State · Baixa Califórnia (Los Cabos e La Paz)

Baixa Califórnia

Baja California, on the border with the United States: Tijuana, Ensenada, the vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe, La Bufadora and the gray whales in winter.

In the photo: Rosarito Beach

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The state

Get to know Baixa Califórnia

Baja California occupies the northern half of the peninsula of the same name, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez, on the border with U.S. California. It is a land of desert, mountain ranges and cold coast, with a cuisine and wine production that are among the most renowned in the country.

Tijuana, adjacent to San Diego, is one of the busiest border crossings in the world, with Avenida Revolución, markets and its own food scene; the Caesar salad was created in a restaurant in the city in the 1920s. To the south, Rosarito and the Pacific coast have cold-water beaches popular with surfers.

Ensenada is the main port, known for breaded fish tacos and seafood. Nearby, Valle de Guadalupe produces most of Mexico’s wine, with wineries and restaurants among dry hills, and La Bufadora is a marine geyser where waves enter a rock fissure and spray water upward.

Between December and April gray whales commonly pass the coast during migration to the lagoons of Baja California Sur. The capital, Mexicali, lies in the desert next to the border. The grape harvest is celebrated in August at the Fiestas de la Vendimia.

When to go

The coastal climate is Mediterranean: cool, somewhat rainy winters from December to March, and dry summers. The grape harvest is usually in August, and gray whales typically pass between December and April. Mexicali, in the desert, has very hot summers. Baja California is 5 hours behind Brasília, and 4 hours behind from March to November, when clocks move forward.

Getting there

Tijuana airport (TIJ) receives flights from several Mexican cities; travelers from Brazil usually connect in Mexico City. You can also arrive via San Diego, crossing the border on foot or by car. From Tijuana, Ensenada is about 1.5 hours via the coastal highway, and Valle de Guadalupe is about 30 minutes from Ensenada.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Baixa Califórnia

Can you go to Valle de Guadalupe from San Diego?

Yes. The valley is about 2 hours from San Diego, crossing the border at Tijuana. Carry a valid passport and visas for both countries if required.

When to visit Valle de Guadalupe?

At harvest time in August there are festivals at the wineries; from September to November the weather is usually pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

What is La Bufadora?

A marine geyser near Ensenada where waves enter a rock fissure and spray water upward.

What time zone is Baja California in?

It is 5 hours behind Brasília, and 4 hours behind from March to November, when it moves the clock forward along with the United States.

Tap a state to see its destinations. Limites: INEGI / geoBoundaries (CC BY 3.0 IGO). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.