I'm sorry if this offends anyone that lives here. It is not my intention at all. I'm just trying to find out as much information as I can before I decide whether or not to bring my family here for a safe vacation.
I've heard some stories and read some articles about violence and drug cartels in and around Puerto Penasco. While I understand crime is not exclusive to Mexico (we have plenty where I live), some of the stories I hear are horrid. I, also, hear that Americans are targeted frequently. I know that most people say "Don't flash a bunch of cash, don't act arrogant, be respectful of the culture and you should be fine." However, I, like many of you, have a family to protect. I know that there are some truly terrible people in this world that do not care what you're doing. They want to hurt you. I realize there is a risk of encountering people like this no matter where in the world you are. I'm trying to gauge that risk in Puerto Penasco so I know if I should bring my family to this beautiful city.
I am hoping to find some real truth, from people who live in Puerto Penasco. How safe is it? Is it a place you recommend a young family travel? Your honesty is greatly appreciated.
I appreciate the fact that you want to keep your family safe, but your poll is very narrow in scope. Nothing is black or white. The one thing I will tell you is that the statement you made, "Americans are targeted frequently" is completely false. I cannot think of one instance where an American was "targeted" specifically. If the incident that happened last December is what is prompting your inquiry, I can tell you from personal experience that I have been down there 2 times since then and on one of those trip I brought my 12 year old niece and nephew, with no qualms at all from their parents. Just last weekend I drove down alone (I'm a woman). Nothing out of the ordinary on either of those trips.
My suggestion to you is go with your children and enjoy the beach, sea, and sun. Do not let fear and rumor mongers get the best of you. Most of the people who say don't go have never been.
Thanks mis2810 for the quick response. The statement regarding Americans being targeted was vague. I apologize for that. It was not written with the intentions of meaning "Americans are specifically targeted in Puerto Penasco" - it was meant on a much larger. Which I understand is still quite the generalization.
I appreciate your honesty and encouragement to take the trip. I especially like the fact that you've taken children with you.
Rent a house at one of the Southern beaches and don't travel at night ( accidents a way bigger risk than gangsters) go into town for lunch rather than dinner and make the kids under 7 years old walk in a serpentine manner....
I should have added that the only thing I won't do is drive down there or back after dark. More so because of animals crossing the road than anything else, but once I'm down there, I'll drive around town at night with no problem at all - never scared. That being said, I generally don't like driving any highway in the dark - even if I was going to San Diego. If you stay on Sandy Beach or Las Conchas, all the restaurants and bars are within a 15 minute drive. Or, you have the option of going to the grocery store and stocking up on everything you need and never leaving the house or condo - not out of fear - but so you can drink and not have to drive, and/or just relax and not have to go running out every time you want to eat. Also, most of the condo resorts have on-site restaurants you can eat at. Not that I think any of them are anything special, but again, if you don't want to have to leave the resort to eat.
Just use the same precautions you would take traveling to any other country. I personally wouldn't drive at night in a unfamiliar area in any foreign country. The question of whether it is safe or not is too vague.
We just spent 2 weeks in rp and never felt unsafe. Drove around town, ate on the malecon and everyone was as friendly as always. Our drive back and forth to usa was fine. If you like , you can wait at border until several cars are going thru and caravan down in a group. You and the kids will have a wonderful time!
My wife and I have lived here for over 8 years. We just spent a week up in Arizona speaking to the RV community on this very subject. All we can say is from our personal experiences.
A man asked my wife "is it safe where you live, I mean completely safe?" She said that she loves living in Penasco and that he should come visit - she feels very safe here. He replied "but what if something happens to me, can you guarantee my safety?" She told him that she couldn't guaranty his safety going back to his car in the parking lot after speaking to her. He got the point.
After we got back from the show we have received several phone calls and emails from those that we spoke to at the convention. They thanked us for encouraging them to come down and taste Peñasco for the first time, some also said they will be back for sure and for a longer stay.
