When I used to live in San Diego, I loved how many options there were for weekend getaways. With Mexico being right across the border, it makes a short weekend trip to Valle de Guadalupe feasible. “Valle” (as locals call it) is known as the Napa of Mexico and for good reason! They have world class food and wine, at a fraction of the price of Napa. Where to stay, what to eat, and what to drink can be completely overwhelming with all the options. So let’s hop into a suggested itinerary for your trip to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico.

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico: Weekend Getaway from San Diego

Getting to & around Valle de Guadalupe:

One of the biggest questions I’ve had from friends interesting in visiting is how to get there and how to get around. This article has great tips and specifics. For a brief overview however, you have a couple of options –

DRIVING  

While having a car is nice, if you aren’t familiar with Mexican driving laws, and don’t really know where you’re going, I’d cross off this option entirely. Also note that if your car doesn’t have “Sentri” (the fast pass) on your way back to the US you may find yourself sitting in traffic for FIVE hours. How do I know this? Experience.

GOING WITH A TOUR

When it comes to taking tours, I’m usually not a huge fan. You have to follow a set itinerary and you’re stuck with a whole group of tourists. That being said if it’s your first time visiting Valle, and you’re say a couple, I’d 100% go with this option. This is also a great option if you’re only interested in going for a day trip. Note: I haven’t tried either of these companies, they were found via research.

• VisterraTours – $132- $218
• Baja Winery Tours – ~$199

HIRING A DRIVER

If you’re planning to go in a bit larger of a group, or want to stay the entire weekend, I would recommend hiring a private driver. The average cost I found was about $250/day, including pick up and drop off at the border. This is the optimal choice for the following reasons –

1. Skip the crazy car line – walking across the border is typically faster than driving, especially on your way back into the US. This is ideal especially if your car doesn’t have global entry.
2. Valle is spread out – Everything in Valle is pretty spread out, and most places are about a 15-2o minute drive from each other.
3. Don’t drink & drive – this one is pretty obvious, but if you’re trying to visit multiple spots, you don’t want to drink & drive!

Where to stay in Valle de Guadalupe:

There are lots of options on where to stay in Valle de Guadalupe, from luxurious glamping, to staying in tiny haciendas, there’s something for everyone.

GROUPS

If you’re going with a group, I’d recommend renting an Airbnb. This allows everyone to stay together, and greatly reduces the cost. That being said, from my research, there aren’t many airbnbs, and they’re pretty standard (nothing fancy). However if you’re going for budget, this is the way to go!

$ Hotel – Hostal Agua de Vid

While this is considered a hostel, there are some private rooms. It is a cozy meets modern vibe.

• Location: Parcela 69, Guadalupa, Guadalupe, 22750 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
• Average Price: ~$80 USD
• Amenities: pool, restaurant, bar

$$ Hotel– CuatroCuatros

The Cabanas at CuatroCuatros is perfect if you’re looking for a more unique experience. They offer glamping experiences with hints of traditional decor.

• Location: El Tigre, Carretera libre Tijuana-Ensenada Km. 89, El Sauzal de Rodriguez, 22760 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
• Average Price: ~$250
• Amenities: They have a great bar on-sight with a beautiful view, and offer lots of outdoor activities.

$$$+  – Encuentro Guadalupe

Encuentro Guadalupe is the definition of a luxury hotel. Think: beautiful views and minimalist decor.

• Location: Carretera Tecate-Ensenada 75, El Sauzal, 22750 Ensenada, B.C., Mexico
• Average Price: ~$360
• Amenities: Driver for guests, pool, hot tub

Wine Tasting in Valle de Guadalupe:

You can comfortably fit 2-3 wineries into your schedule between lunch and dinner on day 1. There are so many options for vineyards, that it’s hard to pick where to go. Below are a couple of my favorites. If you are going in a larger group, I would recommend making reservations (especially on the weekends).

Monte Xanic

Monte Xanic is reminiscent of a safari landscape featuring different spots to wine taste and snack on a charcuterie board. On my first visit, we sat down by the water (which I preferred), and on the second headed up to the main area that features beautiful views of the entire property.

• Location: Francisco Zarco S/N, Col, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
• Hours: Daily 10 AM – 5 PM

Viña de Frannes

This might have been my favorite stop – mainly because of their amazing wine and food. This is a great stop if you’re looking to either have some appetizers or lunch. (Especially if you’re getting tired of cheese boards).

• Location: Camino Vecinal al rancho Cañada, del trigo, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
• Hours: Daily 10 AM – 6 PM
• Pro Tip: Request a table outside on the patio, and have a couple of appetizers.

Looking for more winery options? Try Domecq (the oldest vineyard in the area) or El Cielo.

Where to eat in Valle de Guadalupe

If you’re doing a quick trip (think: arrive Saturday morning, leave Sunday afternoon), you’ll have time for a couple of meals.

LUNCH – Finca Altozano

Finca Altozano is one of those spots that is so highly rated that it makes you wonder if it’s over-rated. But it is still my favorite spot in Valle because of how unique and fresh the food tastes. I would highly recommend going for lunch instead of dinner, as there is a lot to do on the property. Grab a coffee at their coffee shop after lunch, visit the goats and pigs, sit in one of their big barrels, or enjoy a conversation by the fire pits.

• Location: Carretera Tecate – Ensenada Km 83 Ejido, Francisco Zarco, 22750 Valle de Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
• Pro Tip: I would book this 2-3 weeks in advance, especially if you are looking to visit during prime lunch time.

A BREAK FROM WINE – Casa Frida 

Casa Frida is where the younger crowds hang out in Valle. This new-ish spot is much more modern and features a hotel, restaurant, and rooftop bar/club. The ambiance is incredibly adorable, and it’s a nice spot to hang out if you get tired of wine tasting!

• Location: Rancho San Marcos s/n, 22755 El Porvenir, B.C., Mexico
• Pro Tip: If you’re wanting to go to the rooftop lounge, I would book at least a week in advance.

SUNSET DRINKS – Bar Bura 

Bar Bura, located on the CuatroCuatros property, is the perfect spot to catch the sunset. This is a must-stop before you head to dinner. This is one of Valle’s most popular destinations, so be sure to make your reservation a couple of weeks in advance.

DINNER – Deckman’s En El Mogor

I personally haven’t been to Deckman’s (but have quite a few friends who have and love it). This dinner destination is on the pricier side, but is perfect for a dinner date or special occasion. Be prepared to see the chef grilling at the open air restaurant, and serving creative dishes.

• Location: Carretera Ensenada-Tecate Km. 85.5 San Antonio de Las Minas, 22766 Guadalupe, B.C., Mexico
• Pro Tip: Make your reservation 1-2 weeks in advance for the popular dinner times.

BREAKFAST/ BRUNCH –  La Cocina de Doña Esthela

Lastly, before you head back to San Diego on Sunday, you’ll want to have breakfast. La Cocina de Doña Estela has been dubbed the “Best breakfast in Mexico” (and in Valle). The food is definitely Mexican comfort food, and you do feel like you’re sitting in someone’s house/ kitchen. It lacks the frills and ambiance of some of the other spots, but this is the place to go if you’re looking for great food at a decent price.

•  Location: Ranchos San Marcos, El Porvenir, Ejido San Marcos, B.C., Mexico
•  Hours: Tues-Sun 8 AM – 5PM
• Pro Tip: They don’t take reservations, and the wait can get to 1-2 hours. If you’re going to eat here, go early!

For more food options: Try La Justina Valle or Elena.

Have you been to Valle de Guadalupe? What’s your favorite spot?