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By Carlos Fiesta
2008 has brought renewed challenges for tourism in a few areas of Baja. There has been an increased level of violence in northern Baja this year and this has raised concerns for tourists who want to enjoy all of the good that Baja has to offer. I have been contacted on several
occassions this year by travelers inquiring about the safety of traveling to Baja, so I thought it would be a good idea to
share my thoughts with travelers in this new section of Baja Expo.
For starters, I feel it is important to discuss the liklihood of tourists experiencing crime in Baja. To make a long story short, even with the recent increased level of crime it is extremely unlikely that most people traveling to Baja in 2008 will have any problems.
Out of the hundreds of thousands of visitors who will visit Baja this year a very small percentage of people may actually experience problems, and most of those problems will be minor in scope. The media has done a poor job of presenting the facts on this aspect of the issue and
from the newpaper and radio articles that I have read and heard, one would think there is an epidemic of violence taking place against tourists in Baja. That is simply not the case.
When people contact me to discuss safety in Baja, they often ask me if I am still traveling to Baja on a regular basis. My answer is "absolutely". I still travel to Baja approximately once a month, and I see no reason to stop going down. To add even
further credence to my thoughts on safety in Baja, not only have my trips south of the border not changed, but I am even encouraging my most prized possession in the world, my 20 year old daughter, to travel to Baja whenever she wants. I understand that in all liklihood she and her friends will have a good trip and
the chances of them having any problems is very small.
I do not want to insinuate there is no crime in Baja. That is not the case. There is crime in Baja, and it has increased this year, but putting the level of crime in Baja into perspective is very important. I feel much safer walking or driving through the tourist areas of northern Baja today than
I do walking back to my car in a parking lot in downtown Los Angeles after a Lakers game at Staples Center. That is the truth.
Just like in all large cities in the United States, robberies, assaults and rapes happen in Mexico. The main diference is that these crimes in the United States are very common and don't make interesting news. These same crimes south of the border, however, can be spun by our media into a sensationalistic story that will receive more attention.
It is also important to define the locations where most of the increased trouble has taken place this year. The Baja Peninsula is a
huge place and the areas that have experienced increased problems are mostly limited to the areas just south of the U.S. border, between Tijuana and Ensenada. The dozens of Baja cities and thousands of miles of deserts, mountains and coastline experience very little crime.
The vast majority of the recent crimes that have been taking place in Baja have been between Mexico law enforcement personell and drug cartels, not tourists. In the ongoing battle to try to limit the flow of drugs through their country, some of Baja's best officials are paying the ultimate price in their effort to win the war on drugs.
Less frequently there have been incidents of renegade Mexicans causing trouble with tourists. While very serious in nature, these incidents are not common and the Mexican government is working hard to mitigate these types of problems.
But is important to remember that crimes against tourists are not as common as the general media would have you believe.
If anything the hype about increased violence in northern Baja this year has caused many Mexican officials to become more lax with their legitimate law enforcement actions against tourists. On a recent road trip to Baja I made an illegal stop on the side of the scenic road between Tijuana and Rosarito Beach. The timing of my illegal parking was bad because I pulled the stunt not knowing that
a local motorcycle cop was behind me. Where in the past this act might have cost me a ticket, the officer let me off with a warning asking me not to do it again. He seemed to understand there were bigger fish to fry and there was no benefit to him giving me a hard time.
There are a few things Baja travelers can do to avoid becoming a victim:
If you have any specific questions about your next trip to Baja please feel free to contact me. I have been traveling to Baja for over 30 years and I would be happy to share my knowledge and experience with you. I've got to go now, my daughter is getting back from three days in Ensenada!
Drinking and driving in Baja can get you a free tour of the local jail...from the inside.
SAFETY IN BAJA - SPRING / SUMMER 2008
Traveling with respect goes a long way towards staying out of trouble when traveling to Baja. Remember, most of the things that are illegal or immoral in the Unites States are also taboo in Baja.
Many tourists driving in the tourist zones are having such a good time that they do not pay attention to the most basic roadside laws. Being an aware driver is a good first step towards a safe trip to Baja.
Spending time in the main tourist areas is usually extremely safe. Walking down dark streets at night can be asking for trouble. Tourists who are aware of their surroundings and act diligently rarely have problems.
Mexico is a poor country and some of its citizens look for opportunities to take advantage of tourists. When there is little chance of getting caught crimes are more likely. This is also the case in the United States.
Having a few drinks while on vacation is fun. But getting blasted and out of control is a great way to attract attention from the wrong people or the police. Moderation is the key when partying in Baja.
Looking scared can attract the wrong element. Be courteous but act in control. The bad guys in Baja would rather pick on someone who looks like they would be an easy prey. Don't let that be you.
There is no need to dress lavishly in Baja or wear fancy jewelry. Nobody there knows you and nobody really cares. The people of Baja were impressed with the wealth of Americans long before you crossed the border. Dress down to avoid being a target.
