Sur2baja
Junior Nomad
Posts: 54
Registered: 10-8-2006
Location: Fallbrook, CA/Nuevo Mazatlan
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Mexicali to San Felipe Violence
I've been traveling to Baja for over 35 years. With all the drug war activity happening including kidnappings and murders, what has the impact to the
tourist that travels through Mexicali and on to the San Felipe South Campos? I know everyone can play the numbers game comparing crime in Mexico v.
the United States but I'm not really concerned about that. I don't mind checkpoints either as I feel they help keep us all just that much safer. Is
any of what has happened in Rosarito and Tijuana or the Ensenada corridor spilled over to the Mexicali to San Felipe area? I love Baja but I just get
concerned taking my family down there sometimes.
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Dave
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
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Then don't
| Quote: | Originally posted by Sur2baja
I love Baja but I just get concerned taking my family down there sometimes. |
IMO, NO ONE who feels the least concern about vacationing in Mexico...should. And NO ONE can guarantee your
safety...anywhere.
I wouldn't hesitate to go most anywhere in Mexico...alone. But add family to the mix and I probably wouldn't even cross the border. And it
wouldn't make any difference what advice anyone here would offer.
And for those who say, "It's just as bad, or worse, in parts of the U.S"...I wouldn't take my family there either.
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sancho
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2524
Registered: 10-6-2004
Location: OC So Cal
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That is possibly the best line I've read
re: Mex Viloence,
'NO ONE who feels the least concern about vacationing in Mexico...should'
I've been going yearly to San Felipe for
18 yrs. Never have spoken to anyone who
has had an incident. I'm not one
the naive visitors though. There has been
events for sure, the San Felipe site recently
had an account involving a robbery
with a couple assailents who robbed
some tourists with a tire iron,
in the same neighborhood as the campground
I frequent. But the violence, at least
recently, has involved the drug cartels.
A tourist getting involved in that
would be remote at best. The economic
downturn in the US, in my opinion,
could cause some desperation
though
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Mango
Senior Nomad
Posts: 685
Registered: 4-11-2006
Location: Alta California &/or Mexicali
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Mood: Bajatastic
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There was a few incidences of rocks being lobbed at cars going down the highway a year or so ago.
There has also been increased narco-related violence in Mexicali over the last year; but, it's still relatively low compared to the TJ area.
In general, most narco violence is aimed at police/military/narcos and not innocents.
Mexicali is a big city; but, I really don't and wouldn't recommend worrying about it anymore than going through Fresno.
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65298
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Sur2baja
I've been traveling to Baja for over 35 years. With all the drug war activity happening including kidnappings and murders, what has the impact to the
tourist that travels through Mexicali and on to the San Felipe South Campos? I know everyone can play the numbers game comparing crime in Mexico v.
the United States but I'm not really concerned about that. I don't mind checkpoints either as I feel they help keep us all just that much safer. Is
any of what has happened in Rosarito and Tijuana or the Ensenada corridor spilled over to the Mexicali to San Felipe area? I love Baja but I just get
concerned taking my family down there sometimes. |
Welcome to Baja Nomad...
Perhaps you would like to see our trip south of San Felipe ('south campos' area) where we camped alone, on the beach over Labor Day Weekend... then
continued on to Gonzaga Bay and home via El Rosario. No crime, no hassles, just good old Baja.. the way it has been for the 45 years I have been
going! Look: http://vivabaja.com/908
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Bajajorge
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2604
Registered: 10-13-2005
Location: Topaz Lake, NV/San Felipe
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Although I haven't done the trip since May I'll give this 2 cents. Besides Bajanomads, I go on a San Felipe forum and have heard nothing of trouble
between Mexicali and SF. Hope I'm not jinxing myself, leaving for there in 3 weeks.
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Sur2baja
Junior Nomad
Posts: 54
Registered: 10-8-2006
Location: Fallbrook, CA/Nuevo Mazatlan
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Thanks all for the replies. The only problems I've personally had were in my college days (early 80's) when I had a couple things stolen from my tent
when I camped by the Club de Pesca and the recent burglaries in the South Campos. I have had heard of some travelers who were traveling at night and
alone become the victim of traveling robberies but those incidents come and go over the years. Compare that to over a dozen stories I could tell of
Mexicans going out of their way to help me when my vehicle (s) have broken down over the years. The citizens that live in the area are resourceful
and wonderful. That's why my folks took me there starting in '72 and why we built a house and I take my kids there today.
I have noticed increased Mexican authority activity on the beaches, roads and in the dessert. I think that's a good thing. I was just curious if
there was any problems in the travel corridor down to the South Campos area. Thanks again for the replies.
Fred
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Sur2baja
Junior Nomad
Posts: 54
Registered: 10-8-2006
Location: Fallbrook, CA/Nuevo Mazatlan
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P.S. David and others: I have read and continue to enjoy your accounts of your adventures in the area. I especially enjoy the pics people post from
years ago! These trip accounts just give me more ideas of adventures to pass on to my family and friends.
Thanks again,
Fred
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tjBill
Senior Nomad
Posts: 516
Registered: 10-6-2007
Location: Tijuana
Member Is Offline
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My Uncle died in a car accident on that road 15 years ago. So be carefull.
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Cypress
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7641
Registered: 3-12-2006
Location: on the bayou
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Mood: undecided
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It's just going from "A" to "B". No big deal, paved all the way. No problem. bandits? 
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