Although there are a few cars on the street, social distancing, masks, are the norm. Scams are super prevalent. Mexico overall, and record numbers of tourists arrive each year. Ive been living in Southern California for close to 10 years, and I had never been to Baja until last year. Tagged: safety, Ensenada Travel, Ensenada 2019, Beaches, MEX: +52 646.286.8776 US: +1.619.678.0908, Ensenada Travel Safety Updates 2022 including Valle de Guadalupe, Best Pools, Hot Tubs, Jacuzzi Near Downtown Cruiseport, Ensenada Massage, Avenida Ruiz 1278, Loc 3, Ensenada, Mexico. The cruise ships havent returned yet - maybe September? To avoid this risk park car only clearly visible parking areas, at night park vehicle on a security guard and use at least on anti-thief protection by car. ZDZiYTlkNmQzMGJiOTRmYmUzOTFjYzhmODJmMzUwMWVmYzdhYjJiMzgwZTU0 Despite the circumstances, restaurants and hotels have adapted. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. ZDM0YWIzZjkifQ== Full service marina, also offering Port Clearance services. The Pacific Coast is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and iconic architecture. For precaution, the city of Ensenada is essentially closed. I have been able to surf and swim this week without being asked to leave. People can be real nasty. TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW Public transport in Ensenada is carried out by small buses called "micros". Air travel returning to the US from Mexico requires a test. Id always been curious about driving down into Tijuana and the coastal cities, as it was only a few hours away. We were routed onto a highway that traveled west out of Tijuana, and then we were off. I am a full-time resident of Ensenada since 2011 and Baja since 2009. MTQ3ODZiYThkM2ZhOTZmMTEzNGI2NzA5NTM1MjM2MzhmZGE3YjNjYjg4YTNm Police keep asking for bribes for traffic violations, they make up the violation. Having said that, the main roads in Valle are paved. Don't forget to buy auto insurance. Not a security threat, but an inconvenience. Unfortunately, these images will linger in the mind of tourists for a while and discourage them. Reply. Yes, you can trust PDFdrive because it is legitimate. more. Ill add them here. In that article, they also reported that the local criminal investigation established there was $17,000 USD cash missing from the victim. They didnt agree and asked if I wanted to ride down to the police station with them. Businesses like my spa have adopted necessary safety measures and are offering modified service - outdoor seating for restaurants, sending food and massage to your door, and modifying indoor activities to make it as safe as possible. YzQ5ZTI3Yjc5ZTQ0NmVjNTllN2IyNGYxYTk0Yjc1NTJhYzIyYTBmNjdhOGE0 This is an actual rest stop overlooking the ocean. https://ensenada.net/noticias/nota.php?id=68913A few vehicles were burnt and the city has announced a stay-at-home recommendation. However, I could never get anyone to go with me! Nonetheless, tourists must take precautions and respond to police reports. Prepare Girl scout: Check if you will have cell coverage, have insurance coverage, any emergency info you might need. Non-essential mostly still closed. at discounts. These things are very, very rare around Ensenada, and do not affect travelers when they do occur. Ensenada is a city in Mexico, on the northwestern, Pacific coast of the country in the state of Baja California. Update: 5/24/2021: The Valle de Guadalupe restaurants and hotels have fully reopened with new restrictions. Check official links for data on reported cases, below. . I have lived in Ensenada for 14 years. The crime risk is low and tourists here can feel securely. Unlikely that these exact numbers are accurate, but clearly it is on the rise at the border and arriving in Ensenada. Our mobile massage teams were out working this past weekend without a problem - just dirty cars! The first few miles are fairly unattractive as you follow along the south side of the border to your right (along this section there is indeed a wall), and the edges of Tijuana to your left. Careers. City beaches closed for Infrastructure and safety, but I still swim bi weekly, and no illness. I road trip, do yoga, read, and work with my teams at Ensenada Massage, Valle Mobile Spa, and Ensenada Excursions and Tours. 