Tijuana
Baja California, Baja California
WHERE IS IT?
It is located in the Mexican state of Baja California Norte, in the border area of the state of California, USA. It is bounded on the east by the Colorado River and the Sea of Cortez, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean.
2 hours 27 minutes – 178 km from Mexicali
54 minutes – 50.2 km from Tecate
31 minutes away – 22.2 km from Rosarito
37 minutes – 35.7 km from San Diego. USA
HOW TO GET THERE?
By land
It can be accessed by bus, several lines such as TAP, Tufesa, ETN, Elite and Pacífico travel from different parts of Mexico such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Tepic, Mazatlán, etc.
By private vehicle, highway 15D leads to this city from the center of the country. Tijuana has an excellent network of federal highways connecting it with the rest of the main towns in Baja California Norte, such as highway number 2, which starts from the Benito Juárez Transpeninsular highway and the Tijuana-Ensenada scenic highway, going along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. On the other hand, there is also a network of minor roads intercommunicating the populations of this colorful municipality.
By air
The Tijuana International Airport, officially known as “General Abelardo L. Rodríguez,” is located only 6 km away of the city and receives national and international flights. The domestic airlines which fly to Tijuana are Aeromexico, Interjet, Volaris, Calafia Airlines and VivaAerobus, while flights from the United States arrive from Delta and American Airlines.
WHAT TO EAT?
BajaMed is a recent gastronomic concept, but very well-known in Tijuana that arose by mixing the roots of Mexican cuisine with Mediterranean food. Another important, influent factor is the proximity to the neighboring country of the United States, where many of the necessary supplies for the creation of typical dishes are purchased.
The world-famous "Caesar Salad" was created in Tijuana by chef Cardini, in the renowned restaurant "Ceasar's Place". Another gastronomic icon of the city are its high quality wines made in the different vineyards of the Santo Tomás area, Casa Bibayoff, Chateau Camou, Casa de Doña Lupe and Monte Xanic. The "Margarita" cocktail, which has its origins in Tijuana and which is currently one of the most requested, should not be ignored.
Speaking of seafood, fish tacos a la tempura (Japanese fast-frying technique), green fish ceviche and Puerto Nuevo lobster should be highlighted, in addition to the tacos Tijuana, chili con carne, the delicious white pizza (only cheeses, without tomatoes), without neglecting the hot dogs and burritos, which are the most requested dishes by tourists.
On the sweet side we can find the Californian Coyotas that are rich empanadas stuffed with "cajeta" (milk sweet), the coricos (bred made of corn) are yet another option to please the palate; finally the brownies made with different ingredients and several flavors are very popular.
WHAT TO BUY?
Small local businesses, large commercial plazas, markets and art stores located throughout Tijuana meet the needs of its visitors, eager to take home some of the lifestyle of this city. Due to its high tourist influx, in Tijuana you can find handicrafts from different areas of Mexico, so Huichol handicrafts, talavera items and black clay are exported to this city for sale; all this can be found on Avenida Revolución in the "Pasajes Rodríguez y Gómez, a conglomerate of stalls and stores.
The Hidalgo Market is full of folklore. You can find, besides crafts, many places that offer a variety of sweet and savory dishes, as well as colorful details that will surely capture your attention. For an afternoon of entertainment visiting international brand stores, with amenities and certain luxuries, you can visit "Plaza Rio", one of the most famous shopping malls in the city.
WHAT TO DO?
Tijuana has a vast and important cultural diversity that is also reflected in the range of activities offered to its visitors, from its famous nightlife to cultural and sports events, as well as the various fairs and festivities held throughout the year.
There are also many natural attractions to implement ecotourism activities in its springs, streams and hot springs located on the shores of this city.
The "Malecon de Playas de Tijuana" is ideal for an afternoon walk along the beach, where everything deserves to be photographed, from its impressive murals to the incredible sunsets that can be gazed from there. Throughout this place you can find bars and cafes to hang out and rest.
More than 80 pieces inspired by renowned world-class characters are exhibited in the "Tijuana Wax Museum" that gathers thousands of visitors eager to admire their beloved idols sculpted in wax. On the other hand in the "Centro Cultural Tijuana" you can find exhibitions of painting, photography and culture; while the Contemporary Art Museum offers a wide collection of pieces from this type of artistic movement.
The wine route is one of the most sought after by visitors to Tijuana, since with this wonderful tour you can experience the process of making this famous drink, as well as have the opportunity to visit the most important and prestigious wine houses from the country.
