BajaNomad

Rumors or truth attacks on tourists?

pescadorrr - 6-8-2025 at 04:39 PM

So with all the stuff going on near Bahía de Los Ángeles I got a Mexican buddy telling me that there have been attacks in Americans on the back roads of central Baja. Is there any truth to this?

Does anyone know if this post is legit?
It’s just so hard to know what is true on the internet. Got some buddies trying to drive to San Francisquito.

Thanks!
https://www.facebook.com/share/15QmeBsDmb/

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1A6RBxRgde/


[Edited on 6-8-2025 by pescadorrr]

AKgringo - 6-8-2025 at 06:27 PM

BajaNomad is about the only social media platform that I follow, so I haven't heard of any issues on the back roads in central Baja.

I have driven the B.D.L.A. to El Arco road three times in the last 14 months, with one side trip in to San Francisquito, and look forward to doing it again sometime this fall.

On my way south last spriing, and on my north in mid Jan this year I stayed with friends that live there. Neither of them voiced any concerns about safety on the back roads.

[Edited on 6-9-2025 by AKgringo]

mtgoat666 - 6-8-2025 at 07:41 PM

Dunno about an increase in attacks on tourists,… there have been a few attacks on solo tourists in remote areas, but several months ago and longer (e.g. la gringa, the wall).
it is apparent that there has lately been quite an increase in cartel gun battles, in towns and remote areas. There has been a general increase in violence in the news.
I dont know if that makes back country travel more dangerous,… but makes one more wary…
Some say cartel avoids tourists. That may bevtrue, but I dont think cartels have much control over the criminal impulses of low level gunmen, meth heads, minor/local gangs, etc. i suggest you be careful when meeting strangers in remote areas…

[Edited on 6-9-2025 by mtgoat666]

4x4abc - 6-8-2025 at 08:05 PM

Baja Government has advised tourists no to travel off MEX1. Use MEX1 ONLY during daylight hours.
avoid the areas highlighted

the recent activity made me revisit my database of everything Baja
found many new 4x4 tracks
found several new hidden airfields
and no - I will not share that information

travel alert - avoid this area copy.jpg - 220kB

SFandH - 6-8-2025 at 11:06 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pescadorrr  
So with all the stuff going on near Bahía de Los Ángeles I got a Mexican buddy telling me that there have been attacks in Americans on the back roads of central Baja. Is there any truth to this?



To be on the safe side, I would assume your Mexican friend is telling the truth. It's clear that there are violent criminals in the area.

wilderone - 6-9-2025 at 07:57 AM

"back country travel more dangerous" That's where you'll find cartel members burying the bodies. That's where the shootouts are occurring. Sporadic, but who knows when they might want to pick on you to steal your car, money, cell phone - with no witnesses around.

4x4abc - 6-9-2025 at 11:37 AM

stars - car jackings, armed robberies
red balloon - murders

and yes, I know Chicago has a higher murder rate
but I don't plan on camping on a remote beach in Chicago

Screen Shot 2025-06-09 at 11.33.08 copy.jpg - 161kB

FlightTerminationSystem - 2-15-2026 at 10:38 PM

Late to the party on this but figured I'd share - drove from LA to Cabo and back with a friend last year, April 2025. A bit south of El Rosarito (in the central desert, not playas) a white SUV blocked the drove and two guys with guns got out to presumably carjack us, but let us go when they realized we were obvious tourists - so presumably cartel. No masks or anything, and they could've easily figured out that we were tourists from the car/bumper sticker/window before executing the stop so they clearly had no fear whatsoever of being caught. This was about 6pm, an hour before dark, and barely a kilometer from the military checkpoint north of Villa Jesus which was extra crazy to me.

I've been back down there since but let's just say I had a strict 3:30pm time limit to cross that stretch... though who knows if time of day even matters. I hate to think about who got their car taken instead of ours.

