BajaNomad - Is Baja California Sur Safe or Not??

Is Baja California Sur Safe or Not??

Gypsy Jan - 7-14-2012 at 02:36 PM

By Dez Bartelt

http://www.examiner.com/topic/dez-bartelt/articles

"What we all should know is that the escalating drug war and gory media reports of violence in Mexico is hurting the overall country and is keeping the tourist at bay. The over zealous U.S. State Department's travel advisory of Mexico is not helping matters, but more to the point, killing some of the most rewarding destinations areas that are clearly not even named in the government travel advisories. For example, Baja California beach resorts such as Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, or the colonial hill town Todos Santos are all being affected. Todos Santos is a small town tucked among rolling hills with nearby surfing beaches. The town is a haven for expat artists that have flocked there for years not to mention the location of the very famous Hotel California owned by American Debbie Stewart.

The main issue is people are lumping all of Mexico; a country the size of Western Europe, as one in the same for safety. The citing of a border incident involving the death of a Colorado tourist back in 2010 prompted the Texas Department of Homeland Security to issue this travel warning for all of Mexico. So I ask you, would you put off a trip to Southern California because of the gang wars in Los Angeles that are constantly causing death and mayhem in the city's neighborhoods and outlying suburbs? What about visiting Florida or Louisiana where the death rates are some of the highest in the United States, mostly due to local drug gangs? Millions of people vacation in these states regularly, they don't think twice about going, and they return What about the murders of British tourists James Kouzaris and James Cooper, who were shot dead in Florida last year. Should other countries mark the US as a unsafe country? Should we have travel advisories applied to Florida or even the whole of the USA? I think we all know the answer. NO.

The fact of the matter is that most of central and southern Baja Mexico sees less violence than many U.S. cities, and local residents including expats remain miffed at the public's fear of their quiet communities. Offering up some of the best jungles, deserts, beaches, coral reefs, pre-European cultures and some of the world's most satisfying cuisines, not to mention proximity and value, Mexico remains a great travel destination with a very bad PR problem.

Baja California Sur is a diverse mix of artsy, urban and rugged cities with an abundant of outdoor and adventure activities such as surfing, scuba diving, and world class fishing with homicide rates comparable to that of Vermont.

With all the negative media attention on Mexico, I personally wanted to check out the local seen and judge for myself if all the hype regarding drug related violence was true. My first stop was San Jose del Cabo where I contacted Pat and Bob Lillo from Cabo Vacation Getaways. They are an american couple who own two rental properties located at the 5-star Beachfront Resort Coral Baja in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. My goal was to be a regular tourist who would have regular tourist concerns . I asked Pat what I thought would be the standard questions in light of the travel warning and the issues associated with them. My main question was- Is San Jose del Cabo safe? Her quick answer to the question was definitely yes. San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas may be the two safest cities in all of México. A large number of people think that the cities of Baja California Sur are safer than most cities in the United States.

Pat goes on to say "Of course there is crime here, it's everywhere in the world, but most local crime is minor." As anywhere, there are places that should be avoided and there are places that can be considered to be much safer than others. San Jose Del Cabo is an amazing little town and without a doubt considered a safe travel destination. After spending a week there I would 100% agree. I never once felt unsafe walking on the beach at night, visiting the local shops away from the regular tourist hot spots, or even eating in the most local restaurants with no chance of running across a fellow gringo. All things I would never do in east LA. During my month long stay in Baja my only fear was how can the local people who depended on tourist survive such a loss.

The beaches are not jammed. Hotel occupancy is as low as 50%... the Baja Hotel Association reports. That's not impressive for a popular resort area where a 80%-plus occupancy is the norm. I interviewed both tourists, Mexican travel operators, and official tourism industry sources, which revealed a sobering picture of a beach town that relies sorely on its tourism industry.

Tourism officials along with locals are quick to point out that Cabo along with neighboring tourist destinations sit far away from the drug related violence that plagues Mexico's border towns and that "the safest people here are the tourists." Still, lower than usual tourist numbers persist causing problems for local economy. Reports of tourist casualties are quick to be picked up by the media, but numbers rarely tell the full story. Although 18 Americans died in Cancun, Cozumel, and Mayan Riviera in the first six months 2010, most of them drowned. According to the Baja Convention & Visitors Bureau, not one tourist has been killed by cartel-related violence.

As for the tourist, they're playing it safe, having a good time, and reporting back with positive feedback about their Baja experiences. Interviewing one Surfer and his family who spent a week camping at a popular surf spot Nine Palms, "We never put ourselves in a position to be in harm ways . My family and I decided that Baja Calfornia Sur is only as unsafe as you make it. We would definitely, 100%, go back."

So lets look at a more accurate assessment of Mexico than many of the sensationalistic and non-contextualized news reports Starting with the catalyst of an international indicator for measuring violence in a country - the number of violent deaths per 100,000 people - by comparing figures of Mexican violence with those of other Latin American countries and U.S. cities.

