The US State Department has been advising citizens to “Reconsider Travel” to the border state of Baja California due to crime and kidnapping since August 2023.

In “Baja North,” the homicide rate has increased from 17.7 per 100,000 people in 2012 to 70.1 in 2024. The cities of Tijuana and Ensenada are the most concerning ones.

Most tourists come on short-term trips from California to visit the popular beaches of Rosarito and the famous brewery of Tecate.

Following the terrible murders of three tourists in Baja California last week, visitors must be wondering how safe traveling to this state is as of right now. Let’s see.

LATEST NEWS from Baja California:

May – One American and Two Australian Surfers Brutally Murdered in Baja California 

Callum Robinson and Jake Robinson, Australians and brothers, and Jack Road, an American, were killed when camping in the rural area of Santo Tomás, in Ensenada, Baja California.

The tourists set up camp in an uninhabited, remote area with no phone or internet access.

On May 2, the bodies were found inside a 15-meter deep well, 3.7 miles away from the campsite.  

According to Baja California Attorney General Elena Andrade: “When [the murderers] spotted the white Colorado pickup vehicle, owned by the victims, they approached with the intention of taking the vehicle, removing the tires or other parts, to put them in their own pickup, an older model. When they approached and surprised these people, they probably resisted, and the aggressors took out a firearm and killed them,” she said. 

So far, authorities have arrested three suspects including Jesús Gerardo ‘N’, alias El Kekas, his girlfriend (who had one of the victims’ phones), and another man.

The gun used to kill the tourists has also been found. This is an ongoing investigation so more details will be provided over the next few weeks.

Areas to Avoid

Baja California contains the cities of Tijuana, Ensenada, Mexicali, and Tecate, known for having some of the worst rates of violent crime in the entire Mexican territory.

Travel there at your own risk.

Official Travel Advisories 

US Travel Advisory

US authorities advise citizens to “Reconsider Travel” to this state due to high levels of crime and kidnapping.

“Reconsider Travel” means that the government doesn’t forbid travel to this area but it doesn’t recommend it either. 

Canada Travel Advisory

The Canadian government urges citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when traveling across Mexico due to violent crime. 

Although the advisory mentions several states that Canadians shouldn’t visit, these don’t include Baja California in particular.

The government asks travelers to be vigilant at all times, avoid traveling to isolated or deserted areas, and stay at highly secure hotels because homicides, kidnappings, carjackings and assaults occur even in protected tourist hotspots.

Safety Tips for Baja California

Considering the horrendous murder of three tourists in Baja California last week, it’s important to follow safety recommendations to protect yourself and your beloved ones, now more than ever.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Always keep your family and friends back home posted about your whereabouts.
• When taking public transport, take a picture of the plate and send it to a friend.
• Do not travel to isolated or deserted areas and do not set up campsites at those places.
• Don’t walk alone at night.
• Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.
• Don’t do or buy drugs.
• Stay calm and don’t resist if you are threatened by robbers.
• Only withdraw money from banks or shopping malls.
• If you happen to be an American, register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to help locate you in case of need. 

The post Is Baja California Safe To Visit This Summer? Travel Advisory 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Because of the Sea of Cortez strong waves and some powerful undercurrent, many of Cabo’s beaches are off-limits to swimmers. But if you are looking for a calm beach with water mild enough for swimmers, here are some of the best swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. 

Medano Beach

Considered the main touristy swimming beach in the area, the beach is full of restaurants, vendors, beach lounge rentals and most importantly calm waters to swim in. The area is home to many beach clubs where water sports equipment can also be rented. 

Chileno Beach

Located in the hotel zone, this beach is a favorite among locals as it is more of a low-key spot. The calm bay is good for snorkeling and swimming and offers amenities such as palapas, portable restrooms and a nearby restaurant. Easily accessible by bus or cab, snorkelers can spot lobsters, sea urchins and even stingrays in the waters. 

Palmilla Beach 

This quieter spot is a tad tricky to get to, but its crescent-shaped shore is certainly worth the effort. With plenty of snorkeling and swimming opportunities, the beach offers a few palapas for shade along with rental umbrellas and a few vendors. But due to its remote location, make sure to pack a picnic or a meal as there are no restaurants nearby.

Santa Maria Beach

Probably the most famed snorkeling spot in Los Cabos, the waters below are full of coral reefs to explore. The calm waters are good for swimmers too, but this beach becomes crowded due to its popularity and the fact that tour companies dock there for snorkeling excursions. 

Cannery Beaches

Comprised of Coral Negro and Balconcito, Coral Negro and Balconcito arguably may be the best in Los Cabos. Located just outside the marina before you reach Land’s End, this beach features massive boulders along with calm waters. Some visitors use it as a place to snorkel, but it isn’t the best spot, as this beach is great for a day to relax and take a dip in the water.

