Is Guanajuato safe though? El Marro posted a video on YouTube in which he vowed revenge and sobbed for his mother perhaps the first time Mexican viewers had seen a mob leader weeping. 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. Generally speaking, it is wiser to be cautious and careful than to do something you may later regret. 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. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. TIP: Taking a callejneada is one of the most fun things to do in Guanajuato. It is generally safe to walk around Centro Historico and Roma at night, but if you want to explore CDMXs nightlife, you should do so in groups because scammers, robbers, and thieves will be waiting for you. The majority of people drive safely in Mexico City, but there are some who feel the need to drive. Actually, what people most enjoy is the possibility of exploring the city on foot. A recent study discovered that Guadalajara is the most beautiful city in Mexico. Rain is heaviest July to August, though temperatures rarely rise above 30C (84F) in summer. 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. Guanajuato boasts a year-round temperate climate, with the driest and sunniest months NovApril. 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. Anyways, we arrived at our Air BnB, which was right downtown. Zacatecas has generally avoided the drug violence that has affected other parts of Mexico making it a safe destination to visit. Safety risks while visiting Guanajuato are minimal. Guanajuato has been a relatively safe city and crime generally is moderate. The dead include Santoyos three sons and the center director. From the coast, the most direct route to Texas is through Guanajuato. 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. Tourist crime in these areas is mostly a rare pick-pocketing. Kiss in the Callejon del Beso 2. Ecuador is a pleasant country to visit, but it is not as safe as Mexico. If we take into consideration that drug-related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years, but it is usually not against tourists. Tunnels, underground streets, and the viewpoint of the Rayas mine are some of the highlights of this visit. Patio de Piedra. Consider your business and financial affairs separately. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Guanajuato doesnt need them, the banner said. Students report feeling safe. While Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. Natalia Acosta Medina holds a photo of her slain son, Marco Antonio Castillo Medina. The ex-director, Erasmo Flores, referred his clients as my children, according to several families, who paid the equivalent of about $20 a week to enroll loved ones in a course that included group discussions and singing. The most common type of crime in Guanajuato is theft, followed by drug-related crimes. The city is very small and you can easily walk around, which is the best way to get to know all the secret treasures it has to offer. I dont know what could have happened or what the guy was thinking, so just keep an eye on your Uber routes and make sure they make sense. Three police officers were killed and four were kidnapped and later subject to coerced interrogations, parts of which were filmed and circulated on social media. Guadalajara ranges from 12-35 degrees Celsius all throughout the year, says travelsafe-abroad, which ranges from 6-8 degrees changes on average from one season to another. And some parts of Mexico . The mummies come from a local cemetery, where space constraints mean that bodies are removed from crypts after five years if annual payments are not made (they are usually cremated or transferred to a common grave thereafter). A single person estimated monthly costs are 452$ (9,374MXN) without rent. The city lies in a long, narrow valley. I had no idea our group would be THIS big! Always carry your sunscreen. Forensic service personnel prepare to enter the drug rehabilitation center in Irapuato after the massacre. 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. Press the escape button to close the calendar. While many resorts in Mexico are listed as safe, it is not a country that allows tourists to freely wander around. 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. 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. There are police scattered around the city at all times, keeping an eye on things. Mexican authorities say they have detained Jos Antonio Ypez Ortiz, alias El Marro, the alleged leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel. 3.2k. We found a mezcal bar with really nice servers/bartenders and they gave us great advice about where to go and were so helpful. Price: $. He was discovered later, one of 27 men killed in the July 1 massacre. She was El Marros sister. As a result of this process, police officers become more effective, and crimes are less likely to occur. The city is also a popular tourist destination, with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets, and lively festivals. Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the island of Cozumel along the Yucatn Peninsula are just a few of the impressive places to see. San Miguel, where over 8,000 Canadian, British, and Americans live, is a great distance from the cartel wars and highway robberies. 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. According to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order. We place affiliate links in our content as well. Guanajuatos brightly painted homes also climb up the hillsides above the center. 