Reply Report inappropriate content Dan S Level Contributor Students report feeling safe. Yes it is pretty safe. General Motors, Mazda and Toyota make cars here, and U.S. tourists and retirees flock to the artsy enclave of San Miguel de Allende. Several officers said under duress that town officials and law enforcement took orders from El Marro. It is always best to use World Nomads Insurance as a fully comprehensive policy for backpackers and travelers. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The city is also a popular tourist destination, with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets, and lively festivals. 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). Is Guanajuato safe? A Mexican-French couple shared information about the city. 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. Patio de Piedra. Airport: Guanajuatos airport aka Bajo International Airport lies 30km west of Guanajuato city. You should not be afraid of visiting one of the worlds coolest cities. But in 2017, the aura of tranquility dimmed. Guanajuato, Mexico, is a colonial-era city in the mountains of central Mexico that has a rich history and culture. The dangers of visiting Mexico are higher than those of Switzerland or Japan. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Is Cuautla Morelos Mexico safe? 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. Youll have an unforgettable trip if you make the right decisions when you arrive at your destination. For these reasons, Guanajuato is a major tourist destination for Mexicans. Gugajuato was granted city status in 1741 after being founded in 1554. When coming to Guanajuato, you should monitor local advice, remain vigilant and follow the advice of the local authorities. Estimates put its numbers at 300 to 500 for permanent, year-round expats. Is Guanajuato Safe? Guanajuato has been a relatively safe cityand crime generally is moderate. It is a dangerous place to visit due to the drug cartels, gang-related violence, and kidnappings. It dominates the surrounding hills and plains, and provides sensational, albeit hazy views. Visit the Alhondiga de Granaditas museum 7. El Marro has no chance, said Vigil, the ex-DEA official. We place affiliate links in our content as well. We then returned to GTO via 2nd class bus (1st class sold out) which was still fine but not as nice/luxury. The group came to control large swaths of Guanajuato. 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. The metro is only available during the day, so we recommend not using it at night. 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. Diego Rivera only lived here until the age of six, but the museum makes the most of the connection, with the lower floor furnished in a period 19th-century style, and the upper floors displaying Riveras works, mostly sketches and early paintings. There are a few safe places to visit in Mexico, but not in Guadalajara. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. If you're looking for something to enjoy with your family in the beautiful city of Guanajuato, you'll want to check out Patio de Piedra. The citys population is relatively small. 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. 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. Visit the Museo Ex-Hacienda de San Gabriel de Barrera and Museo Iconogrfico del Quijote, then take a bus trip out to the Cristo Rey. The Yucatn police force is far superior to the Mexico Police Department in terms of pay and training. Simply enter your email address below and well send you a free special report Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven. A native of the Bronx, McDonnell is a graduate of Columbias Graduate School of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard. Also, side note, please pay your Uber drivers toll fees. We were staying in Leon and took a day trip to Guanajuato. Although the state of Guanajuato overall is considered a hot zone for narco-related issues, it's relatively safe for tourists to visit. It was the highlight of my trip when we went on a nighttime tour. Is Guanajuato safe? With 2,293 killings in the first half of this year, Guanajuato is on pace to set a new record. The terrace provides a great view of the city, and the pizza is unbeatable. We loved our short stay. Safety risks while visiting Guanajuato are minimal. Make sure beer bottles are open in front of you before drinking, and dont drink Mexico Citys tap water. 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. It felt a little scary that we needed all that, but we also felt really safe in the house because of that. Outside of the city center in the surrounding area, there has been some cartel-related violence. Guanajuato Spanish Schools Safety. 3.2k. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Our resort selection includes 49 top-rated Guanajuato resort hotels, with ratings up to 5 stars.. In fact, everyone in GTO was frankly incredibly nice. Price: $. Probably one of these days he and his family are going to be evaporated from this planet by El Mencho.. The first battle of the Mexican War of Independence was fought at Guadalajara, Mexico. How do you get around Guanajuato? Three police officers were killed and four were kidnapped and later subject to coerced interrogations, parts of which were filmed and circulated on social media. It is caused by a variety of factors, including high crime and kidnapping rates. While Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. We were close to the Plaza Mexiamora, which was very cute and nice to walk by each night. The next day we took a bus to San Miguel de Allende (about 1.5 hours away) and that seemed fine and safe as well (recommend the first-class bus for sure!). Souvenirs bearing the Forma Migratoria Mltiple (FMM) label on arrival in Mexico should be kept in a special envelope alongside their passports. Walk around Mercado Hidalgo 6. In Mexico, everybody knows them by their monikers: El Marro and El Mencho. Humidity is generally low. Word spread quickly here after gunfire erupted at a neighborhood drug rehab center. The Jardin de la Union, located in the heart of the city, serves as the citys central square. Guanajuato state - Reconsider Travel Reconsider travel due to crime and kidnapping. Make sure the driver is taking you where you should be going, just in case. It was worth the trip, but there was a weird aspect to it. Guanajuato is known to have among the highest homicide rates in all of Mexico due to cartel related violence. Guanajuato capital receives a lot of tourists every year and it is safe, another town San Miguel de Allende has a good number of US citizens living there and it is also a safe city. Before the virus, the US government listed the state of Guanajuato as being the same level of risk for tourism