Your passport!!! Please ensure that your passport is valid. Your passport must be valid up to and including April 2023 (6 month rule). Please also bring a valid form of identification.
Ensenada is situated approximately 90 minutes from the San Diego border. Getting there and back may be a challenge to some people so make sure you plan ahead of time if you’re going to be driving yourself. Depending on the route you take, the roads are for the most part, well maintained and the drive is relatively easy. However, hiring a driver or tour company is an option.
Save time crossing back into the U.S. from Tijuana! The Fast Pass is a one time pass available at certain hotels, and businesses which allows you access to an expedited lane to cross back into the U.S. faster. It is also known as the Medical Lane. This lane will significantly reduce your wait time to get back into the U.S. Reports say the wait on average is 30 minutes or so. 15 minute waits or less are not unusual. Of course it depends upon the time of day and the day you travel. Hotel Coral y Marina is one of the establishments that offers the Fast Pass. For more information please visit the link below: https://www.bajabound.com/before/returning/borderfastpass
We LOVE your kids- we really do! But unless stated on your RSVP card please arrange for a sitter. Enjoy the weekend off for some adult fun!
Uber/Lyft has not made its way to the Valle yet. Do not even try it. Driving in a car is the best way to get around. We typically drive ourselves, but it is more than possible to arrange shuttles and/or private drivers ahead of time to take you around while you are there. There are also a lot of wine tasting tours that you can book that will take you to the most popular wineries. These usually book for the entire day and are fairly inexpensive. Your hotel can also help get you a taxi (most likely coming from Ensenada) or can arrange a driver for you.
Yes! Definitely! The area is booming with American tourism in recent years. I (Bri) have been going to Ensenada since I was a kid, always driving with my parents, and it has never been as issue. If "don't worry" doesn't suit you, reach out to us and we will be happy to ease any concerns and/or accommodate as much as possible. This is meant to be an experience and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible.
If you choose to hire a driver, the options are endless. Some driving services will pick you up in the U.S at a mutual location and others will pick you up at the border on the Mexico side. In addition, other driving services will only pick you up at your hotel and drive you around until the late evening. My suggestion is to always hire a driver while in Valle de Guadalupe, as drinking and driving is never a good option. In addition, wineries can be far from each other and it’s best to have someone who knows the area. Make sure you always ask your Tour company or driver if they can help with making reservations for you. They usually always know people and can get you into places that may seem booked.
Mexico border & Ensenada local pick up – Sibaria Tours and Baja Vino Local hotel pick up - Sibaria Tours, Wine Eat Travel, and Baja Vino U.S pick up - Baja Vino, and Wine Eat Travel, Baja Wine Food. Reach out to us for any additional information.
If you decide to take your own vehicle across the border, you can purchase International car insurance and drive during the day. Believe or not, your car is not covered in Mexico. Once you cross your vehicle across the border, it’s not insured. Call your car insurance provider prior to driving across the border and see if it’s covered or if they offer any additional coverage. You can also purchase international car coverage through AAA and they offer daily rates and monthly rates. You can purchase policies online and same day! Google "AAA International Car Insurance policy information."
If you choose to drive your own vehicle, make sure you take the toll route. The toll road is well maintained and easy to drive. There are three toll houses on the way to Ensenada and each toll fee is about $2 U.S Dollars. They take pesos and U.S dollars. Another great thing to remember is that there’s clean restrooms with toilet paper at each toll house. Sometimes they have restroom attendants and a tip is suggested. However, a lot of times no one is there. Regardless, you should always bring your own tissue or wipes.
No need to exchange for Mexican pesos, but it is wise to have at least some pesos. However, everywhere in Tijuana, through Ensenada (Valle de Guadalupe) will take your U.S dollars.
Obviously, the native language is Spanish. However, mostly everyone speaks English. If they don’t speak English, they will speak back in Spanish, but for the most part everyone speaks English.
We recommend updating your plan at least for this weekend. In my experience, WIFI is generally slow and you will want access to your phone while traveling these few days.
YES! At least in Valle de Guadalupe. Do not attempt to go to any hotel, restaurant, or winery in Valle de Guadalupe without a reservation at least a few weeks in advance, perhaps even a month or so beforehand. Some places will not take visitors without reservations so please be conscious of this and do your research beforehand. There is a lot to see and do within a limited amount of time and you will need to plan accordingly.
Valle de Guadalupe is pretty vast. Wineries can be far away from each other, which is another reason to plan ahead. Make sure you’re not trying to rush out of a tasting to get to another, as it can take you over 20 minutes. Dining in Valle de Guadalupe is more of an experience rather than eating a meal. The staff at the restaurants and wineries take their time, so take in the view and enjoy the space. Some suggestions are to research ahead and see what wineries are close to your hotel or relatively close to each other.