Despite a travel warning from the State Department, experts say traveling to popular vacation destinations like Rocky Point is still safe.
PHOENIX — As Mexican authorities continue to investigate the deaths of two elderly Arizona sisters, experts are offering travel advice for those traveling to Sonora, Mexico, this holiday weekend.
The 72- and 82-year-old women were attacked and murdered by gunmen Friday morning as they were traveling from Sonoyta to Caborca. They were found dead inside an SUV that had overturned and was riddled with bullets.
Authorities have recovered a stolen truck containing firearms and ammunition believed to have been involved in the attack. The criminal group responsible remains at large.
“We are very sorry for this. We did not expect something like this to happen to anyone, neither to a Mexican citizen nor to an American citizen,” said Maria Fernanda Arreguin, counselor for the protection of Mexican citizens in Phoenix.
The family opened a GoFundMe account to help with funeral services.
Tips for traveling to Sonora, Mexico
Maria Fernanda Arreguin works at the Phoenix office of the Consulate General of Mexico and regularly receives questions from Arizonans seeking advice on how to travel safely to Sonora, particularly to popular vacation destinations like Rocky Point.
She says travel in the region is safe and provided several tips.
- Start early
- Stop in public places
- Check your vehicle's maintenance before your trip
- Use the Païsanos Heroes app or website to get up-to-date travel and traffic information
“We tend to focus on what's wrong. But there are a lot of things that are going well in Mexico,” Arreguin said.
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The U.S. State Department has released a recommendations for travelers for Sonora, asking Americans to reconsider visiting the region because of crime and kidnappings.
“The federal government as well as local governments have worked very hard to ensure security throughout Mexico,” Arreguin said.
Mike Jarvinen and his wife Lynelle are aware of Sonora’s safety concerns. It’s part of what inspired Lynelle to start her business nearly 20 years ago. It’s called Rocky Point Direction and it's a shuttle service that brings groups from Phoenix to the beach destination.
“She was working in Phoenix in reservations for Rocky Point reservations and just heard about the need to know how to get there, and people didn't want to drive their cars, and they were a little wary of the whole situation, so we just started,” Jarvinen said.
Jarvinen said his wife visits the Rocky Point area three days a week and has never had a problem. He recommends travelers leave early and during the day to avoid potholes or poor road conditions. He also encouraged visitors to make sure they have their passports and to be courteous and respectful.
“I think it’s very safe. I know the Sonoyta police department, the fire department, and the Rocky Point fire department, and they’ve been a great help to us, and we’ve been a great help to them,” Jarvinen said. “They have laws there, the same laws we have here, and you just have to follow them.”
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