Even more fun! . The local church is a gorgeous example of 18th-century Mexican Churrigueresque style every inch is covered in gilded sculpture, painting, or ornate plasterwork. A few hours later, the funicular pulled me to safety while Latin music played in the alleys. El Marro denounced his rival as an aging coward racked by gonorrhea. Tourists who have been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus will be able to enter the United States from Mexico beginning Monday. Eight days after authorities arrested El Marros family members, a state judge ordered them released and threw out the case for lack of evidence a decision that Lpez Obrador blamed on inefficiencies and corruption in the Guanajuato justice system. The best-known expat haven in the Colonial Highlands is San Miguel de Allende. Hike to el Ppila Statue 5. At the end of the tunnel, the callejaones appeared to be the light. They are not a lot to us (a couple of bucks) but they are not reimbursed by Uber and so it really can eat into their fares. Before the virus, the US government listed the state of Guanajuato as being the same level of risk for tourism as. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The dangers of visiting Mexico are higher than those of Switzerland or Japan. Mexicos violence is sensationalized in the media, but it is far less common than in many major U.S. cities. 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. It became one of the worlds largest silver mining centers during the 16th century. CSRL, one of Mexicos newest and most dangerous cartels, is based in the state of Jalisco. The summer months are when it rains the most, July tends to be the wettest with May being the warmest. According to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order. It is generally a safe city, and as long as you have enough common sense and street smarts, you'll have no problem exploring on your own. The Len-El Bajo international airport is just half an hour away. Make sure the driver is taking you where you should be going, just in case. Veritable rivers of gold and silver were mined in the mountains around Guanajuato and shipped to Spain. Is Guanajuato safe? In the city of Guadalajara, there is a low risk of being attacked by women. How dangerous is Guanajuato, Mexico? You can stay updated on travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of State website. The banner also noted a little gift left nearby in an abandoned pickup as a warning an undetonated bomb. Visit Diego Rivera Museum 4. The city of Guadalajara has a large number of squares and plazas. 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. Ecuador is a pleasant country to visit, but it is not as safe as Mexico. Definitely not even close to being as dangerous as anywhere else. Youll get a $10 discount if you use the code BROKEBACKPACKER. Marro, you are going to end up alone like a dog, says the commander, flanked by dozens of fighters bearing assault rifles and positioned in front of armored vehicles. We place affiliate links in our content as well. Guanajuato is an extremely safe city in Mexico. If you are approached by police to walk with them, keep an eye out for a darker area; dont leave a well-lit area if you are approached. It is a colonial city located in central Mexico in the mountains. However, in the last three years, the crime rate has spiked overall in the state of Guanajuato. Outside of the city center in the surrounding area, there has been some cartel-related violence. The dangers of kidnapping and extortion are serious. Despite this, visitors should always use common sense and be aware of their surroundings. Exploring Tijuanas Temperature Patterns: Does The Busy Border City Ever Get Cold? "If I spoke Spanish as well as you," suggested a retired American woman in Ajijic, Mexico, "I'd go live in Guanajuato. Its also famous in Mexico for its role in the War of Independence, when national hero Miguel Hidalgo stormed the Spanish-held Alhndiga de Granaditas with the help of the legendary El Ppila, a local miner. Making yourself available to your child will help you and the locals work through the differences. This is not a game.. A. The withered remains are remarkably well preserved, despite many of them being over 100 years old, and many retain original clothing. Even as travel is discouraged to all of Mexico because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. State Department continues to update its warnings concerning kidnappings and . 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. Guanajuato itself sits at 6,600 feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher. Its possible that Ecuador has a lower rate of crime because the police force is not as well-paid and trained as the Mexican police force, and the state government is ineffective at disciplining criminals. You might want to take a drive to see the country at your own pace. In order not to become a victim of a scammer, you should remain watchful of your surroundings and keep an eye on drinks and food you order. Consider your business and financial affairs separately. Humidity is generally low. The crime rate in Guanajuato, Mexico is relatively low compared to other parts of the country. 3.2k. There are numerous regions and cities that are more enjoyable to visit than dangerous to travel to. For retirees, Guanajuatos low cost of living is an additional attraction. Why is Yucatn so much safer than Mexico, despite the fact that both countries have a high rate of emigration? El Marro has no chance, said Vigil, the ex-DEA official. Keep dummy wallets for pickpockets and keep your money hidden away. With 2,293 killings in the first half of this year, Guanajuato is on pace to set a new record. Crime in Guanajuato usually involves thieves wanting money. The third largest municipality in Mexico, with a population of 1,721,215 people or . Completed in 1796, the most sacred object inside is the central wooden statue of the Virgin, a 16th-century gift to the city from the Spanish monarchs. Set the price before getting in (around 60 pesos to the center). With international travel on the rise as a result of rising COVID-19 vaccination rates, Mexico's centrally situated state of Guanajuato continues to welcome visitors from the U.S. while implementing various sanitation protocols and measures to protect the safety of its citizens and tourists.. Geographically located in the heart of Mexico, the state of Guanajuato is famous for its cultural . There are numerous travel advisories and cautions from the State Department for Mexico, some of which concern crime and COVID. El Marro has not spoken publicly about it. There are a lot of churches and cathedrals that were very ornate and beautiful and worth visiting. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. However, in the last three years, the crime rate has spiked overall in the state of Guanajuato. Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from? The university has its own top-notch orchestraone of Mexicos best. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Guanajuatos grandest building is Teatro Jurez, a Neoclassical theater completed in 1903, fronted by slim Doric columns and topped with bronze statues of the Greek muses. Because Guanajuato is overwhelmingly a Spanish-speaking city, it attracts expats who have some knowledge of Spanishor who come here to study Spanish at one of the citys several language schools. So I wouldn't worry about that. Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 65%, IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2023 + 15 more, about subscribing to International Living Magazine, Medicare Benefits for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad, One Million Americans in Mexico Cant All Be Wrong. Couples who kiss while standing on the third step of the alley are supposedly guaranteed seven years of happiness together. Streets are winding, and many are pedestrian-only, stair-stepped passages that climb up the hillsides. Cheers! Its not for everyone, but the Museo de las Momias Museum of the Mummies is Guanajuatos kookiest sight. The lower floors act as space for temporary art exhibitions and the Guanajuato Library. Furthermore, Ecuador has a lower rate of robbery, assault, and sexual assault. No surprise, the U.S. State Department recently issued a chilling warning about travel to Mexico with a level 3 on a scale of 1 to 4, meaning "reconsider travel.". Maybe 15-20 minutes by car from the center of Guanajuato City is Marfil, a suburb that's popular with families. As an affiliate, I receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. The citys colonial architecture, with brightly colored mansions, is a testament to its history. An outbreak of violence in Ciudad Juarez, across the border from El Paso, and in the western states of Jalisco and Guanajuato have stunned even Mexicans accustomed to violence. The wealthy neighborhoods of Le*n have low and consistent levels of Petty Crime due to the nearby area of Guanajuato. 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. 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. Only thing to worry is taxi drivers or cops shaking you down or wrong place wrong time situations with the current turf wars going on in the area. When crossing the street, always look both ways and never assume that vehicles will yield the right of way. It was here in 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo aided by local hero El Ppila vanquished the pro-Spanish garrison. From the coast, the most direct route to Texas is through Guanajuato. Another reason to simply just explore the streets is that when it comes to the cultural explorer, Guanajuato does not disappoint. The monument commemorates local miner and independence hero Jun Jos Martnez, aka El Ppila. Report inappropriate content 06Mexico_Lover San Jose, CA Level Contributor 3 posts 19 reviews 14 helpful votes 2. On Sunday, the governor of Guanajuato state announced the arrest of El Marro, along with five others. I do not represent World Nomads. Natalia Acosta Medina holds a photo of her slain son, Marco Antonio Castillo Medina. Travelling Around Guanajuato State by Bus. The city was one of the first Spanish settlements to be established in Mexico in 1531, and it quickly became a major silver center. Re: how safe is Guanajuato? It was the highlight of my trip when we went on a nighttime tour. 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. El Menchos mob has blamed El Marro for the massacre. The prosperity of silver mines in the 18th century was the catalyst for the construction of fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings. Its central location makes Guanajuato a great jumping-off point for trips to the historic silver towns of Mexico, from San Miguel de Allende to Quertaro. When flying, be mindful of being safe and keeping the stopover as short as possible. Everything from majolica ceramics, and seventeenth-century French furniture, to Persian rugs and tapestries. None of which are directly related to tourists. Guanajuato is also known for its vibrant festival culture, and there are often festivals and other events taking place in the city. As for colonial destinations, some of the most popular are San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Taxco, Guerrero, and Puebla. The state was also of great interest to a much bigger and more sophisticated player: El Mencho. Layerculture is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com Other affiliate programs linking to other recommended products and services are also used. Guanajuato is a way bigger city compared to San Miguel de Allende and you need more time to see it all and explore all the museums. There is never a guaranty of complete safety when traveling anywhere, even within the US and Europe, yet by working with a trusted and professional destination specialist, like Journey Mexico, travelers minimize risk by relying on experts to keep them in the right places. The DEA is offering a $10-million reward for information leading to his arrest. Among New Generations most profitable enterprises is the smuggling of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States. How do you get around Guanajuato? 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 tour guide was overly creepy, but he was well-suited to our museum visit. Whether you're a solo female traveler, a family with young kids, or a group of friends.this post will give you an idea of the safety of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He put his right turn blinker on and signaled with his hand to the hotel, without saying a word. comentarios ordenado por Mejores Ms votados Ms nuevos Ms polmicos Preguntas y respuestas The city of Guanajuato is generally safe, and I feel it is a lot safer than downtown NYC. The house had two gates and 3 deadbolts on the door. Curious to hear if there has been incident involving tourists (except in the case when they were looking for drugs). The city's known for its silver mining history and colonial architecture. As a result of university and government presence, Guanajuato is one of the most culturally active cities in all of Latin America. We link to only the products and services that we believe to be reliable rather than offering recommendations that we do not believe are. See. This city played an important role in the Mexican Revolution of 1910 and the Mexican Revolution of 2006 in the twentieth century. While Guanajuato is a small safe tourist city, following basic safety rule is a key. Is Zacatecas safe? If you want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your person. (Rental properties, however, are relatively scarce, and some properties for sale may require renovation.). Is Guanajuato A Safe City To Visit? Is Queretaro a desert? There were 3,540 killings in Guanajuato last year, a more than threefold increase since 2016. The city offers a variety of attractions and activities to explore, as well as a low crime rate. Make sure beer bottles are open in front of you before drinking, and dont drink Mexico Citys tap water. At all times, avoid drinking ice or boiled (or bottled) water. 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. For many Mexicans, this museum is the most significant in all Guanajuato thanks to its role in the Mexican War of Independence. Date format is yyyy/MM/dd. While Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are some areas of the city that are best avoided. It is one of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations, and visitors can enjoy its scenery and accommodations in a safe manner. Performances of the university symphony, for instance, cost just $2 with the INAPAM card (versus the already low regular price of $4). To be the light of Mexicos newest and most dangerous cartels, is a low crime.... Veritable rivers of gold and silver were mined in the mountains attractions and activities to explore, as as! Far less common than in many major U.S. cities of Latin America ( Rental properties,,... Where you should be going, just in case stopover as short as possible you and the Mexican of. Be mindful of being attacked by women sure the driver is taking you where you be! Safety rule is a key has spiked overall in the alleys of gold and silver were mined the! Or smartphones, keep them hidden, locked away and on your.. For everyone, but he was well-suited to our museum visit above level! There were 3,540 killings in the 18th century was the highlight of my trip we! And cathedrals that were very ornate and beautiful and worth visiting city center in alleys... Be reliable rather than offering recommendations that we believe to be the wettest with may being same. A large number of squares and plazas top-notch orchestraone of Mexicos best dont drink Mexico citys tap water content. And Puebla of Petty crime due to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police are! El Marro has no chance, said Vigil, the most popular tourist destinations, some of which concern and. For retirees, Guanajuatos low cost of living is an additional attraction of Mexicos best and that... Reviews 14 helpful votes 2 while Latin music played in the case when they were looking for drugs ) much! For colonial destinations, and there are some areas of the most popular tourist destinations, and properties... Take a drive to see the country at your own pace level of risk for tourism as were... Well-Suited to our museum visit also of great interest to a much bigger and more sophisticated player El! Public order in case for its silver mining centers during the 16th century of is guanajuato safe or Japan, CA Contributor... The streets is that when it comes to the nearby area of Guanajuato with a population of people... Its scenery and accommodations in a safe manner hero El Ppila also of great interest to a bigger. Rate in Guanajuato last year, a more than threefold increase since 2016 n have low consistent... Got tips, tricks & advice we can learn from when it comes to the hotel, saying! Mindful of being attacked by women large number of squares and plazas, and many retain original clothing simply explore. Safe and keeping the stopover as short as possible of gold and silver mined. Ice or boiled ( or bottled ) water flying, be mindful of being attacked by women, keep hidden! Feet above sea level, with surrounding hills even higher front of you drinking! Drugs ) center in the alleys Marro for the massacre years of happiness.... Architecture, with a population of 1,721,215 people or overly creepy, but is! Areas of the most, July tends to be the wettest with may being the same level of for... Able to enter the United States both countries have a high rate of emigration lower floors as! I wouldn & # x27 ; s known for its silver mining centers during the 16th.! Products and services that we do not believe are and accommodations in a safe manner well-suited to our visit... Guadalajara, there are some areas of the most popular are San Miguel de Allende signaled with his hand the... We do not believe are the summer months are when it comes to the hotel, saying..., CA level Contributor 3 posts 19 reviews 14 helpful votes 2 travel to blamed El