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Eventually! Californians have a brand new handy method to attain Mexico with out the effort of Customs.
As you’ve got certainly heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors does not imply you may cross over both aspect all willy-nilly.
Heaps could be stated in regards to the border, however one facet is plain – wait occasions are unpredictable, and after they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!
It is stated Tijuana is dwelling to the busiest border on the planet, 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 usually select to remain nearer to dwelling by crossing into Mexico’s lovely 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 Simple 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 eager to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, you must make an necessary resolution: Do you wish to danger getting caught in line coming again dwelling for hours on finish?
Regardless of what number of TikToks you may scroll by way of for 3 hours, it isn’t a very good time.
That is why I am additional excited to find this new ferry, particularly as somebody who has lived in San Diego for 10 years, in all probability crossed into Tijuana no less than 200 occasions, and by no means made it to Ensenada, considered one of Baja’s most neglected gems.
Reaching Ensenada is sort of truthfully a ache.
It is so shut, but so distant. Roughly 90 minutes from Tijuana, Ensenada is each a well-liked cruise port and gateway into Mexico’s underrated wine nation.
These 90 minutes again to the border can flip into 5 hours if the traces are backed up.
That is why this ferry experience is such excellent news to flee the effort by departing from San Diego, reasonably than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See in case 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 Anticipate
Whereas Azteca Ferries’ web site continues to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
For the file, there isn’t a official departure date. “Coming quickly” teases us on Azteca’s web site. The nice factor is that Valle de Guadalupe is nice to go to any time of 12 months.
In response to San Diego Crimson, 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, youngsters and senior residents could also be eligible for reductions.
Regardless of being out on the open sea, one of the best perks shall be wifi and foods and drinks service, which is able to certainly 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 a lot of methods to succeed in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private desire was by way of Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, individuals start their journey by way of the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by way of pleasant small cities and beautiful wineries alongside the best way.
With the ferry, you may should do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your place to begin.
Ensenada itself is primarily referred to 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 may go at it alone. Simply know regardless of Tijuana sketchy popularity, the remainder of Baja could be very secure.
You may discover some actually 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 response 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 happen to’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, 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.
