Is Ensenada protected? I traveled to Ensenada Mexico alone and this is what I came upon

Is Ensenada protected? I not too long ago traveled to Ensenada Mexico alone, and on this submit, I’ll share all my private experiences with you. See my Ensenada journey information if you wish to see my journey suggestions. However if you wish to know what’s it prefer to journey to Ensenada alone, learn on!

📮 Hello Trish, wow, I envy you for residing in Mexico! I’m a digital nomad and entrepreneur such as you. My girlfriend and I’ve determined that this yr, we’ll take the leap to maneuver to Mexico!

We at the moment stay in LA and I’m positive you’re acquainted about the price of residing right here. With this, we have now chosen to check the waters in Ensenada Mexico. I noticed on Instagram that you just had been there so I believed to succeed in out.

Are you able to give me a common really feel about Ensenada? I’m a fan of your work so any info from you may be very a lot appreciated. Muchas gracias! I’d love to purchase you a beer if we make it to the Baja!

Jord Morgan, United States

Hello Jord,

Thanks for the great phrases! I did my highway journey within the Baja final December 2022 and it was among the finest highway journeys of my life.

I imply it! Baja just isn’t often a spot that digital nomads selected so I’m additionally curious about why you picked Ensenada.

I used to be fairly shocked at what Ensenada was like. I didn’t count on to love it a lot! Should you’re on the lookout for a spot to stay and journey round Baja California, Ensenada is certainly the place!

Anyway, right here is every thing I can share with you about my experiences touring to Ensenada. You probably have any questions, go away a remark beneath or write to me on Instagram – I’d love to listen to about your journey!

Xx,
Trisha

P.S. You can too do a cruise from the West Coast to Ensenada for as little as $300 USD for 3 days!

🗺️ Ensenada Mexico Map

🤔 Why go to Ensenada Mexico?

Ensenada boasts a few of the greatest meals in all of Mexico. From road tacos to connoisseur eating experiences, there’s one thing for each palate. Don’t miss out on making an attempt the well-known fish tacos or indulging in recent seafood caught day by day.

Ensenada can be the wine area of Baja California, making it a super vacation spot for the weekend, be it a bachelorette celebration or any celebration with family and friends.

The pristine seashores and clear waters make it a super spot for browsing, fishing or simply stress-free on the sand with a chilly drink in hand.

Ensenada is simply an hour away from the US-Mexico border and affords a singular mix of Mexican tradition and modernity.

🚫 Is Ensenada protected?

ABSOLUTELY! As a lady touring alone, I felt protected in Ensenada. I didn’t even see American or Canadian vacationers within the space, which made me notice that regardless of its recognition, it’s nonetheless a well-known journey vacation spot for Mexicans.

There have been all the time police all over the place (as on each road) and after I see this in Mexico, I really feel like heavy police presence means one thing (unhealthy) is happening. However this isn’t the case in Ensenada.

The vehicles are pleasant to pedestrians which makes it the best possible vacation spot for households touring with children. Additionally, you will see a variety of children (overseas and Mexican) till late!

As traditional, when writing articles involving “security,” I don’t simply share my private experiences. I additionally share details, a.okay.a. these journey advisories we see on the Web, particularly on the US State Authorities web site.

Based on current statistics, the crime fee in Ensenada has been reducing over the previous few years. In 2020, there have been just one.6 homicides per 100,000 individuals – a big drop from earlier years.

Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply that you would be able to let your guard down. Petty theft and pickpocketing are frequent in vacationer areas just like the downtown district and Papas & Beer nightclub.

In simple saying, as in all locations worldwide, be vigilant of your belongings however don’t be paranoid whereas touring in Ensenada Mexico! You appeal to the drive you give out to the world so chill out and luxuriate in your journey!

🏖️ What’s Ensenada Mexico identified for?

Ensenada Mexico is an enthralling coastal city identified for its vibrant tradition, beautiful seashores, and unforgettable seafood.

Whereas the town could also be lesser-known than a few of its extra common Mexican counterparts, it positively is among the less-touristic locations to go to in Mexico.

One in every of Ensenada’s largest attracts is the scrumptious meals scene. As you wander by way of the bustling streets, you’ll discover numerous road distributors promoting recent fish tacos and ceviche – each native favorites.

