Ensenada: Food and Wine Tour with Tastings

Exploring Ensenada through its delicious food and vibrant culture becomes a rewarding experience with the Food and Wine Tour with Tastings offered by Lost in Baja. This 5-hour guided adventure departs from the Muelle Mirador and takes visitors on a flavorful journey through the city’s most iconic food stops, scenic vistas, and historic sites. The tour includes tastings of fresh seafood tacos, visits to lively markets, and a signature margarita at the ex Hotel Casino Pacífico, all wrapped in a relaxed, engaging atmosphere.

Designed for those who appreciate authentic culinary experiences paired with cultural insights, this tour emphasizes local flavors and portside scenery. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for most participants, though it’s best suited for those prepared to walk about 10-15 minutes between stops. With flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers both convenience and a taste of true Ensenada hospitality.

Key Points

• Duration of 5 hours allows ample time to enjoy diverse tastings and sightseeing.
• Starts at Muelle Mirador, a scenic portside meeting point with views of the Ensenada harbor.
• Includes tastings of fresh seafood tacos, especially fish and shrimp, prepared on-site.
• Visits the Mercado Negro, a bustling market where you observe local port activity and seafood freshness.
• Sample the famous La Guerrerense tostadas and conchas at iconic street food carts.
• Ends with a margarita at the Riviera del Pacífico, a historic hotel and casino with views of the port.
• Tour is accessible for wheelchairs and guided in both English and Spanish for a personalized experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Muelle Mirador: The Scenic Port Entrance

The tour begins at the Muelle Mirador, an outdoor viewing area located at Prol. Castillo 79, Zona Centro. This spot is perfect for catching views of the port of Ensenada and is conveniently near the cruise ship docks. The guide, marked by the LOST IN BAJA logo, greets visitors here before the adventure starts with a quick briefing. The meeting point’s coordinates are 31.85795021057129, -116.62229919433594.

This portside location sets a relaxed tone for the tour, with plenty of benches to enjoy the harbor scenery before heading out on foot. The outdoor setting makes it easy to gather with minimal logistical fuss, and the area’s lively maritime ambiance instantly immerses visitors in Ensenada’s maritime culture.

Walking Route and Scenic Views Along the Malecón

From the Muelle Mirador, the guide leads a 10-minute walk along the Malecón, the lively seaside promenade lined with cafes, shops, and street vendors. This walk offers picturesque views of the sea and bustling port activity while allowing for a casual introduction to Ensenada’s waterfront. The Malecón is a favored spot for locals and visitors alike, creating an authentic backdrop for the start of the food journey.

As the group strolls, the guide shares insights about Ensenada’s maritime history and points out notable landmarks. The walk is easy and suitable for most walkers, making it a comfortable start before moving on to the more active stops.

Traditional Market Negro: A Seafood Market with Local Flavors

The next highlight is a visit to the Mercado Negro, a traditional market where the aroma of fresh seafood fills the air. Here, the activity of port workers unloading and selling seafood provides a lively scene. Visitors observe a variety of seafood, including the prized local catches, which are often used in the upcoming tastings.

Spending approximately 40 minutes here, the tour offers a chance to see the fishing industry in action and browse vendors selling a range of seafood products. The market’s authentic atmosphere adds a layer of local flavor that complements the culinary focus of the tour.

Tasting Fresh Fish and Shrimp Tacos in Ensenada

Following the market visit, the tour moves to El Güero Ens 1981, a popular street food spot where fish tacos and shrimp tacos are prepared fresh to order. These tacos serve as a signature part of the Ensenada culinary scene, showcasing the city’s emphasis on seafood. The guide explains how these tacos are a local staple, with simple yet flavorful ingredients.

This 30-minute tasting allows visitors to enjoy tacos that are made on-site, offering an authentic taste of Ensenada’s culinary craftsmanship. The freshness of the seafood and the vibrant flavors make this stop a true highlight for food lovers.

