Ensenada

Ensenada (Ensenada De Todos Santos) is the city seat of the largest municipality in Baja California, Mexico on the Pacific Coast south of Tijuana. It is locally referred as La Bella Cenicienta del Pacífico (Spanish:The Beautiful Cinderella of the Pacific)

Ensenada Halal Travel Guide

In the Bahía de Todos Santos — an inlet of the Pacific Ocean — Ensenada is an important commercial and fishing port as well as a cruise ship port of call. There is also a navy base, an army base and a military airfield, which functions as an airport of entry into Mexico.

The city is backed by small mountain ranges. Due to its location on the Pacific Ocean and Mediterranean latitude and the weather tends to be mild year-round. Although the winter rainy season is short and the area is prone to prolonged droughts, Ensenada sits in the heart of a country that is widely regarded as the best in Mexico and the Americas with the Napa Valley in California. It is said that the first vitis vinifera made it to the peninsula (specifically to the San Ignacio Mission) in 1703, when Jesuit Padre Juan de Ugarte planted the first vineyards there.

Ensenada is the only deep-water port in the state of Baja California and is part of standard shipping routes that directly link it with the Mexican cities of La Paz, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Acapulco and Lázaro Cárdenas, and with the U.S. cities of San Diego, Long Beach and Los Angeles and the Guatemalan city of Puerto Quetzal and the Chilean city of Valparaíso and the Japanese city of Yokohama and the Chinese city of Hong Kong.

Climate

Ensenada boasts overall very pleasant weather with the sea bringing cold air in hot days and not much cold on the winters. It is also very fickle and you are advised to bring a sweater and pants along with your shorts and shirts.

Travel to Ensenada

• Take the bus from Tijuana for roughly US$15 or 185 pesos.
• Drive across the border from San Ysidro. Go in the morning and you will be going the opposite direction of the nigtmare traffic trying to get into the U.S.. Once in Tijuana, follow the signs to Rosarito and Ensenada on route 1. There will be three toll stops en route to Ensenada. These tolls cost 31 pesos, less than US$2, each. You can pay with US dollars or pesos, but no mixed currency. The scenic highway ("carretera escenica") is well maintained and is an enjoyable ride along the beautiful Baja coastline. If you go in spring and early summer and the wildflowers on the hillsides are gorgeous. The ride from Tijuana to Ensenada takes roughly 1-1.5 hours. Stop in Puerto Nuevo for a Mexican lobster dinner. There are many rest areas and vista points along the way. AAA and other travel magazines recommend that you only drive in Mexico during the day for safety reasons. The toll road (scenic highway) is somewhat winding compared to divided highways in the United States or Europe, but a great improvement over two-lane roads south of Ensenada.
• Cruise ships: Ensenada has become a regular stop for several lines of cruise ships since the 1980s. Although thit is certainly the most expensive means to travel to Ensenada, it is also most enjoyable.

• Carnival shuttles US$4 round-trip Carnival Cruises has the Misioneros Tour company run shuttle buses between the port and Ensenada every 10min. It's US$2 to Ensenada and US$2 to get back to the ship.

Get Around

• By foot Most of Ensenada's downtown tourist attractions can be visited by foot. Others, like La Bufadora and Wineries are too far away to walk to, but tours will take you there for a fee. If your espanol is "malo" you could take local buses affordablely out and back to La Bufadora.
• By bicycle Most of the Boulevard Costero and the scenic highway can be traveled by bike. Take precautions for the scenic highway north of Costero is a freeway and trucks and cars travel at high speeds. Ensenada's South is not very bike friendly.
• By car The city is extremely easy to navigate by vehicle and parking is free and available everywhere. Keep in mind that on highways and the left lane is just for passing and local drivers will tailgate you if you coast on the left lane. You can hire a vehicle at the Rosarito Hotel.
• Taxis and buses Radio taxis are available and will take you anywhere. Route taxis and buses serve mostly suburban routes and are not very useful for tourists, although are very affordable (US$0.75, M$8).

