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Ensenada, Mexico © alex ayala/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Ensenada, Mexico © Hernán García Crespo/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Ensenada, Mexico © Jeff/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
Ensenada, Mexico © Matt Wade/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
Ensenada, Mexico © Von Gomez/Flickr/CC BY 2.0
Ensenada, Mexico © Jeff/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0
Ensenada, Mexico
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Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada (Spanish: Ensenada De Todos Santos) is the city seat of the largest municipality in Baja California, Mexico on the Pacific Coast south of Tijuana. It is locally referred to as La Bella Cenicienta del Pacífico (Spanish: The Beautiful Cinderella of the Pacific).
Understand
Located in the Bahía de Todos Santos — an inlet of the Pacific Ocean — Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship port of call. There is also a navy base, an army base and a military airfield, which functions as an airport of entry into Mexico.
The city is backed by small mountain ranges. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year-round. Although the winter rainy season is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts,... Read more
Ensenada, Mexico
Destination:
Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada (Spanish: Ensenada De Todos Santos) is the city seat of the largest municipality in Baja California, Mexico on the Pacific Coast south of Tijuana. It is locally referred to as La Bella Cenicienta del Pacífico (Spanish: The Beautiful Cinderella of the Pacific).
Understand
Located in the Bahía de Todos Santos — an inlet of the Pacific Ocean — Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship port of call. There is also a navy base, an army base and a military airfield, which functions as an airport of entry into Mexico.
The city is backed by small mountain ranges. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year-round. Although the winter rainy season is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts, Ensenada sits in the heart of a wine country that is widely regarded as the best in Mexico and the Americas with the Napa Valley in California. It is said that the first vitis vinifera made it to the peninsula (specifically to the San Ignacio Mission) in 1703, when Jesuit Padre Juan de Ugarte planted the first vineyards there.
Ensenada is the only deep-water port in the state of Baja California and is part of standard shipping routes that directly link it with the Mexican cities of La Paz, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Acapulco and Lázaro Cárdenas, as well as the U.S. cities of San Diego, Long Beach and Los Angeles, the Guatemalan city of Puerto Quetzal, the Chilean city of Valparaíso, the Japanese city of Yokohama and the Chinese city of Hong Kong.
Climate
Ensenada boasts overall very pleasant weather with the sea bringing cold air in hot days and not much cold on the winters. It is also very fickle and you are advised to bring a sweater and pants along with your shorts and shirts.
Source:
https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/
Ensenada
Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0
Ensenada, Mexico: Port Information
Cruise liners dock at the pier. You can easily get to the major tourist area (Avenida Lopez Mateos) on foot. Besides, shuttle buses and taxis are available.
Get around Ensenada, Mexico
- By foot: Most of Ensenada's downtown tourist attractions can be accessed by foot. Others, like
La Bufadora
and Wineries are too far away to walk to, but tours will take you there for a fee. If your Espanol is "malo" you could take the local busses inexpensively out and back to La Bufadora. - By bicycle: Most of the Boulevard Costero and the scenic highway can be traveled in a bike. Take precautions for the scenic highway north of costero is a freeway and trucks and cars travel at high speeds. Ensenada's South is not very bike friendly.
- By car: The city is extremely easy to navigate by car and parking is free and available everywhere. Keep in mind that on highways, the left lane is just for passing and local drivers will tailgate you if you coast on the left lane. You can rent a car at the Rosearito Hotel.
- Taxis and buses: Radio taxis are available and will take you anywhere. Route Taxis and Buses serve mostly suburban routes and are not very useful for tourists, although are very cheap.
What to see in Ensenada, Mexico
- Beaches. The city of Ensenada is on the Ensenada Harbor, so you'll have to drive south or north to get to a local beach. Private beaches like Estero Beach and Mona Lisa have resort accommodations and facilities, but public ones like San Miguel and El Punto are free for anyone who wishes to walk by the sea.