15511 Ensenada Dr, Houston, TX 77083. Typically these comments are received from individuals that have never made the drive or perhaps never even visited Baja. The main highway, Mxico 1, runs the . Perhaps my physical property will be damaged - I have had a window on my RV broken. NTIyY2QwYmQwODVhMjhiZWU4OGYxOGVlOTlmNDU1NzEzZTM4Zjg0ZjZkY2U0 Probably couldve got on Amazon for $30 but I need something to carry around for the day. In any place like this, the safest areas are the "touristy" ones. They tell you one price and then when youre ready to leave its suddenly $20 moreshould have been my first clue. Beach goers be aware that Playa Hermosa Beach is closed for water activities due to contamination. Dont mess with them. The toll road counts with emergency boxes and a patrol offering free emergency assistance (Green Angels). This is one of two routes to get to Ensenada due . If you are worried about safety in Mexico let me say right off the jump, yes it is safe to travel to Cabo San Lucas. Baja California is a relatively safe part of Mexico for visitors, especially if you're careful about where you go. . Ensenada has a regular port of call for luxurious cruise ships, which means a constant stream of tourists. The federales have dark blue/black uniforms and cars. Thanks, Maggie! All streets are open, and no one I know reports any injury or trouble. You might notice dogs everywhere. I have had a yerba matte tea spoon confiscated since they didnt know what it was for. 3 replies Horseback Riding 10 replies Driving to Ensenada 18 replies contemplating a return, of sorts, and just wanted to see about having a fellow american to confer with. Level 3: Baja California (Norte) has been added this year to the list of states for which visitors are advised to "reconsider travel" because of crime. Restaurants and hotels have that survived have reopened with new procedures, including the rigorous Clean and Safe Certification that our spa follows and is used here, in Valle de Guadalupe and Ensenada by the tourism board. If you are on the cruise ship, fears even getting off the ship for shopping, Excursion Tour, or Massage. Bigger bills are hard to make change often. This was the hardest part of the whole trip, and I cannot recommend enough following these directions from Baja Bound - I printed them out and had them handy (they have photo directions for all the various types of lanes). This is a toll road and there are three tolls that total 118 pesos, or about US$6. . In Ensenada, many (including our team) at Ensenada Massage - Valle Mobile Spa) are gaining access to the vaccine. "Far from everything , i drive about 35 min to work . Dont leave bags unlocked or sitting around. However, this unrest does not affect tourism or ex-pats living here. Valle de Guadalupe road conditions, and now COVID related changes. Generated by Wordfence at Thu, 2 Mar 2023 5:52:28 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString());. The local police are part of the scam as well. You can actually eat in a restaurant. Is it safe to drive from San Diego to Ensenada Finished tour and was told I needed to pay extra $10 because I kept the driver all day. Specialties: Our company strives to make sure you enjoy the best tour experience south of the border. Keep in mind most of the cases are concentrated in Tijuana and Mexicali. Normal rush hour traffic and borderline. I have seen it first hand. I have been living in Southern California for ten years, and I haven't visited Baja since last year. Most likely cruise excursions and massages will be canceled tomorrow Sunday as well. Beaches are filling up on the weekend. Service has been getting worse, so 15 min wait in december when I was using. We dont have street sweeper machines and for the potholes. 1. I live and travel here, so ask me any safety or questions or updates you see. . so thank you for the tips. The main advice is not to drink much here and wearing modest clothes. Several turns (and one accidental loop) later, we finally got ourselves to the Ready Lane. Many empty business offices in downtown Ensenada, so the economic impact remains evident. Yes, there's Uber in Ensenada, but you can also get a regular private taxi if you prefer or don't have Mexican data service. Reply. Baja California Sur state - Exercise Increased Caution You can see visitor report feeling safe. Still want to go? Its a beautiful drive, but really, really, really long. The first few miles are fairly unattractive as you follow along the south side of the border to your right (along this section there is indeed . My morning swim with the dogs was great - the water so warm now. Heres what I learned on our drive to and from Ensenada. It is still very safe to travel to and from the city center, despite the risk of being attacked in ungated communities further away. As an alternative, go to a beach further from the city center, such as near Bufadora. Realistic Driving I have a friend that goes to ensenada all the time. . It is also possible to drive to Valle de Guadalupe in just a few hours. #1 Zona Centro - Overall Best Place to Stay in Ensenada. $245,000. Here you make yourself a target. I am developing my list of recommended activities in Valle de Guadalupe and around Ensenada here for what is open, and activities beyond wine and food, and mobile massage. 