If you love the beach, incredible food and views, and super friendly people, I encourage you to also come to Peñasco and see for yourself!
motjl.....obviously you have never been to Rocky Point before. I live here & many Americans live here full time also tens of thousands of Americans come back & fourth from here on a regular basis. I know Americans who have lived here full time for more than 20 years. RP is very safe. If it wasn't I would not live here & they wouldn't live here or visit here. People from all over the US & Canada are here right now & have been coming safely to RP for decades. I only lock my door to my place at night while I am asleep. Not recommending you leave your door unlocked just giving you an example.
I normally drive at night when I head back to the US because the border crossing is quicker at night ( never had a problem ever ). Not saying you should drive at night just letting you know my experience. Treat RP like any other city you would visit. Pay attention, know where you are going, etc.
I will guarantee you that your chances to be harmed or robbed are far greater living in Phx or Tucson than in RP. Facts are the Facts research it on the net. Phx / Tuscon death rates via car crashes, home invasions, robbery, etc are huge. LA, Chicago, DC etc the crime & death rates are high but people still live & visit those cities. So if you are willing to visit Phx or Tucson or those other cities then you should certainly be ok visiting RP.
I will bet you one million dollars that if you come to RP you will have a great vacation & return unharmed to the USA. Name ONE American who has been murdered in RP besides the 1991 American transsexual that was killed by the American spouse while here on vacation..
For over a decade, we drove late at night on the Caborca Road (out toward Encanto / Dorada / Miramar) upon post-work-hour departure from The States. It was fun in a twisted sort of way to see the wide eyes of any newbie guests we had with us as we drove into the secluded desert on a 2-lane road, away from city lights into darkness. We could almost hear them thinking, "Where are you taking us -- really?" And then, after driving in, unpacking, pouring margaritas and sitting under the stars with the sound of the waves, they would predictably ask when they might schedule their next trip. Of course that was then. Now I would consider it almost as dangerous as driving at night around Phoenix.
For over a decade, we drove late at night on the Caborca Road (out toward Encanto / Dorada / Miramar) upon post-work-hour departure from The States. It was fun in a twisted sort of way to see the wide eyes of any newbie guests we had with us as we drove into the secluded desert on a 2-lane road, away from city lights into darkness. We could almost hear them thinking, "Where are you taking us -- really?" And then, after driving in, unpacking, pouring margaritas and sitting under the stars with the sound of the waves, they would predictably ask when they might schedule their next trip. Of course that was then. Now I would consider it almost as dangerous as driving at night around Phoenix.
...the two lane road from RP south to the beach communities is a danger at all times let alone at dark.No shoulder,pot holes,cows,unsafe Mexican drivers pulling Pangas and now as the coastal highway heads north construction detours...
For over a decade, we drove late at night on the Caborca Road (out toward Encanto / Dorada / Miramar) upon post-work-hour departure from The States. It was fun in a twisted sort of way to see the wide eyes of any newbie guests we had with us as we drove into the secluded desert on a 2-lane road, away from city lights into darkness. We could almost hear them thinking, "Where are you taking us -- really?" And then, after driving in, unpacking, pouring margaritas and sitting under the stars with the sound of the waves, they would predictably ask when they might schedule their next trip. Of course that was then. Now I would consider it almost as dangerous as driving at night around Phoenix.
Just to be clear for the original poster - the beaches Southbeacher is referring to are out of the main tourist area of town, which in my mind are Sandy Beach and Las Conchas. You wouldn't need to drive the Caborca highway to get to Sandy Beach or Las Conchas.
Just to be clear for the original poster - the beaches Southbeacher is referring to are out of the main tourist area of town, which in my mind are Sandy Beach and Las Conchas. You wouldn't need to drive the Caborca highway to get to Sandy Beach or Las Conchas.
Yes -- by Caborca Road I don't mean east of, say, Mayan Palace. I'm talking Las Conchas / Encanto / Dorada / Miramar / Mayan. And yes -- those areas are outside of the well lighted and populated Rocky Point proper, so no pedal-to-metal.
