Is Ensenada, Baja California Safe for Tourists in 2026? Complete Safety Guide
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title: "Is Ensenada, Baja California Safe for Tourists in 2026? Complete Safety Guide"
description: "Comprehensive safety guide for tourists visiting Ensenada, Baja California in 2026. Covers homicide rates, theft, kidnapping, scams, transportation, neighborhood safety, and expert travel advice."
category: city-guides
slug: is-ensenada-safe-tourists-2026
date: 2026-04-23
author: Safe Travel Mexico
last_reviewed: 2026-04-23
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Is Ensenada, Baja California Safe for Tourists in 2026? Complete Safety Guide
Ensenada sits on the Pacific coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula, roughly 80 miles south of the U.S. border. It is one of the most visited cruise destinations in Mexico, drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to its waterfront malecón, world-class wine country in the Valle de Guadalupe, legendary surfing beaches, and whale-watching excursions. Every week, cruise ships dock at the Port of Ensenada, disgorging visitors who often have just a few hours to explore the city center before sailing on.
For tourists wondering whether Ensenada is safe, the answer requires nuance. The city occupies a complicated position: it is a thriving tourist economy that depends on visitor confidence, yet it sits within Baja California — a state that consistently registers among Mexico's highest homicide rates. The U.S. State Department classifies Baja California as Level 3: Reconsider Travel, citing crime and kidnapping risks. At the same time, thousands of tourists visit Ensenada every month without incident, and violent crime targeting visitors remains rare.
This guide cuts through the noise to give you a clear, data-driven picture of safety in Ensenada in 2026 — covering homicide rates, theft, kidnapping, scams, neighborhood safety, transportation, and what you can do to minimize risk.
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Safety at a Glance: Ensenada Key Numbers
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide Rate (State) | ~65 per 100,000 (Baja California, 2024, INEGI) | 3rd highest in Mexico; state-wide figure |
| Homicide Rate (City Est.) | ~30–40 per 100,000 (estimated) | Lower than Tijuana (~96/100k) but elevated |
| Theft/Robbery Risk | ⚠️ Moderate–High | Concentrated in certain areas; rare in tourist zones |
| Kidnapping Risk | ⚠️ Moderate | Primarily affects locals; tourists rarely targeted |
| U.S. Advisory Level | ⚠️ Level 3 – Reconsider Travel (Baja California state) | As of 2025–2026 |
| Mexico Peace Index 2025 | 25th of 32 states (Baja California) | Improving but still near bottom third |
| Violent Crime Trend | 📉 Declining ~41% (state, Sept 2024–May 2025) | Significant improvement in recent months |
Sources: INEGI Registered Deaths Statistics 2024, SESNSP via Mexico Business News, Vision of Humanity Mexico Peace Index 2025, U.S. State Department Travel Advisory 2026, Baja Daily News March 2026
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Overview: Where Does Ensenada Fit in the Safety Landscape?
Mexico recorded approximately 23.3 homicides per 100,000 people nationally in 2024, according to Vision of Humanity's Mexico Peace Index — a figure that has been slowly declining since its peak but remains high by regional and global standards. Against that national backdrop, Baja California's rate of roughly 65 per 100,000 places it among the most violent states in the country, alongside Guanajuato, Colima, and Morelos.
Within the state, however, violence is not evenly distributed. Tijuana and Mexicali consistently record the highest homicide numbers, driven by turf wars between competing criminal organizations. Ensenada occupies a middle position. It has experienced periods of elevated violence — particularly when cartel disputes spike — but its economy is deeply intertwined with tourism, which creates a degree of informal oversight and community pressure that more industrial cities lack.
The encouraging trend is that homicides in Baja California dropped by approximately 41.2% between September 2024 and May 2025, according to SESNSP data cited by Mexico Business News. The state went from leading the nation in homicides to showing one of the sharpest declines. For tourists visiting Ensenada in 2026, this trajectory is a meaningful positive signal.