3 important safety warnings as the waters can be dangerous

• Take warning flags seriously, do not enter the water when you see a black or red flag
• When there is stormy weather, it is best to not enter the water
• If waves break on the beach, this causes a dangerous undertow

The post 5 Best Swimmable Beaches In Los Cabos In Spring 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

If you’re planning a vacation there but want to stay somewhere without the excessive crowds, you’re at the right spot. In this article, you will find the 7 best hidden gems in Baja California to visit in 2024, so you can spend your time off the way you deserve.

Loreto

Loreto is a charming little town on the east coast of Baja that offers natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. Lucky for you, it’s still off the radar of most tourists. That makes it the perfect choice for those who wish to find tranquility and yet like to enjoy a bit more than just basking in the sun.

Some of the most popular activities in Loreto include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sport fishing, hiking, sightseeing, and off-roading. It’s also a paradise for foodies. There is a bustling street food scene and a lot of restaurants provide farm-to-table dining. Meaning they cook from locally-produced ingredients for an authentic culinary experience.

Mision San Francisco Javier

Set amidst the rugged mountains of the Sierra de la Giganta, Mision San Francisco Javier is a bucolic church that dates back to the 18th century. It’s one of the most-preserved missions on the peninsula, which makes it a compelling destination for those interested in the rich heritage of Baja California Sur. 

If you have a rented car, you can easily get there within an hour from the city of Loreto. A guided tour is also an option. No climbing is needed. However, there are plenty of hiking trails, nature walks, and picnic spots around the mission for you to enjoy. 

Cañon Agua Matias

Baja California also offers excellent hiking opportunities. If you want to avoid the famous trails such as Cerro el Coronel, La Banquita, or Punta Brava, head to Cañon Agua Matias. 

It’s located in the north of Baja near La Ponderosa. It’s about 13 kilometers long and the terrain is rather difficult with a lot of climbing. However, you will be rewarded with unique landscapes that you’re likely to have pretty much only to yourself.

The Great Murals of Baja California

If you want to see the greatest rock art in the world, this is the best chance. The Great Murals are the oldest cave paintings in the Americas and draw visitors from the whole world. 

They display various motifs, such as animals, abstract symbols, or human figures. They are scattered around the peninsula but some of the best-known ones can be found at Sierra de San Francisco and Sierra de Guadalupe.

Accessing them is rather difficult, so we recommend you take a guided tour. Not only are you not gonna get lost but you can also learn much more about their cultural and historical significance.

Cabo Pulmo National Park

Cabo Pulmo National Park is a marine protected area known for extraordinary biodiversity and pristine coral reefs. They provide top-star snorkeling and diving opportunities for all levels and the sites can be accessed both from the shores or by boat.

Beyond snorkeling and diving, Cabo Pulmo boasts a plethora of other outdoor activities. You can explore the bays and their wildlife on a paddleboard or a kayak, or you can take a boat tour and visit the sea caves of the area. If you prefer to stay on the ground, you can also engage in mountain biking, birdwatching, and horseback riding.

Valle de Guadalupe

Nestled in the northern Baja peninsula close to Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico’s wine country. Yes, Mexico is indeed home to some fantastic wineries as well, and 90% of the country’s wine production comes from here.

Like any other wine region, Valle de Guadalupe is a first-class spot for recreation. Apart from wine tasting and foodie tours, you can enjoy staying at romantic boutique resorts, scenic hiking, biking, or learning about winemaking at Museo de la Vid y el Vino.

Balandra Beach

If you’re searching for the best, undiscovered beaches, this one’s for you. Balandra Beach is set near La Paz and features a shallow lagoon. Therefore, it’s ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and families with kids who can safely play in the water.

The beach is surrounded by unique rock formations and you can access them on a paddleboard or a kayak. The shore is also a fantastic spot for short hikes. You can get to several viewpoints, watch local wildlife, or simply soak in the atmosphere of serene nature.

The post 7 Best Hidden Gems In Baja California, MX To Visit In 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, travelers are choosing to travel to this world-renowned destination for spa getaways, wellness retreats and an all-encompassing wellness vacation. 

Here are four of the best spa resorts to visit when you are in the area this spring.

Acre Resort

Tucked away in the foothills of San Jose del Cabo, Acre Resort features 13 treehouses nestled throughout the property’s 25 acres. Surrounded by thousands of palms, citrus trees, cacti and agave plants, guests can easily connect to the calmness of nature and enjoy the soothing breeze at Spa Treehouse. 

Alongside a variety of relaxing and refreshing treatments, for one or two people, the spa eases guests in fencing relaxation and rejuvenation. Daily yoga is also offered poolside, along with a number of other on- and off-site activities to recharge the soul, mind and body.

Le Blanc Spa Resort

An all-inclusive haven of relaxation and wellness, Le Blanc Spa Resort Los Cabos is the singular adult-only, luxury, all-inclusive resort in the area. Beyond the amenity-rich rooms and suites with personalized butler service, guests can partake in the complimentary hydrotherapy journey with hot and cold plunge pools at Blanc Spa. 

