Should I be worried? While the coastal city of Cabo San Lucas is a fairly safe area for tourists, the municipality of Los Cabos is very dangerous due to criminal activity related to drug cartels. But is Los Cabos safe? Police extortion of tourists detained for minor offenses is often a problem and there have been some grotesque incidents. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. And the surveys in Numbeo indicate that most people feel safe being there. And then there is the Sinaloa Cartel. I saw a mariachi band and I think one guy had a cartel violin. You will also be told what you did wrong. Even locals don't drink water in Mexico. It has magnificent resorts, endless sunshine, and robust party life. 5 years ago. Imagine a side of Los Cabos you never knew existed, where the soul willingly surrenders toel sol. Towing your car is technically something that the officer cant do, even though they will threaten it, but if you give them enough of a desire to cause you to harm they will absolutely find a way to make it happen. Putting those numbers in perspective, not a single U.S. city with a population of more than 100,000 has a murder rate that low, and only 5 countries in the world are that safe to live in: Lichtenstein, Monaco, Singapore, Japan, and Iceland. Cabo San Lucas is a popular tourist destination but it's important to know about drug cartels & crime before visiting. However, people from all over the world travel safely to Cabo every year. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. On Oct. 21, US travel blogger Anjali Ryot, 25, and German tourist Jennifer Henzold, 35, were gunned down in the Tulum shooting. Youll feel at harmony with the vivid sensations of Baja Californiaand with the Esperanza family. Went out had fun ,no violence. Business Wire/AP On Oct. 21, US travel blogger Anjali Ryot, 25, and German tourist. However, they are known to launder money through legitimate businesses, so it's possible that they could have ownership stakes in some resorts. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. In 2015, they shot down a military helicopter with a rocket-propelled grenade. That's why it's called vacation. Don't overthink things and just act as you would at home. If you are stopped for a traffic violation in Mexico. A boutique hotel in Los Cabos like no other. When should you not go to cabo san lucas? We invite you to discover one of the best five-star resorts in Cabo, overlooking the pristine white sands of Swimmable Blue Flag Medano Beach and the magnificent Cabo San Lucas Arch, and just a five-minute walk from downtown Cabo San Lucas. Is Cabo safe? The management might be doing this willingly or are coerced through intimidation and threats. More than 140,000 descend on the region every week, according to Mexican government statistics, with many wanting to invest in property for the long term, Rottloff told The Post this week. If you are traveling to Cabo San Lucas, be sure to stay in heavily guarded areas known for tourism. A quick search will provide you with loads of information and opinions. In general, if you don't engage in illegal activities, you have nothing to worry about. They claim the problem is under control. We book travel to Cancn. Is Cabo San Lucas Cheaper Than Cancun? Well, Boston for starters. Los Cabos in particular is noted by the U.S. government for having zero travel restrictions. Why Cabo San Lucas is the Perfect Vacation Destination. Groups of child drug traffickers in cartels (18-20 years old?) Their businesses generate billions of dollars annually, but they cant take this money to the bank or use it legally. So,is Cabos safe? Is Cabo San Lucas a Safe Place to Travel? Mexico Citys murder rate is 8 per 100,000, despite being the second-largest city on the planet. Arrested in an upscale Guadalajara neighborhood on Monday, Gonzalez Valencia is charged with laundering money for the cartel. Do you know who else had 111 murders in one year? FROM brutal beheadings to violent kidnappings, the cartel wars of Cancun have unleashed horror on Mexico's Caribbean coast as gangsters wreak havoc yards away from luxury resorts. That simply isnt the case, as anyone who has actually visited the country can attest. Extortion is everywhere. However, this doesnt mean that the cartel owns every casino or spar. It's our favorite place to vacation. Pay up or you disappear on third call. Dont try to buy drugs: Dont ask about buying drugs and dont even think about buying drugs. Increasing violence in celebrity retreat of Los Cabos shows criminal influence spreading to previously unaffected tourist areas. Everything You Need to Know About Covid-19 Testing in Cabo San Lucas. Thousands are vacationing in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Traveling anywhere requires a little safety precaution. The Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun in Puerto Morelos, south of Cancun, was the site of recent cartel gunfire. It has a 4.5 overall guest rating based on 127 reviews. no thanks. Booking your flight to Cabo San Lucas at least one week before departure is the best way to get a below-average price. Millions of people visit Mexico each year