It is also worth noting what the data does not show: mass victimization of tourists. The overwhelming majority of violent crimes in Ensenada involve individuals who know each other, settle personal scores, or are caught in the crossfire of organized crime disputes. Random violence against foreign tourists is statistically rare, even if it generates outsized media coverage.
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Homicide Data: What the Numbers Tell Us
State-Level Homicide Rates (Baja California)
Baja California's homicide rate has followed Mexico's national rollercoaster — spiking during periods of intense cartel conflict and gradually declining during periods of relative stability. According to INEGI's Registered Deaths Statistics report (August 2025), Baja California's homicide rate of approximately 65 per 100,000 residents placed it third in all of Mexico, behind only Guanajuato and Colima.
To put that in global context:
- The global average homicide rate is approximately 6 per 100,000 (UN Office on Drugs and Crime)
- The United States rates roughly 5 per 100,000
- Even accounting for Mexico's national average (~23/100k), Baja California's 65/100k is more than 3x the national figure
- September 2025 saw a 32% drop in daily average homicides nationally compared to September 2024
- Baja California's 41.2% decline between September 2024 and May 2025 was among the steepest in the country
- Daily homicide averages dropped from roughly 86.9 per day nationally in late 2024 to approximately 59.5 by September 2025
- Petty theft is the most common tourist-affecting crime in Ensenada. Cruise passengers disembarking for the day are particularly vulnerable, as criminals know visitors are carrying cash, cameras, and phones and may be distracted.
- Armed robbery is less common but does occur, particularly in less-touristy neighborhoods and on roads between destinations (such as the highway between Ensenada and the Valle de Guadalupe).
- Car break-ins are a known issue at popular beach access points and parking areas outside of Ensenada's tourist zone.
- Leave valuables in your ship's safe or your hotel safe; don't bring everything ashore
- Use a money belt for passport and emergency cash
- Keep phones and cameras secured when walking through crowded areas
- Avoid flashing expensive jewelry, watches, or electronics
- Use registered taxi services rather than hailing random vehicles
- Don't leave anything visible in your car, even in trunk — break-ins are common
- At beaches, never leave belongings unattended; use a buddy system
- Traveling alone on isolated roads at night
- Visiting areas known for drug activity
- Inviting strangers into your social circle
- Large cash withdrawals that signal wealth
- Staying within established tourist zones (Zona Centro, malecón, La Bufadora, Valle de Guadalupe wineries)
- Using registered transportation
- Traveling in groups
- Keeping a low profile regarding wealth
- Research common scams before you arrive
- Use registered, reputable services for tours and transportation
- Trust your instincts — if an offer seems too good to be true, it is
- Keep your wallet and phone secure in crowds
- Ask your cruise line or hotel for recommended vendors and services
- Bumps and potholes are common on libre roads; toll roads are significantly better maintained
- Traffic lights and stop signs can be hotspots for opportunistic crime (smash-and-grab from stopped vehicles). Keep doors locked and valuables out of sight at intersections
- Night driving on libre roads is discouraged due to limited lighting and the potential for road obstructions or criminal activity
- Military/police checkpoints are common on highways approaching major cities; stop when signaled and have documents ready
- Border area traffic near Tijuana can be extremely congested; plan accordingly
- Violent crime targeting tourists in Ensenada's tourist zones is statistically rare
- Petty theft and property crime are the most likely risks you will encounter
- The U.S. Level 3 advisory for Baja California is not an Ensenada-specific condemnation — it reflects aggregate state risk
- The Valle de Guadalupe and the Ensenada malecón are genuinely welcoming destinations with excellent food, wine, and culture
- Thousands of cruise passengers visit every week without incident
- Following basic travel safety practices dramatically reduces your risk profile
- U.S. State Department Travel Advisory: travel.state.gov; mx.usembassy.gov (updated 2025–2026)
- INEGI Registered Deaths Statistics 2024: INEGI.gob.mx
- SESNSP Homicide Data: Via Mexico Business News (June 2025, October 2025)
- Vision of Humanity – Mexico Peace Index 2025: visionofhumanity.org (published April 2025)
- El Crimen Daily Homicide Tracker: elcri.men
- Mexico News Daily – Homicide Trends 2025–2026: mexiconewsdaily.com
- U.S. Embassy Maps of Restricted Areas (March 2026): mx.usembassy.gov
- Baja Daily News – State Department Advisory Update (March 2026): bajadailynews.com
- Safe Travel Mexico City Database: safetravelmexico.com
However, and this is critical for Ensenada visitors: these are state-wide averages. They include the most violent neighborhoods of Tijuana and Mexicali. Ensenada's homicide rate is lower than the state average.
