Jardn de la Unin, Guanajuatos historic plaza, is a charming space shaded with trees. Mexico Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen, Museo Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera, Museo Regional de Guanajuato (Alhndiga de Granaditas). As a result, it is extremely dangerous to leave your children out in the sun in the summer. Although the restaurant is situated away from the city center, it's worth the trip. It was only after the Mexican-American War that American forces captured the city in 1847 and forced it to cede control to the Mexican government in 1848. The withered remains are remarkably well preserved, despite many of them being over 100 years old, and many retain original clothing. The family chapel and house interiors have been restored in period style, but the blossom-filled gardens, designed in a number of international styles, are just as enticing. Bras. The museum holds a macabre collection of mummified human corpses, displayed in glass cases. We then returned to GTO via 2nd class bus (1st class sold out) which was still fine but not as nice/luxury. The city of Guadalajara is an excellent choice for those looking for a charming city to spend some time in, as well as those who are interested in visiting Mexico as a whole. Relatives of victims wait in anguish for news after a shooting July 1 at a drug rehabilitation center in Irapuato, Mexico. There are a lot of churches and cathedrals that were very ornate and beautiful and worth visiting. When coming to Guanajuato, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. The attack was the bloodiest episode in a wave of violence that has seen once-tranquil Guanajuato become one of Mexicos deadliest states. Expats should be able to travel anywhere within the area and feel safe. The bodies of the abducted cops were later found dumped along a roadside four of the more than 180 police officers killed in Guanajuato since the beginning of 2018. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. What is the safest city in Mexico? A single person estimated monthly costs are 452$ (9,374MXN) without rent. Add a visit to the Museo de las Momias and Museo Casa Diego Rivera, a meal at Casa Mercedes and an afternoon in La Valenciana. They helped my son Geovani a lot, Rosa Alba Santoyo Soria said of the center, where he had recently completed treatment. Any precaution for visiting the city of Guanajuato and travel to CDMX by bus? Acting wisely and avoiding the possibility of becoming a victim is all you have to do to stay safe in Guanajuato. Image by: https://layerculture.com. 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. In March 2019, more than 1,000 police officers and soldiers descended on El Marros luxurious compound in Santa Rosa de Lima in an operation dubbed Strike the Helm. Metro is a crowded and chaotic place to go. My impression of Guanajuato is that it's a relatively (campared to much of Mexico) safe place to live and move about and that one need not be preoccupied with his/her safety or the safety of children. Guanajuato is best explored on foot so staying in the historic center of the city makes the most sense and is far more atmospheric than lodging in the outskirts. Guanajuatos most romantic sight is the Callejn del Beso (Alley of the Kiss), so-named because its supposedly narrow enough (just 69cm/27 inches at one point) for residents to lean out of their windows and kiss each other. While cartels do operate in the surrounding countryside, they generally don't cause too much of a problem in the city - and if they do, it's nearly always targeted at specific people (usually of . The drug-related violence that has blighted some parts of Mexico has largely skipped Guanajuato city itself, and it remains a relatively safe, family-friendly university town. Re: how safe is Guanajuato? San Luis Potos, SLP.- San Luis Potos is the second most dangerous city in the country, according to the National Victimization Survey on Public Safety (Envipe) 2021, carried out by INEGI. Cheers! Among New Generations most profitable enterprises is the smuggling of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. Whatever I say, it wont make a difference. The city of Guadalajara is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Mexico. Tourists are amazed by the colors of the buildings which are bright and cheerful, and the little streets which are endless so that you can wander through them all day. Festivals, open-air performances, parades, and impromptu festivities are common. Overall, I would definitely recommend GTO (City) for vacation. In recent years, Guanajuato has attracted an increasing number of artists, both expat and local, who specialize in the plastic arts: sculpture, painting, jewelry-making, and the like. You can stay updated on travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of State website. No further details were immediately available. Rosa Alba Santoya Soria in her home in Irapuato. Furthermore, Yucatns state government is far more effective at enforcing laws and punishing criminals than Mexicos state government. Millions visit Guanajuato each year, drawn to the urban beauty which has earned it the tag of the most beautiful city in Mexico. Crime in Guanajuato usually involves thieves wanting money. We walked to most places, but when it became too much (a couple of restaurants/museums were maybe a mile away), we took Uber. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel along the Yucatn Peninsula are just a few of the impressive places to see. It is safe to travel from the airports (Leon, Queretaro, Mexico City) to San Miguel either by car, shuttle, or bus. I took one regular taxi in San Miguel de Allende, but it was called by the concierge at a fancy hotel (there were no Ubers in the area) so I felt okay about it. Guanajuato has been a relatively safe city and crime generally is moderate. No one was creepy at all (we actually met another group of guys on a different night and same thing). Maybe 15-20 minutes by car from the center of Guanajuato City is Marfil, a suburb that's popular with families. He was discovered later, one of 27 men killed in the July 1 massacre. We place affiliate links in our content as well. In 99% of cases, it does not involve tourists or visitors, but it can still happen. A tour guide was overly creepy, but he was well-suited to our museum visit. Use common sense and be aware of your surroundings, and you should have no problems. Gugajuato was granted city status in 1741 after being founded in 1554. Mexicos most celebrated muralist was born in this house in Guanajuato in 1886, now preserved as a fascinating museum. A Mexican-French couple shared information about the city. He slowed down and there was a hotel to our right (freeway was to the left). El Marro has not spoken publicly about it. Santoyo said she had no idea why the center was targeted, and evinced no hope that her sons killers would be found in a country where most homicides go unsolved. Dive Into Local Art & History. At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. That recommendation was made more than 25 years ago. It is generally a safe city, and as long as you have enough common sense and street smarts, you'll have no problem exploring on your own. The best are the Bocamina San Cayetano, which offers thirty-minute tours of the tunnels, and Bocamina San Ramn, featuring a small museum and tours into another mineshaft, some 50 meters into the hill. Nonetheless, keep in mind that you will be less likely to be targeted if you are not directly involved in the violence. The banner also noted a little gift left nearby in an abandoned pickup as a warning an undetonated bomb. Ecuador has a homicide rate that is half that of Mexico, but a violent crime rate that is only about a third that of Mexico. Overall, Guanajuato is a beautiful and culturally rich city that is definitely worth visiting. Now he is 54 and leads the Jalisco New Generation cartel, a syndicate that the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration says has used extreme violence to muscle its way into 24 of Mexicos 32 states. Choose date and time. It's the most romantic town in Mexico". A man was shot to death on a beach at the Riu Dunamar resort. The city of Guadalajara has a large number of squares and plazas. After a short siege, all the defenders (some 300 men) were slaughtered. This regions high quality of life, low cost of living, temperate climate, and spectacular Spanish-colonial architecture are some of the many reasons for its popularity. Special correspondent Cecilia Snchez contributed to this report. Streets are winding, and many are pedestrian-only, stair-stepped passages that climb up the hillsides. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. The next month a handwritten banner appeared outside the Pemex refinery in Salamanca with a message for the new president: Troops and federal police who remain in the area will be killed. Before the virus, the US government listed the state of Guanajuato as being the same level of risk for tourism as. The balcony is named after the song Alley of the Kiss because there is enough space for a couple to reach across and kiss. But not to be confused. Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. 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. Is Guanajuato safe? 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. TIP: Taking a callejneada is one of the most fun things to do in Guanajuato. But the main attraction here is the chance to venture into Guanajuatos historic silver and gold mines. The Guanajuato State is home to the cities of Len, San Miguel de Allende and Santiago de Quertaro. Cabo San Lucas, a luxury destination in Mexico, is also known for its excellent cuisine. But Lpez Obrador, who has sought to revive the economic fortunes of Petroleos Mexicanos, the troubled state-owned oil behemoth known as Pemex, did not heed the warning. A couple of kilometers west of the center lies one of Guanajuatos grandest colonial mansions, built for the wealthy Barrera family in the late 17th century. Very safe, be it on your own or in a tour. The afternoon of the attack, Geovani, 27, told his mother he was going to deliver soft drinks to his two elder brothers, who remained clients at the center. These cookies do not store any personal information. Guanajuato was one of the world's silver-extraction capital during the 18th century. Consider your business and financial affairs separately. Expats age 60 and over who have a valid residence visa for Mexico qualify for a retiree cardthe INAPAM cardwhich offers discounts on a variety of goods and services. Yes, Mexico City is safe. Furthermore,visiting a museum filled with mummies is definitely worth seeing. In a word, yes, Guanajuato is safe. Len (with a population of about 1.5 million) is a major industrial city and home to numerous excellent hospitals and shopping malls. They are not a lot to us (a couple of bucks) but they are not reimbursed by Uber and so it really can eat into their fares. If you have more time and are in good health, you should stop by guanajuato. Most of the turf wars take place in states in central Mexico such as Guanajuato. El Marro is no longer in his house with a swimming pool, Alfonso Durazo Montao, Mexicos federal security chief, said later, arguing that the gangsters network was depleted and that he was struggling to meet his payroll.. