Aventurera
Junior Nomad
Posts: 58
Registered: 1-25-2008
Location: California
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Best way to get to Ensenada & back
I've been lurking on the board for a couple weeks now and have found lots of useful (and some not so useful!) posts, so I am coming to you with a
question...
I'll be traveling to Ensenada next month and am wondering about the quickest, easiest and safest ways to get from San Diego to Ensenada and back. I'm
a female and will be driving a rental car by myself during the daytime.
I have made the drive from San Ysidro straight down several times over the years, but I'm wondering if it might be easier to cross at Tecate and take
either the new highway 2 or the old highway 3.
Particularly in going back on a Monday morning (need to be in San Diego by 11:00), would it be quicker drive to Tecate and perhaps go through a
shorter line?
Any and all advice would be much appreciated!
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bigmike
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My suggestion coming down would be to go thru Tijuana and take the toll road to Ensenada, as your probably aware the drive is a beautiful drive along
the coast. As long as your traveling during the day you should be fine. Return trip, probably best bet would be going thru Tecate as far as wait time
at the border, but have waited there up to 45 mins also.
My wife makes the drive up and back all the time by herself, just be aware of your surroundings. Hope you have a good trip.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
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Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Blvd 2000 from/to Otay Mesa!!!
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Bob and Susan
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drive the toll road...
the ONLY problem will be the crossing back just
do that before 2pm
the road from ensenada to tecate has NO services if you break
small and winding
so us the 94 to tecate...little services
the toll road has assistance if necessary
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Aventurera
Junior Nomad
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Thanks, all...that's basically what I was thinking...to drive down through Tijuana and back through Tecate. My thought is that the San Ysidro
crossing going back into the U.S. will be very crowded at 9 - 10 am.
But if I go back through Tecate, which highway would be the better choice: 3 from Ensenada or 2 from Rosarito?
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Bob and Susan
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hwy 3 from ensenada
turn off is just before 1st toll from ensenada
it taks 1 1/2 hours
9-10am should be very lite crossing in tj
it picks up a 3pm
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bajadock
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Avoid saturday/sunday northbound TJ/SY or Otay crossing after 9AM. And remember passport or birth cert beginning 1/31/2008. I have to cross on 1/31
and will be thrilled with the "my dog ate it" events that day. 
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ncampion
Super Nomad
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Highway 2 does not go from Rosarito, it connects TJ with Tecate. Just crossed at Tecate last Sunday around 3:00pm coming up from Loreto, the wait was
only about 15-20 minutes. Took Hwy 3 from Ensanada to avoid the zoo at TJ. Worth the extra dirve, although as said, it's a bit twisty with few
services. Worth it to me.
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Aventurera
Junior Nomad
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I thought that new stretch of highway from Rosarito to Tecate was Highway 2. Well, whatever it's called, that's the one I meant! I rode on it last
month, and it seemed to be in really good shape, but from what I was told, it runs through a pretty scary part of southern Tijuana.
I've never done the Ensenada--Tecate highway, and I don't think I want to if it's deserted and full of twists and turns!
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
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Has anybody mentioned, Don't drive at night? I didn't see it up there so, Dont Drive At Night.......anywhere down here.
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CaboRon
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Just a note of caution.... Not all rental agencies allow their vehicles to be driven across the border.... I found this out when trying to get
insurance for a Hertz car I was renting in Anaheim, and asked about driving it into Mexico. So, just check with your agency so if anything
happens.......
CaboRon
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David K
Honored Nomad
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The highway that goes from just south of Rosarito to just east of Otay border is BC #201, aka 'Blvd. 2000'.
It could be an optional route to Tecate from Ensenada if you want to avoid any 'country highways', like Mex. 3.
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The Gull
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However you drive, the question of insurance with the agency you use, might require you to stop at their offices near San Diego Airport and pick up
the mexican insurance. Friends of mine rent cars from OC and LA and they can't get insurance from some agencies that far from the border, but they
have arranged to stop at the San Diego agency branch and pick up a policy on the way down.
�I won\'t insult your intelligence by suggesting that you really believe what you just said.� William F. Buckley, Jr.
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thebajarunner
Ultra Nomad
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If you go out through Ensenada/Tecate stop off just past San Antonio de las Minas for breakfast at Correcamino. On the right side headed out.
Also, across the street and up on a little hill is Mustafa, which generally specializes in Middle Eastern food, but has a great Mexican breakfasts.
Correcamino is a real favorite of our family..
I think they close on Wednesdays, but Mustafa will be open.
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Aventurera
Junior Nomad
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Thanks, everybody. I have already verified that the rental company allows its cars into Mexico, and I must buy the insurance from them.
I will only be traveling by day and am already planning to lead an OJ-style low-speed pursuit to the nearest police station if anyone tries to pull me
over. 
And thanks so much for the restaurant advice. I'm a huge fan of Arab food, so I will try to find Mustafa's. About how far (driving time) is it from
Ensenada?
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David K
Honored Nomad
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Location: San Diego County
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Aventurera
Thanks, everybody. I have already verified that the rental company allows its cars into Mexico, and I must buy the insurance from them.
I will only be traveling by day and am already planning to lead an OJ-style low-speed pursuit to the nearest police station if anyone tries to pull me
over.
And thanks so much for the restaurant advice. I'm a huge fan of Arab food, so I will try to find Mustafa's. About how far (driving time) is it from
Ensenada? |
I would allow about 30 minutes from Ensenada, it is at Km. 93 (approx. 16 milles from Ensenada)
This was posted on 10-1-05:
MUSTAFA's in San Antonio de las Minas (by The squarecircle)
The following review is by Baja Nomad member 'The squarecircle':
Restaurant MUSTAFA
Carr. Tecate-Ensenada Km. 93, San Antonio de las Minas
Greetings:
Be kind to yourself and experience Mustafa's restaurant in the San Antonio de las Minas grape growing region of Valle Guadalupe, a wine producing area
of Baja California. See the menu with nothing listed over 100 pesos/ $10.00 dollars.
I had the Borrego Marruecos and my date went with the Pollo Mutafa and both orders were out of this world, i.e. extraordinary!! I had to eat somewhat
fast to get most of my meal because Cali (my date) was aggresively sampling off my plate as well as her own. As we wrangled over each other's dish,
the surrounding view of the vineyards and mountains produced an intoxicating and romantic effect.
Ali is the chef and owner of this delightful and tidy restaurant/bar. He is from Morocco and introduces a very unique gastronomical treat NOT to be
missed.
Kindest Regards.
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tripledigitken
Ultra Nomad
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Be sure to try some of their wines and don't miss the soups, delicious. Very nice owners!
If you are planning to do some wine tasting they sell a very good wine country guide book.
Ken
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