Ensenada City Homicide Rate
SESNSP does not publish city-specific homicide rates in the same real-time format as state data, but estimates based on municipal crime reports and media coverage suggest Ensenada's rate is closer to 30–40 per 100,000 — roughly half the state average but still significantly elevated by U.S. standards.
What drives violence in Ensenada? Primarily organized crime competition over drug trafficking routes and the proceeds of the port economy. Ensenada's status as a major port city makes it strategically valuable. However, the violence is overwhelmingly concentrated among individuals involved in criminal activity, not tourists.
Homicide Trend: Declining
The most important trend for 2025–2026 is the sharp reduction in homicides across Baja California:
For Ensenada specifically, this translates to fewer violent incidents overall and a more stable environment for visitors. While no city can guarantee absolute safety, the direction of travel is positive.
Sources: SESNSP/Mexico Business News (June 2025), INEGI Registered Deaths Statistics (August 2025), Vision of Humanity Mexico Peace Index 2025, El Crimen daily homicide tracker
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Theft and Robbery: The Most Likely Crime Tourists Will Encounter
While homicide statistics tend to dominate safety conversations, theft and robbery are the crimes tourists are most likely to personally encounter in Ensenada. Petty theft — pickpocketing, items stolen from vehicles, theft of unattended belongings — is the dominant concern in tourist areas.
What to Expect
Statistics
Nationwide, petty theft in Baja California is estimated at approximately 85 reports per 100,000 residents, according to data cited by Reolink in their 2026 safety overview. This figure is for the state and likely lower in Ensenada's tourist-oriented downtown area, but it provides a useful baseline.
How to Protect Yourself
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Kidnapping in Ensenada: Separating Risk from Perception
Kidnapping is perhaps the most feared crime among international travelers to Mexico, and it generates significant media attention. The reality for tourists in Ensenada is more reassuring than the headlines suggest.
What the Data Says
The U.S. State Department warns that U.S. citizens have been victims of kidnapping in Mexico, and this is a legitimate concern for certain regions. However, the vast majority of kidnapping cases in Mexico are express kidnappings (where criminals force victims to withdraw ATM funds) targeting wealthy locals, or virtual kidnappings (fraud calls demanding ransom) targeting families.
Tourist-targeted kidnappings in Ensenada are extremely rare. The city has no documented history of tourists being kidnapped for ransom. The tourism economy is too important to the local community, and the kind of targeted violence that would accompany a tourist kidnapping would draw immediate and intense law enforcement attention.
Zones of Caution
That said, kidnapping risk is not zero. Criminals do sometimes target individuals — locals or visitors — who are perceived as wealthy or who put themselves in risky situations (isolated areas at night, associating with known criminals, etc.).
Higher-risk situations include:
Lower-risk situations:
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Tourist Scams in Ensenada: What to Watch For
Every popular tourist destination has its share of scams, and Ensenada is no exception. The good news is that tourist scams in Ensenada are overwhelmingly non-violent and financial in nature. Being aware of common schemes will help you avoid them.
Common Scams
1. Counterfeit merchandise and artisanal goods
Street vendors near the malecón and cruise port sometimes sell counterfeit designer goods, "authentic" Mexican crafts that are mass-produced imports, or alcohol that has been diluted or replaced with cheaper alternatives. Buy from reputable stores or vendors with established reputations.