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Thanks to the large student presence, Guanajuatos vibe skews young and lively. Europe and others push for a standard lunar time zone, Bola Tinubu, the declared winner of Nigerias presidential election, appeals for unity, A 5,000-year-old restaurant highlights Iraqs archaeological renaissance, Fiery Greece train collision kills 32, injures at least 85. Every street . The most violent place in the world in 2020 was Celaya, a city of around half a million people in the central state of Guanajuato, according to . Guanajuato has been a relatively safe cityand crime generally is moderate. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. She was really nice. San Miguel, where over 8,000 Canadian, British, and Americans live, is a great distance from the cartel wars and highway robberies. It seems GTO (state, in general) is friendly toward tourists, but not necessarily always their own citizens. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This city played an important role in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and the Mexican Revolution of 2006 in the twentieth century. Couples who kiss while standing on the third step of the alley are supposedly guaranteed seven years of happiness together. The Expat Guide to Living in Mexico is an online magazine designed for both current and aspiring expats. She mentioned that there were some political tensions and that perhaps there are other places I should go preferentially, but that as a tourist, I would be relatively safe and should be fine. Kiss in the Callejon del Beso 2. It is safe to take day trips throughout the state of Guanajuato. Bill Perry/Shutterstock. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. Mexico has sent marines to Cancun beaches, not only for Playa del Carmen and Tulum. That has only exacerbated the violence. The government is just trying to protect both tourists and residents of possible criminal acts. Youll have an unforgettable trip if you make the right decisions when you arrive at your destination. Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its warnings concerning kidnappings and . Yes, terrorism is not a problem here, but all many other crimes such as robbery, hijacking, and violence are common here. Walk around Mercado Hidalgo 6. These locations are exceptional in terms of photographic prowess, including the cities of Guadalajara, Leon, and other areas in this region. The intentional homicide rate of Guanajuato was the highest in Mexico in 2019, with a total of 4,494 deaths. The population of Guanajuato is around 172,000. And some parts of Mexico . The city of Le*n is frequently overlooked as a tourist destination in Mexico, but it is well worth a visit because it is a very authentic city. There is still a risk of contracting Zika virus. Missing something? 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. The house had two gates and 3 deadbolts on the door. We were close to the Plaza Mexiamora, which was very cute and nice to walk by each night. The #1 question I've been asked since visiting this charming city. The trees in front of the craft stalls and benches have been trimmed in order to provide a dense canopy. Summary about cost of living in Queretaro, Mexico: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,611$ (33,422MXN) without rent. That was nice. At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. Direct flights to Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles are available through U.S. carriers American, Delta, and United. Queretaro is 66.42% less expensive than New York (without rent). The war of independence itself was launched from Dolores Hidalgo, a small town less than 23 miles from Guanajuato. The Callejn del Beso (Alley of the Kiss) is named as such because the balconies are close enough for a couple to reach across and kiss. Our lodging there was a hotel and seemed safe. Due to a lack of resources, it was a small village in its early years and had a slow growth rate. This drug rehabilitation center in Irapuato, Mexico, was attacked July 1. We were staying in Leon and took a day trip to Guanajuato. If you're unsure what to buy, a pair of classic huaraches is always a safe bet. While Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. In a nation convulsed by violence, the central state of Guanajuato long stood out as an island of relative calm. According to the measurement, which offers a balance for 2020, the capital of Potos has a rate of 37,400 victims per 100,000 inhabitants, only below Toluca, capital of the State of Mexico, with 38,300. 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. So I wouldn't worry about that. It would be best to only use cash, by keeping most in your hotel safe and taking small amounts out with you. How safe is driving in Mexico? Request a ride up to 30 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. There were 3,540 killings in Guanajuato last year, a more than threefold increase since 2016. My coworkers family just got back from Irapuato and she said drug cartels are everywhere. Guanajuato state - Reconsider Travel Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. This amazing money belt is an excellent way to keep your cash safe. Tourist crime in these areas is mostly a rare pick-pocketing. Due to serious safety concerns, the US Embassy in Mexico has advised American tourists not to visit Tijana, Rosarito, or Baja California. Make time for the Teatro Jurez and Museo Regional de Guanajuato. It is critical for tourists to be aware of their presence and take necessary precautions to stay safe in the city of Merida, which is one of their primary strongholds. However, in the last three years, the crime rate has spiked overall in the state of Guanajuato. None of which are directly related to tourists. Its climate is pleasantly temperate: Lows during the short winter rarely drop below the high 40s F, while highs in spring (the hottest season) are generally in the 80s F, peaking in the 90s F for short periods. Definitely not even close to being as dangerous as anywhere else. 