Ensenada / Mexico

In the very northwestern tip of Mexico, in the northern part of the Baja California peninsula, just about 100 kilometers south of the border with the United States, lies Ensenada. The port city on the Pacific Ocean, also known as the Cinderella of the Pacific, is with its approximately half a million inhabitants in the metropolitan area the third largest on the peninsula.

Ensenada was one of the first settlements in the entire region, inhabited by the semi-nomadic Yuman tribe. The first Europeans to reach its shores were the Spanish, and the city was officially founded in 1542 under the name San Mateo. In the early 16th century, it earned the name Ensenada de Todos los Santos. The region had to wait until the 17th or 18th century for the first permanent settlement - founded by the Jesuits. In 1882, Ensenada became the capital of Baja California. However, the Mexican Revolution left it in ruins, and in 1915 the capital was moved to Mexicali. Since the 1950s, the area began to flourish again, and today the city is a naval and military base, the second busiest port in Mexico, a center of fishing, and a popular cruise ship destination.  

The heart of Ensenada is the port and waterfront with a nice promenade called Malecón, and the beautiful Ventana al Mar (Window to the Sea) park with a fountain. Just a stone's throw from here lies La Calle Primera, First Street, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the entire city with souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, bars, and nightclubs.

The Riviera de Ensenada, allegedly founded by Al Capone in 1930, used to be a casino, and today it houses a cultural center. Those interested in the history of the area and its people should not miss a visit to the Museum of History. 

The waters off the shores of Ensenada are visited by gray whales (also known as baleen whales) during their migration to and from Alaska, so it's no wonder that whale watching tours are a popular activity for visitors. Guadalupe Island off its shores is one of the best places in the world for watching great white sharks.

Those who want to venture beyond the city can head southwest, where about 30 kilometers from Ensenada lies La Bufadora, one of the largest known marine geysers in the world. Nature lovers will appreciate the proximity of several national parks - such as Sierra de San Pedro Mártir with kilometers of hiking trails -, while wine enthusiasts will enjoy the wine region of Valle de Guadalupe just outside the city gates.

The coastline around Ensenada is known for its excellent surfing conditions, with one of the famous surfing beaches being San Miguel, just 15 kilometers north of the city.

Those who want to savor Ensenada can try fish tacos, which are said to have originated in the city, carpaccio, raw, thinly sliced meat or fish, or ceviche, a dish of raw fish marinated in lemon and spices. A glass of local wine is a must for everyone, as are olives from local groves.

Places worth seeing

Malecón – Take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade of the second busiest port in all of Mexico.

Riviera de Ensenada – Don't miss a visit to the interesting cultural center housed in a former casino from 1930.

La Bufadora – Be enchanted by the breathtaking spectacle of one of the largest marine geysers in the world.

Valle de Guadalupe – Taste the produce of local vineyards, responsible for most of Mexico's wine production.

Isla Guadalupe – Observe fascinating great white sharks and, during migration, also majestic gray whales.

Punta Bunda – Take a kayak trip to the sea caves and explore the underwater life with a snorkel or scuba gear.