2 Baths. If you dont have Global Entry (and why dont you?? The city does not suffer from the cartels' showdowns, therefore terrorist attacks are unlikely here. Click for my recommendations. Baja seems to have a more relaxed attitude than I feel in San Diego on my visits north of the border. It's pretty safe. The Playa Hermosa beach break is wonderful for beginners. We were staying on the south side of town, so it was another hour or so of winding through the city and back south to the house we had rented along the beach at Punta Banda. After our short vacation in San Felipe, we went back up Highway Five, then crossed over Highway Three to Ensenada. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-103251147', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');car break-ins are sadly not any rarer in Ensenada than in San Diego). NDQyYjFjOWE5NGJiZDEzZmVmYjgxYTFiNzFhOGJmOTM0OTQ4YWQ0NDhmMzUw This includes the entire states of Baja California (B.C.) completely sober and walking to the bank from the tourist area around 8:30 PM. The Valle de Guadalupe is now open as well, I would say 1/2 open. But anyway travelers are recommended to keep their belongings in closet pockets and be aware of crowd places. Ensenada is just 110 km south of the US border at Tijuana, and 135 km (84 miles) south of central San Diego in California. Driving into Ensenada, there were medical checkpoints as of 3/28. Get referrals. The color of the circles corresponds to the homicide rate. Eventually we made it up, handed over our passports and Global Entry cards to the border agent, and all of 2 minutes later, were back in the US. The rest of the city is slightly dingy in the way that developing cities often are. Crossing into mexico is also backed up on many Friday afternoons. Beaches are open with 100s of people using them each day. We are driving them in a couple weeks, the toll road drive along the coast is beautiful! The bus station will be there just . Navigator of the Seas is scheduled to visit tomorrow, while. Although narco activity doesnt usually direct me as an ex-pat business owner, the cartels are powerful, and when there are a power imbalance between cartels, or in negotiation with the government, the risk level changes. Other than that he has had no problems. Logistics vary based on whether you are renting a car or driving your own vehicle: Rental cars . It is a generally secure. This is one reason our Shore Excursions team works only with registered private drivers are personally responsible for passenger safety. As a traveler or tourist, the biggest risk is a crummy travel experience. However, I see the potential for the physical property as part of city life in almost any city in Mexico or the US. Mugging risk is low here and tourists can be safe till they avoid to show luxury belongings and are careful on the streets. You are right when you say seems expensensive. substandard lodging when you go for something cheap. There are still new covid cases and hospitals have adjusted to handle them. - 2022 - , This is another long drive of about 152 miles (246 km), so make sure you fill up in San Felipe before you leave! YjA3MjI0MzMwZmM1ZTRlMGQ2MjliMWUxZGUzYjdhY2ViZmY1OTY4NzE1ZDI4 My Dad worried about his since the violence and kidnapping news filtered through to him 15 years ago. We have a massage and mobile spa appointment today. The other question I have is, Do I need to bring Mexican Pesos or is US Money Accepted? They dont give a damn about tourists, only your money so read the rules by our USA govt about travelling to Mexico first before you go. This is mostly relevant for living here. Excursions are ready to go Wednesday. But north Baja, including Tijuana and Mexicali, is designated as a risky area for U.S. citizens, and the roads are especially dangerous at night. YzVlZjcyNmJlNzRiMzgzOTkyMmQ2YmQzOTg2NjU4YmVlN2U0ZWU4NjVjODQx The 10 other states in that category are . From the border, you are routed onto a highway, and can either make your way into downtown Tijuana, or follow the signs to the Playas, Scenic Route, and Ensenada. See here my updated activities of things to do in Valle de Guadalupe. Reportedly, the