Mexico
- Ensenada/Manzanillo Experience the beauty
of the Mexican Baja Peninsula as you explore sunny Ensenada,
Mexico. This beautiful port city overlooks the shimmering
turquoise waters of the bay. Outdoor enthusiasts will
find paradise here: mountain climbing, beachcombing
and hiking are all close by. Here you'll find glistening
beaches just right for a leisurely stroll. Visit
Ensenada's rugged coast and marvel as La Bufadora, a
natural geyser, sprays water 50 feet into the air. But
there's far more to do here than shop. Ensenada is the
heart of Mexico's wine country, and eight wineries in
Baja's "Bordeaux Belt" of sheltered valleys near Ensenada
produce almost 90 percent of Mexico's wines. The scenery
— picturesque vineyards surrounded by mountains — alone
merits a trip to Ensenada. Inexpensive tours and tasting
is offered six days a week by several Guadalupe Valley
and Ensenada wineries, and the mid-August wine festival,
sponsored by the area's Wine Brotherhood, is one of
Baja's most popular annual events.
Ensenada's main downtown area is as tourist-friendly
as Mexico gets. The city's merchandise selection is
extensive, and shopping is concentrated along a single
street — Boulevard Lopez Mateos. Just a block from the
waterfront, this shopping section attracts mostly cruise
passengers and day trippers who browse for an afternoon.
Shop along Avenida Lopez Mateos for colorful Mexican
blankets and Aztec art. Practice the art of bargaining
down the prices. Be sure to celebrate your vacation
at the town's historic cantina, with its mariachi band,
raucous atmosphere and amazing margaritas.
HUSSONG'S CANTINA - The
oldest bar in the Californias established in 1892 and
a designated historical landmark. Open daily 10am-1am.
Av. Ruiz #113, tel. 178-3210. OPEN-AIR
FISH MARKET - Northern Baja's largest seafood market
with many types of fish and shellfish plus Ensenada's
specialty-fish tacos. On the waterfront malecon. PLAZA
CIVICA - An attractive park on Blvd. Costero & Macheros
with giant golden busts of Mexican heroes Benito Juarez,
Miguel Hidalgo and Venustiano Carranza. It is locally
known as "Three Heads Park." CHAPULTEPEC
HILLS - A fabulous panoramic view of Ensenada from one
of the city's most attractive residential areas. Follow
Calle 2 up. LOCAL
BEACHES -
San
Miguel Last toll gate in Ensenada-Tijuana highway, good
surf spot. -
El
Faro Beach Kilometer 14.9 in the transpeninsular highway.
-
Baja
Beach 16 miles south of Ensenada on road to La Bufadora. -
Estero Beach 6 miles
south of downtown Ensenada. Good family spot. Gray
Whale Watching: The gray whale is the most common species
seen near the coast of Baja. Other whales are present
but tend to seek deeper waters, while the gray whales
swim in shallow waters seeking Baja's many lagoons for
calving. The Baja California coastline is teeming with
whales during the calving season from late november
to late March. The greatest number can be seen in February.
La
Bufadora: An amazing natural blowhole, spouting seawater
70 feet into the air. Newly renovated with botanical
gardens and various observation decks, several with
handicapped access. 22 miles south of Ensenada near
the tip of Punta Banda peninsula.
Manzanillo,
is also located on the Pacific Coast - fine beaches,
sail fishing, and water-sports abound in this important
seaport, along with opportunities for golf and tennis.
It is one of the few spots in Mexico for surfing. In
town, there are boutiques, the public market, and informal
restaurants catering to all tastes. Discover
paradise in this haven for sun worshippers and sports
enthusiasts just south-of-the border. Known as the Sailfish
Capital of the world, Manzanillo also offers extraordinary
beaches and abundant water sports. Its idyllic
setting invites to romantic interludes and relaxing
moments. Manzanillo's
pristine, unpopulated beaches are undeniably the most
beautiful on the western coast of Mexico. Large and
small, with majestic crashing waves or surf tranquil
enough for children to play in, Manzanillo has it all--except
people to enjoy them! The port
of Manzanillo, Mexico is made up of two separate bays,
divided by the Peninsula of Santiago. On the left is
the Bay of Santiago, followed by a smaller notched-out
area, known as Playa Audiencia. On the right-hand side,
is the Bay of Manzanillo. Both bays are more than five
miles long and offer a variety of water sports activities.
  Acapulco
|| Cabo
San Lucas || Cancun
|| Cozumel
Ensenada
|| Huatulco
|| Mazatlan
|| Puerto
Vallarta || Zihuatanejo
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