What to See

• La Bufadora - blow-hole | 31.7242, -116.72294 - La Bufadora - BufadoraRafaga is in a small village about nineteen miles southwest of town. The road from Ensenada, especially in the area close to the Bufadora, offers stunning vistas over the sea and cliffs. The narrow main street leading to the viewing area is crowded with tourist-trap shops selling curios, take-away food, and prescription medicines, but the Bufadora is a rather remarkable natural sea vent. However, it is not feasible to see the actual blow hole from most parts of the viewing area due to the angle of the cliff face; the impressive columns of water that shoot up are visible. On busy days, local Mexican tourists in the hundreds cram the viewing area. The local cove offers camping, swimming, kayaking and scuba, including a small dive shop with rentals; the cove is especially cold water. Locals report that sea lions are sometimes seen swimming about. Locals eat at Celia's, also available are the Bufadora, Pancho's, and Habana Banana restaurants.

• Carnival Tours US$36 Bufadora tours from Carnival Cruise lines cost more than anywhere else, but will pick you up and drop you off from the cruise ship port.

• Misioneros Tours US$15 This tour company runs the shuttle buses between the Carnival cruise ships and Ensenada. The stop in Ensenada is right by their tour booth where you can buy a discounted Bufadora tour. They prefer USD.

• Ensenada Wineries Many Cafes exist on the outskirts of Ensenada in the Valle de Guadalupe and an hour south at Santo Thomas. The Cafes are located along highway 3 to Tecate (exit just south of last toll gate, north of town). Most offer tours and tastings, however some Cafes require that you make an appointment before.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Ensenada

Ensenada is a city best experienced by car. The greatest experiences in Ensenada involve going out early to Bufadora, having ceviche at 1st street, drink at Hussong's and then go to a beach and end back in a club or café. All of these require independent transportation so it would be wise to hire a car, and have a designated driver.

Locations

• Fox Studios Rosarito was the location for much of the at-sea filming of James Cameron's "Titanic", which gave this studio location its start. Since then, many other films have been shot in this location, including "Master and Commander". The ship of this film remains on site. They offer tours.

Beaches and Surfing

• Beaches | The city of Ensenada is on the Ensenada Harbor, so you'll have to drive south or north to get to a local beach. Private beaches like Estero Beach and Mona Lisa have resort lodgings and facilities, but public ones like San Miguel and El Punto are free for anyone who wishes to walk by the sea.
  Ensenada area has several celebrated surfing spots, such as San Miguel Beach, California Trailer Park, Stacks and 3 M's (Spanish:Tres Emes), which are located in the north coast of the city. Todos Santos Island a small island located west of Ensenada (about 2 hours by boat), and a world-famous surfing spot. The Billabong XXL surfing contest has been held at Todos Santos Island several times. Wave faces can reach above 18 m (60) feet on the island. Brad Gerlach, 2006 winner of Big XXL, surfed a wave of 20 m (68 feet) in December 2006.

• San Miguel Beach | San Miguel Beach Near Ensenad's highway toll, ask a taxi - Free entrance, US$12 camping A small rocky beach that offers a great night view of the city. Great for camping and drinking, local residents favor it for it's relaxed nature and private nature which means you won't be disturbed unless you make a lot of noise.

Hiking, Nature and Off-Road

Hiking can be done on the nearby Canon de Dona Petra, and on the nearby Laguna Hanson. Arrangements with local eco tour companies are needed.

• El Salto | US$2 - Its a beautiful canyon, excellent for rock climbing, rappel and hiking; and in rain season you can view a spectacular waterfall that is over 30 m (100 ft). You can find it at KM 76 in the Tijuana - Ensenada Libre Highway. Camping Facilities.

• Canon de Dona Petra Hike | Ask a taxi to get you to the starting point free Every first Sunday of the month, local residents hike through this 10km hike. It's free and you can find many people. It takes about 3 1/2 hours at good pace and it's of moderate difficulty. At the end of the hike, you can take the bus back to Ensenada for about US$1.

• San Carlos Hot Springs - Aguas Termales | Head five miles south of town ( just past Chapultepec )on the road to San Quintin, turn East at the golf course and follow the signs - or ask the local residents - Features pipe-fed hot pools, cold pool, and mud swimmingpool as well as cabins, showers and camping, is popular with the local residents, despite a 10-mile rocky dirt road with 13 (or so) shallow water crossings; medium-clearance vehicles are recommended.