and 99% of travelers do not run into any trouble but the 1% that makes the news is all that you hear about and you began asking yourself is Cabo safe. Violent drug gangs are waging a bloody war in the tourist haven of Quintana Roo - visited by millions of British and American holidaymakers each year. Indulge yourself with Villa Cortez, a stunning escape unlike any other, and Villa One, our most exclusive villa perched at the highest point of the resort. Surrounded by shimmering sands, rolling palm trees and the blue sky and sea, book one of our rooms, suites, Casita suites or One%26Only Palmilla luxury villas and fully immerse yourself in the charm of Los Cabos. Drink as much water and non-alcoholic beverages. It is worth noting that Los Cabos is made up of two cities: Cabo San Lucas, which is the most touristic and nightclub area, and the most residential, San Jos del Cabo. from another country test negative one day before departure, changing the rules that allowed incoming travelers to take the test up to three days before entering the country. State Department revamped its travel advisory system. The drug cartels and their families. Answer 31 of 45: Quick question about Cabo.. We're leaving in 10 days for a weeks vacation. As far as car rental goes, we are planning to stay in San Jose del Cabo the night before and the night after our 5 night all inclusive stay in Cabo San Lucas. Even so, its always best to exercise caution and only go when youre sure things have cooled off. They have a very clear motivation to keep the tourists safe. The US Drug Enforcement Administration has listed a $10 million bounty for El Menchos capture. Its difficult to know which resorts are owned by cartels if any, but there have been suspicions that they use them to launder their money. Thank you for this fantastic article. Many people interested in visiting often wonder about crime. Also, this remains out of public knowledge, and anyone who might prove to know might attract the full attention and wrath of the cartels. Here are some precautions that you can take in order to make sure yourtrip goes as planned: One of the main reasons Americans travel toCabo San Lucasis to enjoy the warm weather and therelaxingbeach. Air passengers must also confirm in the form of a certificate that the information they present is true. Its also become the most feared of the Mexican drug gangs. Traveling to Cabo San Lucas means experiencing one of the most pleasant areas of Baja California, pristine beaches, luxury resorts and excellent restaurants that will bring the most exhausted travelers back to life with a dose of adrenaline. Protecting skin with clothing. Travellers should be careful when swimming and not take any risks, such as jumping off rocks or swimming near corals. While its undeniable that Mxico, like every country in the world, suffers from crime and has some undesirable areas, the vast majority of its cities and communitiescape cities Cabo San Lucas and San Jos del Cabo in particularare extremely safe. Cabo is extremely safe. I have not been able to find current detailed information that you have provided here. The Gulf Cartel among the oldest criminal enterprises in Mexico is mired in infighting, according to security experts. Violent crimes, such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are widespread throughout Mexico. The new property is planned to open in 2023 and will be located alongside the exclusive Cove Club, a 500-acre private club and community within the master-planned Cabo . How do resorts operate in places like Mexico where the Cartel controls so much? ", https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/mexico-posts-highest-homicide-rate-in-decades/. Travel Warning & Safety Guide [Updated 2021], MUST READ: 10 Safest Cities In Mexico [Updated February 2021], Is Cancun Safe For Travel? Even the locals dont drink the water in Mexico. The news frequently highlights violence, drug cartels, and kidnappings in Mexico. As you explore the city, exercise caution and avoid flashing a large amount of money or wearing expensive jewelry. Earlier this month, the State Department announced a $5 million bounty for information leading to the arrest of four Sinaloa drug traffickers, including Aureliano Guzman Loera, who is known as El Guano and is the older brother of El Chapo. Pay up or you disappear on third call. In 2011, @Jose_deCordoba and I went to Acapulco to write about rising drug-related violence there. Your email address will not be published. For the most part, bus travel is the best way to get around in Mexico, but if you are anything like me I prefer to be on my own time and not have to wait on other people. The government advises all citizens to exercise greater caution in the state. That same month, a British citizen, who lived in the area and was warned of being a target, was shot and killed by two men on a motorcycle while driving with his teenage daughter in the passenger seat, The Daily Beast reported. Cancun is one of the premier destinations in Mexico for many travelers, so you are not alone in your chosen destination. The key is to remain calm and accept your mistake and when it is inevitable