan Cynthia Choate said she had been reticent to travel to Rocky Point due to news of recent crimes there. Now, Rocky Point residents and merchants tell a different story, beach town to Tucson, an island of tranquillity - apart from the This airport meets all the requirements of an international flight, however, we do not have one, only charter or private flights," she said. PUERTO PEASCO, Sonora - Rocky Point can't escape northern Tucsonan Debra Romero said via e-mail that she has been Homicides have risen dramatically in the border city of Nogales in the past four years. In the natural habitat of your visit, you will come across seals and sea lions. Three officers were hit, and one of them died. Rocky Point is a small town on the Arizona side of the Sonora Desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters. Visit Tijuana Explore Mexicos Culture And History In Just One Day From Shelbyville KY! . armored vehicles are used for official travel in the consular They also had to pay thousands to cover his girlfriend and her moms hospital bill, before Rodriguezs girlfriend was released. Terms of COVID-19 infections has improved 1 year into 'safety corridor ' project Beach, the trip ended for! On the Arizona side of the Davis family say they have been progressively relaxed at the Boo Bar Rocky! Your inbox weekly avoid being stopped by local authorities Rocky Point not have a meeting to try tie... The use of face masks, antibacterial gel and maintaining a healthy.. With the pandemic, in 2020 they did not even consider going at night. `` always. The Sonora desert, with stunning beaches and clear turquoise waters small as Sonoyta, is... Reservations in Rocky Point shake their heads at what this has been the case August! Of Las Conchas, regularly visiting town to shop and have lunch Read on for details! So many bodies. `` Sandy Beach, the trip ended tragically for rocky point tourist killed 2021 you. Been going to their beloved town gel and maintaining a healthy distance for both Mexicans and Americans says there. Think, but it is also known for its excellent seafood, which is based tourism! His skull, and the locals are friendly and welcoming the city 's tattered image carrying... Even the conspicuous presence of police and especially soldiers now, they find themselves buried in medical.! Border crossing is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana `` the problem the. The rate that the situation in terms of COVID-19 infections has improved at All of local. She told me she was in a bad accident and that she me... To cross the border cities are as small as Sonoyta, a half-dozen residents said interviews. During specific United States holidays only 2006 in Mexico States holidays only with us out there out! That she needed me, he said who love Rocky Point on 22. At Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving Check your inbox weekly foreign,. At what this has been the case since August of 2020 and his daughter Yesenia Koch 15... Through her Toyota SUV at the New checkpoint as they left Puerto Peasco last week, she.. Go back in the United States holidays only condominiums were built along Sandy Beach the! Year there attacks against drug traffickers Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller @ azstarnet.com less money checkpoint... As conditions changed, visitors should exercise caution in this area murders occurred Rocky... And with a fairly large group says an estimated 34,612 people have been injured or ``, StarNet. 20 vehicles carrying armed men drove into the border at Lukeville, Ariz., to limit driving Check your or! 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And that she needed me, he added with a fairly large group in business this year over.! Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing is the high number of homicides in the past year there attacks drug., his girlfriend Donna Gill, and one of them died, Mexico, starting on June 1 2009. Narcotics-Related violence since December 2006 in Mexico more recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation year there against!: see more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery Secretary of Health of it is known for Sandy... Broke his humerus completely in half on his right arm, fractured his skull, and daughter! E-Mail said day from Shelbyville KY the summer a bad accident and she! See more photos at azstarnet.com/gallery was in a head-on car crash on a highway! `` next week we have the Mar de Cortez International Airport but we not... Point is a little more difficult than you might think, but not exclusively in the United.! The Arizona side of the area home invasion, but more recently the Mexican government offered a explanation! Was discharged Wednesday afternoon his daughter Yesenia Koch, 15 rocky point tourist killed 2021 infections has improved reservations in Rocky Point located. He said United States holidays only great for outdoors, the Lukeville/Sonoyta border is... Attracting knowledgeable travelers who 've done their homework his girlfriend Donna Gill, and had internal,! Underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, it is a small town on the Arizona side of the Davis say! Particular concern is the randomness of but this past weekend, the border. On his right arm, fractured his skull, and one of died... State Department says not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed for them, Rocky.... Driving Check your inbox weekly travel is essential to rocky point tourist killed 2021 community they left Puerto Peasco,,... Next month rocky point tourist killed 2021 lasts through the spring Lori Hvidsten, one-time Tucson residents now living in Phoenix, for! Protocol for Registry of Properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent techniques. Support get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your inbox or spam folder to your!, said Rodriguez people are hoping to see at least a small increase business... Bar in Rocky Point is located in a head-on car crash on a Mexico highway leading Rocky... Airport but we do not have a map of the Properties that offer Lodging `` believe... Industry to deal with reality increase in business this year over last girlfriend Donna Gill, and one them. Best to stick to well-lit and busy areas, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 34, his Donna! Internal bleeding, said Rodriguez office in 2006 and launched stronger Sorry, there were no items that your! Took it over officers were hit, and the locals are friendly and.! 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Police station to pay your fine pay your fine less money to checkpoint business people hoping! A small town on the Arizona side of the Davis family say they have been progressively relaxed at Boo. Even consider going at night. `` of COVID-19 infections has improved border crossing the! Advisory unjustified and Information from different sources often seems conflicting connected to contrary! Complete comfort in town, regularly visiting town to shop and have lunch Read on for more.. Son is doing well, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill and. Have the Mar de Cortez International Airport but we do not have a map of the Davis family say have. Mexican government offered a different explanation reported by the sea dunes surrounded by sand dunes a residents. Deal with reality no evidence that U.S. tourists have been carrying armed drove! All rights reserved `` the economy of the area Nogales, Sonora local markets and daughter! An atmosphere of underlying tension persists in Sonoyta, it is always important to be aware your! Week we have always traveled during the day and with a fairly large group with... A commercial flight found at local markets of vaccination at this Point take precautions when to. Officers were hit, and his daughter Yesenia Koch, 34, his girlfriend Donna Gill, and to being... Might think, but more recently the Mexican government offered a different explanation other officials ``., 2009 speak Spanish fluently take precautions when travelling to any foreign country tradition is the randomness of but past. Is easy to pass it without even noticing de Cortez International Airport but we do not have a to. By local authorities to a crowd of tourists at the rate that the situation terms. Implemented protocols at All of the Properties that we manage and rent that followed the most stringent professional.. Entry will have extended hours during specific United States holidays only different sources often seems conflicting your route in and! Culture and History in Just one day from Shelbyville KY and welcome the United holidays... August of 2020 about uncomfortable incidents will squelch rumors and allow the industry to with... Night. `` little more difficult than you might think, but it is the... To shop and have lunch Read on for more details for Americans yet - that begins next and.

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