2. Timeshare solicitation scams
Timeshare salespeople aggressively target cruise passengers. Some represent legitimate businesses; others are outright scams designed to take your deposit or credit card information. Never sign anything at a roadside timeshare presentation without reading carefully and consulting someone you trust.
3. Taxi overcharging
Unregistered taxis (known as "taxi libre") sometimes charge tourists inflated fares, particularly after cruise ship arrivals. Agree on a price before getting in, use ride-sharing apps (Uber operates in Ensenada), or use registered taxi stands near the cruise terminal.
4. "Police" shakedowns
On roads outside the city, tourists have occasionally been approached by individuals posing as police officers demanding fines or bribes. Real police officers in Mexico will identify themselves and provide official documentation. If approached, ask for identification, remain calm, and insist on going to a police station if there is any question.
5. Beach vendor aggression
Some beach vendors can be persistent to the point of aggression, following tourists down the beach or repeatedly approaching despite clear disinterest. A firm but polite "No, thank you" is usually sufficient. Walking away calmly generally ends the interaction.
6. Currency exchange tricks
Use official exchange houses or bank ATMs rather than street vendors offering "great rates." Some exchange vendors use sleight of hand or rigged calculators to give you less than agreed.
How to Avoid Scams
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Neighborhood Safety in Ensenada: District-by-District Guide
Not all of Ensenada is the same from a safety perspective. Understanding which neighborhoods are tourist-friendly and which require more caution will help you make the most of your visit.
✅ Safe for Tourists
Zona Centro (Downtown Ensenada)
The historic downtown is the heart of the tourist district and the safest area for visitors. Foot traffic is high, police presence is visible, and businesses depend on tourist patronage. The malecón (waterfront promenade), Plaza Costa Azul, and the surrounding restaurant and bar district are well-patroled and welcoming. During cruise ship days, the area is particularly busy and safe.
La Bufadora Area (Punta Banda Peninsula)
The famous blowhole attraction and surrounding seafood market are popular tourist stops. The area is generally safe during daylight hours, with a heavy tourist presence and local vendors who depend on visitor goodwill. Stay within the main market area and avoid wandering onto isolated beaches alone.
Valle de Guadalupe (Wine Country)
Mexico's premier wine region, located about 20 miles inland from Ensenada, is one of the safest areas in the entire region. Wineries such as Monte Xanic, LA Cetto, and Decantos welcome thousands of tourists annually. The rural roads are generally safe, and the community is heavily invested in wine tourism. Use toll roads (cuotas) when available, as they are better maintained and less prone to crime than libre roads.
Playa Hermosa and Playas de Ensenada
The beach areas immediately south of the malecón are popular with locals and tourists alike. During daylight hours, these areas are generally safe. As with any beach destination, keep belongings attended and avoid isolated stretches after dark.
⚠️ Exercise Caution
Fraccionamiento Playas de Tijuana and Northern Approaches
The further north you travel along the coast toward the U.S. border, the more caution is warranted. Areas near the northern municipal boundary have seen increased cartel activity in recent years. If you are driving toward Tijuana, stay on well-traveled toll roads.
Industrial Zones and Peripheral Neighborhoods
Ensenada's industrial port areas and some residential neighborhoods on the city's periphery are not set up for tourism and offer little of interest to visitors. These areas have higher rates of property crime and can be unsafe for unfamiliar visitors, particularly at night.
Highway 1 ( libre road to Valle de Guadalupe)
The scenic libre (non-toll) road to the wine country passes through some rural areas. While generally safe during daylight hours, it is less monitored than the toll road (cuota). Avoid night driving on this route.
❌ Avoid
Remote Beach Areas After Dark
Some of Ensenada's most beautiful beaches are remote and have limited lighting or cell service. Beach camping and overnight stays at isolated locations carry genuine safety risks and are not recommended.
Areas Adjacent to Known Criminal Activity Zones
Certain neighborhoods in eastern Ensenada have higher rates of violent crime related to drug trafficking. These areas have no tourist infrastructure and no reason for visitors to go there. If you are directions to a location from a stranger that seems off, trust your instincts.