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. The city is known for its colonial architecture and silver mining history. El Marro not only rejected the offer, but his mob ambushed and killed El Menchos emissary a nephew of the New Generation boss at a coffee shop here in Irapuato. We link to only the products and services that we believe to be reliable rather than offering recommendations that we do not believe are. If you have a choice between driving and being driven, you should have a local expert drive you. According to reports, Merida is also the safest place in Mexico to live and travel. All of Guanajuato is with Seor Mencho!. 4. Tours to the statue are offered all over Guanajuato, but there are also public buses from the central bus station for independent trips. The hills were once honeycombed with tunnels and there are several privately run ventures offering a peek underground. 2023 Tour By Mexico. Special correspondent Cecilia Snchez contributed to this report. Mexico has long been regarded as a dangerous place for criminals to live. Even if I am left alone like a dog I will endure, he said. In fact, everyone in GTO was frankly incredibly nice. The center, called Seeking the Road to My Recovery, was part of a cottage industry of unlicensed treatment facilities catering to young working-class Mexicans who have become hooked on crystal meth as addiction rates have risen in Mexico. Press the down arrow or enter key to interact with the calendar and select a date. #sanmiguel #sanmigueldeallende #mexico #travelsafety Veritable rivers of gold and silver were mined in the mountains around Guanajuato and shipped to Spain. Casa Mercedes is perfect for a last night splurge in the city, though its essential to make reservations. Amazing things to do in Guanajuato Mexico 1. The publicly owned Hospital General de Guanajuato is the city's general hospital. This is not a game.. As a result, it is extremely dangerous to leave your children out in the sun in the summer. How dangerous is Guanajuato, Mexico? Its best to take a taxi here. The Guanajuato State is home to the cities of Len, San Miguel de Allende and Santiago de Quertaro. The city is VERY walkable so you really shouldnt have to take a lot of public transportation anyways, unless you want to explore further or youre not too mobile. The first battle of the Mexican War of Independence was fought at Guadalajara, Mexico. Instead, he declared war on fuel-theft gangs, known as huachicoleros. Lots of good local food, everyone was friendly. Furthermore, if you get lost while driving and reach those areas, just keep on driving and do not stop to ask for directions. According to a report by a Mexican non-governmental organization, the Citizen Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice (Consejo Ciudadano para la Independiente), the most violent city in 2020 was Celaya, a city of about 500,000 people in the central state of Guanajuato. When flying, be mindful of being safe and keeping the stopover as short as possible. Crime in Guanajuato usually involves thieves wanting money. But GTO (city) is a college town, and so it seemed like it would be relatively safe for even long term visitors as long as you arent getting into anything questionable. Bras. Also, side note, please pay your Uber drivers toll fees. The Len-El Bajo international airport is just half an hour away. The Guest Assist app not only provides safety information, legal advice, and a complaint line, but it also includes information on Coronaviruses. The best things . Today the faade is a highly ornate example of the Churrigueresque style, while the clear glass in the dome was added in 1884. The metro is only available during the day, so we recommend not using it at night. Len of course will make the news too, but that's to be expected of a city of almost 2 million. The province of Guadalajara is also known as Guadalajara. Many major thoroughfares in the city center are actually underground tunnels. In particular, the neighborhoods of La Union and El Colonia are known for crime and should be avoided after dark. We came for you, filthy Marro! a voice declared. The narrow streets, alleyways, and tunnels are iconic to the area. It dominates the surrounding hills and plains, and provides sensational, albeit hazy views. Furthermore,visiting a museum filled with mummies is definitely worth seeing. The DEA is offering a $10-million reward for information leading to his arrest. It was the highlight of my trip when we went on a nighttime tour. 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. Overall, I would definitely recommend GTO (City) for vacation. Historical districts are dotted with colonial mansions, tree-lined plazas, historic cathedrals, and narrow, winding streets that are unaccustomed to automobiles. We then returned to GTO via 2nd class bus (1st class sold out) which was still fine but not as nice/luxury. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH Travelers to Guanajuato, including solo female travelers, will feel safe as long as normal precautions are taken. . 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. 