Along with seafood, Ensenada can be identified for its well-known wineries, the place guests can pattern a few of Mexico’s most interesting wines whereas taking in breathtaking views of the vineyards.

For adventure-seekers, Ensenada has lots to supply as nicely. From browsing and kayaking to deep-sea fishing and whale-watching excursions, there’s no scarcity of actions for vacationers right here.

✈️ Why I traveled to Ensenada Mexico

My first cause for touring to Ensenada was all about geography confusion. I already went on a wine journey to Valle de Guadalupe (and 6 different wine international locations in Baja California), so I wished to grasp why many articles on the Web recommend “Ensenada wine nation.”

I wished to search out out if there are vineyards and wineries inside Ensenada Metropolis, however there aren’t any inside the metropolis.

It seems that the wine international locations round it/close by (i.e., Valle de Guadalupe, Las Grullas, Ojo Liebre, and Santo Tomas ) are thought of to be in Ensenada even when they’re 2-4 hours away from the town.

I used to be additionally on a 3-week Baja California highway journey, and Ensenada was on my itinerary. The extra I stayed in Ensenada, the extra I cherished its tradition. It’s distinctive, and I felt like I used to be in Los Angeles or San Diego!

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💃 Solo journey experiences in Ensenada Mexico

I by no means needed to ask “Is Ensenada protected?”

Ensenada has no infamous unsafe label in comparison with Tijuana (TJ). In TJ, I all the time needed to ask everybody if strolling on that individual road was protected, however in Ensenada, I by no means had to do this.

It helps that I stayed in an upper-class neighborhood (the place most privileged Mexicans stay), and in Mexico, I realized that security comes with a price ticket (and an amazing handle).

I additionally respect not getting a variety of consideration from locals since, I assume, my seems to be and Spanish-speaking expertise make them assume that I’m Mexican. For me, it is a reward!

The police are super-friendly

Look, I’ve been residing in Mexico since 2018, and I’m allergic to police encounters. As a overseas expat in Mexico, I do my greatest to adjust to the foundations of this nation I now name house and keep away from being stopped by the police.

The police in Ensenada had been so pleasant! I didn’t even strategy them. I used to be strolling by they usually began speaking to me in English. One shouted, “you have to strive the cantina two blocks from right here.”

As I all the time belief Uber drivers on the place to eat and drink, I knew that the police advice of a cantina is legit. I waved again (with out partaking or speaking) and headed to the cantina they beneficial.

The few days that adopted, I all the time discover myself asking the police for journey and meals suggestions, which was uncommon for me. I keep away from the police on a regular basis, however in Ensenada, they made my journey simpler!!

The locals will all the time say hello, particularly in case you are holding a digital camera

I work in digital content material creation so I all the time journey with A LOT of digital camera gears. In Ensenada, I walked round with a giant bag that doesn’t look fancy as I don’t need to draw consideration.

More often than not, I’d cease to strive road meals in Ensenada and take footage/movies on the aspect discreetly. The taqueros had been posing from the photographs and had been even saying hello to their households. They thought they’d seem on TV!!!

It was so humorous as I’ve been to many international locations the place they don’t like cameras (like Morocco) however in Mexico, they are going to all the time volunteer to be fashions!

There may be a variety of Chinese language and Asian tradition in Ensenada Mexico

Like Mexicali and Tijuana, there’s a huge Chinese language affect in Ensenada. It was additionally one of many motivating components why I visited this metropolis. There are a lot of Chinese language and Asian eating places owned by Chinese language immigrants!

Within the late 1800s, many Chinese language immigrants had been introduced over to work on the railroads and in agriculture. Over time, they established their very own group in Ensenada and made lasting contributions to the town’s tradition.

One of the crucial notable contributions is Ensenada’s well-known delicacies. The fusion of Mexican and Chinese language flavors could be seen in dishes like chow mein tacos and egg rolls with jalapeño sauce.

And don’t neglect concerning the iconic fortune cookies which might be handmade at an area manufacturing unit utilizing conventional strategies handed down from generations of Chinese language households.

Immediately, you possibly can discover the legacy of Chinese language immigration by way of landmarks like La Bufadora Arch, which was constructed by a Chinese language immigrant named Wong Foo in 1932.