Todos Santos Island
a small island located west of Ensenada (about 2 hours by boat), and a world-famous surfing spot. The Billabong XXL surfing contest has been held at Todos Santos Island several times. Wave faces can reach above 60 feet on the island. Brad Gerlach, 2006 winner of Big XXL, surfed a wave of 68 feet in December 2006.- La Bufadora or "blow-hole" is in a small village about nineteen miles southwest of town. The road from Ensenada, especially in the area close to the Bufadora, offers beautiful views over the sea and cliffs. The narrow main street leading to the viewing area is crowded with tourist-trap shops selling curios, take-away food, and prescription medicines, but the Bufadora itself is a rather remarkable natural sea vent. However, it is not possible to see the actual blowhole from most parts of the viewing area due to the angle of the cliff face; the impressive columns of water that shoot up are visible. On busy days, local Mexican tourists in the hundreds cram the viewing area. The local cove offers camping, swimming, kayaking, and scuba, including a small dive shop with rentals; the cove is especially cold water. Locals report that sea lions are sometimes seen swimming about. Locals eat at Celia's, also available are the Bufadora, Pancho's, and Habana Banana restaurants.
- Ensenada Wineries Many wineries exist on the outskirts of Ensenada in the Valle de Guadalupe and an hour south at Santo Thomas. The wineries are located along highway 3 to Tecate (exit just south of last toll gate, north of town). Most offer tours and tastings, however, some wineries require that you make an appointment before.
- Hiking. Hiking can be done on the nearby Canon de Dona Petra, and on the near Laguna Hanson. An arrangement with local eco-tours needed.
What to do in Ensenada, Mexico
Ensenada is a city best experienced by car. The greatest experiences in Ensenada involve going out early to Bufadora, having ceviche at 1st street, drink at Hussong's, then go to a beach and end back in a club or bar. All of these require independent transportation so it would be wise to rent a car, and have a designated driver.
Locations
- Fox Studios Rosarito. was the location for much of the at-sea filming of James Cameron's "Titanic", which gave this studio location its start. Since then many films have been shot here including "Master & Commander", which the ship from that film remains on site. They offer tours.
Beaches and Surfing
- San Miguel Beach, San Miguel Beach (Near Ensenada's highway toll, ask a taxi). A small rocky beach that offers a great night view of the city. Great for camping and drinking, locals favor it for its relaxed nature and private nature which means you won't be disturbed unless you make a lot of noise.
Hiking, Nature and Off-Road
- El Salto. Its a beautiful canyon, excellent for rock climbing, rappel and hiking; and in the rain season, you can view a spectacular +100ft. waterfall. You can find it at KM 76 in the Tijuana - Ensenada Libre Highway.
- Canon de Dona Petra Hike (Ask a taxi to get you to the starting point). Every first Sunday of the month, locals hike through this 10km hike. It's free and you can find many people. It takes about 3 and a half hours at good pace and it's of moderate difficulty. At the end of the hike, you can take the bus back to Ensenada.
- San Carlos Hot Springs (Aguas Termales) (Head five miles south of town ( just past Chapultepec )on the road to San Quintin, turn East at the golf course and follow the signs - or ask the locals). Features pipe-fed hot pools, cold pool, and mud pool as well as cabins, showers, and camping, is popular with the locals, despite a 10-mile rocky dirt road with 13 (or so) shallow water crossings; medium-clearance vehicles are recommended.
- California Motorsport Adventures. Off-road adventure tours for people of all riding abilities. Everyone welcome: families, couples, friends, single riders, bachelor and corporate groups. Full day excursions or longer tours available also. Ride in the dunes and then enjoy a guided adventure into the surrounding mountain trails. Contact the office for reservations.
- Whale Pursuing (Whale Watching). The gray whale's annual migration from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California Sur between the months of December and March, and back in the months of April and May, can be seen from the coast of Ensenada. Sightseeing tours are available every day during migration season. Whale watching not guaranteed
- La Bufadora (The Blowhole), Punta Banda. La Bufadora is a marine geyser and the largest blowhole in the world, often shooting upwards more than 100 feet above sea level. The exhibit hall rooftop is approximately 80 feet above sea level and the blowhole frequently sprays above it.