My family has been going down to Penasco since 1948 and we always felt safe - and welcomed. Are there places I wouldn't go at night? Yeah - same as any town in the world. Have never worried about bringing down the kids and then the grand kids and now the greats. Have we had problems there? A flat tire - someone was there within seconds to change it for us as DH is 80 and they didn't want him to try. Battery went dead - a friend brought one down within a day and in the meantime everyone checked to see if we needed anything or needed to go anyplace. Car conked out - while they were fixing it in Sonoyta the man's wife fed my kids and animals and put them all down for a nap with her kids.
Our family only has wonderful memories of Penasco - some of the best days of our lives were spent there and we have been people that have become life long friends.
I will bet you one million dollars that if you come to RP you will have a great vacation & return unharmed to the USA. Name ONE American who has been murdered in RP besides the 1991 American transsexual that was killed by the American spouse while here on vacation..
Well you are definately targeted as a tourist when you are in Penasco. No doubt about it. The pesky window washers are everywhere and very aggressive, slopping a filthy rag on you windows when you stop for a traffic light. Beware ! Keep your windo washer fluid full as you will need to use it a lot after the sloppy wash job.
As a full timer here, I grow weary of having my windows washed 4 or 5 times a day. That's my greatest fear here, dirty water window washers, it
can be frightening.
Banana boat killed a guy,old lady drowned on that idiots dinner cruise boat,my friend John drowned in 1983..........car accidents are your greatest threat ....after going down for 40 years and doing everything wrong whenever possibled(well I have dodged Mikes transvestitesi hookers) I think it is cool...well except those pesky Kidney theives are awful at spring break....
Actually there is danger here and you should seriously be aware of the following:
Bicycle riders. Weaving in and out of traffic on the wrong side of the road during the day and at night. Dressed in dark clothing with no lights or reflectors.
Pedestrians after dark walking along side the road and out into the lane.
Taxi drivers in general.
People in vehicles and on bicycles not stopping at stop signs.
Missing, obscured and non reflective stop signs on the side streets.
Night drivers with high power high beams on all the time blinding you.
Three wheeled bicycle vendors pedaling along slowly in a trafic lane.
Failure to yield. Many locals seem to have the idea that if they can get in front of you they have the right of way either on foot, on a bicycle or in a vehicle, never mind you are backing up or going 35MPH. Even when you have the right of way be alert.
Axel breaking, tire popping pot holes on most of the side streets.
Speed traps in Ajo and Sonoyta on the drive down and back.
GV Jack when he is in town.
Daytime in town driving is OK, other than the pesky window washers and fire breathers at intersections.
Night drivers with high power high beams on all the time blinding you.
OMG this is so true - I actually had to come to come to a complete stop and wait on the road just passed Las Palomas last week because I was absolutely blinded by someone with their brights on in the other lane. I kept flashing mine at them but it didn't work!
We've been coming to Rocky Point for many years. Go down about once a month. We even have had 4 family reunion gatherings there over the last 15 years or so. Entire family ( aunts uncles, kids, parents, grand parents ). I have never had any problems visiting Penasco. I would never invite my entire family there if it was even remotely unsafe.
A lot of people don't know this but there is even a tourist assist vehicle that drives back & fourth everyday ( multiple trips ) between Sonoita & Puerto Penasco that does nothing but assist tourists if they have a flat tire, engine problems, etc.
What makes Penasco's location so perfect is the close proximity to the USA & its a fairly small town & you don't have to drive thru or even near any large Mexican cities.
