Quick trip to Ensenada (from San Diego)?

Question

I have an unexpected week off from work and am thinking of driving down to Ensenada for a couple of days on my own (I live in SD). I haven't been there, have only been as far as Rosarito several years ago. I'm not looking forward to driving through TJ, but the rest of the trip seems fairly safe and easy. Am I being naive? Any suggestions? (thanks)

Answer 1

No, the trip is perfectly fine. Ensenada is a little more upscale than Rosarito and more expensive. There are three tolls on the way down.

   After you cross the border (about 0.55 miles) there is a very sudden right turn (only a few years old) to the International Highway that eventually turns into the toll road. Keep your eye out for it, because if you miss it you will be in a real pickle because it is very difficult to find your way around TJ. The ramp is very short.

    Always buy Mexican insurance. If you think you are going to be in Mexico for 13 days or more over the course of the entire year it is better to buy a full year of insurance. Join discover Baja in San Diego and buy the insurance with them at a reduced price. You may want to make an additional trip to San Felipe later in the year. The insurance covers Baja and the Pacific mainland down to Mazatlan.

    Have a passport for the drive back. If you don't have one, you need a birth certificate. The rules changed a few months ago. Get a passport now if you don't have one.

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  One of the hazards of driving back to the border is that they occassionally close roads due to flooding or traffic problems. It is difficult to recover unless you know the city. It makes sense to call your cell phone company so that your phone is permitted to receive and make calls from Mexico. They often don't turn on this service because of theft. I would only recommend limiting your calls, because they can be expensive. If you have a non-emergency and you want to call the states, buy a phone card.

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  They never built a bypass around Tijuana because of the environmental damage to the river estuary. Personally I don't think 1 person in a 100 cares about the estuary and would love to have a bypass.