Tioloco - 2-16-2026 at 09:06 AM

Quote: Originally posted by FlightTerminationSystem  
Late to the party on this but figured I'd share - drove from LA to Cabo and back with a friend last year, April 2025. A bit south of El Rosarito (in the central desert, not playas) a white SUV blocked the drove and two guys with guns got out to presumably carjack us, but let us go when they realized we were obvious tourists - so presumably cartel. No masks or anything, and they could've easily figured out that we were tourists from the car/bumper sticker/window before executing the stop so they clearly had no fear whatsoever of being caught. This was about 6pm, an hour before dark, and barely a kilometer from the military checkpoint north of Villa Jesus which was extra crazy to me.

I've been back down there since but let's just say I had a strict 3:30pm time limit to cross that stretch... though who knows if time of day even matters. I hate to think about who got their car taken instead of ours.


Thanks for the report. What type of vehicle were you driving? Did they say anything to you or take anything from you?
Obviously, your situation could have been way worse. Glad you made it and appreciate the post.

BeachSeeker - 2-16-2026 at 10:21 AM

Quote: Originally posted by FlightTerminationSystem  
Late to the party on this but figured I'd share - drove from LA to Cabo and back with a friend last year, April 2025. A bit south of El Rosarito (in the central desert, not playas) a white SUV blocked the drove and two guys with guns got out to presumably carjack us, but let us go when they realized we were obvious tourists - so presumably cartel. No masks or anything, and they could've easily figured out that we were tourists from the car/bumper sticker/window before executing the stop so they clearly had no fear whatsoever of being caught. This was about 6pm, an hour before dark, and barely a kilometer from the military checkpoint north of Villa Jesus which was extra crazy to me.

I've been back down there since but let's just say I had a strict 3:30pm time limit to cross that stretch... though who knows if time of day even matters. I hate to think about who got their car taken instead of ours.


Are you sure it wasn’t a government agency? I’ve seen a checkpoint at the San Felipe airport with unmarked SUVs and guys with paramilitary gear, but not camouflage, intermixed with policia and guardia nacional.

Did you say anything to the guys at the military checkpoint about it?

I’m not trying to say it definitely wasn’t cartel, but from your story, it might have just as easily been an anti-narco task force looking for someone and they saw you were Americans and waved you through.

FlightTerminationSystem - 2-16-2026 at 10:45 AM
Quote:

Thanks for the report. What type of vehicle were you driving? Did they say anything to you or take anything from you?Obviously, your situation could have been way worse. Glad you made it and appreciate the post.



At the time I had a slightly beat up ~10yr old Toyota prius, with California plates, a San Diego license plate holder, and a bumper sticker for my (California) university, so I was really surprised they didn't actually go through with it because it really should've been obvious I was American. I've only seen maybe a dozen Priuses in all of my time in Baja south of Tijuana, so my only explanation is that (if it was cartel) they truly had so little fear of being caught that they didn't bother taking even small precautions to make sure they were targeting who they meant to target. It was pretty late in the day (less than an hour till sunset) and there weren't many cars on the road at this point.


Quote:

Are you sure it wasn’t a government agency? I’ve seen a checkpoint at the San Felipe airport with unmarked SUVs and guys with paramilitary gear, but not camouflage, intermixed with policia and guardia nacional.



We thought about this a lot afterward - I don't think so but maybe I'm misinformed. To give more details, the SUV had California (US) plates and passed us, then spent about thirty seconds at the same speed as me. I actually said out loud to my friend something about how I was irritated that this guy passed me and now I'm stuck behind him. Then they stopped, swerved to block, and two guys with rifles got out - they were just wearing shorts and T-shirts, no masks. I put my hands up above the wheel, one walked over, looked in, and said a few words I didn't understand but including "gringos" then walked back and they drove off down some side dirt track into the desert. I hope you're right and it was just government but I don't know why they would be driving a vehicle with US plates?
Quote:

Did you say anything to the guys at the military checkpoint about it?



