Is Tecate safe? (2024)
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If you are wondering about safety in Tecate, you are in the right place! Tecate is one of the best day trips from California to Mexico, that offers a mix of culture, outdoors and food.
I’ve travelled all over Baja California and Tecate was by far one of the most underrated places I visited in this part of Mexico.
My stop in Tecate was a bit spontaneous, as I’ve visited it before driving along the Rumorosa – a scenic highway between Tecate and Mexicali.
I didn’t have any big expectations from Tecate, and yet it won me over with its small-town charm, spectacular landscapes, and friendly locals. Between Tijuana, which feels too chaotic, and Mexicali, that has scorchingly hot temperatures, Tecate offers the best of both worlds.
Although most people know Tecate as the home of the popular Mexican beer, this town is so much more than that!
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Here you will find rich gastronomy, scenic hikes, and a cute historic center that you can explore on foot.
Although it’s a small town, you will have plenty of things to do here during your trip, from driving La Rumorosa Highway to hiking scenic trails and sampling pan dulce (sweet bread) – a local specialty that you can buy in many bakeries in Tecate.
If you want to check out Tecate, but have questions about safety, this article is for you.
After visiting this border town, I decided to answer the most frequently asked questions about safety there in my blog.
Where is Tecate?
Tecate is located in Baja California State along the U.S. Mexico border that’s located about 1 hour east of Tijuana. It takes about 1 hour to get to Tecate from San Diego.
Is Tecate safe?
Tecate is a small town that’s mostly safe if you follow basic precautions and don’t get involved with shady business. The biggest safety concern about Tecate is drug trafficking and related crimes because of its proximity to Tijuana that has one of the highest homicide rates in Mexico.
Is Baja California safe?
The Baja California Peninsula is a huge geographical area that consists of two states: Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur. Traveling Baja California is generally safe, and many visitors from the U.S. and Canada come here to enjoy scenic landscapes and outdoor activities,but you need to take some preacutions to stay safe on the road.
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Getting insurance for your trip to Tecate
Personal travel insurance in not required in Baja, but it’s a good idea to get one ahead of your trip. Travel Insurance Master will cover you in case of hospital visits, missed flights, lost or stolen belongings and other accidents that could happen on the road.
What does the U.S. State Department about safety in Baja?
The U.S. State Department has separate classifications for Baja California (also known as Baja Norte) and Baja California Sur.
The agency has four different classifications for all of Mexico’s 32 states that range from “do not travel to” to “exercise normal precautions.” The U.S. State Department advises visitors to reconsider travel to Baja California due to crime and kidnapping thanks to Tijuana playing a big role in the overall crime statistic in the state.
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Crime in Baja California
According to the information on the U.S. State Department website, transnational criminal organizations compete in the border area to establish narco-trafficking and human smuggling routes with violent crime and gang activity common.
While Tecate has considerably less crime than Tijuana, clashes between rival gangs sometimes spill over to the area. Always drive on main highways and avoid remote locations.
Crime in Tecate
Most crime in Tecate has to do with drug trafficking as criminal groups who operate in the area fight for the drug trafficking routes along the border. In recent years, Tecate has also seen an increase in incidents involving migrants who pass through the area on their way to U.S.-Mexico border.
In August 2023, local police discovered four decapitated bodies in a car near Tecate, which authorities attributed to the rift between rival cartels. According to police reports, all four had criminal backgrounds and were involved in criminal activity.
In September of the same year, two Mexican migrants were killed on Cuchuma Hill near Tecate. Migrants and asylum seekers are sometimes shot if their smuggler is working for a rival gang or if they haven’t paid passage rights.
Tecate safety tips
Contrary to what you have heard on the news, Tecate is not a dangerous place. While it’s not free from crime, as a visitor, you are perfectly safe here, and as long as you don’t mix with the wrong crowd and avoid drugs, you should have a safe trip.
Here are some of my tips that will help you to stay safe:
📍Stay around popular spots
Remote areas and the outskirts of Tecate are less transited and have far less police presence. These parts of town have no attractions or points of interest, so it’s a good idea to stick to popular parts of town.
📍Don’t flash your wealth
Stress in simple clothes and avoid any displays of wealth. Flashy clothing, expensive jewelry and camera gear could attract the attention of the wrong people.
📍Don’t do drugs
If you ever get offered to buy drugs during your trip to Tecate, just decline politely and walk away.
📍Drink only bottled water
Always buy bottled water or refill your water bottle at your hotel, if it offers clean filtered water. Tap water is not safe to drink in Tecate, as in most places in Mexico.
📍Learn some Spanish
Speaking Spanish could be a huge game changer when traveling around Baja, as not everyone speaks English. While some people in Tecate understand or speak basic English, speaking Spanish could be a huge game changer.