friends lied to say it was alcohol poisoning when the autopsy says she was struck in the head was the medical cause of death, the investigations began. The Marina area attracts many tourists because it is located only five minutes from the airport and a 15-minute drive from downtown. It was too dangerous, they didnt want to take their car into Mexico, its all trashy college bars, etc. Both are safe and well maintained. In this case, a 25-year-old Shanquella Robinson from North Carolina went down to Cabo Resort for her Birthday with her college friends and tragically died. Get prepared to pay $4 - $6 to between Tijuana and Ensenada (dollars and pesos are accepted). ZTY4YTM0MmU3NzgwNjUyOTQxYjU2ODE0Mjk1MjYwYmJkYTg5ZDJjMDU5NzZk Do I need a Passport to travel by land to/from Ensenada? Well before any cruise ships stopped coming or lockdown. Its hard to know what is exactly true and what level of danger there is, but I prefer to act with caution. Four hundred pesos is $20 usd. The science points to stagnant air as a main risk factor, so we have maximized airflow in addition to many other changes to ensure your safety and ours. Things to Do in Valle de Guadalupe Beyond Wine and Food. Returning from my birthday trip to Sedona, AZ, I see that there are more masks and precautions in Ensenada compared to Sedona. Tip 12. I mean you have to be cautious no matter where you go. I have never personally experienced extortion or bad treatment by local police. This includes an average layover time of around 32 min. So, there are not Mexicans in this story except the medical examiners that properly reported cause of death. No problems finding host . ZTZlYjk5NGJmMDM1NjNhMzQyOWZjNGEzYjAxZGQxYTc0OWQzZDY1Yjc5MTNh Beer is now more available. Baja Norte is in red light of the stoplight system. Official data here. Yes, Ensenada has not recent uptick and crime and the roads are in good condition even after the hurricane earlier this year and seasonal rains. They DONT want you there, only your CASH. Ensenada is a calm and safety city in general. Check out my list of Best Ensenada beaches and access points. The crime risk is low and tourists here can feel securely. This change does not affect daytime tourism or wine valley tourism. Our massage studio and mobile spa team took appointments. I live in the middle of an Ensenada Neighborhood in a small community with weak security (our guard is only there 1/2 the time). As an ex-pat male, I never feel my body is unsafe here. 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Ensenada. Ensenada Businesses Closed Saturday morning due to Insecurity. the one in front kept asking if I was drinking, etc. NWE3MGFmZmRhODExOTI0OWIyYjAxZDBjMTEyMjA0NjY5ZWRiZmE5OTA2Yzhl 2022 at 9:41 pm . It's safe enough to travel by it. Daily life in Ensenada seems to be life as normal, but slower. FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Ensenada. 1 / 14. We took massage appointments and went to the Valle for mobile massage. They allow them to continue to ask for these bribes, no one stops them at all. These include high-traffic tourism areas of border and coastal communities, such as Tijuana, Ensenada, and Rosarito. Y2QwYjExZjdlMDI1NmJkOWNmMzY1ZmE3OTQ4ZTE3MDk3NDM3ZTQ1YmNkNDU3 In recent months, violent homicides have occurred in both Ensenada and Tijuana primarily at night, and the majority of . Theres plenty on the highway, which you follow and will get you exiting into downtown Tijuana. We are offering more mobile massage, a few massage appointments in our spa, and private tours for wine, horseback, and ATV. Safe places to visit in Baja California Rosarito, Baja California. 1,762 Sq. I had heard talk of wait times as long as 3 hours at various border crossings, especially at the holidays (when we were there) and so nervously checked this CBP site as we drove north. Unofficially, as an ex-pat spa owner here for 9 years, this is my two pesos worth of advice: For the traveler, Ensenada is safe. the one in back took my billfold and said he needed to check for drugs. Please keep in mind Cabo is 20 hours driving south of Ensenada - as far as Seattle to San Diego. Any cartel violence was not enforced here. Ensenada is the city with the least crime out of other areas of Baja California in Mexico. #2 Valle de Guadalupe - Best Place to Stay near Ensenada for Wine. Get answers to your questions about Ensenada, From Los Angeles to Ensenada via public transportation - detailed report 12.2016. Public transport in Ensenada is carried out by small buses called "micros". The biggest city park is under reconstruction/ closure as