Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 90 miles, approximately 2 hours. Walking approximately 1 mile throughout the day. Standing and walking at a slow pace for up to 1 hour per activity. Must carry all belongings across the border and walk 200 feet. Keep passports on hand for border crossing. No fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats nor plants are permitted into Mexico.
Breakfast:
In the hotel’s private meeting room.
Morning:
After checking out of the hotel, we will board a motorcoach and begin the journey south, driving through the most-crossed border in the world, separating the United States and Mexico at San Ysidro. Together with the Group Leader, we must get off the bus and walk across the border (approximately 200 feet) carrying all our belongings as we go through Mexican immigration and customs. You will need to present your passport and complete a form on site to receive the required personal permit. The Group Leader will be on hand to assist as needed. Keep this permit with you; it must be returned when leaving Mexico. Tijuana is a city of contrasts characterized by its endless cross border activities. It is a fast growing city constantly changing and adapting to the necessities of the time. Located next to the powerful hub of Southern California, it exemplifies the strong cultural and economic ties that exist between the U.S. and Mexico. We will enter the Tijuana market. This will be both an educational and a sensory experience as we walk through a colorful, lively market with our Group Leader to see, touch, smell, and taste local delights. Our next stop is at a migrant shelter to delve into the complex issues of migration. We will hear from the directors and the volunteers and learn about their devoted arduous work.
Lunch:
At Caesar’s Restaurant, we’ll have lunch featuring the renowned Caesar Salad. The story goes that the original salad recipe was concocted in the 1920s with what was on hand for a group of pilots from Rockwell Field outside San Diego. The dish, originally dubbed Aviator Salad, became popular and was soon called Caesar Salad for the restaurant. Part of the appeal was and is having it prepared tableside.
Afternoon:
Next, we will ride to the Tijuana Cultural Center, known as CECUT. Since its foundation in 1982, CECUT has presented numerous art forms and themes exemplifying contemporary culture. The modern Museo de las Californias in the central building uses visual displays to present the history of both states of the Baja California Peninsula: Baja California and Baja California Sur. A member of the staff will lead our exploration. We will then continue by motorcoach — along Mexican Federal Highway 1 that runs the entire length of Baja California from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas — to the town of Ensenada. The scenic drive offers beautiful views of the coastline and Pacific Ocean. After checking in to our Ensenada hotel, the remainder of the day is free. Ensenada is an active seaport and a popular holiday destination in Mexico. You might like to stroll along one of the main streets lined with cafés and boutiques and choose a restaurant for dinner.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. Ensenada has an active nightlife. If you choose to go out, the Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions