There are many beautiful and underdeveloped places in Mexico, but there are some areas you should avoid. These include drug cartel conflict zones, the streets of Tijuana and Mexicali, and illegal roadblocks. It would help if you avoided certain cities on the border with the United States. Drug cartels have caused a rise in violence and crime in these areas.

Drug cartel conflict zones

When planning a vacation to Mexico, it’s important to avoid areas controlled by drug cartels. The Sinaloa Cartel, for example, has been in power for decades and has a reputation for imposing a low level of violence on local populations. While the Sinaloa Cartel does have its share of violence and extortion, it is much less violent than other criminal organizations in the country.

The Mexicali Valley is another area where it’s best to stay away from. This region has a high risk of violence between rival cartel factions. The Valley is also near Highway 1, which leads to the California-Baja California border. The Valley is a dangerous place to travel and should not be visited by travelers.

The Zetas are among the most dangerous drug cartels in Mexico. Although the Zetas were disbanded in 2010 following a massive split in their number, some of their subgroups still operate. Similarly, the Juarez Cartel is a rival of the Sinaloa and has recently splintered into three different gangs in Chihuahua.

If you plan a vacation to Mexico, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory. The warnings cover the border region Tamaulipas, the Pacific coast states of Sinaloa, Colima, Michoacan, and Guerrero. While not all Mexican states are affected, the border cities remain trouble spots.

While increased military presence will help to protect tourists, it will not address the root causes of the violence. Instead, it will push gangland shootouts to other parts of the country. As a result, innocent civilians will be caught in the crossfire.

Violence on the streets of Mexicali and Tijuana

Recently, gangs have been sweeping the streets of Tijuana and Mexicali. The violence has spread to Rosarito Beach, Tecate, and Ensenada. Police say the violence results from a feud between rival criminal organizations, Los Chapos and Los Mexicles. Authorities have warned residents to seek shelter and avoid the streets.

The violence has resulted in the closing restaurants, bars, and stores. Public transportation has also been disrupted. The governor of Baja California has condemned the violence on Twitter and asked citizens to stay calm. In Tijuana, the U.S. Consulate General has advised citizens and government employees to shelter in place until further notice.

Several armed criminals have destroyed dozens of vehicles, causing panic in residents and businesses. The violence has also spread to other border cities in Baja, California. Authorities say there are 17 suspected criminals in five cities, including Tijuana. Authorities believe the violence is a reaction to the arrest of a crime boss in another state.

The violence has spread out of prisons and into the streets. Nine people were killed by gang members in Juarez, most civilians. Despite these arrests, the violence has escalated across Baja. Local police and military officers are patrolling neighborhoods where violent demonstrations have occurred. As of Thursday, three hundred soldiers have arrived in Tijuana.

Authorities are trying to keep the streets of Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez safe for tourists and residents. However, despite the heavy police presence, American citizens are still warned not to go to these cities.

Crocodiles

You may think that crocodiles are not dangerous, but you would be surprised. Mexican crocodiles have been known to grow up to 20 feet in length. In the wild, these reptiles can live up to 70 years. In captivity, crocodiles are usually raised for their meat. While the heart has little flavor and a lobster-like texture, it is still an excellent source of protein for many people.

Crocodiles have been spotted in several areas throughout Mexico, including some beaches. In La Ventanilla in Oaxaca, crocodiles have been spotted playing in the waves. This is the first time the crocodiles have been seen on the beach in decades. However, tourists are advised to avoid these locations.

Another place to avoid is the Rivera Maya region. The area is home to lagoons that connect the ocean and crocodiles. While it is tempting to swim in the lagoons, it is best to stay away from areas that are not heavily patrolled. This way, if you get into the water, you’ll be more likely to receive a timely warning from local authorities.

Although crocodile attacks are rare in Mexico, they do happen. Last year, a crocodile attacked a British woman while swimming in the Manialtepec lagoon outside Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. Luckily, her twin sister was with her and managed to fight off the crocodile.

Crocodiles are not the only place in Mexico that can be dangerous. Crocodiles have been known to attack humans, and several recent attacks have led to several deaths. There are also reports of an older woman being killed by two alligators in Florida.

Illegal roadblocks

Illegal roadblocks are a common problem in Mexico. The Michoacan government, which took office in October, has successfully removed almost 100 of these roadblocks since then. The state government has teamed up with federal authorities to ensure the public’s safety. The Michoacan Civil Guard and the Federal Ministry of National Defense have been involved in the illegal checkpoint removal operations.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Carteles Unidos cartels have used illegal roadblocks in Michoacan and the Tierra Caliente region. They have cut off towns and cities in the area and have caused shortages of essential products. The Jalisco, New Generation cartel marks its territory with armed men and primitive homemade armored trucks.

Driving on toll roads

Driving on toll roads in Mexico is a challenging experience. These roads often have potholes that can damage your vehicle, and the Mexican government doesn’t maintain the streets. Also, the speed bumps are much bigger than you’re used to in the U.S. It’s not uncommon to see signs warning drivers to slow down when coming upon a speed bump.

There are also numerous violent crimes and carjackings, with some U.S. citizens killed. Carjackers use various methods to capture drivers, including bumping their cars to force them to stop or running them off the road at high speeds. Older cars are more likely to be targeted than newer ones. U.S. government employees and travelers on toll roads should only travel during daylight hours to protect themselves.

Remember to have essential documents handy when traveling on toll roads in Mexico. You will also want to write down your insurance agency’s phone number and your country’s emergency number. Also, keep the Green Angel contact number handy, as this number provides free assistance to travelers in an emergency.

It’s a great way to get around the country, but be careful to follow all rules and regulations. While driving in Mexico is affordable and accessible, driving on toll roads can be expensive. Gas is costly, but it’s much cheaper than taking public transportation. And you can save money on gas when you rent a car in Mexico.

When driving on toll roads, remember that the signs are in Spanish, not English. Also, pay attention to speed limits and the language used for street and highway signs. You can find information on the State Department’s website and other information about driving in Mexico. Another helpful resource is the iOverlander app, which is available on Apple and Android.