• California Motorsport Adventures | Off-road adventure tours for people of all riding abilities. Everyone welcome: families, couples, friends, single riders, bachelor and corporate groups. Full day excursions or longer tours available also. Ride in the dunes and then enjoy a guided adventure into the surrounding mountain trails. Contact the office for reservations.

• Whale Pursuing - Whale Watching | The gray whale's annual migration from Alaska to the lagoons of Baja California Sur between the months of December and March, and back in the months of April and May, can be seen from the coast of Ensenada. Sightseeing tours are available every day during migration season. Whale watching not guaranteed

• La Bufadora - The Blowhole | Punta Banda La Bufadora is a marine geyser and the largest blowhole in the world, often shooting upwards more than 30 m (100 feet) above sea level. The exhibit hall roof top is roughly 25 m (80 feet) above sea level and the blowhole frequently sprays above it.

• Sports Fishing - Prices Vary Ensenada Baja California has been known for sport fishing over fifty years. Each year hundreds of anglers head for Ensenada to go fishing and take advantage of the shorter distances needed to travel by sea to get to the big catch. The short range day trips are good for cranking in Bass, Bonita, Barracuda, Cod and Yellowtail, while the long range trips pull in Tuna, Albacore, Dorado.

Events

• Baja 1000 - The Longest International Off Road Race in the World | This important race held in November as well as the Baja 500 Off-Road race held in June start in Ensenada. While the Baja 500 almost always ends in Ensenada the Baja 1000 ends in Ensenada in even numbered years while in odd numbered years ends at the tip of Baja, usually in Cabo San Lucas. Amenities are extended during the days prior to the start. Race info including course map updated regularly at www.score-international.com.

• Wine Harvest Festival - Fiestas de la Vendimia - Varies Every year, before the end of spring and until the end of August and the harvest season is celebrated around the Guadalupe Valley and in the city of Ensenada with a series of events. These events range from private tastings and galas, to concerts of classical music and famous pop artists at the yards. The end of the harvest season is commemorated by a two-day free event at the Santo Tomas fruit cocktailry in Ensenada with a festival that is preferred by the local residents. Be sure to check out the site for there is an event almost daily.

• Carnaval | The Ensenada Carnaval is one of the nation's largest, as thousands of people gather in the streets for six days and nights.

Shopping in Ensenada

• Curios | On 1st street - Many regional art pieces for affordable can be found on 1st Street

• MacroPlaza | TranspeninsularAsk a taxi or take any Maneadero Bus - Mall with clothing and supermarket options. If you want to see a movie and don't mind Spanish subtitles, go to a Mexican movie theater. US$5 tickets is a steal compared to USA prices

Halal Restaurants

• Open Air Fish Market - Mercado Negro | Boulevard Costero - Baja's largest seafood market. Located near the oceanfront. Most of the market's open air stalls sell catches fresh off the fishing boats that dock nearby. Thit is also a great place to try a famous fish taco.

• Fish Tacos - The fish taco is said to have been born in Ensenada (or possibly San Felipe). The local style includes deep-fried seafood, with a white Sauce and a shredded-cabbage topping, along with several salsas. Dining at the row of fish and shrimp taco eateries by the pier is an Ensenada must.

• Taqueria El Fenix | is a local favorite and serves delicious tacos, shrimp and fish.

• Caprichos | Incredible fine dining. Located in the heart of Ensenada on the cobblestone street, across the road from Hussongs (whether it is the original or not is unknown). It also serves delicious Burgers on a back grill.

• Tortas Michoacan - really good sandwiches with either Beef, ham, carne asada, or all three, very delicious, kind of a little walk away from the tourist area, look for the counter with a big line of people on the main street just 1 block south of a Chinese buffet, it's about 2 blocks east from the main tourist area and about 10 blocks south on the widest big road with all the shops all the way along it.

• Ceviche La Guerrerense - Great street ceviche vehicle that serves a huge variety of ceviches for US$1 each. It also has a huge variety of salsas ranging from light to super hot. Be careful with those and ask for assistance. Also serves cocktails. Located on 1st street and Alvarado

• Tacos El Paisa | 10th street and 20 de Noviembre 31.875016, -116.628054Ask a taxi to take you here - If you want to have the true Mexican taco experience, go to this place. Favored by local residents, it offers US$1 tacos. Carne Asada, Adobada, Tripas and Cabeza are available as quesatacos, tortas, and huaraches. A must taste that will scratch that Tex-Mex flavor you are used to. With everything

• Cantina Hussong's Ave Ruiz #113 ☎ +52 646 178-3210 - Legendary and historic café. Established in 1892 Hussongs is the oldest bar in the Californias, Hussong’s began as a stagecoach stop built by its German founder Johan Hussong. Some say that the city of Ensenada was built around this café. Rumor has it that the Margarita was invented here.

