Thanks to the large student presence, Guanajuatos vibe skews young and lively. Performances of the university symphony, for instance, cost just $2 with the INAPAM card (versus the already low regular price of $4). The citys colonial architecture, with brightly colored mansions, is a testament to its history. The small city was vibrant and we felt completely safe while visiting. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. The best-known expat haven in the Colonial Highlands is San Miguel de Allende. Female solo travelers are not likely to find Mexico to be a suitable destination. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? 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. Ingles. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. For all that did not know, Guanajuato is the name of a province as well as a city in Mexico, nearby to Mexico City. Travelling Around Guanajuato State by Bus. Date format is yyyy/MM/dd. We walked around, the three of us, eating, drinking, dancing, and just enjoying ourselves. Is Guanajuato safe? Hes also a sign of Mexicos healthcare crisis, Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, announced the arrest of El Marro, along with five others, Mexico arrests El Marro, gang leader at the center of a bloody cartel war, TikTok faces bans in a number of countries over security fears. Is Guanajuato safe? Guanajuato state - Reconsider Travel Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. It is safe to travel from the airports (Leon, Queretaro, Mexico City) to San Miguel either by car, shuttle, or bus. The city offers a variety of attractions and activities to explore, as well as a low crime rate. If you decide to drive, you should take extreme care. 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. Estimates put its numbers at 300 to 500 for permanent, year-round expats. El Marro, being the arrogant person that he is, figured that he was just as powerful as El Mencho, said Mike Vigil, former chief of international operations for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Foreign correspondent Patrick J. McDonnell is the Los Angeles Times Mexico City bureau chief and previously headed Times bureaus in Beirut, Buenos Aires and Baghdad. 2 Mexico Cancun vs Tulum vs Playa del Carmen, Museo Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera, Museo Regional de Guanajuato (Alhndiga de Granaditas). It's Safe, and the Locals are Super Friendly . El Marro denounced his rival as an aging coward racked by gonorrhea. Is Guanajuato safe? Guanajuato is a colonial city located in central Mexico with a rich history. Today the museum chronicles the history of Guanajuato from pre-Columbian times to the 1910 Revolution, while the stairwells are decorated in murals created by local artist Jos Chvez Morado in the 1950s and 1960s, depicting scenes from Mexican history. With 2,293 killings in the first half of this year, Guanajuato is on pace to set a new record. The dead include Santoyos three sons and the center director. He was a top aide to El Marro. You are more likely to attract criminals (gang members) and animals onto the road if you do not act aggressively. Its well worth touring the old Guanajuato state legislature building the Palacio Legislativo now converted into the Museum of the Powers. For stellar views consider Casa Zuniga, high above the city next to the funicular. I had no idea our group would be THIS big! This city played an important role in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and the Mexican Revolution of 2006 in the twentieth century. For retirees, Guanajuatos low cost of living is an additional attraction. Is Queretaro a desert? Guanajuato city is just fine. Guanajuato is an extremely safe city in Mexico. With 2,293 killings in the first half of this year, Guanajuato is on pace to set a new record. Due to an increase in criminal activity, the State Department revises its national warnings for specific states. If we take into consideration that drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years, but it is usually not against tourists. For many Mexicans, this museum is the most significant in all Guanajuato thanks to its role in the Mexican War of Independence. Groups of students and musicians dressed like medieval minstrels, playing guitars lead groups through the historic alleys of the city, singing and joking. Set the price before getting in (around 60 pesos to the center). Along with the adjacent Mercado de Gavira, its also a tasty, cheap place to eat, with everything from tacos and tortas to locally celebrated enchiladas mineras and birria (goat or mutton stew) on offer. As many as 10,000 are studentsthe University of Guanajuato is here, with many university divisions housed right in the city center. The DEA is offering a $10-million reward for information leading to his arrest. In terms of current crime trends, the Mexican city of Leon (Mexico) is currently regarded as a safe place to visit. Following the attack, New Generation released a video claiming responsibility for the killings and showing a map of Guanajuato with the cartels Spanish initials CJNG plastered across it. A native of the Bronx, McDonnell is a graduate of Columbias Graduate School of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard. The summer months are when it rains the most, July tends to be the wettest with May being the warmest. Dont go where there are few other people in the vicinity; this includes camping in secluded places. Veritable rivers of gold and silver were mined in the mountains around Guanajuato and shipped to Spain. See. We were staying in Leon and took a day trip to Guanajuato. Founded in 1548, Guanajuato was one of the most important cities in Mexico during the colonial era (the 16th through 18th centuries). Special correspondent Cecilia Snchez contributed to this report. At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. #sanmiguel #sanmigueldeallende #mexico #travelsafety In a word, yes, Guanajuato is safe. 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 . Millions visit Guanajuato each year, drawn to the urban beauty which has earned it the tag of the most beautiful city in Mexico. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. We loved our short stay. The hills were once honeycombed with tunnels and there are several privately run ventures offering a peek underground. Has anyone traveled here this year 2021? In addition to its location, it is a popular tourist destination in large part due to its numerous attractions. How do you get around Guanajuato? Many art performances in Guanajuato are either free or 50% off with the INAPAM card, making it inexpensive to be culturally active here. The citys colonial architecture and tree-lined plazas are well-known tourist attractions, and visitors from all over the world come here to enjoy them. For these reasons, Guanajuato is a major tourist destination for Mexicans. . The city is also a popular tourist destination, with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets, and lively festivals. Patio de Piedra. Is Guanajuato safe? We did notice some political statements through the trip: graffiti on the steps of the Juarez Theatre: GTO estado feminicidad which basically means GTO kills women just for being women, and a few posters on the streets mentioning that GTO discriminates against people who arent blonde-haired and blue-eyed, etc. 2023 Tour By Mexico. 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. Entrate de las noticias locales, regionales, nacionales e internacionales ms relevantes | el sol del bajo Foreign Earned Income Exclusion: Expat Taxes, 8 Best Romantic Mexican Movies for Valentines Day. This website uses cookies to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The local church is a gorgeous example of 18th-century Mexican Churrigueresque style every inch is covered in gilded sculpture, painting, or ornate plasterwork. Find out where the dangerous spots in Guanajuato are so you can avoid them at all costs. When flying, be mindful of being safe and keeping the stopover as short as possible. It seems GTO (state, in general) is friendly toward tourists, but not necessarily always their own citizens. At Apple Vacations, we've collected the best Guanajuato resort deals available online and made them easy for you to compare and book. At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. Then he went public with a video vowing to fight any New Generation presence in the state, rattling off obscenities as his henchmen fired their guns in the air. Mexican authorities had already lost control of security in much of the country when President Andrs Manuel Lpez Obrador took office in December 2018. You have a strong connection. Nonetheless, keep in mind that you will be less likely to be targeted if you are not directly involved in the violence. In 99% of cases, it does not involve tourists or visitors, but it can still happen. 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. Making yourself available to your child will help you and the locals work through the differences. There are plenty of police officers and security guards stationed throughout the city, so you can feel safe walking around during the day or at night. Any precaution for visiting the city of Guanajuato and travel to CDMX by bus? Festivals, open-air performances, parades, and impromptu festivities are common. This is one of the hottest regions in Mexico. The Grayl Geopress is the best-selling filtered water bottle on the market today, and it protects your tum from all waterborne threats. Both Aeromexico and Interjet operate direct flights from Mexico City to Delo airport. Traveling to any city requires common sense, and it is critical to stay up to date on your surroundings at all times. Most of the crime within this region is down to drug cartels and gang violence. Mexico is at the third-highest level of danger, so the government advises people to reconsider their plans to visit the country. World Nomads provides insurance for The Broke Backpacker, and he trusts them with his wildest escapades. Its central location makes Guanajuato a great jumping-off point for trips to the historic silver towns of Mexico, from San Miguel de Allende to Quertaro. 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. 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). Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. Rosa Alba Santoya Soria in her home in Irapuato. 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. Guanajuato was one of the world's silver-extraction capital during the 18th century. It can be confusing especially when you're researching on Guanajuato and end up seeing info for San Miguel de Allende or Quertaro. Recently rated by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 8 places to (safely) visit in Mexico, visitors have little to worry about while staying in Guanajuato. It is one of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations, and visitors can enjoy its scenery and accommodations in a safe manner. 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. Metro is a crowded and chaotic place to go. 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. Guanajuato is the capital of its own state in a central region of Mexico known as the Bajo, around 360km northwest of Mexico City. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? As a result, it is painful to see gang warfare taking place in the same region. A few hours later, the funicular pulled me to safety while Latin music played in the alleys. Expats should be able to travel anywhere within the area and feel safe. A simple rule: if there are families around, youre probably safe. Even though there is not a high risk of females being attacked in Guanajuato, it is better for them to choose the safer option and not to walk alone at night than the riskier one. Guanajuato is actually the name for both the state and the city. It was here in 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo aided by local hero El Ppila vanquished the pro-Spanish garrison. Ecuador, on the other hand, has a lower homicide rate than most countries, but a higher rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. This, coupled with some friends of friends who had just visited GTO and said it felt very safe, and we decided we would take the risk. Due to a lack of resources, it was a small village in its early years and had a slow growth rate. Missing something? Due to the virus, gang wars have been rife in 2020. The city was founded by the silver mines that were discovered in the area in the 16th century, and it has grown to be one of Mexicos most important cities. Rain is heaviest July to August, though temperatures rarely rise above 30C (84F) in summer. The attack on the drug treatment center came less than a week after El Marros family was sprung. It's also a great place to spend the day if you're looking for a city with a lot to offer. We walked to most places, but when it became too much (a couple of restaurants/museums were maybe a mile away), we took Uber. 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. If you have a choice between driving and being driven, you should have a local expert drive you. Do not accept drinks from strangers as they might be spiked. Good schools, nice restaurants, and some of t. Its best to take a taxi here. As a result of this process, police officers become more effective, and crimes are less likely to occur. In a nation convulsed by violence, the central state of Guanajuato long stood out as an island of relative calm. Always carry your sunscreen. 