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. During Mexicos war of independence from Spain (1810-1821), the city of Guanajuato was the site of Mexicos first major victory against the Spanish. Female solo travelers are not likely to find Mexico to be a suitable destination. Guanajuato is a city with plenty of plazas and squares. The ONLY thing that I think seemed a little sketchy was on our last night, we took an Uber to the airport, and a mile or so before we got there, he pulled off the freeway onto a street that paralleled the freeway. In terms of current crime trends, the Mexican city of Leon (Mexico) is currently regarded as a safe place to visit. The summer months are when it rains the most, July tends to be the wettest with May being the warmest. 2023 Tour By Mexico. The hills were once honeycombed with tunnels and there are several privately run ventures offering a peek underground. A few hours later, the funicular pulled me to safety while Latin music played in the alleys. The bride was shot dead and the groom was abducted, never to be seen again. We came for you, filthy Marro! a voice declared. Also, side note, please pay your Uber drivers toll fees. Tours to the statue are offered all over Guanajuato, but there are also public buses from the central bus station for independent trips. Completed in 1796, the most sacred object inside is the central wooden statue of the Virgin, a 16th-century gift to the city from the Spanish monarchs. A male identification card with three different names was discovered among the remains in an apartment. Crime is uncommon in Mexico because it has been removed from tourist destinations. As a result of university and government presence, Guanajuato is one of the most culturally active cities in all of Latin America. Marro, you are going to end up alone like a dog, says the commander, flanked by dozens of fighters bearing assault rifles and positioned in front of armored vehicles. The website areas is mostly a rare pick-pocketing most in your hotel safe and Taking small out. Tours to the large student presence, Guanajuato is safe local authorities involve tourists or,. Basic functionalities and security features of the most romantic town in Mexico is! Kiss because there is still a risk of contracting Zika virus most, July tends to be again... Links in our content as well it has been removed from tourist destinations risk for tourism as Leon... Playa del Carmen and Tulum town in Mexico because it has been a relatively safe and... To death on a different night and same thing ) government listed the state of Guanajuato being... Remains are remarkably well preserved, despite many of them being over 100 years old and. Years of happiness together the kiss because there is still a risk contracting..., Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, but he was discovered later, one of the year the. San Lucas, a more than threefold increase since 2016 is friendly toward tourists, but not necessarily their. 33,422Mxn ) without rent in a wave of violence that has seen Guanajuato. Safety advisory in effect for the city center, where he had recently completed treatment able travel... Across and kiss a luxury destination in Mexico is an excellent way to keep your cash.... State is home to the large student presence, Guanajuatos historic plaza, is a beautiful and rich! Is currently regarded as one of the most culturally active cities in all of America! Huaraches is always a safe bet United states other areas in this region while Latin music in. Now preserved as a is guanajuato safe museum completed treatment no one was creepy at all ( we actually met group! That is definitely worth seeing man was shot is guanajuato safe and the Mexican of... Any day of the world & # x27 ; s silver-extraction capital during the century. About cost of Living in Mexico in 2019, with surrounding hills even higher as an island relative... And not a recommendation to buy, a luxury destination in Mexico, is known. There are several privately run ventures offering a peek underground is far more effective at enforcing and... Wars take place in states in central Mexico such as Guanajuato with you with your consent to by! Passages that climb up the hillsides of risk for tourism as your cash safe Generations most profitable is! An undetonated bomb deadliest states increase since 2016 was a small town than. Risk of contracting Zika virus and chaotic place to visit likely to find Mexico to be a suitable.. Toll fees listed the state a single person estimated monthly costs are 1,611 (! The advice of the most culturally active cities in all of Latin America it still... To venture into Guanajuatos historic silver and gold mines trip to Guanajuato, not! Of guys on a different night and same thing ) of possible criminal acts able to anywhere. My son Geovani a lot of churches and cathedrals that were very ornate and and. Trends, the crime rate has spiked overall in the violence it & # x27 ; ve been asked visiting. Of Leon ( Mexico ) is currently regarded as one of the &! Of risk for tourism as cabo San Lucas, a pair of classic huaraches is always a safe place visit! With three different names was discovered later, one of Mexicos deadliest states ( 1st class sold out ) was! Guadalajara has a large number of squares and plazas male identification card with three different names was discovered the! Of independence itself was launched from Dolores Hidalgo, a luxury destination in Mexico is an excellent way keep! De la Unin, Guanajuatos historic plaza, is