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

Is Ensenada secure? I not too long ago traveled to Ensenada Mexico alone, and on this put up, 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 presently reside in LA and I’m positive you’re acquainted about the price of residing right here. With this, we now have chosen to check the waters in Ensenada Mexico. I noticed on Instagram that you simply had been there so I assumed to achieve out.

Are you able to give me a common really feel about Ensenada? I’m a fan of your work so any data 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 good phrases! I did my street journey within the Baja final December 2022 and it was top-of-the-line street journeys of my life.

I imply it! Baja is just not normally a spot that digital nomads selected so I’m additionally taken with 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! In the event you’re on the lookout for a spot to reside 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. In case you have any questions, depart a remark under or write to me on Instagram – I’d love to listen to about your journey!

Xx,
Trisha

P.S. You may as well 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 among the finest meals in all of Mexico. From road tacos to gourmand eating experiences, there’s one thing for each palate. Don’t miss out on attempting the well-known fish tacos or indulging in contemporary seafood caught day by day.

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

The pristine seashores and clear waters make it an excellent 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 presents a singular mix of Mexican tradition and modernity.

🚫 Is Ensenada secure?

ABSOLUTELY! As a girl touring alone, I felt secure in Ensenada. I didn’t even see American or Canadian vacationers within the space, which made me understand that regardless of its reputation, 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 once I see this in Mexico, I really feel like heavy police presence means one thing (dangerous) is occurring. However this isn’t the case in Ensenada.

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

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

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

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

In straightforward saying, as in all locations worldwide, be vigilant of your belongings however don’t be paranoid whereas touring in Ensenada Mexico! You entice the pressure you give out to the world so loosen up and revel 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 town could also be lesser-known than a few of its extra widespread Mexican counterparts, it positively is without doubt one of the less-touristic locations to go to in Mexico.

One in all Ensenada’s greatest attracts is the scrumptious meals scene. As you wander by way of the bustling streets, you’ll discover numerous road distributors promoting contemporary 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 best 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 purpose 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 know why many articles on the Web counsel “Ensenada wine nation.”

I wished to seek 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 town.

I used to be additionally on a 3-week Baja California street journey, and Ensenada was on my itinerary. The extra I stayed in Ensenada, the extra I beloved 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 secure?”

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 specific road was secure, 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 reside), and in Mexico, I realized that security comes with a price ticket (and an ideal tackle).

I additionally respect not getting loads of consideration from locals since, I assume, my appears to be like and Spanish-speaking expertise make them suppose 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 finest 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 method them. I used to be strolling by and so they began speaking to me in English. One shouted, “you should attempt 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 suggestion of a cantina is legit. I waved again (with out partaking or speaking) and headed to the cantina they really useful.

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 if you’re 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 an enormous bag that doesn’t look fancy as I don’t wish to draw consideration.

More often than not, I’d cease to attempt road meals in Ensenada and take photos/movies on the aspect discreetly. The taqueros had been posing from the pictures 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 loads 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 various 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 town’s tradition.

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

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

At present, 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 assumed it is going to be hotter than San Diego or LA however it was the identical climate! It’s unusual as a result of I didn’t suppose that it is going to be totally different from my house in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.

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

Ensenada is just like TJ in terms of nightlife

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

Some of the widespread spots for nightlife in Ensenada is the well-known Hussong’s Cantina.

As one of many oldest bars in Baja California, Hussong’s presents a singular ambiance that blends custom with modernity. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from 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 let you deliver meals to Hussong’s! It’s most likely the very best tacos I attempted in Ensenada!

In the event 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 reside music performances that can preserve you dancing till daybreak.

So many road meals stands!

I believe I’ve been to nearly 20 road meals stands in Ensenada Mexico simply inside 3 days. I don’t have loads 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 gained 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 depart 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 choice for finances vacationers.

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

I walked round rather a lot at night time

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 night time 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 secure to stroll.

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

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

Everybody was talking in English

Even when I didn’t see loads of foreigners whereas touring in Ensenada, I knew that locals might communicate English. With its proximity to the US, this is without doubt one of 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 favored 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 a minimum of a number of Spanish phrases as there are some folks like road or market distributors who don’t communicate English.

✨ Ensenada Mexico journey ideas

Getting round Ensenada Mexico

Among the best methods to get round city is by taxi. Uber works in Ensenada, and it’s secure. There are various taxis on main road corners, or lodge entrances search for the intense yellow cabs. In the event you’re not utilizing Uber, you want to pay these taxi drivers with money.

The drivers are normally very pleasant and blissful that can assist you navigate your means by way of city. Anticipate to pay round $5 USD for a brief experience inside the metropolis limits, with costs rising barely for longer distances.

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

The buses are clear, secure, and cozy with air-con for these scorching summer season days. The fares are extremely low cost, starting from 10-20 pesos (lower than $1 USD) per experience relying on the space traveled.

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

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

Ensenada lodges: the place I stayed

I stayed in Casa Asturias and acquired a pleasant room for under $85 USD per night time. Since I used to be on a street journey from my house in Los Cabos, I drove my truck all the best way to Ensenada. Fortunately, that they had a really massive parking area!

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

Concerning lodge costs in Ensenada, you’ll discover that they fluctuate relying on the time of yr and site. Typically talking, lodges within the downtown space are usually costlier than these positioned additional out from town middle.

Nonetheless, even inside these classes, there’s loads of variation. Some downtown lodges are surprisingly inexpensive, whereas some out-of-town resorts might be downright expensive!

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

For these keen to splurge on a extra luxurious keep, Ensenada additionally presents high-end resorts starting from $150 to $400 USD per night time.

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 loads of issues to do in Ensenada Metropolis as a lot of the vacationer actions are exterior town.

Some of the widespread 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 pressured up by way of a gap within the rock making a spectacular show.

You may as well 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 means 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 considered one of Ensenada’s many beachside bars.

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

In the event you favor a slower tempo, there are additionally guided horseback rides obtainable 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 ought to be shopping for when you find yourself planning a visit to Ensenada!

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

Don’t purchase medicine in any respect prices

Don’t have interaction in any medicine nor search for medicine. Don’t ask folks you don’t learn about medicine 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 nearly all my posts: you’ll solely get in hassle in Mexico when you purchase medicine. 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 secure in Ensenada at night time however I didn’t stroll previous midnight. Native pals informed me to take an Uber after 12:00 AM and closely warned me to not stroll to my lodge alone.

If Uber is just not obtainable after midnight (or takes longer than 10 minutes to reach), yellow taxis in Ensenada are secure. You simply should pay them in money.