We live in PP with our two young children full time. The locals are extremely friendly and helpful and we have not had any problems at all and travel all over town. It's a great spot to go with your family and kids. Our kids attend a private school in town and we feel that it's more secure then Phoenix schools. Our boys love swimming in the ocean during the summer and at this time of the year they like to dig and collect stuff on the beach. Lots of rocks to climb on both near the malecon, Mirador and Mi Playa. There are a variety of places to eat from sit down restaurants on the Malecon to taco stands, hot dog stands and chicken. Depending on how long you are planning to stay a trip to El Pinacate (about halfway between Sonoyta and PP) is a great way to spend a day whether you just drive around or go hiking around the crater. What I wouldn't recommend you do is travel down in the dark for your first trip and do get directions ahead of time to wherever you decide to stay; there is road construction as you come into town and the signs for the detour leave a little something to be desired. As others have mentioned; don't flash cash (but you don't need to worry that someone is going to rip a purse off your shoulder); no excessively flashy jewelry; and BE NICE to others you meet. It's a great town to visit and most that try it out once quickly discover that there is a lot of unjustified media hype about it in the US. You can msg me if you have any specific questions.
From the ever excellent Defrente:
* Performs City Council considered in the carretera Peñasco-Caborca * * municipal government uses own resources to safeguard the safety of motorists despite a State rua * * PUERTO PEÑASCO, 7 February 2014. * in an effort by safeguarding the safety of the families penasquenses that use the Caborca-rocky road, a gang of at least 15 workers of the Town Hall began with the work of considered State Rua.
Despite representing the Local State Board of paths of the Government of the responsibility for the maintenance of this important means of communication, the Government headed by Professor Gerardo Figueroa Zazueta decided to do the job to the terrible conditions of the same.
The Coordinator of Zofemat, Benjamin Ortega white, informed because of the danger that represents travel on such road, Thursday began with the work of I considered from the 40 kilometer and it will cover up to the entrance of the city since there are sections really bad.
"Concerned about the safety of the families who use this road, our Mayor turned instructions so we abocáramos to do the work of considered because today rua conditions represent a latent danger for motorists", said.
He pointed out that so far have been used 20 cubic meters of asphalt which has allowed to cover a significant amount of potholes, but there are still other road sections which have to recarpetearse because current conditions jeopardize the families who use this rua.
White-Ortega said that this asphalt is that acquired the town hall for the program of I considered of the streets of the city, however, a part is what is being used in the State road to the impassable of this means of communication.
Tasks of considered the Caborca-rocky road are scheduled be completed in the middle of next week.
So it's the condition of the road they're fixing, not the security.
Yes but good news ...good job by the mayor.......the Coastal Highway construction is headed North so it looks like the repairs have stopped on the existing road bed that will be replaced by the new road....progress is really slow
Good job El Prof. They are also actively filling in potholes around town.
Just heard from a friend heading South it is really bad.....night driving and potholes......have to do it myself next week and not looking forward to it
Motlj, I have been coming to PP since 1966. I, too, am a single woman who drives alone to PP most of the time. I bring my 86 year old mother with me sometimes and sometimes friends and their children and grandchildren. I would never do this if I felt it was unsafe.......Don't listen to the doom and gloomers; most of them have never been here.
We have vacationed in Rocky Point since the early 70's. Took our five children down numerous times every year. Then took one or some of our 13 grandchildren down numerous times every single year. We have never had anyone get in trouble with the police or the people of RP. I take the car and go off by myself to shop. I've stayed down there by myself in our RV for weeks at a time and have never been afraid. In all those years I got sick one time, but I don't even know if it was something I ate or drank or if I just had the flu. I bring no food. I bring no water. I buy everything down there and bring back tons of the most delicious shrimp you will ever taste. I bring back tortillas that are made on a front porch of someone's house, cookies from the bakery and tequila you can't buy in the states.
I do understand how the OP feels because when we went further south into Mexico it was unfamiliar and I was a little scared. But, Rocky Point is safe. Read the Rocky Point Times or this board to make sure you know what you can bring and can't bring. Your kids will love this ten times better than San Diego!
We are headed down on Monday morning and it can't get here fast enough for me!