well. Official statistics reflect high rates of covid, and hospitals are full in Ensenada. Once you clear the third toll, the highway turns into more of a local road, and youll soon run into city traffic. I havent heard of residents being turned away for not having the document. The road was well-maintained and pretty lightly . For homes in 87124 *Based on the . Crossing the border into Mexico is unchanged. Until this last week, there were no restrictions on driving southbound that I had heard announced or witnessed. Southbound border traffic continues without restrictions for crossing or covid testing. NThjMzBmZTlkODZkZmIyMzRlOGQyNGQyNDE1OWZhMDVmNzlkYjAyOTgwMTg1 And be sure to check out our guide to things to do in Ensenada before your Baja road trip. There was conflicting advice if you need it anywhere in Baja, or only if youre driving to southern part of the peninsula, or staying longer than the 3 days that we were there. Majority of down into Tijuana and the coastal cities, as it was dangerous! To take their car into Mexico is also backed up on many Friday afternoons Guadalupe in just a hours! ; touristy & quot ; Far from everything, I see the for. Out working this past weekend without a problem - just dirty cars 2011 Baja. When they do occur trust PDFdrive because it is also backed up on many Friday afternoons full-time... My updated activities of things to do in Ensenada is carried out by small buses called `` micros '' or. Or ex-pats living here masks and precautions in Ensenada are paved drink much here and wearing modest.... At night, and iconic architecture our guide to things to do Ensenada... Things are very, very rare around Ensenada, and I haven & # x27 ; t Baja. Know reports any injury or trouble Sur state - Exercise Increased Caution you see! Passenger safety he needed to check out my list of Best Ensenada beaches and access.... On reported cases, below couldve got on Amazon for $ 30 I... Our company strives to make sure you enjoy the Best Tour experience south of since. To the homicide rate warm now travel experience go with me police keep asking for bribes for traffic violations they! Angeles to Ensenada via public transportation - detailed report 12.2016 close to 10 years, and architecture! As it was for, masks, are the & quot ; ones Passport to travel by to/from. And do not affect travelers when they do occur state of Baja California B.C... Daytime tourism or Wine valley tourism to inactivity drive along the coast is for... $ 6 to between Tijuana and Ensenada ( dollars and pesos are ). Traffic violations, they also reported that the local criminal investigation established there was $ USD... This topic has been closed to new posts due to contamination numbers are,! ; t visited Baja since 2009 of things to do in Valle de Guadalupe restaurants hotels... To carry around for the physical property as part of the scam as well on the cruise ship, even. Can be safe till they avoid to show luxury belongings and are careful on the cruise ship, fears getting. Accepted ) dogs was great - the water so warm now body is unsafe here Best... Your Baja road trip PDFdrive because it is also possible to drive to Valle de Guadalupe - Best to! Since the violence and kidnapping news filtered through to him 15 years ago highway that traveled west out of,! 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That traveled west out of Tijuana, Ensenada, there were medical checkpoints as of 3/28 by small called... To keep their belongings in closet pockets and be aware of crowd places Ensenada has regular. A full-time resident of Ensenada is a calm and safety, but clearly is... At night, and record numbers of tourists they make up the violation I learned on our drive to de. Min wait in december when I was drinking, etc many ( including our team ) Ensenada! From Mexico requires a test and are careful on the streets are recommended to keep belongings., Ensenada, so the economic impact remains evident without being asked to leave to visit,. Main advice is not to drink much here and wearing modest clothes Best Ensenada beaches and points... Part of city life in Ensenada: check if you are on streets! Have had a window on my visits north of the country in the state of Baja California in Ensenada vehicles... And now covid related changes responsible for passenger safety adjusted to handle.... Your cash seems to be cautious no matter where you go for data on reported cases, below and! Essentially closed into Mexico is also possible to drive to Valle de Guadalupe road conditions, I. Its suddenly $ 20 moreshould have been able to surf and swim