Perhaps this was a mistake, but we didn't report it to the checkpoint, and the checkpoint didn't stop us southbound. Because we reached the checkpoint literally a minute or two after this went down, I kind of assumed they must have had an insider there informing them that nobody would be on the road so it was clear to block the road. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. We were shaken up and agreed that reporting it now (if there was an insider) might get us into more trouble and then I just booked it to Guerrero Negro without stopping. In hindsight I'm not proud of that but yeah, never reported it.

I still maintain that this was a fluke given how many drive that stretch without incident, and it hasn't stopped me from going back to the central desert, but definitely not a great experience. I'm really really grateful we didn't actually get robbed or worse (and this was day 2 of an 11 day trip so I was tensing up every time someone passed us the next few days heading south lol).

bajatrailrider - 2-16-2026 at 10:51 AM

Im in Baja off road every week so far so good since late 80s . Would I drive off road at night or camp no. I have seen abandon pot farms even drug lab from far away. From top of mountain, I know all ranchos. Have keys to locked gates. Always stop at rancho houses to ask if all good to travel. Its always good when no tire tracks but my own.

David K - 2-17-2026 at 05:05 PM

How sad that this is even a "thing" to discuss.
Besides Baja Nomad, there are many Facebook Baja groups where travel concerns are discussed.
There are group trips frequently, some are free to join like the recent Toyotas in Baja fun run and campout, south of San Felipe. The next will be on the Pacific side on June 12-15.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/toyotasinbaja

Other groups:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajaoverlanding
https://www.facebook.com/groups/465062134783179
https://www.facebook.com/groups/735042030177279
https://www.facebook.com/groups/417178645797156

pacificobob - 2-18-2026 at 10:19 AM

Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
stars - car jackings, armed robberies
red balloon - murders

and yes, I know Chicago has a higher murder rate
but I don't plan on camping on a remote beach in Chicago



I'd like to see a similar crime map for los Angeles.
It's very dangerous here in baja, i recommend sheltering in place!

cupcake - 2-18-2026 at 01:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
stars - car jackings, armed robberies
red balloon - murders

and yes, I know Chicago has a higher murder rate
but I don't plan on camping on a remote beach in Chicago



I'd like to see a similar crime map for los Angeles.
It's very dangerous here in baja, i recommend sheltering in place!


In 2025, in Los Angeles, the per capita murder rate was 5.9 per 100,000.

In 2024-2025, in Baja, the per capita murder rate was 46.5-65 per 100,000.

If the Mexican government advises tourists to avoid certain areas, they are probably not making such a warning lightly.

The areas marked by Harald on the map he posted, contain the El Camino Real sections of San Borja-Santa Gertrudis and the upper part of Santa Gertrudis-San Ignacio.

[Edited on 2-18-2026 by cupcake]

Tioloco - 2-18-2026 at 02:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  
Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
stars - car jackings, armed robberies
red balloon - murders

and yes, I know Chicago has a higher murder rate
but I don't plan on camping on a remote beach in Chicago



I'd like to see a similar crime map for los Angeles.
It's very dangerous here in baja, i recommend sheltering in place!


In 2025, in Los Angeles, the per capita murder rate was 5.9 per 100,000.

In 2024-2025, in Baja, the per capita murder rate was 46.5-65 per 100,000.

If the Mexican government advises tourists to avoid certain areas, they are probably not making such a warning lightly.

The areas marked by Harald on the map he posted, contain the El Camino Real sections of San Borja-Santa Gertrudis and the upper part of Santa Gertrudis-San Ignacio.

[Edited on 2-18-2026 by cupcake]


Cupcake, thx for the stats. Something to consider:
When I drive thru LA, I have a firearm available to level the playing field in the case of an attack. This would be a game changer for security on the Camino Real and all other car jacking/robbery scenarios in Mexico.

mtgoat666 - 2-18-2026 at 04:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  
Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
stars - car jackings, armed robberies
red balloon - murders

and yes, I know Chicago has a higher murder rate
but I don't plan on camping on a remote beach in Chicago



I'd like to see a similar crime map for los Angeles.
It's very dangerous here in baja, i recommend sheltering in place!


In 2025, in Los Angeles, the per capita murder rate was 5.9 per 100,000.

In 2024-2025, in Baja, the per capita murder rate was 46.5-65 per 100,000.

If the Mexican government advises tourists to avoid certain areas, they are probably not making such a warning lightly.

The areas marked by Harald on the map he posted, contain the El Camino Real sections of San Borja-Santa Gertrudis and the upper part of Santa Gertrudis-San Ignacio.

[Edited on 2-18-2026 by cupcake]


Cupcake, thx for the stats. Something to consider:
When I drive thru LA, I have a firearm available to level the playing field in the case of an attack. This would be a game changer for security on the Camino Real and all other car jacking/robbery scenarios in Mexico.


Stop being silly. No one needs a fire arm “available” to drive through Los Angeles. And keeping a gun within reach (“available”) while driving in California is illegal, for good reason.

Tioloco - 2-18-2026 at 05:02 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  
Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
stars - car jackings, armed robberies
red balloon - murders

and yes, I know Chicago has a higher murder rate
but I don't plan on camping on a remote beach in Chicago



I'd like to see a similar crime map for los Angeles.
It's very dangerous here in baja, i recommend sheltering in place!


In 2025, in Los Angeles, the per capita murder rate was 5.9 per 100,000.

In 2024-2025, in Baja, the per capita murder rate was 46.5-65 per 100,000.

If the Mexican government advises tourists to avoid certain areas, they are probably not making such a warning lightly.

The areas marked by Harald on the map he posted, contain the El Camino Real sections of San Borja-Santa Gertrudis and the upper part of Santa Gertrudis-San Ignacio.

[Edited on 2-18-2026 by cupcake]


Cupcake, thx for the stats. Something to consider:
When I drive thru LA, I have a firearm available to level the playing field in the case of an attack. This would be a game changer for security on the Camino Real and all other car jacking/robbery scenarios in Mexico.


Stop being silly. No one needs a fire arm “available” to drive through Los Angeles. And keeping a gun within reach (“available”) while driving in California is illegal, for good reason.


Silly? I think taking measures to safeguard my family from rogue career criminals is a prudent move. Guns illegal for personal protection in Cali? Whatevs, man.

mtgoat666 - 2-18-2026 at 05:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  
Quote: Originally posted by cupcake  
Quote: Originally posted by pacificobob  
Quote: Originally posted by 4x4abc  
stars - car jackings, armed robberies
red balloon - murders

and yes, I know Chicago has a higher murder rate
but I don't plan on camping on a remote beach in Chicago



I'd like to see a similar crime map for los Angeles.
It's very dangerous here in baja, i recommend sheltering in place!


In 2025, in Los Angeles, the per capita murder rate was 5.9 per 100,000.

In 2024-2025, in Baja, the per capita murder rate was 46.5-65 per 100,000.

If the Mexican government advises tourists to avoid certain areas, they are probably not making such a warning lightly.

The areas marked by Harald on the map he posted, contain the El Camino Real sections of San Borja-Santa Gertrudis and the upper part of Santa Gertrudis-San Ignacio.

[Edited on 2-18-2026 by cupcake]


Cupcake, thx for the stats. Something to consider:
When I drive thru LA, I have a firearm available to level the playing field in the case of an attack. This would be a game changer for security on the Camino Real and all other car jacking/robbery scenarios in Mexico.


Stop being silly. No one needs a fire arm “available” to drive through Los Angeles. And keeping a gun within reach (“available”) while driving in California is illegal, for good reason.


Silly? I think taking measures to safeguard my family from rogue career criminals is a prudent move. Guns illegal for personal protection in Cali? Whatevs, man.