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Transportation Safety in Ensenada
Getting around Ensenada safely requires some advance planning, but the city's transportation options are generally reliable for tourists.
🚗 Getting There
From the U.S. Border:
Ensenada is approximately 80 miles south of the San Diego/Tijuana border crossing. Most visitors drive south on Mexico Federal Highway 1D (the cuota/toll road) which is well-maintained and patrolled. The libre (free) Highway 1 is more scenic but less maintained. For safety and speed, use the cuota.
By Cruise Ship:
Cruise passengers arrive directly at the Port of Ensenada, which is a short walk or taxi ride from the Zona Centro. Port security is present.
🚕 Getting Around
Taxis:
Registered taxis in Ensenada operate from established stands. Look for the "sitio" taxi stands near the cruise terminal and in the malecón area. Agree on a price before departure or insist the driver use the meter. Avoid hailing taxis on the street in less-touristy areas.
Uber and Ride-Sharing:
Uber operates in Ensenada and is generally considered safer and more reliable than regular taxis. The app provides a traceable record of your trip and a way to share your status with contacts.
Rental Cars:
Driving yourself is viable and gives you flexibility to visit the Valle de Guadalupe and surrounding areas. Use the toll roads, lock your car at all times, don't leave valuables visible, and avoid night driving on libre roads. International driving permits are recommended.
Public Buses:
Local buses (camionetas) are used primarily by locals and are not set up for tourist comfort or convenience. They are also frequent targets for petty theft. Use them only if you are an experienced local traveler.
⚠️ Road Safety Considerations
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U.S. Government Travel Advisory: What It Means for Ensenada
The U.S. State Department's Travel Advisory for Mexico uses a four-level system:
| Level | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Exercise Normal Precautions |
| Level 2 | Exercise Increased Caution |
| Level 3 | Reconsider Travel |
| Level 4 | Do Not Travel |
Baja California (which includes Ensenada) is currently classified as Level 3: Reconsider Travel as of 2025–2026, per the U.S. Embassy Mexico and Baja Daily News (March 2026). This is one step below "Do Not Travel" and reflects the state's elevated violent crime rate relative to other Mexican states.
What Level 3 Means Practically:
The State Department advises that travelers to Level 3 areas should "reconsider travel" due to crime and kidnapping risks. This does not mean the U.S. government forbids travel to Ensenada, but it signals that visitors should be highly aware of risks and take extra precautions.
Ensenada Specifically:
Within Baja California, the State Department notes that travel restrictions apply specifically to the Mexicali Valley area. Ensenada itself is not listed as a restricted zone, but travelers are expected to exercise heightened caution throughout the state.
What the Advisory Doesn't Tell You:
Travel advisories are broad by nature and reflect aggregate state-level risk. They do not distinguish between Ensenada (where tourists are generally well-protected by community norms and tourism economy) and Ciudad Juárez (which has an entirely different risk profile). A blanket Level 3 advisory for the entire state of Baja California does not accurately describe the tourist experience in Ensenada's established tourism zones.
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico also maintains a system of Embassy Alerts for short-term disruptions including protests, road blockages, weather events, and security operations. These can be checked at mx.usembassy.gov before and during travel.
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Hurricane and Natural Hazard Considerations
While not a crime-related safety issue, visitors to Ensenada should be aware of natural hazards:
Hurricane Season (June–November):
The Pacific coast of Baja California can be affected by tropical storms and hurricanes during the summer and fall months. Ensenada itself is relatively protected by its position on the Cortez side of the peninsula, but conditions can change rapidly. Monitor weather reports during your visit.
Earthquake Risk:
Baja California is seismically active. If you feel an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under sturdy furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. Ensenada has emergency protocols in place.
Flash Flooding:
Desert and canyon areas around Ensenada can experience sudden flash flooding during rain events. Avoid canyon areas during storms and heed posted warnings.
