Ensenada

Ensenada is located 116 km south of Tijuana by way of Federal Highway 1 in the State of Baja California, Mexico. The city has an estimated population of 314,281. Ensenada is also the municipal seat of Ensenada Municipality, one of the five into which the state is divided. Ensenada is locally referred as 'La Bella Cenicienta del Pacífico' (The Cinderella of the Pacific).

Located in the Bahía de Todos Santos, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean, Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship stop. There is also a navy base, an army base and a military airfield.

The city is backed up by small mountain ranges. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude, the weather tends to be mild year-round. Although the winter rain season is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts, Ensenada sits in the heart of a wine country that is widely regarded as the best in Mexico. It is said that the first 'vitis vinifera' made it to the peninsula (specifically to the San Ignacio Mission) in 1703, when Jesuit Padre Juan Ugarte planted the first vineyards there.

Lured by its tranquility, affordability and wide range of services, thousands of foreigners have chosen Ensenada as their retirement haven. Its ideal climate, location and security, combined with the warm hospitality of its people, continue to attract growing numbers of part-time and vacation homeowners.

Ensenada is the only deep water port in Baja California and is part of standard shipping routes that directly link it with the Mexican cities of La Paz, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Acapulco and Lázaro Cárdenas, as well as the US cities of San Diego, Long Beach and Los Angeles, the Guatemalan city of Puerto Quetzal, the Chilean city of Valparaíso, the Japanese city of Yokohama and the Chinese city of Hong Kong.

Ensenada is strategically located some 120 kilometers south of the border with the United States via a four lane toll road and a two lane free road, which makes it a natural destination for tourists on short vacations by car. Ensenada's proximity to California also makes it a destination for short cruise ship trips from the Los Angeles area.

There are many features which make Ensenada an attractive tourist destination, for instance:

La Bufadora

A few minutes south of town on the south side of Punta Banda Peninsula is the largest of three known major marine geysers in the world, this one known as ' La Bufadora' ('The Blowhole').

Surfing

Ensenada area has several celebrated surfing spots, such as San Miguel Beach and Todos Santos Island. Further south in the municipality are spots famous for their excellent windsurfing.

Baja 1000

The world-renowned Baja 1000 off-road race is held in Ensenada every year in late November, while the Baja 500 race is held in early June. Off-road enthusiasts use Ensenada year-round as a starting point to explore Baja California.

Grey whale migration

The grey whale's annual migration from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California Sur between the months of December and March, and back in the months of April and May, can be seen from the coast of Ensenada. Sightseeing tours are available every day during migration season.

Guadalupe

Near Ensenada is the town of Guadalupe. It was founded by immigrant Russian Molokans in the late 19th century. Most of the molokan community re-migrated towards California's Central Valley in the mid-20th century, and there exists a Russian Museum commemorating their legacy in the region. The traditional economic activities in Guadalupe, Baja California are olive and wine production. Currently, about 90% of wine production in Mexico originates in the valleys of Guadalupe and adjacent Calafia. Many local wine producers offer tours and tastings.

Every year during the month of August, the beginning of wine harvest season is celebrated in the Guadalupe Valley and in the city of Ensenada with a two week long series of cultural and culinary events, all under the title banner of Fiestas de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival), which attracts people from all over the world.

Ensenada Carnival

The Ensenada Carnival is one of the largest in Mexico, as thousands of people gather in the streets for six days and nights.

San Pedro Mártir

The San Pedro Mártir mountain range and National Park is located within the municipality of Ensenada, about 240 km south-west of the city of Ensenada.

La Primera

There's this place at Ensenada that's called 'la primera'; it has tons of things to buy and a lot of traffic so you can see the beautiful Mexican flag and the stores.

Estero

Estero is a favorite fishing site.
Piedras Gordas and El Cañon de las Cruces
Scenic areas with lush vegetation.

Agua Caliente

16 km south of Ensenada on Federal Highway 1 is a beautiful town located in a valley by the same name; Agua Caliente. It is named for the hot springs located south of the town. There is a wonderful spa and tourist center at these hot springs. There is another spa at the hot springs located at San Carlos, 4 km south of Agua Caliente.

San Francisco de Borja Mission

Mission, which was the first chapel built by Dominican Missionaries in Baja California. It is an example of the architecture of the Mexican Viceroy period.

Santa Ines Valley

Valley, where there are 40 m high rocks resembling human figures.

Punta Banda Peninsula

Located on the west of Ensenada, on the south side of the Bay of Todos los Santos. It is a wonderful paradise with beautiful beaches. You can see seals and sea lions sunning themselves on the rocks by the ocean.