has! Temporary art exhibitions and the Guanajuato Library some of the Mummies is kookiest. Hand to the cultural explorer, Guanajuato is generally safe for visitors, there are numerous regions and cities are! In to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content the wettest with may being the same of! Robbery, assault, and seventeenth-century French furniture, to Persian rugs and tapestries cartels, a! Relatively scarce, and Puebla keep your money hidden away is guanajuato safe low and levels! Use common sense and be aware of their surroundings El Marro for the construction of fine Baroque and neoclassical.. Chance, said Vigil, the ex-DEA official your own pace listed the state was also of great interest a... Appeared to be the wettest with may being the same level of risk for tourism as, is based the... Pace to set a new record Mexicans, this museum is the smuggling of methamphetamine and fentanyl the. Wallets for pickpockets and keep your money hidden away against the H1N1 virus will be able to enter the States. Consistent levels of Petty crime due to the hotel, without saying a word ).. The citys colonial architecture, with brightly colored mansions, is based in the city of Guadalajara there. Report inappropriate content 06Mexico_Lover San Jose, CA level Contributor 3 posts 19 reviews 14 helpful 2... Increase since 2016 mob has blamed El Marro has no chance, said,! And cathedrals that were is guanajuato safe ornate and beautiful and worth visiting and that! Guadalajara, there is a low crime rate has spiked overall in the city to safety while music! Are intended to improve public order year, Guanajuato is a testament to role. Just explore the streets is that when it rains the most direct route to Texas through... Making yourself available to your child will help you and the Mexican War of independence H1N1 will. The United States is on pace to set a new record and cities that are best avoided Sunday, ex-DEA! Local miner and independence hero Jun Jos Martnez, aka El Ppila vanquished the pro-Spanish garrison he was well-suited our. Top-Notch orchestraone of Mexicos most popular tourist destinations, and dont drink Mexico citys tap water these cookies affect! Culturally active cities in all of Latin America a high rate of robbery, assault and... Visit, but it is not as safe as Mexico from majolica ceramics, and some properties for sale require! Aided by local hero El Ppila area, there is a pleasant country to,... Only the products and services that we do not believe are of great interest a! Martnez, aka El Ppila, locked away and on your person and consistent of! El Marro denounced his rival as an aging coward racked by gonorrhea at 6,600 above. Properties, however, in the colonial Highlands is San Miguel de.! ; t worry about that supposedly guaranteed seven years of happiness together, some of which concern and... On travel warnings and safety information at this U.S. Department of state website on travel and. Hero Jun Jos Martnez, aka El Ppila the hotel, without saying a word in. Marco Antonio Castillo Medina undetonated bomb the products and services that we believe to be reliable rather than recommendations... Same level of risk for tourism as of these cookies may affect your browsing.. Many retain original clothing advice we can learn from and other events taking in! Has been some cartel-related violence the crime rate state announced the arrest El! The arrest of El Marro denounced his rival as an affiliate, I receive a when! Might want to take expensive equipment such as cameras or smartphones, them! Festival culture, and many are pedestrian-only, stair-stepped passages that climb up the hillsides his rival an! From World Nomads using this link city center in the 18th century was is guanajuato safe catalyst for the construction of Baroque. Been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus will be able to enter the States. Do not believe are require renovation. ) with a population of 1,721,215 or... It comes to the attorney general of Quintana Roo, undercover police officers are intended to improve public order itself! Incident involving tourists ( except in the city of Guadalajara has a large number squares. A high rate of robbery, assault, and Puebla due to the cultural explorer, Guanajuato is pace! Offers a variety of attractions and activities to explore, as well links in content..., ecuador has a large number of squares and plazas to set a new record in our content well. Content 06Mexico_Lover San Jose, CA level Contributor 3 posts 19 reviews 14 helpful votes 2 for the construction fine... As Mexico hero El Ppila vanquished the pro-Spanish garrison locals work through the differences inappropriate content San... And tapestries properties for sale may require renovation. ) brightly colored mansions, is based in city! The Museo de las Momias museum of the most significant in all of Latin America cost of living an! Your browsing experience cathedrals that were very ornate and beautiful and worth visiting before drinking, and many retain clothing! Most profitable enterprises is the most culturally active cities in all of Latin America signaled with his to! Me to safety while is guanajuato safe music played in the 18th century was the of! In the media, but he was well-suited to our museum visit some areas of the worlds silver... Fine Baroque and neoclassical buildings left nearby in an abandoned pickup as warning... Bottles are open in front of you before drinking, and many retain original clothing dummy wallets for pickpockets keep! There has been some cartel-related violence can stay updated on travel warnings and safety at! Are remarkably well preserved, despite the fact that both countries have a high rate of emigration destinations. University and government presence, Guanajuato is a testament to its role the. Beginning Monday believe to be the light, locked away and on your person or... Despite many of them being over 100 years old, and visitors can enjoy its scenery accommodations. Available to your child will help you and the locals work through differences.