📍Don’t divulge your travel plans to strangers
If you are talking to someone for the first time, and they are asking about your travel plans, you can just give them a basic overview without going too much into detail about where you are headed and what you plan on doing.
📍Don’t drive at night
Driving at night in Baja is possible, but not recommended, as there are very limited amenities and scarce cell phone service. Some parts of Baja also have cattle roaming around on roads, and while it’s not a problem around Tecate, it’s still best to limit your driving to daytime.
📍Keep in touch with your friends and family
Always keep your family and friends posted about your plans and whereabouts. I recommend Airalo, an eSIM card for your trip to Mexico, which can be managed through the app to top up your account at any time.
📍Stay on main highways
If you are traveling to Tecate from Tijuana or vice versa, stick to paid highways (quotas), as they are well-maintained and have better security. While it will cost you more money, you will be safer than on smaller, secondary roads.
Always carry cash to pay for tollways in Baja California.
📍Never leave your food and drinks unattended
Although Tecate doesn’t have a big bar scene, it has some bars and restaurants where you can have a meal with a drink. Always finish your food and drinks and never leave them unattended.
Safe things to do in Tecate:
To make sure you stay safe in Tecate, here’s a quick list of things to do while you are visiting:
1. Tour the Tecate Brewery (Cervecería Tecate)
Tecate is home to one of Mexico’s most famous breweries. You can take a guided tour to learn about the beer-making process and, of course, sample some of their products. Tecate Brewery is located in the heart of town, so it’s hard to miss.
2. Visit the Tecate Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Tecate)
This cultural center often hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and other events. It’s a great place to explore local arts and culture.
3. Check out Parque Hidalgo
This is a central park in Tecate where you can relax, take a stroll, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.
4. Hike Cerro El Cuchumá
If you enjoy hiking and nature, consider tackling Mount Tecate or Cerro El Chucuma. The summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Make sure to hike only during the day, when there’s plenty of light.
5. Relax at Rancho la Puerta
This wellness retreat is located just outside Tecate and offers spa services, fitness classes, and a peaceful environment. It’s a great place to unwind and focus on your well-being.
6. Try local cuisine
Try some authentic Mexican food at local restaurants and street vendors. Tecate is known for its delicious street tacos and regional specialties. One of the most famous specialties from Tecate is Pan Dulce (sweet bread) which you can get in local bakeries.
7. Visit the Tecate Border Station Museum
Learn about the history of Tecate and its role in the development of the region. The museum provides insights into the cultural and historical aspects of the area.
8. Enjoy a day trip to Valle de Guadalupe
Tecate is relatively close to Valle de Guadalupe, a renowned wine region in Baja California. Consider taking a day trip to explore vineyards and taste local wines.
9. Take a hot air balloon ride
Experience Tecate from the air with a hot air balloon ride. This can provide a unique perspective of the town and its surrounding natural beauty.
10. Drive along La Rumorosa
La Rumorosa is a scenic highway that connects Tecate and the capital of Baja California Mexicali. While La Rumorosa is considered the most dangerous highway in Mexico because of its star curves and exposed switchbacks, it’s also one of the most popular places to visit in Baja California.
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Tecate Pueblo Magico
Tecate is also a designated pueblo mágico. The title of pueblos mágicos is awarded by the Mexican government to towns that play a significant role in Mexican culture and history.
The Pueblos Magicos Program was started in 2001 as an initiative to diversify Mexico’s tourism and attract more visitors to the rural, inland areas of the country, and has proved a huge success.
There are currently 132 pueblos magicos in Mexico.
Loreto Pueblo Magico
Another pueblo mágico in Baja California is Loreto, a small town along the Bay of Loreto National Park that’s known for its incredible beaches and marine life.
If you are driving to Baja Sur, I recommend spending a few days in Loreto, one of the most beautiful places in Baja California.
Is Tecate Mexico safe for tourists?
Tecate is perfectly safe for tourists, and as long as you stick to popular places and don’t mix with the wrong people, you should be fine. Tourism is a big industry in Tecate, and local police and authorities do their best to keep visitors safe. However, no place is perfectly safe, and while Tecate is a small quiet town, crime can happen there too.
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Is Tecate safe at night?
Tecate is mostly safe at night, as long as you stay in the center and avoid remote parts of town or dark areas where crime is more likely to happen.
Register for the STEP program
If you are a U.S. citizen, consider enrolling in STEP, The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, a free service that allows U.S. citizens abroad to register their trip with the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Here are some of the benefits of enrolling in the STEP program ahead of your trip:
- Get updates from the Embassy about safety conditions in your destination.
- Stay in contact with the U.S. Embassy in case of an emergency whether it’s a natural disaster, political unrest, or anything else.
- Help family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency.
How to get to Tecate?
To get to Tecate, you first need to get to Mexico. Most travelers cross the U.S.-Mexico border, but you can also fly to Tijuana International Airport (TIJ) which has domestic flights from many destinations in Mexico and some charter flights from the United States.
If you want to enjoy some of the best places in the area, visit Baja California beaches and drive the famous La Rumorosa Highway near Tecate, which is considered one of the most scenic highways in Mexico, rent a car for your trip to Tecate.
How to get to Tecate from San Diego
Driving is the most popular way to travel between San Diego and Tecate, but you can also walk across the border. All you need to do is park your car and go through the customs. Since there’s no city on the U.S. side of the border, you will not have to deal with long lines unlike in Tijuana or Mexicali.
Is it safe to drive to Tecate from San Diego?
Tecate is one of the most popular getaways from Southern California, and driving to Tecate from San Diego to Tecate is perfectly safe.
Do I need Mexican insurance for driving to Tecate?
Yes, you need Mexican Insurance for driving to Tecate, because U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico. You can get your insurance through Baja Bound, which is trusted by throusands of traveleres who drive to Baja.
Can you walk across the Tecate border?
Yes, you can walk across the border to Tecate. Depending on your country of residence, you will need a valid passport and other documents including visa or confirmations of your travel itinerary.
Tecate is the only border town in Mexico that doesn’t have a city on the other side, so there’s never a long line here, compared to places like Tijuana and Mexicali.
Do I need a visa to go to Tecate?
Travelers from the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe don’t need a visa to Mexico, but if you need to check if you need a visa for your trip, you can do it here.
Renting a car for your trip to Tecate
I recommend (and use) DiscoverCars, one of the most popular platforms for renting cars online, where you can find dozens of vehicles at flexible rates.
Why rent a car with DiscoverCars
DiscoverCars is one of the best platforms for renting cars and you can choose from dozens of available vehicles.
All you need to do is type in your travel dates and specify the type of vehicle that you are looking for, and the platform will do all the work for you showing you all the available options. The key to getting a good deal on your car rental is to book your car early. Once you know the dates of your trip to Tecate, book your car.
You will also need a Mexican car insurance for your trip
If you are driving to Tecate, you will need to purchase Mexican car insurance, because the U.S. car insurance is not valid in Mexico. You can also buy your Mexican car insurance from DiscoverCars when you book your car with them.
What is the best time to visit Tecate?
The best time to visit Tecate is when temperatures are mild for hiking and enjoying the town. Late winter and mid-spring are also a good time, as it offers sunny and dry weather without being too hot. July and August are the worst months for visiting Tecate as it can be scorchingly hot, making it tough to enjoy any activities that involve spending time outside.
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Best hotels in Tecate:
📍Estancia Inn – A great stay that offers plenty of value thanks to its proximity to the center of Tecate. Free parking, outdoor swimming pool and great breakfast.
📍Hotel Hacienda Santana – One of the most popualr hotels in Tecate that has a continental breakfast, spacious rooms and friebdly staff.
📍Santuario Diegueño – If you are looking for a relaxing trip to Tecate, book your stay at Santuario Diegueño, which boasts tranquil setting, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center and free parking.
✅ CHECK PRICES ON HOTELS IN TECATE
Is Tecate Mexico safe: FAQs
Is Tecate a nice place to live?
Tecate is a nice place to live if you like culture, the outdoors, and the small-town feel. Located in northern Mexico along the U.S. border, this town offers a quiet pace of life, access to the outdoors including the nearby Valle de Guadalupe, and good connectivity thanks to its proximity to Tijuana and San Diego.
If you plan to move to Tecate, make sure to choose a safe neighborhood, as some parts of town have less police presence than others. Research the town thoroughly and avoid the outskirts of town as a rule.
What is Tecate known for?
Tecate is known for the production of beer, and you can try it during a guided tour.
Is Tecate in the US or Mexico?
Tecate is located in Mexico’s Baja California State along the U.S. border.
Where is Tecate beer made?
Tecate beer is made in Tecate, a small town along the U.S. border.
What city borders Tecate?
Unlike other U.S.-Mexico border crossings, there’s no city across the border from Tecate.
Is it safe to cross the border from Tecate?
It’s perfectly safe to cross the border, but you should stick to the main highways to stay safe.
Is Tecate safe: FAQ’s
Tecate is one of the most underrated destinations in Baja California, that’s home to some of the best beer in Mexico, scenic hikes, and plenty of culture. While some question safety in Tecate, the town is perfectly safe for travel with many visitors enjoying the culture and outdoors that this town has to offer.
