PORTS OF CALL - Mexico
Ensenada, Mexico
South of the border, alongside mountains, desert and sea, Ensenada offers a warm and wonderful introduction to Mexico. The oldest community on the Baja Peninsula, it was first visited by Spanish missionaries in the 17th century. Today it's a thriving seaport. Ensenada's breezy climate invites exploration, shopping for colorful handicrafts, dining on delectable seafood, viewing the wonderful Gold Coast, and sipping cervezas in lively cantinas.
Don't Miss
For one of the most amazing sights in Ensenada, travel through the city and into the countryside, past farms and olive groves, to "La Bufadora," or blowhole. This fascinating natural phenomenon shoots water through crevices formed in the rock face of the cliff.
Fun Things to Do
- Experience the unique art of wine making and sample some of the local favorites on an informative tour of Mexico's finest wineries.
- Enjoy some sightseeing and shopping in downtown Ensenada, then take in the excitement of a Mexican Folkloric Fiesta featuring singers, dancers, and a mariachi band.
Sporting Adventures
Play golf at the Bajamar Ocean Front Golf Course. A long-ball hitter's delight, this course offers pleasant fairway shots and smooth greens.
Shopping for Bargains
Ensenada offers an abundance of quality items, such as fine silver, leather, and glassware unique to Mexico, at unbeatable prices. Through the vast array of handmade arts and crafts, rated among the finest in the world, you can experience Mexico and the Mexican people firsthand. Home of the renowned Taxco sterling silver, this is where you will find an array of your favorite designs and traditional Mexican styles. Ensenada is also known for leather goods; various textures of leather are used to make handmade bags, purses, jackets and belts. For the value-minded shopper, a bounty of unique items, such as stained glass, hand-blown glass, pottery, onyx, and woodcarvings, is widely available.
Currency
Mexico's currency is the peso (MXN). The $ sign is used to refer to pesos, so don't be shocked at the price tags. Any prices in U.S. dollars are listed as US$ or USD. Many hotels, restaurants and shops also accept major credit cards, which usually offer you a good exchange rate.