- Sports Fishing. Ensenada Baja California has been known for sports fishing for over fifty years. Each year hundreds of anglers head for Ensenada to go fishing and take advantage of the shorter distances needed to travel by sea to get to the big catch. The short range day trips are good for cranking in Bass, Bonita, Barracuda, Cod, and Yellowtail, while the long-range trips pull in Tuna, Albacore, Dorado. Prices Vary.
Events
- Baja 1000 (The Longest International Off-Road Race in the World). This important race held in November as well as the Baja 500 Off-Road race held in June start in Ensenada. While the Baja 500 almost always ends in Ensenada the Baja 1000 ends in Ensenada in even-numbered years while in odd-numbered years ends at the tip of Baja, usually in Cabo San Lucas. Amenities are extended during the days prior to the start.
- Wine Harvest Festival (Fiestas de la Vendimia). Every year, before the end of spring and until the end of August, the wine harvest season is celebrated around the Guadalupe Valley and in the city of Ensenada with a series of events. These events range from private wine tastings and galas to concerts of both classical music and famous pop artists at the wine yards. The end of the harvest season is commemorated by a two-day free event at the Santo Tomas winery in Ensenada with a festival that is preferred by the locals. Be sure to check out the site for there is an event almost daily. Varies.
- Carnaval. The Ensenada Carnaval is one of the country's largest, as thousands of people gather in the streets for six days and nights.
What to eat and drink in Ensenada, Mexico
Eat
- Open Air Fish Market (Mercado Negro), Boulevard Costero. Baja's largest seafood market. Located near the oceanfront. Most of the market's open-air stalls sell catches fresh off the fishing boats that dock nearby. This is also a great place to try a famous fish taco.
- Fish Tacos. The Fish Taco is said to have been born in Ensenada (or possibly San Felipe). The local style includes deep-fried seafood, with a white sauce and a shredded-cabbage topping, along with several salsas. Dining at the row of fish and shrimp taco eateries by the pier is an Ensenada must.
- Taqueria El Fenix is a local favorite and serves delicious tacos, both shrimp and fish.
- Caprichos. Incredible fine dining. Located in the heart of Ensenada on the cobblestone street, across the road from
Hussong's
(whether it is the original or not is unknown). It also serves delicious burgers on a back grill. - Tortas Michoacan. Really good sandwiches with either pork, ham, carne asada, or all three, very delicious, kind of a little walk away from the tourist area, look for the counter with a big line of people on the main street just 1 block south of a Chinese buffet, it's about 2 blocks east from the main tourist area and about 10 blocks south on the widest big road with all the shops all the way along it.
- Ceviche La Guerrerense. Great street ceviche car that serves a huge variety of ceviches. It also has a huge variety of salsas ranging from light to super hot. Be careful with those and ask for assistance. Also serves cocktails. Located on 1st street and Alvarado
- Tacos El Paisa, 10th street and 20 de Noviembre (Ask a taxi to take you here). If you want to have the TRUE Mexican taco experience, go to this place. Favored by locals. Carne Asada, Adobada, Tripas, and Cabeza are available as quesatacos, tortas, and huaraches. A must taste that will scratch that Tex-Mex flavor you are used to.
Drink
- Cantina Hussong's, Ruiz. Legendary and historic bar. Established in 1892 Hussongs is the oldest bar in the Californias, Hussong’s was originally a stagecoach stop built by its German founder Johan Hussong. Some say that the city of Ensenada was built around this bar. Rumor has it that the Margarita was invented here.
- Papa's and Beer Ensenada (El Papas), Ruiz y Primera. Another legendary and historic bar right across the street from Hussong's.
- Mango Mango, Primera & Ruiz. 20:00 - 03:00. A place to dance Caribbean and norteno rythms.
- Abel's Bar, Boulevard Costero 1000-6 between Diamante and Medusas (Easy to find on Costero). A rock-oriented bar serves cheap drinks and good music with a metal mood
- La Taberna (Cervecrería Tijuana). Located on 1st Street (half a block away from McDonald's), the Tijuana Brewery Tavern offers award-winning draft beer in many varietals, ranging from light lagers to dark ales. This is a local favorite hangout for all sorts of people, and happy hour is available at least two nights a week.
