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Finally! Californians have a brand new handy technique to attain Mexico with out the trouble of Customs.
As you have certainly heard on the information, simply because we’re neighbors does not imply you’ll be able to cross over both facet all willy-nilly.
Tons will be stated concerning the border, however one facet is plain – wait occasions are unpredictable, and once they’re dangerous, they’re actually dangerous!
It is stated Tijuana is residence to the busiest border on this planet, drawing an impenetrable line within the sand between a pair of fascinating locations.
Slightly than go to Napa Valley, the inarguable wine king of California, Southern Californians usually select to remain nearer to residence 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 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 special story, clearly.
For vacationers eager to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, it’s important to make an vital choice: Do you wish to threat getting caught in line coming again residence for hours on finish?
Irrespective of what number of TikToks you’ll be able to scroll by means of for 3 hours, it is not 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, most likely crossed into Tijuana no less than 200 occasions, and by no means made it to Ensenada, certainly one of Baja’s most ignored 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 strains are backed up.
That is why this ferry trip is such excellent news to flee the trouble by departing from San Diego, moderately than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See should 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 Count on
Whereas Azteca Ferries’ web site remains to be fairly naked bones, native publication San Diego Red revealed some juicy perception.
For the report, 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 line with San Diego Crimson, 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 shouldn’t be 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 most effective perks will likely 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 numerous methods to achieve Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private desire was by means of Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, folks start their journey by means of the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by means of pleasant small cities and beautiful wineries alongside the best way.
With the ferry, you may must do it in reverse order with Ensenada as your place to begin.
Ensenada itself is primarily often called 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 repute, the remainder of Baja could be very secure.
You may 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 line 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: In case you’re simply as into beer as you’re 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 put up.