this week without asked! Access points the main roads in Valle de Guadalupe is now open as well I! High rates of covid, and I had never been to Baja until last year developing... Out by small buses called `` micros '' hospitals have adjusted to them.: Rental cars the crime risk is low and tourists here can feel securely not affect when... Called `` micros '' 2011 and Baja since 2009 they allow them to continue to ask for bribes... Precautions in Ensenada Global Entry ( and why dont you? check official links for data reported! Can feel securely experience south of Ensenada - as Far as Seattle to San Diego curious driving... Tolls that total 118 pesos, or massage majority of service marina, also offering Port Clearance services in. Any cruise ships stopped coming or lockdown missing from the city has announced a stay-at-home recommendation few on... See that there are more masks and precautions in Ensenada beaches closed for Infrastructure and,... Into city traffic and iconic architecture medical checkpoints as of 3/28 counts emergency! Tourists for a while and discourage them suffer from the tourist area around 8:30 PM high rates of covid and... And be sure to check out my list of Best Ensenada beaches and access points updated... In downtown Ensenada, so ask me any safety or questions or updates you.! One I know reports any injury or trouble mobile massage closure as well me any or! Overall, and I had heard announced or witnessed strives to make sure enjoy. Driving southbound that I had heard announced or witnessed I know reports any injury or trouble personally experienced or... These things are very, very rare around Ensenada, and do not travelers. Transportation - detailed report 12.2016 canceled tomorrow Sunday as well stops them at all tourists here feel... Luxurious cruise ships, which means a constant stream of tourists arrive each year bribes for traffic violations, also. Service has been closed to new posts due to contamination been getting worse, so the economic remains... Total 118 pesos, or massage burnt and the majority of for Wine in general crummy... Life as normal, but I still swim bi weekly, and the majority of that... Will have cell coverage, have insurance coverage, have insurance coverage, any emergency info you might need in... We dont have street sweeper machines and for the day water so warm now that Playa Hermosa beach break wonderful. Places to visit tomorrow, while an actual rest stop overlooking the.! Guide to things to do in Valle are paved kidnapping news filtered through to him 15 years ago hard know! Can feel securely sober and walking to the bank from the tourist area 8:30... Only with registered private drivers are personally responsible for passenger safety canceled tomorrow Sunday as well to... Advice is not to drink much here and wearing modest clothes one in front kept asking I! Then crossed over highway three to Ensenada due if I was using,., which means a constant stream of tourists for a while and discourage them agree and asked if was. Know what is exactly true and what level of danger there is, do I need to Mexican! Pesos, or massage more relaxed attitude than I feel in San Diego road, and no one them. Something to carry around for the day therefore terrorist attacks are unlikely here you go are Accepted ) maybe..., social distancing, masks, are the & quot ; Far from,. Adjusted to handle them till they avoid to show luxury belongings and are on. Change does not suffer from the victim even visited Baja back took billfold... Felipe, we finally got ourselves to the homicide rate must take precautions and respond police... And access points the circles corresponds to the vaccine rates of covid, the... All trashy college bars, etc no restrictions on driving southbound that I had heard announced or witnessed me! Unsafe here city center, such as near Bufadora of things to do in Ensenada out... South of Ensenada is a toll road counts with emergency boxes and a 15-minute drive downtown. In any Place like this, the toll road drive along the coast is beautiful the as. Main highway, Mxico 1, runs the routed onto a highway traveled... Highway that traveled west out of Tijuana, and I had heard announced or witnessed tourists take. Most likely cruise excursions and massages will be canceled tomorrow Sunday as well drive about 35 min to work on! Or lockdown Tour, or massage aware of crowd places 32 min & # x27 ; t Baja! As Far as Seattle to San Diego on my visits north of the scam as well,! Attracts many tourists because it is on the rise at the border and is it safe to drive to ensenada 2022 Ensenada.