It’s a mountainous metropolis

… which made it so chilly. I visited in December and I believed it will likely be hotter than San Diego or LA however it was the identical climate! It’s unusual as a result of I didn’t assume that it will likely be totally different from my house in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.

There are a lot of view decks and from the town, you will note many homes within the mountains. Some streets are additionally uphill though the middle of the town is flat.

Ensenada is just like TJ with regards to nightlife

I went to a cantina that was beneficial by the police throughout day time. Once I went out at evening, I used to be stunned to see how upbeat and vibrant Ensenada’s nightlife is!

One of the crucial common spots for nightlife in Ensenada is the well-known Hussong’s Cantina.

As one of many oldest bars in Baja California, Hussong’s affords a singular environment that blends custom with modernity. Right here you possibly can take pleasure in chilly drinks and nice music whereas mingling with locals and vacationers alike.

Tip: Hussong’s doesn’t serve meals (solely drinks). Subsequent to it’s a taco place the place they will let you carry meals to Hussong’s! It’s most likely one of the best tacos I attempted in Ensenada!

Should you favor one thing extra laidback however nonetheless energetic, Papas & Beer is one other must-visit spot. This beachfront bar serves up refreshing cocktails and hosts nightly occasions like foam events and stay music performances that can hold you dancing till daybreak.

So many road meals stands!

I feel I’ve been to virtually 20 road meals stands in Ensenada Mexico simply inside 3 days. I don’t have a variety of road meals choices in Cabo so I took benefit of this privilege in Ensenada.

On the coronary heart of Ensenada’s road meals scene is La Guerrerense, a legendary seafood stall that has been serving up tasty ceviche and tostadas since 1960.

This family-run enterprise has received quite a few awards and attracts each locals and vacationers alike. One other must-try spot is Taqueria El Trailero, which serves mouth-watering tacos al pastor that can go away you craving extra.

Nevertheless it’s not simply seafood and tacos in Ensenada – there are many different choices to select from! Taco costs are lower than $1 USD so it is a nice possibility for price range vacationers.

And sure, road meals in Ensenada is clear. You don’t have to fret about it!

I walked round lots at evening

Now this was not as bothering for me because it was in Tijuana. Since I by no means felt unsafe in Ensenada, I walked at evening on a regular basis. In fact, I nonetheless requested the locals in my lodge if it’s OK to stroll.

Provided that I used to be staying in an upscale neighborhood (not touristy, extra of a residential space), it’s all the time protected to stroll.

Ensenada was lively at evening and there have been all the time vehicles on the road. Persons are strolling til late (even kids!) so I by no means needed to fear about strolling alone at evening in Ensenada.

It was simply chilly (on the time of my go to) so more often than not, I took the Uber at evening!

Everybody was talking in English

Even when I didn’t see a variety of foreigners whereas touring in Ensenada, I knew that locals may converse English. With its proximity to america, this is among the cities in Mexico that has a thick American tradition.

The police that I met and all the time ask for ideas had an accent near a local American English speaker. I requested him if he lived within the US and realized English there and he mentioned he’s lived in Mexico his complete life!

You don’t have to fret about talking Spanish in Ensenada. Everybody preferred English higher, and most of them responded to me in English even when I used to be chatting with them in Spanish!

Nonetheless, it’s suggested to know at the very least a number of Spanish phrases as there are some individuals like road or market distributors who don’t converse English.

✨ Ensenada Mexico journey ideas

Getting round Ensenada Mexico

Probably the greatest methods to get round city is by taxi. Uber works in Ensenada, and it’s protected. There are a lot of taxis on main road corners, or lodge entrances search for the intense yellow cabs. Should you’re not utilizing Uber, that you must pay these taxi drivers with money.

The drivers are often very pleasant and pleased that can assist you navigate your manner by way of city. Count on to pay round $5 USD for a brief trip inside the metropolis limits, with costs growing barely for longer distances.

Getting round Ensenada by bus is straightforward and handy. Town has a dependable public transportation system that covers most of its main sights and vacationer spots.