The results found Mexican has lower numbers of violent deaths than popular Latin American destinations like Argentina, Brazil, and Venezuela. Even In comparing Mexico City to other U.S. cities, Mexico City came out on top in terms of safety. With 9.8 violent deaths per 100,000 people, Mexico City had fewer deaths than U.S. cities like Houston (12.5), Phoenix (12 of Mexico's violence in context, but also paint a picture of what is true in many countries.

Some parts of countries can be more dangerous than others, and should well be avoided. Mexico as a whole is not plagued by violence, but travelers should be aware of dangerous cities to avoid. Just as people in the U.S. might encourage travelers to take advantage of Chicago, while avoiding Detroit - people in Mexico would encourage tourists to experience Baja California while steering clear of Boarder towns. So what are my over all findings? That over sensationalistic news reports that don't provide the whole picture unfairly are hurting the cities and communities of Mexico that are safe, and driving away much needed tourism. Warning people to avoid Mexico is largely unfounded and misleading, as well as a bit fear-mongering. There is an actual statement by Texas DPS Director Steven C. McCraw saying, "Avoid traveling to Mexico during Spring Break and stay alive."

Acknowledging official statements like that carries weight for both business and leisure travelers, I personally was traveling in Mexico a week later and found the statement issued extremely irresponsible.

With my own trip stretching from Cabo San lucas to Todos Santos along with the remote beach area of Nine Palms, I encountered zero problems. In fact, the travelers I interviewed in Mexico were not worried about safety issues. Most where streetwise travelers who tend to exercise more common sense regarding travel conditions no matter where they travel to.

I found people wanted to speak out and share their positive Mexico experiences. So here are the facts and how I see them. Violent crime in Cabo San Lucas and its neighboring cities is low, WiFi can be found in public parks and families gather in the streets for cultural events. I enjoyed just going out to dinner and running in to american rock star and part time resident Peter Buck of REM. No big deal just another person wanting to spend time at local mexican hangout and eat a good meal.

"I spent a month wandering amazingly clean, civilized streets, often by myself, and I've never felt safer or met nicer people. This is the Mexico rich in social tradition and culture that we as tourists should value and not be blinded by the Mexico we see in the media. Even if the barrage of headlines makes it sound as if the entire country were in flames, the violence that feeds Mexico's death toll takes place primarily in just nine of 31 states - mainly along the U.S. border where the smuggling takes place.

Local officials in Baja Sur have gone way out of there way and done a lot recently to make sure that this area stays safe and that you feel better about your visit. In Cabo San Lucas there is a dedicated tourist police force and a special branch office of the Ministerio Publico, which is pretty much the same as a District Attorney in the U.S. The office actually has the word "Turismo" etched on the glass front door (remember where you are). This office serves San Jose del Cabo, and the East Cape, as well as Cabo San Lucas.You will not find this type of dedication to the safety of tourists anywhere else in México. These measures speak loudly about how important the local government feels about protecting their tourists. The city, state and even the federal governments are ready to expand on programs that are already in place to make sure Cabo San Lucas, and all of Los Cabos, stays safe. This, of course, includes the safety of their visitors.

" So unless you plan to join the cartel or become a high ranking member of the Mexican military or police force between now and your vacation you can go to Mexico and be safe just as you can go to Texas, New Orleans,"

woody with a view - 7-14-2012 at 02:45 PM

i'll find out in october and let you know..... assuming i get out with my head intact! :lol:

Cypress - 7-14-2012 at 02:48 PM

Safe? From what? Deli chicken?

tiotomasbcs - 7-14-2012 at 04:26 PM

Hey Jan, I know you didn't write the article but remember the SOB is a Travel Writer, no?! Put them in the boat with attorneys and Real Estate guys!!

I live down here and agree but, nightime in Cabo or San lucas is sketcy! If you're on the East Cape it's different than in the populated city! Loved the Rock Star mention?? Star struck and Comped out! IMO. Smiles Tio

comitan - 7-14-2012 at 04:31 PM

Your never safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anywhere.

Just Sharing Information

Gypsy Jan - 7-14-2012 at 04:38 PM

Hey, tiotomasbcs

You can call BS on anything I post.

Cheers, GJ

tiotomasbcs - 7-14-2012 at 04:58 PM

Amiga, no strong offense intended. I have cultivated a strong dislike for travel writers as they always seem to cash in and move on. In Todos we have suffered from many articles calling us a Bohemian " Carmel"!? Y
The few gringo assaults of ex pats ( Homicides) are not well publicized but not forgotten! I do live very peacefully but always on guard! Peace. Tio

Curt63 - 7-14-2012 at 05:03 PM

No, it's not.

People should stay home on their couches and live the good life.