• Papa's and Fruit Juices Ensenada - El Papas | Ruiz y Primera - Another legendary and historic bar right across the street from Hussongs.

• Mango Mango | Primera & Ruiz Opening Hours: 20:00 - 03:00 US$5 A place to dance Caribbean and norteno rythms

• Abel's Cafe | Boulevard Costero 1000-6 between Diamante and Medusas Easy to find on Costero - Rock oriented bar serves affordable drinks and good music with a metal mood

• La Taberna (Cervecrería Tijuana) | Located on 1st Street (half a block away from McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant)) and the Tijuana Brewery Tavern offers award-winning draft organic juice in many varietals, ranging from light lagers to dark ales. Thit is a local favorite hangout for all sorts of people, and happy hour is available at least two nights a week.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Ensenada

Ensenada - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Ensenada, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ensenada. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Ensenada and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Ensenada. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Ensenada. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Ensenada: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Ensenada.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Ensenada: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Ensenada, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Ensenada.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Ensenada, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Ensenada, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Ensenada and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Ensenada, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Ensenada, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Ensenada without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Ensenada is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Ensenada.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Ensenada is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Ensenada, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Ensenada Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Ensenada

eHalal Group Ensenada is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Ensenada. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Ensenada.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Ensenada ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Ensenada. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Ensenada, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Ensenada are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hotel Coral & Marina Carretera Tijuana-Ensenada Km.103 #3421 31.865269, -116.662312 ☎ +52 646 175 0000 - A beautiful hotel with amazing bathrooms and views. Located on the primary street between the end of the toll road and downtown. There's a marina for your yacht and many amenities. Shuttle service into town (4.8 kilometers or 3 miles away), US$4 for a taxi.

• Playa Saldamando Trailer and campground located 13 kilometers (8 miles) north of Ensenada. Over one mile of coastal property, all fenced and gated to enhance security. Employees are on the property 24 hours/7 days a week providing friendly service. Campsites available on the beach and on the cliffs above. All sites have beautiful ocean views. Large sites available to accommodate large groups. Clean, maintained camping areas and our clean restrooms with flushing toilets and showers.

• Ensenada Backpacker - Hostel - Calle Segunda 1429 31.860486, -116.615922 Between Floresta and Guadaluper Street ☎ +52 646 177-1758 US$20 Check-in: / Check-out: noon The Ensenada Backpacker is located a few blocks from Ensenada's most popular attractions. They offer dormitory and superior Muslim friendly rooms.

• Ocean View Rental Home - US$200/night Sunday Casa is set on a hillside with a spectacular panoramic ocean view of Todos Santos Bay and its islands in the gated secure community of Cibolas del March. It is located 15 minutes north of Ensenada, where the toll road ends. This Spanish style home with tile roof has a large flagstone deck and covered outside area. It is in an area of private family homes in a quiet neighborhood.

• Hostel Sauzal feels like more of a bed and breakfast than a hostel with a gracious host, and a sweeping ocean view from the huge flower garden. Just north of Ensenada in El Sauzal, US$15/night. Don't come here expecting a party. Do come here to relax and recharge.

• Hotel Las Rosas ☎ +52 646 174 4320 US$80-446 By the sea hotel that is a good spot for a wedding.

Travel Next

The nearby cities of Tijuana, Tecate and Rosarito_Beach|Rosarito can be easily visited as a day trip. The Cafes and restaurants that blanket Valle de Guadalupe are highly recommended destinations.

More than a hundred miles into the Pacific Ocean is Guadalupe Island, a desert island. It is a Next-to-imfeasible destinations|next-to-imfeasible destination - the closest most people get to the island is a great white shark diving expedition which is based in Ensenada.

Copyright 2015 - 2024. All Rights reserved by eHalal Group Co., Ltd.
To Advertise or sponsor this Travel Guide, please visit our Media Kit and Advertising Rates.