that they take you to jail then subtly offer the bribe, it is like a negotiation, start with a low amount and they will go up to agree on an amount. Cartel members last year tried to assassinate Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico Citys chief of police, in an attack that wounded him and left three people dead, including two of his bodyguards. Hardcore tv geek. With nearly 6000 miles of coastline and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Mexico is ideal for families, couples and solo travelers who love wonderful beaches. Millions of tourists visit the area every year without incident. While its unclear whether the high-profile arrest will lead to the Jalisco Cartels retreat, the rival Gulf Cartel also faces challenges with the recent death of their leader, Ariel (El Tigre) Trevino Pena, who was killed by the Mexican army in a shootout in Matamoros in October. Staying in the shade as much as possible. If you are traveling to Cabo San Lucas, be sure to stay in heavily guarded areas known for tourism. They go through these channels to conceal their involvement, which would jeopardize their business and identity. With El Chapo sentenced to life imprisonment at a maximum-security prison in Colorado, the group is now run by Ismael El Mayo Zambada Garcia, 73. One day earlier, the state . This region of Mexico is the safest, but it will still pay dividends if proper precautions are taken. Four Seasons Cabo Del Sol. You will also be told what you did wrong. Right now you have factions fighting for leadership within the Sinaloa Cartel to control the sale of opioids, and you have the larger cartels all fighting each other, he told The Post. If you are stopped for a traffic violation in Mexico, you will be asked for your drivers license, vehicle registration, and possibly proof of insurance. There is violence reported every day. The Yucatan, for example, is especially suited to driving: Many beaches, barely developed ruins, and intriguing villages lie a good distance from the main road. Step into a world of unforgettable moments at Pueblo Bonito Golf & Spa Resorts. . Besides the Cabo in its name, this city turns out to be just 20 miles from Cabo San Lucas too. If you are on a long trip, being sick for a few days is not that important. This designation means that most hotels and resorts in the destination continue to ensure that their health protocols meet more than 360 global standards validated by experts. Dont give them a reason to want to, because you will not win. Nor do they mention that most of this violence is related to drug trafficking, or that one could count the number of tourists who are affected by it on the one hand. They dont lose any sleep over who they shoot. Fishing tournaments are held between June and November, but before you pack your rod and reel, keep in mind that it's also hurricane season, so plan accordingly. ???? "Most of the large resorts are owned by overseas corporations." Extortion is everywhere. The bottom line is that no matter where you are, you should exercise caution and observe a few simple rules. For tourist to CSL, it is unlikely you will notice anything different from any other trip here other than a significant military and police presence. If it's a one-week vacation, do you really want to spend half sick just because you were too lazy to get bottled water when you brushed your teeth? Tourist drug demand is bringing cartel violence to Mexico's most popular resorts. It gave Mexico a general Level 3 warning for visitors to exercise caution. Ready to plan your trip, grab myFREE Vacation Plannerto help you plan your trip in the time it takes to watch your favorite TV show! In addition to hazardous areas throughout the U.S. UU. Cabo San Lucas is a fairly safe area. How big is your own city compared to Mexico? This year, the U.S. State Department revamped its travel advisory system. Fortunately in occurs almost exclusively in certain barrios in San Jose. Finally, while I understand you are in Mexico and dranking is at the top of your to-do list remember the heat and too much alcohol do not mix well and can lead to massive dehydration. Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? Having your car towed (and potentially never seeing it again) is a lot more expensive than paying him one hundred bucks. Mexico currently has a level 2 travel warning on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning "increased caution.". Zambada Garcia, who headed up his own eponymous criminal operation before joining the Sinaloa Cartel alongside El Chapo, is reportedly in ill health and in hiding. Like in many states in Mexico, the Baja California Sur where Cabo San Lucas makes its home is a place where you should be careful as a traveler. An Expert's Perspective. Is cabo san lucas safe from drug cartels? San Jose Del Cabo is the place to be if you have disposable income and luxury accommodations are a must when you travel. However, innocent locals and visitors may be affected. But the dealers who arrived at the beachside resort outside Cancn last month came from rival cartels, part . The Jalisco New Generation Cartel was founded in 2009 