Watch more TV. Its the reasonable thing to do.

monoloco - 7-14-2012 at 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tiotomasbcs
Amiga, no strong offense intended. I have cultivated a strong dislike for travel writers as they always seem to cash in and move on. In Todos we have suffered from many articles calling us a Bohemian " Carmel"!? Y
The few gringo assaults of ex pats ( Homicides) are not well publicized but not forgotten! I do live very peacefully but always on guard! Peace. Tio

Come on Tio, tell the truth, we live in fear, locked in our secure compounds here, afraid to come out after dark.

El Jefe - 7-14-2012 at 05:44 PM

I swim nekkid after dark. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Meany - 7-14-2012 at 06:53 PM

I don't say Much But this Baja Sur is the most safe place on EARTH. mE lIKE IT. :spingrin:

THIS IS THE TRUTH !!

captkw - 7-14-2012 at 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
Your never safe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! anywhere.

*************** BEING A VERY,VERY WELL TRAVELED VAGABUNDO !! BAJA IS A REALLY SAFE PLACE OVER ALL !! THAT SAID....I HAVE FOUND ALL,, BORDERS,,ANYWHERE TO BE ON THE SHADY SIDE !! MY 2 CENTAVOS...K & T :cool:

Pescador - 7-14-2012 at 07:12 PM

I hate articles like this, cause if they keep up this kind of stuff we might start getting more tourists, which is a pain, cause they launch their boats where I do, try to get bait where I do, and try to catch the fish that are so easy to catch. It was better when they were all afraid to come down here and I pretty much had the place all to myself.

Oh well, what can you do?

Osprey - 7-15-2012 at 05:53 AM

I'll second that pal >> my area is safest for flyfishermen. Lots of reasons: they stay on the beaches all day, rarely go into town. They are shy sensitive types who catch few fish and release them all. We keep em safe and happy here because they leave the bait for us and at the end of each day they are too whipped after chasin' the wiley rooster to invite trouble with loud celebration. I'm thinkin' about building some special lockers for them for those $10,000 dollar plus special rods and reels. Least I can do.

dtbushpilot - 7-15-2012 at 07:01 AM

I'm here every day and I can tell you that it isn't safe, people should stay away from the East Cape. It has been a couple of weeks since we have seen a dead body in the street and almost that long since there has been a shark attack so maybe things are getting better. Probably best just to stay away at least for now.....

woody with a view - 7-15-2012 at 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
I hate articles like this, cause if they keep up this kind of stuff we might start getting more tourists, which is a pain, cause they launch their boats where I do, try to get bait where I do, and try to catch the fish that are so easy to catch. It was better when they were all afraid to come down here and I pretty much had the place all to myself.

Oh well, what can you do?

imagine how the surfers feel upstream in the "area that shall not be named." :light:

Lee - 7-15-2012 at 10:57 AM

The surfers upstream don't give a chit about those living in fear. Surfers are fearless, don't believe what the media prints, and are only focused on one thing: when's the next wave coming.

Surfers have things in perspective. They are warriors.

Ateo - 7-15-2012 at 11:13 AM

I know a ton of surfers who are scared chit less of Mexico, and I'm fine with that cuz it clears out the lineups, especially north of Ensenada.

CP - 7-15-2012 at 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee
Surfers have things in perspective. They are warriors.

Darn - where is that puking smiley when I want it?

Cypress - 7-15-2012 at 12:58 PM

Baja Sur safe? You bet! Why would so many tourists from California be there if it wasn't? Baja is California's adventure land/off road destination of choice. All the regulations/laws in California take all the fun out of off road adventuring and most everything else. And heck, it's a whole different country! :biggrin:

windgrrl - 7-15-2012 at 04:54 PM

The margies are deadly, the banda is killer and there's way too much fun going on to be safe in the south.

Lee - 7-19-2012 at 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ateo
I know a ton of surfers who are scared chit less of Mexico, and I'm fine with that cuz it clears out the lineups, especially north of Ensenada.

Surfers scared chitless? Probably the young shortboard crowd from San Diego. Or tourist surfers?

In BCS, nobody is scared. You'd have to surf down here to know that though.

Ask around.

Marinero - 7-21-2012 at 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by tiotomasbcs
Hey Jan, I know you didn't write the article but remember the SOB is a Travel Writer, no?! Put them in the boat with attorneys and Real Estate guys!!

I was an attorney and a real estate attorney to boot. My dog thinks I'm a good guy. I live virtually full time in East Cape. PM me for directions for a drink and a re-evaluation session. :yes:

David K - 7-21-2012 at 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by dtbushpilot
I'm here every day and I can tell you that it isn't safe, people should stay away from the East Cape. It has been a couple of weeks since we have seen a dead body in the street and almost that long since there has been a shark attack so maybe things are getting better. Probably best just to stay away at least for now.....

Yah! I have been to Los Barriles TWICE in one week... and I am still alive!!! :lol: