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Ultimately! Californians have a brand new handy option 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 may cross over both aspect all willy-nilly.
Tons may be stated concerning the border, however one side is plain – wait occasions are unpredictable, and after they’re unhealthy, they’re actually unhealthy!
It is stated Tijuana is house 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 typically select to remain nearer to house by crossing into Mexico’s lovely 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 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 distinct story, clearly.
For vacationers desirous to discover extra of Baja past Tijuana, it’s a must to make an vital choice: Do you need to threat getting caught in line coming again house for hours on finish?
Regardless of what number of TikToks you may scroll by for 3 hours, it is not 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 at the very least 200 occasions, and by no means made it to Ensenada, one in all Baja’s most ignored gems.
Reaching Ensenada is sort of actually 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 traces are backed up.
That is why this ferry experience is such excellent news to flee the trouble by departing from San Diego, fairly than even stepping foot in Tijuana.
Tip: See if you happen to’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 document, there isn’t any 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 12 months.
In line with San Diego Pink, these would be the departure occasions:
- San Diego to Ensenada might be from 11:30am to three:30pm and from 7:00pm to 9:30pm
- Ensenada to San Diego might be from 7:00am to 9:30am and from 3:00pm to five:30pm.
Pricing isn’t 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, the perfect perks might be wifi and foods and drinks service, which can 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 numerous methods to achieve Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe. Earlier than this ferry, my private choice was by Tijuana’s next-door neighbor of Tecate.
Most frequently, folks start their journey by the ‘Napa of Mexico’ from Tecate to Ensenada, passing by 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 start line.
Ensenada itself is primarily often known as a blip on cruise itineraries and an outstanding 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 repute, the remainder of Baja could be very protected.
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 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: Should 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, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the put up.