I'm sorry if this offends anyone that lives here. It is not my intention at all. I'm just trying to find out as much information as I can before I decide whether or not to bring my family here for a safe vacation.
I've heard some stories and read some articles about violence and drug cartels in and around Puerto Penasco. While I understand crime is not exclusive to Mexico (we have plenty where I live), some of the stories I hear are horrid. I, also, hear that Americans are targeted frequently. I know that most people say "Don't flash a bunch of cash, don't act arrogant, be respectful of the culture and you should be fine." However, I, like many of you, have a family to protect. I know that there are some truly terrible people in this world that do not care what you're doing. They want to hurt you. I realize there is a risk of encountering people like this no matter where in the world you are. I'm trying to gauge that risk in Puerto Penasco so I know if I should bring my family to this beautiful city.
I am hoping to find some real truth, from people who live in Puerto Penasco. How safe is it? Is it a place you recommend a young family travel? Your honesty is greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
The only warning I will give you is, don't go down when the spring breakers are there. It sometimes gets a little crazy ??
The only warning I will give you is, don't go down when the spring breakers are there. It sometimes gets a little crazy ??
Agree. In almost 20 years of frequent (at least monthly) visits, the only mishap I had was an ASU kid on an ATV who fender-bended my car in a parking lot.
Never been there for Easter but from the pictures and videos I've seen, I don't want to !!
Don't really like going when the "breakers" are there, but haven't been down since TG. I'm jonesin' so it looks like I'm going to have to deal with it, just gonna have to lay low at the PDO. Hopefully the little bastards won't be on the golf course??
First-time poster. My wife and I, along with our three boys (ages 15, 13, & 8), will be traveling to Puerto Penasco in June for our very first trip to Mexico. We live in New Mexico, but are originally from Florida. We love the desert, but miss the proximity to water and the beach :-) We are looking forward to coming down in a few months. We will be staying at the Palacio Del Mar Condo in the Mirador. We chose to stay there instead of the Sandy Beach resorts because of the smaller size of the condo complex, the smaller crowds, and the sea being only steps from our first floor patio. We've done resorts at other beaches, but we just want to chill and relax for the week. Also, being closer to the Malecon was a plus. For those who live in that particular area (Roberto and Ladyjeeper), any words of wisdom or advice for a first-time traveler to Puerto Penasco (and Mexico) staying in the Mirador would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and God bless!
That's a quiet and convenient location. That from an Ex New Mexican and permanent Mexican. This is the closest beach town to New Mexico.
Thanks for the quick reply, Roberto. I thought that the location would be quiet and also convenient to town. I appreciate you confirming that. Although it will be a bit of a drive for us (9-10 hours with an overnight stop in Tucson), we are looking forward to some R&R on the beach and visiting PP and Mexico.
The drive from New Mexico to Peñasco is not bad. We take a very long day to get from central TX to Wilcox (about an hour or 2 east of Tucson) and cross the next morning. The worst part of our drive is getting out of TX!
We have always felt safe in RP; however, cannot say the same thing about Phoenix!.
As stated, it is not truly "safe" anywhere is it? We have been traveling to RP for years, never as often as we would like. There have been so many changes over the years. We are not bar people anymore and typically bring most of our own food and cocktails, and just stay at our condo. Again, not because we are afraid but because we are on vacation and just want to chillax and enjoy where we are. Also, we have big doggie with us so that limits where we can go and what we can do. We usually stay on Mirimar because we enjoy the privacy and beauty, but we do drive into town and beyond, and have driven at night. I agree that because there are NO lights the roads are dark, and animals crossing can be dangerous. Also, as stated, we stay way Easter week/Spring break, just a bit too crowded for us. We also typically do not go in the hot, hot summer months for personal reasons.
This being said, we do not have children so I cannot speak on that. If you are hesitant, you should test the waters first and go as a couple. Talk to the people there and get their opinons. I believe if you are just aware and smart it is just as "safe" as anywhere else.
