Driving to Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe Wine Country
If you are a wine tourist who seeks to explore the hidden – and not-so-hidden – charms of vineyards large and small, you may already have Baja’s up-and-coming Valle de Guadalupe on your radar! This is especially true if you love to be among the world’s first to sample the rustic beauty of this region that produces 90% of Mexican wines... who doesn’t?
Traveling by car from the United States is the best way to get to Valle de Guadalupe (or Guadalupe Valley). The driving distance between Los Angeles and Valle de Guadalupe is 4 hours on average and from San Diego about one-and-a-half hours. In addition, once you arrive, you’ll be able to make the most of your visit by setting your own schedule to drive to vineyards, restaurants, and other experiences this corner of Mexico has to offer. 
You’ll need to purchase some cheap Mexican car insurance either before you leave or before you drive in Mexico. For the best convenience, purchase your insurance online before you leave.
Valle de Guadalupe is at the beginning of what will soon become a well-traveled destination for vino enthusiasts all over the world. You may find yourself staying in a unique bubble-designed glamping retreat drinking wine in a sauna by starlight or enjoying the luxury of a smaller boutique casa with gourmet meals paired perfectly with local wines.
Don’t miss visiting some of the local vineyards and experiencing the picturesque and sweeping beauty of this region’s rocky and arid mountain terrain. If you want to get in a swim, the Pacific Ocean is not far.
Keep reading for some hints and tips from Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance on how to safely enjoy this amazing Mexico travel destination.
How To Get To Valle De Guadalupe by Car?
Get ready for gorgeous scenery! From San Diego or LA you can cross the border at Otay and drive approximately two hours to Valle de Guadalupe. Another easy crossing point is at San Ysidro on Highway 5.
Where is the Valley Of Guadalupe Located?
Valle de Guadalupe is located in Baja California about 26 miles northwest of Ensenada, following the highway that leads to Tecate.
What Are the Roads In Valle De Guadalupe Like?
Most roads to get to Valle de Guadalupe in Mexico are very safe and in very good condition. You will enjoy an incredible view during your drive. Be prepared for some less-than-perfect roads in and around Valle de Guadalupe that you may have you bouncing around in the car.
How Far Is It From Tijuana To Valle De Guadalupe?
From Tijuana to Valle de Guadalupe by car is only 87 miles away. That is approximately three hours (or four if you stop for delicious food).
How Much is Spent on Tolls from Tijuana to the Wine Route?
From the Tijuana-Ensenada scenic highway to the road that connects with Valle de Guadalupe and the wine route, you will have to go through four tollbooths, spending approximately 140 Mexican pesos per trip.
Can I Travel To Tijuana With Temporary US License Plates?
It is legal to travel through Mexico with temporary license plates in the USA, but if you do not have the labels, you will not be able to process your temporary vehicle import permit if you are traveling outside of Baja and the free zone. You should write down your VIN on your cell phone and you can take a photo of the temporary plates, so you will have your number in case of theft.
Requirements to Cross the Border by Car into Valle De Guadalupe
What Is a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit?
A temporary vehicle import permit allows you to enter your car into Mexico beyond the free zone for a specified period. All of Baja is a Free Zone so a vehicle permit is not required to drive to Valle de Guadalupe. If you have a feeling, you will stay longer because you’re having too much fun... read on!
What is the Free Zone?
The Free Zone extends for about 15 miles from the border, through the entire Baja California Peninsula and a large part of the state of Sonora. In this area in Mexico, customs and immigration regulations are relaxed to facilitate travel and trade between the two countries.
You will see signs or checkpoints before leaving the free zone, and you will not be able to leave the free zone without a permit.
How to Apply For a Temporary Import Permit?
You can get it online at the Banjercito de México government agency website or when you cross the border. These permits are usually issued for a maximum of 180 days, depending on the length of your immigration permit. Please note that you will be able to perform multiple crosses with the same permit if it has not expired.
How to Get Mexican Car Insurance?
You can get a Mexican auto policy online or by phone. Be sure to compare rates and discounts to choose the best option.
Five Tips for Traveling By Car to the Wine Route in Valle De Guadalupe
1. Ensure that your car has been recently maintained and in good driving order.
2. Get Mexican Car Insurance for when you cross the border.
3. Bring at least one coat.
4. Consider spending 1.5 to 2 hours per vineyard.
5. The vineyards close at 5:00 p.m.
6. The average price per tasting ranges from $100 to $300 pesos.
Important Tourist Information about Valle De Guadalupe
· August is a great date to travel to Valle de Guadalupe to enjoy the vintage events.
· Between Tijuana and Ensenada is Puerto Nuevo, “The Town of the Lobster.”
· Do not forget to go through the wine routes of Monte Xanic, Finca La Carrodilla, Relieve, El Cielo, Mogor Badan, and Cuatro Cuatros – forgetting these lovely locations will only leave you longing to come back.
· If you love the sea, be sure to visit the beaches of Ensenada and Rosarito.
· Around 80 wineries produce 90% of the wines of all of Mexico in some 10,000 cultivated hectares.
Get Mexican Auto Insurance Quotes with Sanborn's Insurance Today
With over 75 years of experience helping travelers, our agents at Sanborn's Mexico Insurance will help you customize the coverage you need while driving into Mexico.
If you are planning multiple border crossings in a year, you can get an annual Mexican policy with deeper discounts and more savings. At Sanborn’s, we have the fastest and cheapest coverage options for your trip to Mexico’s wine country. Visit our website or call 800-222-0158.