as. Furthermore, if you get lost while driving and reach those areas, just keep on driving and do not stop to ask for directions. It still hosts performances, but its also possible to take a tour of its lavish interior, the main auditorium decked out in a rich Neo-Mudejar (Moorish) style (commentary is likely to be in Spanish). However, like any large city, there are areas that are best avoided. We walked to most places, but when it became too much (a couple of restaurants/museums were maybe a mile away), we took Uber. The COVID-19 virus has seen a sharp increase in violence across all of Mexico and Central America. You can stay updated on travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of State website. There is no such thing as a perfect safety guide, and this article is no exception. Is Guanajuato safe for travelers in 2022? Due to a lack of resources, it was a small village in its early years and had a slow growth rate. Typically 105 buses run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. San Miguel de Allende is often noted as one of the safest Mexican cities for tourists which is usually backed up by its low crime rate score. He slowed down and there was a hotel to our right (freeway was to the left). I turned over the bodies one by one and looked at their faces, Acosta recalled. During Mexicos war of independence from Spain (1810-1821), the city of Guanajuato was the site of Mexicos first major victory against the Spanish. This makes them suitable for a variety of vacation types, including family trips, luxury getaways, and all . The government is just trying to protect both tourists and residents of possible criminal acts. Mexico has sent marines to Cancun beaches, not only for Playa del Carmen and Tulum. There is still a risk of contracting Zika virus. These issues didnt affect us as tourists, but I was glad to be educated about them and keep them in mind. Acting wisely and avoiding the possibility of becoming a victim is all you have to do to stay safe in Guanajuato. The news from other cities: Salamanca, Len, Irapuato does not make you think that the state is dangerous but a little precaution is always suggested. 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.. There were 3,540 killings in Guanajuato last year, a more than threefold increase since 2016. Is Guanajuato safe though? In order not to become a victim of a scammer, you should remain watchful of your surroundings and keep an eye on drinks and food you order. (Rental properties, however, are relatively scarce, and some properties for sale may require renovation.). The safest way to take a taxi is to follow the rules such as getting a taxi license, using an app, and asking your hotel for assistance. Generally speaking, it is wiser to be cautious and careful than to do something you may later regret. Basilica de Guanajuato, Calle Ponciano Aguilar 7, Centro, 36000 Guanajuato, +52 473 732 0314 . The province of Guadalajara is also known as Guadalajara. Good schools, nice restaurants, and some of t. Dive Into Local Art & History. 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 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. At this time, there is no safety advisory in effect for the city or the state. US State Department travel warnings generally apply to the western part of the state of Zacatecas (south of Highway 45 and west of Highway 23) and not the city itself. It is one of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations, and visitors can enjoy its scenery and accommodations in a safe manner. Make time for the Teatro Jurez and Museo Regional de Guanajuato. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. Despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town was once a silver mining town and, oddly, few foreigners visit it. The Most Beautiful City In Mexico: Guanajuato. Guanajuato is in the region known as El Bajo, a relatively high-altitude area with a semi-dry climate. Despite this, visitors should always use common sense and be aware of their surroundings. He put his right turn blinker on and signaled with his hand to the hotel, without saying a word. We went to many bars and clubs in addition to museums and other sightseeing (day and night). It is a colonial city located in central Mexico in the mountains. Yes, Leon Guanajuato is a generally safe place to visit. These numbers are based on violence going on throughout the entire state of Guanajuato. The cartel in effect controls several Pacific ports that are entry points from Asia of essential chemicals. According to the UK Government, over 576,971 British nationals visited Mexico in 2017 with most visits being trouble-free. When visiting Guanajuato with kids, visit. In December 2019, New Generation launched an armed assault with automatic weapons against police headquarters in Villagrn, the municipality that includes El Marros hometown. 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. Ingles. Anyways, she was very nice and drove us into the city. There are a lot of churches and cathedrals that were very ornate and beautiful and worth visiting. There are a number of reasons for this. Tourists who have been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus will be able to enter the United States from Mexico beginning Monday. You have a strong connection. Aside from saving money and the environment, you can also save energy. 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. Ecuador, on the other hand, has a lower homicide rate than most countries, but a higher rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. From the coast, the most direct route to Texas is through Guanajuato. The citys colonial architecture, with brightly colored mansions, is a testament to its history. It is expected that the people will be pleasant and welcoming. If you're unsure what to buy, a pair of classic huaraches is always a safe bet. The most well-known festival is the International Cervantes Festival, a two- to three-week performing arts festival with major performing artists from around the world. 4. Fill out the form below and click the link or image above to get a free quote. In 99% of cases, it does not involve tourists or visitors, but it can still happen. You are more likely to attract criminals (gang members) and animals onto the road if you do not act aggressively. 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. The third wave appears to be fading in all 32 states, according to Deputy Health Minister Hugo L*pez-Gatell. Note that we took Uber the whole trip and this was the only weird thing, but of course, always be alert. Expats should be able to travel anywhere within the area and feel safe. Weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance went to many bars and clubs in to... 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