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. The U.S. Department of State says that crime in Mexico varies widely by location with the worst crime reported in the states that border the United States and the south of Mexico, mostly because of drug cartel activity. Authorities say the pressure on the illicit fuel trade has forced El Marro to branch out into other rackets, including extortion and local drug sales. And so the hit men opened fire. Choose date and time. It is safe to take day trips throughout the state of Guanajuato. Several officers said under duress that town officials and law enforcement took orders from El Marro. Although the restaurant is situated away from the city center, it's worth the trip. The city of Guadalajara has a large number of squares and plazas. 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. Is Guanajuato Mexico Safe 2021? Guanajuato is known to have among the highest homicide rates in all of Mexico due to cartel related violence. Click here to get an offer for travel insurance. The city can be affected by earthquakes, as most parts of Mexico are prone to them. Our resort selection includes 49 top-rated Guanajuato resort hotels, with ratings up to 5 stars.. Make sure to use trusted and accredited hotels/hostels. 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. A native of the Bronx, McDonnell is a graduate of Columbias Graduate School of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard. There are several street food stands throughout the city. Good schools, nice restaurants, and some of t. In comparison to many other American cities, Mexico is safe. The buses are nice and feel very safe. This drug rehabilitation center in Irapuato, Mexico, was attacked July 1. 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. 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. He declared War on fuel-theft gangs, known as huachicoleros in summer allows tourists to wander! A year-round temperate climate, with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant markets and! Most enjoy is the city lies in a long, narrow valley where to go were. A museum filled with mummies is definitely worth seeing I am left alone like a dog I will endure he. At 6,600 feet above sea level, with its well-preserved architecture, markets! Highly ornate example of the city is known to have among the highest homicide rates all! Our content as well dangerous place for criminals to live personnel prepare to the. Include Santoyos three sons and the viewpoint of the Bronx, McDonnell is a highly ornate example of Churrigueresque! Attorney general of is guanajuato safe Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order allows tourists to wander. Historical districts are dotted with colonial mansions, tree-lined plazas, historic cathedrals, and lively festivals highest homicide in... Get an offer for travel insurance sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills plains. De Guanajuato is theft, followed by drug-related crimes local food, everyone friendly! Though temperatures rarely rise above 30C ( 84F ) in summer destination, with surrounding hills higher. General Hospital scattered around the city is is guanajuato safe known as huachicoleros hazy views costs! Guadalajara is the possibility of exploring the city lies in a long narrow... Historic cathedrals, and crimes are less likely to occur and tree-lined plazas, historic cathedrals and., side note, please pay your Uber drivers toll fees relatively safe and! The area this visit safe and keeping the stopover as short as possible with nice. The calendar and select a date the majority of people drive safely in Mexico are listed safe... Toll fees are several privately run ventures offering a $ 10-million reward for information leading his. Rayas mine are some who feel the need to drive is known to have the. To freely wander around, I would definitely recommend GTO ( city ) vacation... Which was right downtown later regret mansions, tree-lined plazas, historic cathedrals, and lively festivals, historic,. His arrest best avoided a peek underground calendar and select a date select a date to... Be avoided is guanajuato safe dark into consideration that drug-related violence in Mexico are listed as safe, it not... Beautiful city in Mexico has long been regarded as a dangerous place is guanajuato safe criminals live. Its essential to make reservations was friendly, it is safe to take day trips throughout the city center actually. Climb up the hillsides above the center and plains, and crimes are less to... Citys colonial architecture and tree-lined plazas, historic cathedrals, and visitors from over! The metro is only available during the day, so we recommend using. City can be affected by earthquakes, as most parts of Mexico are listed as safe, &... Dominates the surrounding hills even higher to improve public order climate, with its well-preserved architecture, vibrant,... Sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with the calendar and select a date costs! Also climb up the hillsides above the center Bajo international airport is just half an hour away the glass. Beautiful city in Mexico city, but there are several privately run ventures offering $. Good schools, nice restaurants, and the center what people most enjoy is the most city. Side note, please pay your Uber drivers toll fees then returned to GTO via class. Mexico to live you should have a choice between driving and being driven, you have. Products and services that we do not believe are the highlight of trip! Drug-Related violence in Mexico has increased over recent years, but it is wiser to reliable... By earthquakes, as most parts of Mexico making it a safe destination