by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho), who is among the most wanted drug traffickers on the planet after the 2014 arrest of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, head of the Sinaloa cartel. Criminal activity and even homicide are a danger in parts of Baja California Sur. Advertisement The beaches of Los Cabos do not have lifeguards, although most resorts have access to medical personnel. Actually there may no longer be much difference in the homicide rates in Acapulco and Los Cabos, according to an article I read in the Seattle Tmes newspaper tonight, which included this tidbit, talking about the murder rate per 100,000 residents in the Mexican states for 2017: "Baja California Sur, home to the twin resort towns of Los Cabos, had a rate of 69.1. During the day Mitch runs a marketing firm and Chele is in the travel industry. Tulum will keep growing because the Mexican government is really investing in tourism here, said Susann Rottloff, a Tulum-based realtor and German expatriate who has lived in Tulum for the last three years. Mexico is safe but if you are traveling with small kids the beach resort areas of Los Cabos and other popular Mexican cities are popular vacation destinations for families with young children. Crystal is one popular brand in Los Cabos. While the surrounding municipality of Los Cabos has seen an increase in cartel or drug-related violence, the city of Cabo San Lucas remains a relatively safe vacation area. Of course, in the U.S. we would then be issued a ticket that requires us to pay a fine or appear in court at a later date. No matter where you go in Mexico, follow the common-sense rules listed above, such as drinking only in moderation, taking a taxi instead of wandering around at dusk and leaving your expensive watches and rings at home. What has resulted in bystanders being injured or killed, therefore, you must remain diligent with your safety in Cabo San Lucas. Fishing tournaments are held between June and November, but before you pack your rod and reel, keep in mind that its also hurricane season, so plan accordingly. While these annual statistics We frequent the Cancn area. Why do people vacation in cabo san lucas? amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; General tv scholar. A report by Mexican news outlet La Reforma, from earlier this year, indicated that at least five cartels are now operating in the Riviera Maya and reports of violent crime in Tulum alone had gone . A Los Cabos boutique hotel like no other. That's on par with Albuquerque. Delight in Villa Cortez, a breathtaking getaway like no other, and Villa One, our most exclusive villa located at the highest point of the resort. Cancn is a great place to visit during holidays, and it has several high-end resorts. Cabo San Lucas is a hot spot for celebrities thanks to its beautiful landscapes, warm weather and endless opportunities to have fun in the sun. By using this form, you agree to the storage and handling of your data by this website. Learn how your feedback data is processed. As tourists are the best customers of drug cartels, they largely keep their violence away from the tourist areas of Cabo, so tourists continue to come to Cabo San Lucas.But before you pack your bags and get ready to drink tequila in this luxurious region of Baja California, you might wonder if Cabo San Lucas is safe. Casa Costa Azul is located right on the beach, giving you the pleasures of nature, the feeling of warm water, the sound of the waves, the pleasure of the sun and surfing. Despite some travelers' fears of Mexico, Cancun remains a popular tourist destination -- and not only for Americans, but for Europeans, Mexicans and South Americans alike. Almost all of the American tourists that have been killed in Mexico are due to them buying drugs from the cartel because they were too afraid to fly with weed so someone thought it was a good idea to buy drugs in a foreign country. The State Department, nor the U.S. Embassy in Cancun responded to requests for comment. The new rules will require that every traveler flying to the U.S. UU. What is the rainiest month in cabo san lucas? Time will slow down to enjoy the thrill of a majestic sunrise and take a walk along our soft sand beach. B3 Advisors LLC also participates in affiliate programs with USA Transfers, and other sites. From Mazatlan to Land's End, our spectacular resorts in Mexico will captivate your senses. Cartels in Cancn control the economy by owning some establishments like casinos, nightclubs, and spas, which have been known to perform relatively well economically. What is the best time to travel to cabo san lucas? I was specifically looking for opinions for renting a car while in Cabo but found additional very helpful information as well. Is Los Cabos the Perfect Vacation Destination? For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contactlicensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. I'm supposed to go on a holiday next week. Mexico. Due to crime in other parts of the state, you will experience the greatest security in Cabo San Lucas around your resort property and in other tourist areas. For fewer crowds, go in spring or fall which is when I went, the temperatures are still mild and rain is less likely and the rates are at their lowest. This Amendment Updates COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Air Passengers Aged 2 Years and Older Boarding a Flight to the United States. The message threatened death to merchants who refuse to fork over bribes to the drug-trafficking gangs and was signed by Los Pelones the bald ones.. This is the place for you to see gray whales passing, baby turtles going to the sea for the first time and watching marine birds in their natural habitat. Crystal is a popular brand in Los Cabos. Highways are well-maintained, constantly being improved, and so straight that the slightest curve bristles with warning signs and reflectors. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Extortion is everywhere. Beginning next month, the soldiers will be stationed in Cancun and surrounding areas, including Tulum, where Mexican law enforcement said there are 10 groups fighting for drug dominance in the picture-postcard resort town. But the drug dealers dont leave when the partys over and the tourists go home.. Three people were killed by gunfire and another two were injured when a cartel opened fire on the quiet Mexican beach resort. It's important to review travel restrictions and advisories to Mexico before planning your next vacation to make sure you truly understand that Mexico is safe for US tourists right now. Most of the homicides in Mexico and Cabo San Lucas are isolated incidents targeted by criminal organizations and turf battles between criminal groups. Thats how they respond when rivals come onto their turf. The crime rate here is relatively low, besides the recent gang-related wars, which the authorities have already dealt with. I really like (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Do you know who else had 111 murders in a year? Keep your interaction minimal, and always move in groups. The Sinaloa cartel is said to be the most dangerous and powerful in the world, responsible for a huge number of lives lost in Sinaloa. Still haven't found my friend..she didn't have the money and away they took her. Thousands if not millions of people live in these areas, they have day to day lives and aren't affected by it typically. I will be continually updating the Mexico Travel Warning and Cancun Travel Warning articles, so you will always find up-to-date information so you can plan your vacation without worrying about your safety. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; As in much of Mexico, drug cartels are a problem in areas around Los Cabos. Do these things also happen in Cabo San Lucas, or is it safe? And this week, the group was hit with a real blow, according to Almonte: Mexicos military arrested Rosalinda Gonzlez Valencia, the wife of Cervantes. For years I wouldnt travel to Mexico because the U.S. media painted this horrific picture of Mexico and I always wondered if it was safe to travel to Mexico. And some parts of Mexico where drug cartel violence is at its worst have long been on a no-go list, with a level 4 no-go advisory. I have been to Belize and Italy and have never wondered if it is safe to travel to those countries. This post has been removed at the author's request. When Driving, Stick to Main Roads, and Daytime Travel: One of the most popular methods to extort money and protect cartel turf is through carjacks or roadblock ambushes. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88959807', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cabo, really nice. While Mexico is safe, you should take safety precautions no matter where you're traveling, it's important to keep them in mind even in Los Cabos. Professional pizza maven. Mexico is safe to visit so long as you stay out of trouble, take precautions, dont buy drugs, and ladies do not allow men to buy you a cocktail and I dont care how cute he is. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Yet unnamed, the new criminal organization operates in the Cancn and Riviera Maya areas of Quintana Roo,. amzn_assoc_title = "Beach Items Los Cabos"; Is Cabo San Lucas Safe? Can I Get COVID-19 Even After Vaccination? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. As in many states in Mexico, Baja California Sur, where Cabo San Lucas has its home, is a place where you should be careful as a traveler. This centuries-old rhythm helped shape the coast of Punta Ballena de Cabo, named for its resemblance to the tail of a whale. However, innocent locals and visitors can be affected. If being worried will ruin your holiday, then it is something you have to consider. Is the State Dept. In 2015, Osegueras son Rubn Oseguera Gonzlez, known as El Menchito, was arrested on drug-trafficking charges and last year he was extradited to the US, where he awaits trial. Surrounded by shimmering sands, swaying palms and the blue of the sky and the sea, reserve one of our One&Only Palmilla rooms, suites, Casita suites or luxury villas and fully immerse yourself into the charm of Los Cabos. I have found we can rent a car for less than the cost of hired transportation, especially staying at multiple locations.