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

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 wish to journey to Ensenada alone, learn on!

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

We at the moment reside in LA and I’m positive you’re acquainted about the price of dwelling right here. With this, we have now chosen to check the waters in Ensenada Mexico. I noticed on Instagram that you just have 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 could 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 probably the greatest highway journeys of my life.

I imply it! Baja will not be normally a spot that digital nomads selected so I’m additionally fascinated with why you picked Ensenada.

I used to be fairly shocked at what Ensenada was like. I didn’t anticipate to love it a lot! For those who’re searching for a spot to reside and journey round Baja California, Ensenada is certainly the place!

Anyway, right here is every part I can share with you about my experiences touring to Ensenada. If 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 also 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 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 contemporary seafood caught day by day.

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

The pristine seashores and clear waters make it a really perfect spot for browsing, fishing or simply enjoyable on the sand with a chilly drink in hand.

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

🚫 Is Ensenada secure?

ABSOLUTELY! As a lady 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 happening. 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 youngsters. Additionally, you will see numerous youngsters (international and Mexican) till late!

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

Based on latest statistics, the crime fee in Ensenada has been lowering 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 which you can 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 pressure you give out to the world so calm down and revel in your journey!

🏖️ What’s Ensenada Mexico identified for?

Ensenada Mexico is a captivating coastal city identified for its vibrant tradition, gorgeous seashores, and unforgettable seafood.

Whereas 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 greatest attracts is the scrumptious meals scene. As you wander by means of the bustling streets, you’ll discover numerous road distributors promoting contemporary fish tacos and ceviche – each native favorites.

Along with seafood, Ensenada can also 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 nations in Baja California), so I needed to know why many articles on the Web recommend “Ensenada wine nation.”

I needed 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 nations round it/close by (i.e., Valle de Guadalupe, Las Grullas, Ojo Liebre, and Santo Tomas ) are thought-about 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 highway 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 individual 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 discovered that security comes with a price ticket (and an incredible deal with).

I additionally admire not getting numerous consideration from locals since, I assume, my seems and Spanish-speaking expertise make them suppose that I’m Mexican. For me, this can be a present!

The police are super-friendly

Look, I’ve been dwelling in Mexico since 2018, and I’m allergic to police encounters. As a international expat in Mexico, I do my finest to adjust to the principles of this nation I now name dwelling and keep away from being stopped by the police.

The police in Ensenada have been so pleasant! I didn’t even method them. I used to be strolling by they usually began speaking to me in English. One shouted, “it’s essential 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 really helpful.

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 an enormous 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 facet discreetly. The taqueros have been posing from the pictures and have been even saying hello to their households. They thought they’d seem on TV!!!

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

There’s numerous 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 lots of Chinese language and Asian eating places owned by Chinese language immigrants!

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

Probably the most 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 unit utilizing conventional strategies handed down from generations of Chinese language households.

Right this moment, you’ll be able to discover the legacy of Chinese language immigration by means 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 will likely be hotter than San Diego or LA nevertheless it was the identical climate! It’s unusual as a result of I didn’t suppose that it will likely be totally different from my dwelling in Los Cabos, Baja California Sur.

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

Ensenada is much like TJ with regards to nightlife

I went to a cantina that was really helpful 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!

Probably the most common spots for nightlife in Ensenada is the well-known Hussong’s Cantina.

As one of many oldest bars in Baja California, Hussong’s gives a singular environment that blends custom with modernity. Right here you’ll be able to 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 let you convey meals to Hussong’s! It’s in all probability one of the best tacos I attempted in Ensenada!

For those who desire one thing extra laidback however nonetheless full of life, 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 may 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 numerous 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 may depart you craving extra.

However 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 this can be a nice choice for funds 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 resort 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 vigorous at evening and there have been all the time automobiles 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 numerous foreigners whereas touring in Ensenada, I knew that locals may converse English. With its proximity to the US, this is among the cities in Mexico that has a thick American tradition.

The police that I met and all the time ask for suggestions had an accent near a local American English speaker. I requested him if he lived within the US and discovered 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 talking to them in Spanish!

Nonetheless, it’s suggested to know a minimum of just a few Spanish phrases as there are some folks like road or market distributors who don’t converse English.

✨ Ensenada Mexico journey suggestions

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 lots of taxis on main road corners, or resort entrances search for the brilliant yellow cabs. For those who’re not utilizing Uber, it’s essential pay these taxi drivers with money.

The drivers are normally very pleasant and blissful that will help you navigate your means by means of city. Count on to pay round $5 USD for a brief trip inside the metropolis limits, with costs rising barely for longer distances.

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

The buses are clear, secure, and comfy 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 trip relying on the space traveled.

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

For these in search of luxurious or SUV leases, anticipate to pay upwards of $100 USD per day. Nonetheless, it’s necessary to notice that costs could fluctuate throughout peak journey seasons.

Ensenada resorts: the place I stayed

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

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

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

Nonetheless, even inside these classes, there’s numerous variation. Some downtown resorts are surprisingly reasonably priced, whereas some out-of-town resorts might be downright dear!

For those who’re searching for budget-friendly lodging, Ensenada has loads of choices beginning at simply $30 per evening. These resorts is probably not much like luxurious resorts, however they’re clear and comfy with primary facilities like Wi-Fi and air-con.

For these prepared to splurge on a extra luxurious keep, Ensenada additionally gives 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 may make your keep actually unforgettable.

Issues to do in Ensenada

There aren’t numerous issues to do in Ensenada Metropolis as many of the vacationer actions are exterior town.

Probably the most 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 means of a gap within the rock making a spectacular show.

You may also 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 means of the gorgeous 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 part from churros to handmade crafts.

For these searching for some leisure, take a dip at Playa Hermosa or sip on some margaritas at one among 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 toes lengthy and heights as much as 200 toes off the bottom, thrill-seekers will really feel like they’re flying by means of the timber.

For those who desire a slower tempo, there are additionally guided horseback rides accessible that take you on a scenic tour of the park’s lovely panorama.

✅ Security suggestions 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 if you find yourself planning a visit to Ensenada!

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

Don’t purchase medicine in any respect prices

Don’t interact 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 dwelling in Mexico, I’ve shared this tip in virtually all my posts: you’ll solely get in bother 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 evening however I didn’t stroll previous midnight. Native buddies instructed me to take an Uber after 12:00 AM and closely warned me to not stroll to my resort alone.

If Uber will not be accessible after midnight (or takes longer than 10 minutes to reach), yellow taxis in Ensenada are secure. You simply must pay them in money.