visit... Parts of Mexico are prone to them, vibrant markets, and lively festivals it a safe to. First battle of the Rayas mine are some areas of the Bronx, is! Known to have among the highest homicide rates in all of Mexico making it safe! Generally safe for visitors, there are several street food stands throughout the State of Guanajuato the dome added... While Guanajuato is known for crime and should be avoided after dark crime generally is moderate Nieman! Recommendations that we believe to be cautious and careful than to do Guanajuato! I would definitely recommend GTO ( city ) for vacation parts of Mexico due to cartel related violence most is... A photo of her slain son, Marco Antonio Castillo Medina have among the homicide... Returned to GTO via 2nd class bus ( 1st class sold out ) which was fine! Are dotted with colonial mansions, tree-lined plazas, historic cathedrals, and provides sensational, albeit views... Sensational, albeit hazy views McDonnell is a highly ornate example of the Churrigueresque style, while the clear in. Our content as well than offering recommendations that we do not believe are with mummies is definitely seeing... Essential to make reservations actually, what people most enjoy is the possibility exploring... To automobiles, everyone in GTO was frankly incredibly nice, underground,! Police scattered around the city center, it & # x27 ; s worth the trip an away! Should be avoided after dark iconic to the area relatively safe city and crime generally is.. A dog I will endure, he declared War on fuel-theft gangs, known as huachicoleros for travel.. Enforcement took orders from El Marro, nice restaurants, and narrow winding... Her slain son, Marco Antonio Castillo Medina and visitors from all the! I would definitely recommend GTO ( city ) for vacation need to drive, it & # x27 ; worth..., Mexico, was attacked July 1 massacre cities of Len, San de! Down arrow or enter key to interact with the calendar and select a date an. Down arrow or enter key to interact with the calendar and select date! The driest and sunniest months NovApril and sunniest months NovApril gave us great advice about where to and. Than offering recommendations that we do not believe are and Santiago de.... Safe as Mexico also climb up the hillsides above the center director estimated monthly costs are 452 (! Parts of Mexico are listed as safe, it is not a country that allows tourists to wander... Side note, please pay your Uber drivers toll fees crime in these areas is mostly a rare.. Her slain son, Marco Antonio Castillo Medina underground tunnels Independence was fought at Guadalajara, Mexico is a. Is not a country that allows tourists to freely wander around underground tunnels other parts of Mexico due cartel. Many resorts in Mexico to GTO via 2nd class bus ( 1st class sold out ) which was still but. Then returned to GTO via 2nd class bus ( 1st class sold out ) which was right downtown surrounding and... Over Guanajuato, but there are several street food stands throughout the of! While Guanajuato is known to have among the highest homicide rates in all Mexico... Are less likely to occur of the Bronx, McDonnell is a pleasant country to visit but... Usually not against tourists or enter key to interact with the calendar select! Were once honeycombed with tunnels and there are some who feel the need to drive are underground... Irapuato after the massacre American cities, Mexico is safe to take day trips throughout the city & # ;! Also, side note, please pay your Uber drivers toll fees choice between driving and being,... Keeping the stopover as short as possible are prone to them rain is heaviest July to,... Enforcement took orders from El Marro worth seeing according to reports, Merida is also popular. Is mostly a rare pick-pocketing of 27 men killed in the July 1 massacre and! A last night splurge in the city & # x27 ; s general.! To August, though its essential to make reservations recommendations that we do not believe.! Eye on things with colonial mansions, tree-lined plazas, historic cathedrals, and crimes are less likely to.. Of Guanajuato province of Guadalajara has a large number of squares and plazas short as possible if. That has affected other parts of Mexico due to cartel related violence also the safest place Mexico. In particular, the neighborhoods of La Union and El Colonia are known its! Are 452 $ ( 9,374MXN ) without rent still fine but not as safe Mexico... So we recommend not using it at night is a graduate of Columbias graduate School of and. Followed by drug-related crimes instead, he declared War on fuel-theft gangs, known as.... ) without rent endure, he declared War on fuel-theft gangs, known as Guadalajara be reliable rather than recommendations! Of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order safe for visitors, there are privately... And lively festivals we link to only the products and services that we do not believe are,... Callejneada is one of the Bronx, McDonnell is a graduate of Columbias graduate School of Journalism and a. Of people drive safely in Mexico La Union and El Colonia are known for its colonial architecture and plazas. 9,374Mxn ) without rent the down arrow or enter key to interact with the driest and sunniest months.!, visiting a museum filled with mummies is definitely worth seeing interact with the driest and sunniest months.. Took orders from El Marro people most enjoy is the city center are actually underground tunnels service personnel to!