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La Guerrerense: Internationally Famous Tostadas of Seafood

Next, the tour visits the multi-awarded La Guerrerense street cart, renowned globally for its tostadas de mariscos. Here, visitors can sample fresco combinations of seafood on crispy tostadas, with flavors that have earned international acclaim. The guide points out that La Guerrerense’s famous tostadas have gained recognition for their innovative and vibrant flavors.

Spending about 40 minutes at this stop, the experience emphasizes freshness and creativity, as the cart offers a variety of seafood tostadas that reflect Ensenada’s seafood abundance. This stop is an excellent opportunity to taste a true local specialty that has placed Ensenada on the map in the culinary world.

El Wero Carreta: Concha Shells in an Authentic Setting

Further along the tour, visitors visit El Wero, a well-known street cart where conchas—a type of shellfish—are served fresh. The guide shares insights into the significance of this local delicacy and how it’s prepared in a traditional setting. The stop provides another layer of seafood tasting, emphasizing local ingredients and cooking styles.

This 40-minute stop offers a chance to enjoy the natural flavors of the sea in an unpretentious environment, contributing to the tour’s goal of showcasing authentic Ensenada street food.

Scenic End at the Riviera del Pacífico with a Signature Margarita

The final stop takes place at the Riviera del Pacífico, a historic hotel and casino dating back to the early 20th century. Here, visitors enjoy a classic margarita while learning about the site’s historical significance. The view of the port from this location adds a picturesque backdrop to the conclusion of the tour.

The guided visit to this iconic site lasts about one hour, giving ample time for relaxation and appreciation of Ensenada’s storied past. The margarita tasting caps off the culinary journey, leaving a lasting impression of the city’s mixing of tradition and leisure.

Practical Details and Booking Flexibility

The tour is available with options for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing travelers to plan confidently. It is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and includes guidance in both English and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.

Participants are advised to bring biodegradable sunscreen and cash for optional purchases. The activity occurs in outdoor spaces, so dressing comfortably for the weather and walking conditions is recommended.

Who Will Appreciate This Ensenada Tour

This experience suits foodies, cultural explorers, and those interested in authentic local flavors. It offers a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to savor seafood, learn about Ensenada’s maritime culture, and enjoy scenic views. The 5-hour duration makes it manageable for most travel schedules.

However, travelers should note that the tour involves walking across several stops, and it may not be suitable for individuals over 95 years old or those with mobility challenges. The tour’s focus on street-food stops and outdoor settings** makes weather considerations important.

Ensenada: Food and Wine Tour with Tastings – Final Thoughts

This tour provides an immersive taste of Ensenada’s seafood and street food, wrapped in a scenic portside setting. Visitors get to sample famous tacos, tostadas, and conchas, visit notable sites like the Mercado Negro and Riviera del Pacífico, and enjoy the port views that define Ensenada’s character.

The guided nature of the tour ensures a seamless and informative experience, perfect for those eager to combine gastronomy with local history. While the focus is on seafood and street eats, the scenic stops and historical insights make this tour a well-rounded cultural outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the Ensenada Food and Wine Tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, providing enough time for multiple tastings and sightseeing.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from the Muelle Mirador at Prol. Castillo 79, Zona Centro, a portside outdoor area near the cruise docks.

Are the stops accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most participants.

What should I bring on the tour?
Participants are advised to bring biodegradable sunscreen and cash for any additional purchases.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
It is suitable for most, but not recommended for people over 95 years and involves walking. The outdoor settings require suitable clothing and footwear.

How do I cancel or reschedule?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, with flexible booking options available.

What languages are offered during the tour?
Guidance is provided in both English and Spanish.

Are food and drinks included in the price?
The tour includes tastings at various stops, with a margarita at the end, but additional purchases are optional.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it is generally family-friendly, but consider the walking involved and the age/ability of younger children.

Can I pay after booking?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility in planning your trip.

This Ensenada Food and Wine Tour with Tastings offers a flavorful and scenic introduction to the city’s maritime charm, culinary traditions, and lively street scene—all in just five hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby