G20 closures, restrictions
By Ed Kociela
Security for the G20 Summit, a meeting of the top 20 heads of state from across the globe, is beginning to tighten as Los Cabos prepares for as many as 10,000 visitors who will take part in the meetings, which will be held in San Jose del Cabo June 18-19.
Heightened security measures include:
- Closure of the toll road leading to the San Jose del Cabo airport. The old route through San Jose del Cabo will remain open. (June 14-19)
- Restrictions on all beaches from the Holiday Inn (formerly known as the Presidente Intercontinental) near the San Jose del Cabo estuary all the way south to Punta Ballena. (June 12-20)
- No boat traffic is allowed within five miles of the shoreline from Misiones del Cabo to the San Jose del Cabo estuary, including those that normally ferry snorkelers to such popular beaches as Santa Maria and Chileno. Surfing locations including El Tule, Acapulquito, The Rock, and Zippers will not be accessible. (June 12-20)
The federal police have already set up several checkpoints in Los Cabos in preparation for the G20 Summit meetings, which will be held here June 18-19. Photo by Cara Curfew-Kociela
Municipal, state, and federal police will be joined by members of the Mexican military in setting up checkpoints throughout Los Cabos and in enforcing the temporary restrictions.
Because of the heightened security, getting from one place to another could take considerably more time. Add an additional 30-45 minutes to your travel time. Traffic will be stopped to allow the movement of G20 participants as they travel between their hotels and the convention center in San Jose del Cabo.
Law enforcement is also asking that everybody carry official identification when traveling from June 12-20.
To compensate for the closure of the popular beach attractions and difficulty in navigating some areas, there will be a series of free events offered at the cultural center in downtown Cabo San Lucas. There will be concerts, movie screenings, ballet performances, and exhibits nightly from June 15-20.
Ed Kociela is a writer for Los Cabos Magazine. You can reach him by email at edkociela.mx@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/EdKociela.
