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At final! Californians have a brand new handy method to attain Mexico with out the effort of Customs.
As you have absolutely heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors doesn’t suggest you may cross over both aspect all willy-nilly.
Lots will be mentioned concerning the border, however one facet is simple – wait occasions are unpredictable, and once they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!
It’s mentioned Tijuana is house to the busiest border on this planet, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Rather than go to Napa Valley, the inarguable wine king of California, Southern Californians usually select to remain nearer to house by crossing into Mexico’s stunning area of Valle de Guadalupe for world-class wineries and beautiful surroundings.
A new thrilling ferry makes the method a lot simpler.
Skip the daunting traces and take a straight shot to the Northern Baja port metropolis of Ensenada.
Azteca Ferry: The New Easy Route To Wine Country
Azteca Ferries would be the operator for the one ferry connecting Californians to Mexico. Cruises are a special story, clearly.
For vacationers desirous to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, it’s important to make an necessary resolution: Do you need to threat getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?
No matter what number of TikToks you may scroll via for 3 hours, it is not a great time.
That’s why I’m further excited to find this new ferry, particularly as somebody who has lived in San Diego for 10 years, in all probability crossed into Tijuana at the least 200 occasions, and by no means made it to Ensenada, considered one of Baja’s most missed gems.
Reaching Ensenada is sort of truthfully a ache.
It’s so shut, but so distant. Approximately 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a well-liked cruise port and gateway into Mexico’s underrated wine nation.
Those 90 minutes again to the border can flip into 5 hours if the traces are backed up.
That’s why this ferry trip is such excellent news to flee the effort by departing from San Diego, quite than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See when you’re eligible for a SENTRI card, the kryptonite to bypass border traces. New appointment openings are launched between 10am – 11am, so refresh the web page when reserving!
What To Expect
While Azteca Ferries’ web site continues to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
For the document, there isn’t a official departure date. “Coming soon” teases us on Azteca’s web site. The good factor is that Valle de Guadalupe is nice to go to any time of 12 months.
According to San Diego Red, these would be the departure occasions:
- San Diego to Ensenada will likely be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Ensenada to San Diego will likely be from 7:00am to 9:30am and from 3:00pm to five:30pm.
Pricing is just not official both, however these are the anticipated ticket costs:
- Single journey – $70
- Round-trip – $130
Although, kids and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Despite being out on the open sea, the perfect perks will likely be wifi and food and drinks service, which is able to absolutely provide native wine aboard for a pattern of what you are getting your self into.
The boat will seat 300 passengers.
Ensenada To Tecate: Mexico’s Most Underrated Journey
There are some ways to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Before this ferry, my private choice was via Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most usually, folks start their journey via the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing via pleasant small cities and beautiful wineries alongside the way in which.
With the ferry, you may need to do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your place to begin.
Ensenada itself is primarily often known as a blip on cruise itineraries and an outstanding seafood vacation spot. Otherwise, it is merely a gateway to Northern Baja’s famed wineries.
There are ample tour guides to rent or you may go at it alone. Just know regardless of Tijuana sketchy repute, the remainder of Baja could be very protected.
You’ll discover some really superior locations to remain right here too just like the newly opened Banyan Tree Veya Valle de Guadalupe or my private favourite Santuario Diegueño providing breathtaking views overlooking Tecate.
According to TripAdvisor, these are the highest 3 wineries to go to proper now:
- Xecue Vinicola
- Monte Xanic
- L.A. Cetto Boutique Valle de Guadalupe
Tip: If you are simply as into beer as you might be wine, cease on the Tecate plant the place you are given a complimentary beer on arrival.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.