With treatments created to inspire the senses, choose between one of their Blanc Signatures like the Pitaya Wrap the signature Pericu Massage, or the truly unique Wood Therapy Massage. Their state-of-the-art beauty salon offers everything from waxing sessions and hairstyling to relaxing manicure and pedicure services.

Ojo de Liebre Spa at Solaz Resort

Named after the Ojo de Liebre Lagoon the Ojo de Liebre Spa at Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort channels the revitalizing power of the lagoon’s water to create a sanctuary for an unmatched relaxation experience. Featuring 12 private treatment rooms, including four VIP double private treatment rooms, the services at the spa promote a wellness haven.

From their signature treatments to other amenities including a state-of-the-art sauna and steam room, chromotherapy showers, a co-ed wellness zone, as well as a wellness circuit, guests are presented with a transcendental experience of the mind, body and soul. To add to their experience, guests can ask for the consulting wellness program and the spa concierge team will create a customized program for a 360-wellness experience.

Viceroy Los Cabos

Spring into a futuristic healing haven at Viceroy Los Cabos and experience wellness from the inside out with a range of holistic treatments at their state-of-the-art 11,000-sq. ft., THE SPA at Viceroy Los Cabos.

From cold plunges to guided meditations to sound healing and signature treatments, the spa introduced several holistic offerings including sleep-promoting body treatments, osteotherapy sessions and energy and sound healing experiences alongside their extensive menu of traditional spa treatments.

They are now the only hotel spa in the world to offer the revolutionary Harmonyum Healing technique, which works harmoniously to bring the mind and body into a state of blissful equilibrium. The resort also debuted four new wellness packages focused on: emotional healing, mindfulness, youthful revitalization, and physical presence.

The post TOP 4 SPA Resorts In Los Cabos To Visit This Spring appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.

In most parts of the city, it is advised that visitors refrain from going on solo walks after dark. Using a registered taxi is a safer option.

LATEST UPDATES / NEWS from La Paz

February 1, 2024: Crime in La Paz increased according to a report from the end of last year

At the end of 2023, Baja California Sur state law enforcement authorities released the latest Baja California Sur Crime Traffic Light report, offering insights into the region’s safety conditions. The report, functioning much like a traditional traffic light, uses red to indicate high crime levels, yellow as a warning, and green to signify a low occurrence of criminal activities. This monitoring system tracks 11 different types of crimes and provides monthly updates for the benefit of local businesses, residents, and travelers.

The city of La Paz, the capital of the State of Baja California Sur, experienced an increase in crime during October. The city recorded four red lights for drug-related offenses, vehicle theft, family violence, and rape. Additionally, it had three yellow lights for injuries, home burglary, and business burglary, indicating a notable uptick in criminal activities in the capital city during the same period.

U.S. Travel Advisory

The United States government does not have any particular warnings about La Paz Mexico. However, traveling to La Paz is generally secure. La Paz has seen a decrease in crime and violence over the past few years, even though some areas of the city are riskier than others. The Mexican government makes a lot of effort to guarantee locals’ and visitors’ safety.

Canada Travel Advisory

Canada is not advising people to stay away from Baja California Sur or La Paz. However, it is warning people to exercise caution when traveling to any zone of Mexico. “There are certain safety and security concerns, and the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media, and follow the instructions of local authorities,” the advisory says.

Areas to avoid in La Paz Mexico

Walking around La Paz is generally safe, especially in the area surrounding the Malecon, a three-mile waterfront promenade that is bustling most of the day.

The risk of crime rises as you move into more isolated locations and away from busier tourist destinations. Therefore, especially at night, it is best to avoid wandering around in these areas.

The most hazardous areas of the city are found outside of it, particularly on the southeast side.

Locals warn tourists against going to the beach late at night because of a cartel conflict.

Stay in the tourist area close to the hotels, either in the new or old center of La Paz, for your safety. It is safe to party in both locations until five in the morning.

Befriending a local cab driver is a smart idea. As they travel throughout the city, you can ask them which neighborhoods are currently safe.

Common Scams in La Paz

As soon as new scams are discovered in La Paz, local officials alert travelers and provide detailed instructions on how to avoid being conned. 

Unauthorized vendors were recently seen offering phony services, like special offers for boat cruises on the beaches of La Paz.

Generally speaking, avoid speaking to people who approach you for money. Instead of approaching a random bystander, they can (and should) go to the police and their embassy if they’ve lost their belongings. Additionally, don’t hand your phone to random people who ask to make an emergency call because you might not get it back.

Tips for Staying Safe in La Paz

• Refrain from donning valuable jewelry.
• Avoid carrying substantial amounts of cash, appearing ostentatious, or attracting attention. Engaging in any of these actions can lead to trouble.
• Steer clear of traveling alone at nighttime.

The post Is LA PAZ Mexico Safe To Visit? Travel Advisory 2024 appeared first on Traveling Lifestyle.