10 Fun Things to do in Valle de Guadalupe!
Picture this: rolling hills with vineyards as far as the eye can see, charming towns that feel like they’re straight out of a storybook, and a vibe that’s just downright contagious. You must be in none other than Valle de Guadalupe!
Valle de Guadalupe is an incredible destination in Baja California that’s like Napa Valley’s cooler, more laid-back cousin. We’re not just talking wine tastings here (although, they’re pretty fantastic).
Valle de Guadalupe is a playground for anyone who loves good times and great adventures. So whether you’re a wine geek, a foodie always on the lookout for the next delicious bite, or just someone up for a good ol’ time, Valle de Guadalupe has got your back.
There are so many fun things to do in Valle de Guadalupe that you have to add to your bucket list. Check out this list for 10 ideas for your trip to Valle de Guadalupe.
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Where is Valle de Guadalupe?
The most popular destination for wine tourism in Mexico is the breathtaking Valle de Guadalupe which is part of the Ensenada principality. Valle de Guadalupe is one of the northern-most areas of Baja California, located 113 miles south of the United States border between Tijuana and San Diego, California. This close proximity makes it an easy and desirable destination for tourists who want to travel by car from Southern California.
The rapid growth of the Mexican wine scene has made it a very popular destination for wine tourism. It is located in the northernmost part of Mexico in Baja California, on a long peninsula 775 miles in length, the peninsula is bordered to the west by the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of California to the east, creating the perfect mix of climate and terroir, which makes it a perfect place to grow grapes.
Fun Things to do in Valle de Guadalupe
If you love wine and are looking for a fun getaway in a unique location, then the Valle de Guadalupe is the perfect destination for you! Though of course winery visits are at the top of the list, there is a vast array of different activities that you can enjoy on your visit to this breathtaking part of the world!
However, when you are not sipping your favorite Mexican wine, we have put together a list of other activities that we recommend for your bucket list. Here are the most fun things to do in Valle de Guadalupe!
1. Take a winery tour
Mexico is the new rising star of the wine industry. There are over 121 wineries in Valle de Guadalupe for people from all over the world to enjoy. You will find 75 of them on the famous La Ruta del Vino (the wine Route).
It is definitely recommended to spend one or two days visiting the local wineries to discover the amazing wine available! There is no public transport in the area so if you want to visit the wineries you can either opt to drive yourself or better yet hire a private driver (who knows the area and also this means that you can drink as much as you like). Read our article to find the top winery recommendations in Valle de Guadalupe!
2. Visit Las Fiestas de la Vendimia
The month of August is the busiest month to visit Valle de Guadalupe. August is when the annual grape harvest takes place and is a time of celebration. It also means that all hands are on deck to ensure that the harvest (the most important time of the year for a winery) goes as smoothly as possible! This means that there may be less availability to visit wineries during this period due to a lack of staffing (especially in some of the micro-wineries).
However, if you want to take part in the harvest festivities, then you can enjoy the Las Fiestas de la Vendimia (wine harvest festival) which takes place in Ensenada. It starts on the first day of August and lasts for two weeks. This celebration is a mix of private parties and dinners that are held in restaurants and wineries throughout the valley. The two largest events where most of the wineries join together (this attracts large crowds as well) are the wine-tasting Muestra del Vino which opens the festival and the famous Concurso de Paella (paella contest) which is held to close the celebrations.
To avoid disappointment book well in advance. Tickets for events and parties are very limited. They can be purchased online and start at around $100 per person. The Vendimia is considered one of Ensenada’s most high-society events so if you want to experience the Mexican in celebration mode, this is the place to be.
3. Go Glamping
If you are looking for an alternative to a traditional hotel, love sleeping under the stars but do not like roughing it in a tent, then you should try Glamping. You can “camp” but enjoy the comfort and amenities that you experience in a hotel.
The luxurious cabin tents of Cabanas Cuatro Cuatros offer luxury accommodations under the stars. The tents are equipped with plush queen-sized beds, private bathrooms, electricity, air-conditioning, heating, and a mini-bar. When you are tired of the luxury of your tent, you can stretch out in the deck chairs on your private terrace sipping your favorite glass of wine, connecting with Mother Nature, gazing at the stars, or watching the sunrise.
If you are a fan of stargazing and want to take it to the next level then you can glamp in a transparent bubble tent at Campera Hotel Burbuja. All of the tents have privacy curtains (great for keeping out the early morning sun if you want to sleep in), a full-sized luxury bed, bathroom, and climate control.
4. Try Horseback Riding
If you have always wanted to ride a horse Mexican style, then horse riding is the perfect day out. The Adobe de Guadalupe breeds and has the largest population of Azteca horses in the world (there are 26 in the stable). You can enjoy a riding tour of Monte Xanic, one of the best wineries in the area, followed by a delicious meal that of course is accompanied by great Mexican wines!
5. Go Zip Lining
If you are into more extreme sports then you should go to El Sauzal and enjoy the Desert Nest Zip Line Baja (considered to be the best zip lining in the area) which has around 2.3 miles of zip line circuits. After you have picked up your gear from the Cuatro Cuatros Hotel you will be driven to the zip line circuit where you can spend your afternoon on an adrenaline high at the same time experiencing the best views in the entire valley.
6. Treat yourself to a Spa Day
Going on vacation is synonymous with pampering? If you have answered yes then a Spa Day should be part of your itinerary. Spa Mar Azul in Ensenada offers a variety of different spa packages for your relaxation pleasure. There is even the option of a mobile spa service which is available in the Valle de Guadalupe if you do not want to go into town.
7. Visit the Vine and Wine Museum
If you are a big fan of museums then a visit to the Vine and Wine Museum is a must. Conveniently located on the Ruta del Vino, the museum is divided into four parts that delve into the history, culture, wine, art, industry, and the valley’s identity. The location of the museum offers amazing views of the valley and mountains from a 360° perspective.
8. Go on a Hot Air Balloon ride
Do you want to have an amazing view of the valley from above? A ride in a hot air balloon is the perfect way to have a bird’s eye view of the splendid landscape of the Valle. There are a variety of different options available – private, shared, or if you choose the option to have a wine tasting while in flight or even a romantic dinner.
9. Go on a bike ride through the city
Do you want to experience the beauty of the Valle on a bicycle? There are different places where you can hire a cycle such as the Boutique Hotel of Valle de Guadalupe if you have not brought your own wheels along.
If you are a professional cyclist you might want to participate in the Ruta del Vino Bike Ride. The race takes place in the wine capital of Mexico and you will enjoy views of the beautiful vineyards as you speed past them as you head towards your destination – A wine and culinary festival to celebrate the event.
10. Go Hiking
If you love hiking there is a wide variety of different trails that you can hike on at all different levels of difficulty and lengths. If you want to hike on your own then consult www.alltrails.com. Alternatively, you can hire a guide to accompany you if you prefer.
Summary
There are so many activities that you can do during your visit to the Valle de Guadalupe. Remember to take some time to relax at the end of your day, sip a nice glass of wine and watch the sunset.
