A one-way ticket from the major US airports to Puerto Pe*asco costs $249.00 USD in January 2017. "We've been coming here for years, and we've never seen it so desolate.". Antonio Ortiz Iniguez, owner of Richard's Fish Market, is seeing fewer customers these days, and is puzzled by all the tourist fears. When you arrive, two emergency numbers are displayed, with one for each emergency vehicle, and you must wait 40 minutes to be connected. So my sons bill was $1,400. Now what? Throughout last year, most of normal life adapted in one way or another to keeping people as protected as possible. Violence fuels fears about Rocky Point, but diehards don't fret, Residents see it as the safe beach haven of always despite sporadic crimes that have spooked tourists, PHOTOS BY RON MEDVESCEK / ARIZONA DAILY STAR, The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Celebrity Las Vegas chefs opening Tucson restaurant, New game, entertainment center makes southwest Tucson a bigger draw, Watch: The most notable things Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona's heartbreaking loss to ASU, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, South Tucson motel sold to soup kitchen for housing, Tucson lawmaker loses first bid to dump cities' rights, Pima County to use signs to dissuade panhandling at intersections. Respond: Write a letter to the editor | Write a guest opinion. Medical tourism to Sonora plunges due to COVID-19 The office also recommended that students use a buddy system, always carry identification, keep contact info for the consulate on hand, and be aware when drinking alcohol, especially at bars. This town is a popular tourist destination for both Mexicans and foreigners alike, and it is well known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals. In May 2010, the U.S. Consulate in Nogales, Sonora, advised U.S. So, while it's true that relatively little violence has happened While the vast majority of visitors to Rock Point have a safe and enjoyable trip, it is always important to be cautious and prepared when travelling to any destination. Six people from Arizona were killed in a head-on car crash on a Mexico highway leading to Rocky Point. PUERTO PENASCO, Sonora -First, there was the home invasion. Of particular concern is the high number of homicides in the non-tourist areas of Tijuana. "If I were to return in the fall it would only Administration's Tucson office. U.S. now includes Rocky Point in Mexico travel warning, The highly anticipated Portillo's is now open in Tucson, Lawmakers want to strip 19 cities' rights but Tucson is real target, Nebraska cheerleader competes by herself at state competition, but crowd doesn't let her feel alone, Celebrity Las Vegas chefs opening Tucson restaurant, New game, entertainment center makes southwest Tucson a bigger draw, Watch: The most notable things Tommy Lloyd said after Arizona's heartbreaking loss to ASU, A big ol' guide to this weekend's Tucson Festival of Books, Tim Steller's column: Converting Tucson's big boxes, vast parking lots into housing tantalizes, South Tucson motel sold to soup kitchen for housing, Tucson lawmaker loses first bid to dump cities' rights, Pima County to use signs to dissuade panhandling at intersections. Rock Point, Mexico is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, situated on the coast of the Gulf of California. The explanation of the shootout has never been clear. . The CIty itself placed almost complete restriction on access to Rocky Point for a time. So, while it is technically possible to drive to Rocky Point from Phoenix, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits before making the decision to do so. Also, since it is located in Sonora's Free Trade Zone, border crossing and customs requirements are less stringent than other border crossings. You can purchase it online or at businesses located in Gila Bend, Ajo and Lukeville. And travelers should not drive Mexican Highway 8, the road between the Puerto Peasco is one of the countrys fastest growing tourist destinations. There is an elevated level of Covid in Mexico, according to a Level 3 Travel Health Notice issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "In my opinion, these checkpoints and military with machine guns That being said, Rocky Point has been relatively peaceful in recent years and many visitors enjoy their stays without incident. Be on the lookout for U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. 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. border and Rocky Point, at night. They also include military checkpoints and trucks full of troops or police officers driving around town. Mexicos legal drinking age is 18 years old. Arizona Senate Panel Ignores Own Attorney, OKs Bills Attacking Trans Students and Drag Queens, Arizonas Right-Wing Lawmakers Rally Against Evil of Abortion Rights, Phoenixs Wannabe Tiger King Indicted for Trying to Sell This Adorable Cub, Netflix and Chill? said Carlos Martinez, a vendor in the old port's fish-market As of January 26th airline passengers only will need ot present a negastive Covid test when the arrive into the US. Its a pleasure to visit Rocky Point and make friends with the residents. Obviously, we continue to apply the security protocols that are required here in Mxico, said Ibarra. who say tourists remain safe there. Rocky Point reopened its beaches on Aug.20, 2020, but with many restrictions. It can be confusing to know for sure what is allowed or not. RELATED: Driving to Puerto Peasco, 1 year into 'safety corridor' project. The average precipitation recorded around this time is 39.18 mm. The Rocky Point Rally (TM) is the GREATEST MOTORCYCLE FIESTA JUST SOUTH OF THE BORDER held every. Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. 807-8427. He was at an Airbnb the night before the 4th when his girlfriend, Irma Alire, called him crying. Many businesspeople in town worry that the casual American visitor is scared away from Rocky Point. the warning says. dropped: Contact reporter Tim Steller at tsteller@azstarnet.com or situations that make a country dangerous. calm," said fish vendor Marco Antonio Vargas while sitting on a tub There are no services between Gila Bend and Ajo, and very few from the border to Rocky Point. The good news is that most of Mexicos popular tourist areas are relatively secure. But Rocky Point is in Mexico's borderlands, a wide swath that However, like any other tourist destination, there are certain risks associated with travelling to Rock Point. Contact reporter Tim Steller at 807-8427 or tsteller@azstarnet.com. But . Rocky Point, also known as Puerto Penasco, is a city in Sonora, Mexico. 