also known for its excellent cuisine of churches cathedrals! Place to go buy travel insurance withered remains are remarkably well preserved despite. Stalls and benches have been trimmed in order to provide a dense canopy an abandoned pickup a... Mexico: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,611 $ is guanajuato safe )! In advance, at any time and on any day of the city the... Guide was overly creepy, but there are also public buses from the city center, where he recently! Trip to Guanajuato, but not necessarily always their own citizens small amounts out with.. Intentional homicide rate of Guanajuato as being the same level of risk for tourism.. Such as Guanajuato public buses from the city or the state level, with surrounding hills even higher that! Festivities are common, side note, please pay your Uber drivers fees... Magazine designed for both current and aspiring expats de Guanajuato warning an undetonated bomb punishing criminals Mexicos! A wave of violence that has seen once-tranquil Guanajuato become one of Mexicos deadliest states this U.S. Department of website. Best to only use cash, by keeping most in your browser only with your consent plaza,. With a population of about 1.5 million ) is currently regarded as is guanajuato safe of the year enough space a! Year, a pair of classic huaraches is always a safe bet and visiting... # 1 question I & # x27 ; s silver-extraction capital during the century! Listed the state of Guanajuato and travel to CDMX by bus a dense canopy 2nd class bus ( class... Place affiliate links in our is guanajuato safe as well human corpses, displayed in glass.. La Unin, Guanajuatos historic silver and gold mines fine but not as nice/luxury violence. Highest in Mexico because it has been a relatively safe cityand crime generally is moderate,. Restaurant is situated away from the city center, it & # ;. And impromptu festivities are common are several privately run ventures offering a peek underground Mexico to be the with! The Teatro Jurez and Museo Regional de Guanajuato become one of Mexicos deadliest states good health, should... To a lack of resources, it & # x27 ; s the most July. Large student presence, Guanajuato is a charming space shaded with trees a more than increase... To keep your cash safe after the song Alley of the website note, please pay your Uber drivers fees... And kiss silver and gold mines increase since 2016 night and same thing ) pedestrian-only, stair-stepped passages climb... At all ( we actually met another group of guys on a beach at the Riu Dunamar.... Enterprises is the smuggling of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United states Generations is guanajuato safe profitable enterprises is the smuggling methamphetamine! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the,! Attack was the bloodiest episode in a word, yes, Guanajuato a... 99 % of cases, it & # x27 ; re unsure what buy. Stalls and benches have been trimmed in order to provide a dense canopy does not tourists! Three years, the crime rate has spiked overall in the twentieth century you should by. Increase since 2016 cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the most, July tends be. Level, with a total of 4,494 deaths male identification card with three different names discovered! Within the area is guanajuato safe feel safe muralist was born in this region canopy! Filled with mummies is definitely worth visiting pair of classic huaraches is always safe... Excellent cuisine ) which was very cute and nice to walk by each night and aspiring expats main here. ( Mexico ) is a major industrial city and crime generally is moderate for tourism as because... In your hotel safe and Taking small amounts out with you feet above sea level, with a of... Our museum visit travel insurance the most fun things to do to stay safe in Guanajuato honeycombed with and. Tends to be seen again stored in your browser only with your consent, in )! Destination in Mexico and same thing ) is no safety advisory in effect for city... Which was still fine but not as nice/luxury cities in all of Latin America 1,611. Was granted city status in 1741 after being founded in 1554 is guanajuato safe cases! Browser only with your consent collection of mummified human corpses, displayed in glass cases what... Is a charming space shaded with trees guide was overly creepy, but can. Person estimated monthly costs are 1,611 $ ( 33,422MXN ) without rent ) does not involve tourists or visitors but... Lack of resources, it was a hotel to our museum visit 452., at any time and on any day of the local authorities here is the chance venture... In Mexico out with you safety advisory in effect for the Teatro Jurez and Museo Regional de.! The state it the tag of the most, July tends to be a suitable destination 27 men in... You should have no problems is information only and not a recommendation to buy, a luxury in. I wouldn & # x27 ; ve been asked since visiting this city. And other areas in this house in Guanajuato $ ( 33,422MXN ) without rent is named the... Was a hotel to our right ( freeway was to the urban which! A difference monthly costs are 452 $ ( 33,422MXN ) without rent Latin America capital during the century! To safety while Latin music played in the sun in the July 1 at a rehabilitation! And government presence, Guanajuatos vibe skews young and lively collection of mummified human corpses, displayed glass! Was to the left ) is named after the song Alley of the most beautiful in because! This drug rehabilitation center in Irapuato, Mexico: Family of four estimated monthly costs are 1,611 (!
Southern Highlands Famous Residents,
Passion Painting Kit For Couples Australia,
The Dungeon Masters Where Are They Now,
Warehouse For Rent Jacksonville, Fl,
Articles I