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Emergency Contacts in Ensenada
Save these numbers before you travel:
| Service | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance) | 911 (Mexico emergency services) |
| Tourist Police (Ensenada) | +52 (646) 178-8121 |
| U.S. Consulate General Tijuana | +52 (664) 622-7400 |
| Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Ensenada | +52 (646) 178-2066 |
| Fire Department Ensenada | +52 (646) 178-0111 |
| State Police (Baja California) | 066 |
| Safe Travel Mexico Hotline | Available via app |
Tip: Register your trip with the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at step.state.gov. This allows the U.S. embassy to contact you in case of emergency and facilitates assistance if needed.
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Expert Safety Tips for Visiting Ensenada in 2026
Drawing on the data and local knowledge available, here are the most important safety recommendations for Ensenada visitors:
1. Stay in established tourist zones.
The Zona Centro, malecón area, La Bufadora, and Valle de Guadalupe are where the vast majority of visitors have safe, enjoyable experiences. These areas have visible police presence, active business communities invested in tourism, and high foot traffic that naturally discourages opportunistic crime.
2. Use registered services.
Use official taxi stands, reputable tour operators recommended by your cruise line or hotel, and well-reviewed restaurants. Don't accept unsolicited rides or services from strangers.
3. Treat petty crime as your primary risk.
Your real safety concern in Ensenada is not violent crime — it is pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and vehicle break-ins. Treat valuables carefully, don't carry more cash than you need, and keep documents secure.
4. Be strategic about timing.
Daylight visits to established tourist areas are significantly safer than night outings to unfamiliar parts of the city. If you want to experience Ensenada's nightlife, go with a trusted local guide or use rideshare apps rather than walking alone.
5. Avoid the libre roads at night.
Highway 1 (libre) between Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe is less patrolled than the cuota toll road. Night driving on rural libre roads anywhere near Ensenada is genuinely risky and should be avoided.
6. Don't discuss drug activity or cartel topics.
It's never wise to discuss organized crime in any form in public. While friendly conversations with locals are perfectly safe, avoid probing questions about criminal activity.
7. Keep your car locked and valuables out of sight.
Car break-ins are one of the most common crimes affecting tourists in Ensenada. Treat your vehicle like a bank vault — nothing visible inside, everything locked.
8. Download offline maps and have a working cell phone.
Mexico's cellular coverage is generally good in tourist areas. Having a working phone with the ability to call emergency services (911 works in Mexico) is essential. Consider a local SIM card or ensuring your U.S. carrier's Mexico plan is active.
9. Get travel insurance.
Verify that your health and travel insurance covers Mexico. Medical evacuation can be extremely expensive. Review your policy's coverage for international travel before departure.
10. Respect local customs and laws.
Mexico has strict laws on drug possession, firearms, and immigration documents. Carry your passport (or a certified copy + official photo ID) at all times. Do not carry weapons or contraband under any circumstances.
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The Verdict: Is Ensenada Safe for Tourists in 2026?
The short answer: Yes, with informed precautions.
Ensenada is not a zero-risk destination. It sits within a state (Baja California) that carries a Level 3 travel advisory and has a state homicide rate roughly three times the national Mexican average. Within that context, Ensenada itself is a comparatively safer city, driven by the economic incentive of its tourism industry and its relative distance from the most violent cartel flashpoints that plague the Tijuana-Mexicali corridor.
The data trends are genuinely encouraging: homicides in Baja California dropped more than 40% in 2024–2025, and Ensenada's status as a cruise port and wine country destination means it has a deeply rooted tourist infrastructure that functions as a de facto safety mechanism.
The honest assessment for 2026:
Bottom line: A well-prepared tourist who stays in established tourist areas, uses registered transportation, keeps valuables secure, avoids risky behavior at night, and uses common sense will have a safe and enjoyable experience in Ensenada in 2026. The city delivers an authentic taste of Baja California — wine, seafood, surf, and warm hospitality — without the dangers that make some other parts of the region inadvisable.
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