Info to the Howell' coming to RP for the first time. Check the tide charts and plan on cruising the tide pools that will be in front of you at low tide. That is one of the things we have been doing for many years. Be sure to wear water capable shoes the rocks and shells are sharp. There is an abundance of sea life that you can see and touch in those pools.
The Oasis Restaurant just west of Austin is very nice. Haven't been there in a couple of years. Everybody applauds as the sun sets on the lake. Of course, I seriously doubt many of them have seen a Peñasco sunset.
(Sorry - had to edit. When I first read the post I thought you were referring to The Oasis Restaurant. But we do live in Austin. So, it's not too bad here. Just wish they'd stop building so many toll roads. But I digress.)
I was just kidding... Although any new visitor asking about safety probably does need to know all the facts. Tough to just sweep that incident under the rug. Everybody's perception of what is safe is different. For me, I refuse to visit or take family to areas where tourists are being targeted for things other than random pick pockets, etc. So far we've been fortunate that none of this violence has targeted Americans. As long as that stays the same, then RP is safe to me and I'll continue to visit.
The flip side, take somebody that hasn't been going down since they were a kid, doesn't speak Spanish, doesn't know the route from Sonoyta. On top of that reads about a helicopter attack on a resort popular with Americans just two months ago. What do you think their perception of how safe it is to drive their family down? That can all seem overwhelming and easily take the fun out of a trip. Easy to say, screw that, we're going to San Diego.
Banana boat killed a guy,old lady drowned on that idiots dinner cruise boat,my friend John drowned in 1983..........car accidents are your greatest threat ....after going down for 40 years and doing everything wrong whenever possibled(well I have dodged Mikes transvestitesi hookers) I think it is cool...well except those pesky Kidney theives are awful at spring break....
The way I heard it, that banana boat guy was drunk and insisted on swimming back to shore. The banana boat didn't kill him...more like he killed himself.
Yeah Hillboy, I know you think it's funny but trust me. You don't ever want to have liver failure......The only good that came out of it was that I lost 90 pounds.....
I take Milk Thistle 2 capsules of 175 mg in the morning and the same before bed. I take a statin drug (crestor) and I drink alcohol. I have been using this product since 1997 and my liver function/health is just fine. I learned about this product from Dr. Andrew Weil in Tucson. You can buy the product at Fry's Foods, Target, or buy mail order from Puritan Pride. 1-800-645-1030
Yeah Hillboy, I know you think it's funny but trust me. You don't ever want to have liver failure......The only good that came out of it was that I lost 90 pounds.....
I,m sorry I don't think it is funny I was just trying to add a little humor to the post about the good old days.
I take Milk Thistle 2 capsules of 175 mg in the morning and the same before bed. I take a statin drug (crestor) and I drink alcohol. I have been using this product since 1997 and my liver function/health is just fine. I learned about this product from Dr. Andrew Weil in Tucson. You can buy the product at Fry's Foods, Target, or buy mail order from Puritan Pride. 1-800-645-1030
Yes I take it also and it seems to make my Doc. not scold me if you know what I mean.
As a new but rapidly learning cardiac patient, I'd like to insert this medical fact: 90% of the cholesterol is what your liver decides to manufacture, and the remaining 10% is the result of what you decide to eat. This is a change from what we'd been hearing until recently. In other words, we don't really need to avoid eggs, shrimp, grilled oysters and other great-tasting sources of cholesterol as long as our statins are keeping LDL below 100. Depriving ourselves of these things just makes the more important task - keeping our overall weight and blood pressure down - harder. I'll no longer eat a cheese crisp because it's a calorie bomb loaded with fat, but I won't even think twice about grilled shrimp or huevos rancheros.
Some might consider this a thread hijack, but I'll argue that the most dangerous things about Rocky Point are probably the food and drink we put in our bodies when we're down there. I'm not really worried that someone else will put lead in my body.
And yes, I know, you can get just as fat in Phoenix or Tucson. But I'll do it a lot faster in Rocky Point.