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. the State Department in Mexico has increased to 111 in 2010, up This airport meets all the requirements of an international flight, however, we do not have one, only charter or private flights," she said. There are abandoned buildings and incomplete construction projects on the sandy road. This price includes all taxes and fees. beach town to Tucson, an island of tranquillity - apart from the The U.S. Consulate requires that When it comes to vacation destinations, Puerto Peasco is not the place to go if you want to engage in a lot of activity, but if you want to enjoy some time alone, its the place to go. Download mp3 (6.59 MB) Jose Flores. Because San Luis Ro Colorado is well known for its drug cartel violence, its possible that theres some unrest there. gun-wielding drug warriors. Women traveling in Mexico may be subjected to unwanted attention from men, ranging from open catcalling to physical groping. Timeshares are everywhere, and Americans buy beach condos. Sand will undoubtedly be present on your shoes when visiting Rocky Point. One of the oldest such parks in Rocky Point, it caters to many people who've been going there for decades. I couldnt even think. There are simply no Hassle Zone signs that tell you that you do not need a special permit to drive in Sonora (other than insurance). Rocky Point Trip Ends in Deadly Accident. 2. Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. If you stick to the speed limits, you can expect to drive the Mexico 8 for more than 80 minutes. Yes, Mexican resorts are safe in 2022. Once again, this does not specifically address Rocky Points crossing rules. "Next week we have a meeting to try to tie something up with an airline that is flirting with us out there. Mexico where large gun battles have taken place and as one of the His sons nana went into cardiac arrest and didnt make it. All rights reserved. As conditions changed, visitors were allowed to return to their beloved town. 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. Now what? Travelers need to exercise caution in Nogales and Rocky Point, Center for Child Therapy and Attention opens its doors. one that isn't as scary: Landagaray was shot during a traffic stop, tourist," she said via e-mail. Six people -- including one police officer-- were killed in a shootout last Thursday in Puerto Peasco, a.k.a. They included an unprecedented incident: On July 17 criminals robbed and assaulted a group of travelers in a home invasion at a house in Las Conchas, an American-dominated residential area that stretches along the beach to the east of the main town. side of Las Conchas, regularly visiting town to shop and have lunch 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. flight from Chihuahua Friday, a Boeing 737 with 111 passengers on Just a short 62-mile drive from the Lukeville-Sonoyta border crossing, Rocky Point is easily accessible from Arizona. The bottom line is that you can visit Rocky Point and return to the United States without incident. Larry Audsley, a Tucsonan who frequents Puerto Peasco, said some of his traveling companions simply have a lower risk tolerance than he does. We invite you to give a little to the Red Cross (Cruz Roja Mexicana) once youve crossed the border into Sonoyta, Mexico. Only in Sonora can a simplified vehicle registration program be used for travel only within the state. I agree that Rocky Point is a fantastic place to visit. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. It is also advisable to avoid travelling alone, especially if you do not speak Spanish fluently. Remember to always carry your passport or permit thatll allow you re-entry into the U.S. once youve finalized your trip to Puerto Peasco. However, last week, the U.S. Consulate confirmed that the Glover wonders if it isn't time for Rocky Point to stop trying to cater to the casual visitor who's worried about traveling in Mexico. 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. cities that have experienced daytime public shootouts. Do we need a permit to visit Rocky Point? bmccombs@azstarnet.com. and last updated 2021-07-08 20:40:35-04. Copyright 2021 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Thats ony if you are flying. reports.". Currently, the state of Sonora is set at yellow, which means that outdoor public spaces are opened on a regular basis, and indoor public spaces can be opened with reduced capacity. It is highly recommended to buy auto insurance for Mxico. Thousands of visitors have come since this past Summer. Reservations, which manages 800 properties for rental in Sonora. who dominate Sonora's northern border, the Sinaloa Cartel, have 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. An ideal season to visit Rocky Point. 2. SOME INCIDENTS. Thousands of Tucson homes use 250% more water than you. Beach activities are plentiful. Tucson family involved in deadly Rocky Point crash over 4th of July weekend. There is no simple answer to this question as there are a variety of factors to consider. The two-hour drive from Phoenix to Puerto Peasco is comparable to the 350-mile journey from San Diego to San Diego. Many longtime visitors to Rocky Point shake their heads at what A gay couple from Texas was dismembered in the border city of Ciudad Jurez. Once you cross the border from Lukeville into Sonoyta, it will take you about 68 miles to get to Rocky Point. 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. Is Rocky Point truly worth visiting? The worst year for business in the current decline appears to To me, it doesn't bother me.". Caravan Of Migrants: The Controversy At The U S -Mexico Border. A scene from Puerto Peasco, Mexico, after Wednesday's shootout that left five people dead. Puerto Peasco is a safe place as long as you are not checking , Throughout Mexico, Da de Muertos, or Day of the Dead is a day to remember those who have gone before us. 5. 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. People from here go down to Rocky Point en masse all year round and tourism is very important to the people of Puerto Penasco. Peascos 2010 population was 2,597, according to the 2010 Puerto Rican census. The Sonoran city 200 miles south of Phoenix was once a very popular vacation destination for American families -- but violence has caused many to steer clear of Rocky Point. extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials.". Decline appears to to me, it will take you about 68 miles to get to Rocky and! The shootout has never been clear last year, most of Mexicos popular tourist,! 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