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Eventually! Californians have a brand new handy approach to attain Mexico with out the trouble of Customs.
As you have certainly heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors doesn’t suggest you’ll be able to cross over both facet all willy-nilly.
Heaps may be mentioned concerning the border, however one side is plain – wait occasions are unpredictable, and once they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!
It is mentioned Tijuana is residence to the busiest border on the earth, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Somewhat than go to Napa Valley, the inarguable wine king of California, Southern Californians typically select to remain nearer to residence by crossing into Mexico’s stunning area of Valle de Guadalupe for world-class wineries and gorgeous surroundings.
A new thrilling ferry makes the method a lot simpler.
Skip the daunting strains and take a straight shot to the Northern Baja port metropolis of Ensenada.
Azteca Ferry: The New Straightforward Route To Wine Nation
Azteca Ferries would be the operator for the one ferry connecting Californians to Mexico. Cruises are a unique story, clearly.
For vacationers desirous to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, it’s a must to make an essential determination: Do you need to danger getting caught in line coming again residence for hours on finish?
Regardless of what number of TikToks you’ll be able to scroll by for 3 hours, it isn’t an excellent time.
That is why I am further excited to find this new ferry, particularly as somebody who has lived in San Diego for 10 years, most likely crossed into Tijuana at the least 200 occasions, and by no means made it to Ensenada, considered one of Baja’s most ignored gems.
Reaching Ensenada is kind of truthfully a ache.
It is so shut, but so distant. Roughly 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a preferred cruise port and gateway into Mexico’s underrated wine nation.
These 90 minutes again to the border can flip into 5 hours if the strains are backed up.
That is why this ferry trip is such excellent news to flee the trouble by departing from San Diego, quite than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See in case you’re eligible for a SENTRI card, the kryptonite to bypass border strains. New appointment openings are launched between 10am – 11am, so refresh the web page when reserving!
What To Anticipate
Whereas Azteca Ferries’ web site remains to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
For the report, there is no such thing as a official departure date. “Coming quickly” teases us on Azteca’s web site. The great factor is that Valle de Guadalupe is nice to go to any time of yr.
In keeping with San Diego Purple, these would be the departure occasions:
- San Diego to Ensenada shall be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Ensenada to San Diego shall 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
- Spherical-trip – $130
Though, kids and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Regardless of being out on the open sea, the perfect perks shall be wifi and food and drinks service, which is able to certainly supply 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 various methods to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private choice was by Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, individuals start their journey by the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by 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 exceptional seafood vacation spot. In any other case, it is merely a gateway to Northern Baja’s famed wineries.
There are ample tour guides to rent or you’ll be able to go at it alone. Simply know regardless of Tijuana sketchy popularity, the remainder of Baja may be very secure.
You will 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.
In keeping with TripAdvisor, these are the highest 3 wineries to go to proper now:
- Xecue Vinicola
- Monte Xanic
- L.A. Cetto Boutique Valle de Guadalupe
Tip: For those who’re 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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Opinions expressed listed below are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, accepted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.