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. The citys Metro system provides women-only cars for use. Gugajuato was granted city status in 1741 after being founded in 1554. That made me kinda sad but also curious. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Expats should be able to travel anywhere within the area and feel safe. 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. The Uber driver was scared to pick us up so we had to walk around the corner so we didnt get caught by the Federal Police, as they have a big issue with Uber. The bride was shot dead and the groom was abducted, never to be seen again. Yes, terrorism is not a problem here, but all many other crimes such as robbery, hijacking, and violence are common here. San Miguel, where over 8,000 Canadian, British, and Americans live, is a great distance from the cartel wars and highway robberies. Also, the frequent illegal roadblocks happen andif you get information about these kinds of incidents, you are suggested to either postpone your journey or to travel during daylight hours. An eSIM works in the same way that a traditional app does: you purchase it, download it, and then use it. 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. The mind is peaceful when one travels. However, in the late 18th century, thanks to its strategic location, the city of Guadalajara became one of Mexicos most important. 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. Crime is uncommon in Mexico because it has been removed from tourist destinations. Mexico has a diverse range of resources, from food to culture to music to history to the environment. You can get a free quote for your insurance by clicking the button below or read more about their coverage in our comprehensive review. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Guanajuato offers a relaxed pace of life with many cultural amenities. Furthermore, Yucatns state government is far more effective at enforcing laws and punishing criminals than Mexicos state government. That recommendation was made more than 25 years ago. Len (with a population of about 1.5 million) is a major industrial city and home to numerous excellent hospitals and shopping malls. Guadalajara ranges from 12-35 degrees Celsius all throughout the year, says travelsafe-abroad, which ranges from 6-8 degrees changes on average from one season to another. Guanajuato is crammed with elegant colonial churches, but this is one of the best, built by the Jesuits and consecrated in 1765 (the Jesuits were kicked out of Mexico just two years later). Direct flights to Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Los Angeles are available through U.S. carriers American, Delta, and United. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Guanajuato has several good hospitals in the area, as well as surrounding areas, that provide excellent and modern care. A male identification card with three different names was discovered among the remains in an apartment. The Most Beautiful City In Mexico: Guanajuato. Furthermore, Ecuador has a lower rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. Is Guanajuato Safe. Summer is the rainy season, when afternoon showers are common. Its dedicated to San Diego de Alcntara, aka Didacus of Alcal, a 15th-century Spanish missionary to the Canary Islands. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. See my site Policies All rights reserved, Exploring The Crime Rate In Downtown Tijuana: Causes And Solutions, Exploring The Pros And Cons Of Taking A Cab To Tijuana, How To Teach Conversational English In Tijuana, Tijuanas Pollution: Exploring The Impact On Californias Environment, Exploring Baja Californias Wineries: A Guide To Making The Most Of Your Trip From Tijuana To The Mexican Vineyards. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. 2023 Copyright by Travel Safe - Abroad. Zacatecas has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico making it a safe destination to visit. The collection includes an array of paintings (including an original a Dal print), murals, tapestries, sculptures, ceramics, glassware, chess pieces, playing cards, and tobacco pipes adorned with images of the hapless knight errant. My coworkers family just got back from Irapuato and she said drug cartels are everywhere. Amazing things to do in Guanajuato Mexico 1. It is advised to avoid the industrial outskirts of the area and exploring the streets alone at night, as in most cities. 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. Mexicos El Bajo region, known as the Colonial Highlands, is one of the most popular areas of Mexico for expats. Actually, what people most enjoy is the possibility of exploring the city on foot. Anyone can walk alone through the streets during the day and at night without . Today, visitors flock to see the centuries-old churches, baroque architecture and callejoneadas (roving street parties), as . Explore The Music Scene In Tijuana Baja California: Check Out The Top Headliners In The City, Explore The Cost Of Tijuana Hotel Tickets Discover The Discounts And Tips For The Best Experience, Exploring Tijuana: Exploring The Convenient Stops Of Tourismo Express In Downtown Tijuana, Exploring A Vegan Lifestyle In Tijuana: Delicious Vegan-Friendly Options And Tips For A Plant-Based Diet. The dangers of kidnapping and extortion are serious. Experts have concluded that if you stick to popular destinations like San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato City, and the magical towns of Hildados and Mineral de Pozos, you will be statistically safe while visiting the city of Guadalajara. In addition, various other museums and performance spaces in the city provide cultural activities throughout the year. Is Guanajuato safe for travelers in 2022? The violence is concentrated in specific areas of the city and tourists should get familiar with the names of those areas and avoid going there, especially at night. Eight days after authorities arrested El Marros family members, a state judge ordered them released and threw out the case for lack of evidence a decision that Lpez Obrador blamed on inefficiencies and corruption in the Guanajuato justice system. But here in the gritty Arandas district, residents speak highly of the facility, situated on an unpaved dead-end street in an anonymous brick building with an ocher facade and small yard. Tours last around 1 hour 30 minutes, and include a ceramic porrn (traditional drinking vessel) filled with orange or apple juice (booze is discouraged nowadays).