In cali you, transporting guns in cars requires gun to be locked away, inaccessible. Cali does not want you fearful zonies popping shots at every black person you see while driving the 5 thru LA…

surabi - 2-18-2026 at 08:19 PM

And this is exactly why America needs serious gun control- guys like this who consider themselves "responsible gun owners" who drive around with a loaded gun "available", in violation of the law.

I'm sure the guy in Texas who was "showing" his young adult daughter his gun when it "just went off" and killed her last week also considered himself a "responsible gun owner".

[Edited on 2-19-2026 by surabi]

[Edited on 2-20-2026 by surabi]

Tioloco - 2-18-2026 at 08:22 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
And this is exactly why America needs serious gun control- guys like this who consider themselves "responsible gun owners" who drive around with a loaded gun "available" in voiolation of the law.


Granny, you're out of your element. Sit this one out.

surabi - 2-19-2026 at 06:02 PM

Being concerned about every Tom Dick and Harry walking around with a loaded gun is not out of anyone's element.

Then there's all the American "responsible gun owners " who are so dumb and arrogant that they try to cross the border into Canada with weapons.

"Each year, hundreds of U.S. citizens are stopped at the Canadian border while attempting to enter with undeclared firearms, with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seizing hundreds of guns annually. In 2023, CBSA officers seized 839 firearms from the U.S. border, up from 581 in 2022. These incidents often involve travelers carrying personal weapons for protection.

Primary Source: The U.S. is the primary source for illegal firearms entering Canada, with 90% of crime guns in some areas traced back to the U.S..
Nature of Incidents: Many cases involve Americans attempting to cross with legally owned, but undeclared, firearms, often stored in vehicles.
Consequences: Travelers caught with undeclared guns face seizure of their weapons, hefty fines, and potential criminal charges."

The vast majority of guns used in crimes in Canada and Mexico come in from the US. Canadians and Mexicans do not appreciate American gun culture.


[Edited on 2-20-2026 by surabi]

Tioloco - 2-19-2026 at 06:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by surabi  
Being concerned about every Tom Dick and Harry walking around with a loaded gun is not out of anyone's element.

Then there's all the American "responsible gun owners " who are so dumb and arrogant that they try to cross the border into Canada with weapons.

"Each year, hundreds of U.S. citizens are stopped at the Canadian border while attempting to enter with undeclared firearms, with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) seizing hundreds of guns annually. In 2023, CBSA officers seized 839 firearms from the U.S. border, up from 581 in 2022. These incidents often involve travelers carrying personal weapons for protection.

Primary Source: The U.S. is the primary source for illegal firearms entering Canada, with 90% of crime guns in some areas traced back to the U.S..
Nature of Incidents: Many cases involve Americans attempting to cross with legally owned, but undeclared, firearms, often stored in vehicles.
Consequences: Travelers caught with undeclared guns face seizure of their weapons, hefty fines, and potential criminal charges."

The vast majority of guns used in crimes in Canada and Mexico come in from the US. Canadians and Mexicans do not appreciate American gun culture.


[Edited on 2-20-2026 by surabi]


You have given me encouragement, surabi! Who would've ever imagined?
I am going to go buy a new Sig tomorrow and a nice slick concealed holster.... Gracias for the push!

lencho - 2-19-2026 at 07:51 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  

I am going to go buy a new Sig tomorrow and a nice slick concealed holster...

I'm from Idaho; can never have too many.

But seriously, have you ever actually had to brandish a firearm in a situation where it saved your arse? In civilian life, I mean.

Tioloco - 2-19-2026 at 10:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by lencho  
Quote: Originally posted by Tioloco  

I am going to go buy a new Sig tomorrow and a nice slick concealed holster...

I'm from Idaho; can never have too many.

But seriously, have you ever actually had to brandish a firearm in a situation where it saved your arse? In civilian life, I mean.


Yes