Shopping in Ensenada, Mexico
- Curios, On 1st street. Many regional art pieces for cheap can be found on 1st Street.
- MacroPlaza, Transpeninsular (Ask a taxi or take any Maneadero Bus). Mall with clothing and supermarket options. If you want to see a movie and don't mind Spanish subtitles, go to a Mexican movie theater.
Safety in Ensenada, Mexico
Scofflaws - gringos getting drunk, using drugs or visiting prostitutes - are the most likely to experience Mexico's legal system. Most laws in Baja, though less frequently enforced, carry more severe penalties than they do in the United States.
Bandits (Bandidos) are more urban legend than reality, though there are occasional reports of robberies on remote highways. Crime is more common in Northern Baja, especially between Tijuana and Ensenada.
Mexican drivers are often overly aggressive while overtaking and the Baja's main highway Number "1" is marked with literally hundreds of crosses marking spots where drivers met their untimely end.
Drug Dealers, mostly international, use the remote areas of Baja for operations; most tourists are unlikely to encounter them. However, because of this problem, there are several checkpoints maintained by the Mexican military along the highway. Soldiers and officials are usually very friendly and courteous provided your full cooperation. Never run through military checkpoints as guards are armed and have the right to shoot! Drug smuggling, any form of firearm (illegal in Mexico) and fruits and vegetables are their main concerns. With that said never agree to carry anything for anybody (you don't know or barely know), especially if promises of a hefty compensation were offered. If you're caught carrying drugs, firearms, or any contraband you WILL be going to jail despite the fact that they weren't yours or you didn't know what you were carrying. Ignore anybody approaching to sell you drugs. It can be a set up by an informant disguised as a dealer. Buy the drugs from this informant and then be shaken down by an officer (partner in crime w/ the first dealer) down the street for a hefty "fine" or go to jail.
Mexico is a traditional Catholic country, therefore nude (and for women, topless) sunbathing is illegal in Mexico - while you often will get away with it on remote beaches, many of the locals strongly disapprove, and there are reports of large fines.
The Water in restaurants is generally bottled and purified. Do not drink tap water as in most of Mexico.
Bandits (Bandidos) are more urban legend than reality, though there are occasional reports of robberies on remote highways. Crime is more common in Northern Baja, especially between Tijuana and Ensenada.
Mexican drivers are often overly aggressive while overtaking and the Baja's main highway Number "1" is marked with literally hundreds of crosses marking spots where drivers met their untimely end.
Drug Dealers, mostly international, use the remote areas of Baja for operations; most tourists are unlikely to encounter them. However, because of this problem, there are several checkpoints maintained by the Mexican military along the highway. Soldiers and officials are usually very friendly and courteous provided your full cooperation. Never run through military checkpoints as guards are armed and have the right to shoot! Drug smuggling, any form of firearm (illegal in Mexico) and fruits and vegetables are their main concerns. With that said never agree to carry anything for anybody (you don't know or barely know), especially if promises of a hefty compensation were offered. If you're caught carrying drugs, firearms, or any contraband you WILL be going to jail despite the fact that they weren't yours or you didn't know what you were carrying. Ignore anybody approaching to sell you drugs. It can be a set up by an informant disguised as a dealer. Buy the drugs from this informant and then be shaken down by an officer (partner in crime w/ the first dealer) down the street for a hefty "fine" or go to jail.
Mexico is a traditional Catholic country, therefore nude (and for women, topless) sunbathing is illegal in Mexico - while you often will get away with it on remote beaches, many of the locals strongly disapprove, and there are reports of large fines.
The Water in restaurants is generally bottled and purified. Do not drink tap water as in most of Mexico.
Language spoken in Ensenada, Mexico
As in most of Mexico, some Spanish can go a long way and is greatly appreciated. Many locals have been to or worked in the United States, so the knowledge of English is high. Some Mexican school children also receive English education in schools.
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LOCAL TIME
7:11 am
August 9, 2020
America/Tijuana
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LOCAL CURRENCY
MXN
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