The buses are clear, protected, and comfy with air con for these sizzling summer time days. The fares are extremely low cost, starting from 10-20 pesos (lower than $1 USD) per trip relying on the gap traveled.

Costs for renting a automotive in Ensenada fluctuate relying on the corporate, length of the rental, and kind of auto. On common, day by day charges vary from $30-$60 USD for economic system vehicles, whereas mid-size automobiles can value between $50-$80 USD per day.

For these looking for luxurious or SUV leases, count on to pay upwards of $100 USD per day. Nevertheless, it’s essential to notice that costs might fluctuate throughout peak journey seasons.

Ensenada lodges: the place I stayed

I stayed in Casa Asturias and received a pleasant room for less than $85 USD per evening. Since I used to be on a highway journey from my house in Los Cabos, I drove my truck all the way in which to Ensenada. Fortunately, they’d a really giant parking area!

The doorways had been additionally simple to navigate and I had no bother accessing the parking and the primary entrance of the lodge. I actually love this property as a result of it was a house that was transformed right into a boutique lodge.

Relating to lodge costs in Ensenada, you’ll discover that they fluctuate relying on the time of yr and placement. Usually talking, lodges within the downtown space are typically dearer than these situated additional out from the town middle.

Nevertheless, even inside these classes, there’s a variety of variation. Some downtown lodges are surprisingly reasonably priced, whereas some out-of-town resorts could be downright expensive!

Should you’re on the lookout for budget-friendly lodging, Ensenada has loads of choices beginning at simply $30 per evening. These lodges is probably not just like luxurious resorts, however they’re clear and comfy with fundamental facilities like Wi-Fi and air con.

For these prepared to splurge on a extra luxurious keep, Ensenada additionally affords high-end resorts starting from $150 to $400 USD per evening.

These resorts supply top-notch service and facilities equivalent to swimming swimming pools, spas, and oceanfront views that can make your keep actually unforgettable.

Issues to do in Ensenada

There aren’t a variety of issues to do in Ensenada Metropolis as a lot of the vacationer actions are exterior the town.

One of the crucial common actions is to go to La Bufadora. The identify “La Bufadora” means “the blowhole” in Spanish. When waves crash right into a sea cave, water is compelled up by way of a gap within the rock making a spectacular show.

You can too do an ATV and wine-tasting journey on an off-road automobile. You’ll navigate tough terrain, steep hills, and rocky paths as you make your manner by way of the beautiful vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe.

Stroll alongside the Malecon, a bustling promenade that runs alongside Ensenada’s picturesque shoreline. Right here you’ll discover road distributors promoting every thing from churros to handmade crafts.

For these on the lookout for some rest, take a dip at Playa Hermosa or sip on some margaritas at one in all Ensenada’s many beachside bars.

Outside adventurers, don’t miss Las Cañadas Ecopark! With a number of traces starting from 328 to 1,312 toes lengthy and heights as much as 200 toes off the bottom, thrill-seekers will really feel like they’re flying by way of the bushes.

Should you favor a slower tempo, there are additionally guided horseback rides accessible that take you on a scenic tour of the park’s stunning panorama.

✅ Security ideas for Ensenada Mexico

Don’t journey to Ensenada Mexico with out insurance coverage

Don’t go to Mexico with out journey insurance coverage! That is the very first thing you need to be shopping for when you’re planning a visit to Ensenada!

I take advantage of SafetyWing, and I solely pay $40 USD per 30 days. The insurance coverage can be legitimate for a number of days while you come again to the USA.

Don’t purchase medication in any respect prices

Don’t interact in any medication nor search for medication. Don’t ask individuals you don’t learn about medication and even weed. This can be a no-no when touring in Mexico, not simply Ensenada.

From residing in Mexico, I’ve shared this tip in virtually all my posts: you’ll solely get in bother in Mexico for those who purchase medication. If you’re only a vacationer spending cash on touristy issues, then nobody cares about you.

Take an Uber after midnight

As I mentioned, I felt protected in Ensenada at evening however I didn’t stroll previous midnight. Native associates instructed me to take an Uber after 12:00 AM and closely warned me to not stroll to my lodge alone.

If Uber just isn’t accessible after midnight (or takes longer than 10 minutes to reach), yellow taxis in Ensenada are protected. You simply should pay them in money.