January 25, 2012
As a result of three recent incidences involving Canadian tourists on mainland Mexico, media outlets in both Canada and the US are reporting about the crime and violence afflicting tourist towns and border towns of northern Mexico and the southern US. Travel warnings have been issued and Mexico continues to remain on the travel alert list. Between the Canadian government, US government and the media they are leaving the impression that Mexico, as a whole, is “dangerous”. To paint all of Mexico with such a broad brush is wrongly misleading.
I can only speak to my experience in the southern Baja where I have been engaged in eco-expeditions for over 25 years. It remains a beautiful and peaceful place for tourists looking for sun-filled holidays and amazing adventure travel. To be quite honest, the areas we play, Loreto, La Paz and Cabo, are actually safer than parts of some cities in our own country.
Like anywhere else, when one visits another country sensible tourists should exercise courtesy and respect. It is not a good idea to walk off the beaten track. It is courteous to be aware of local customs (what is appropriate and what is not). It is essential to be aware of the political climate where you are visiting. I feel that both the Canadian and Mexican cultures are very similar, and, as a Canadian, my experience with the people of Baja California has been very respectful and hospitable. The Mexico I know is reflective of the people: beautiful, kind, peaceful and warm. I exercise the same caution when in Mexico as I do at home in Calgary, Alberta, and in the many years I have been visiting Mexico I have never been harmed nor felt afraid for my life.
My experience is limited to flying in and out of Mexico and driving between Loreto, La Paz and Cabo, which I find safe insuring that I do not drive at night. I choose not to drive at night due to the high collision rates with wandering cattle and wildlife along the unfenced highways after dark, not because of “banditos” or any other people that might harm me. I also choose to stay away from isolated places and stay within the safety zones of the tourist areas. The key to traveling anywhere in the world is to use common sense. When you do, what awaits you is an amazing experience with a beautiful culture.
Crime is found all over the world and no matter where it happens, we are all impacted by it in one way or another. As with all places in the world there are crooks and jerks to be found lurking in the crowd. In over 25 years and thousands of guests later Panterra has never experienced anything life threatening or damaging to our experience in the southern Baja. The Mexican people and their culture are beautiful, just like Canada, the United States, and you and I.
For the latest travel advisories please feel free to visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website or the US Department of State Consular Affairs website.
Baja Insider Magazine also has a great page that puts the recent events into perspective. Check it out here.
