The toll road, marked Ensenada Cuota, is a safe, divided, well-maintained road that starts at Rosarito and takes you to the entrance to Ensenada. There are three tolls on the way down, each of which is $2.05 cents. You can pay in dollars or pesos; save the ticket that the toll person gives to you; it acts as your insurance should you have an accident on the toll road.

We recommend purchasing insurance online through Sanborn’s Insurance before traveling. All US plated vehicles need to have a Mexico insurance policy issued by a Mexican insurance company. Mexico does not recognize foreign insurance. Even though a US policy might cover physical damage within a 25 mile radius from the border, you would not have liability coverage in case you are at fault in an accident. Having the right Mexico insurance coverage is important and will help having the peace of mind needed to have a great experience while enjoying Valle de Guadalupe. 

Many locals and travelers use Uber as a way to get around Ensenada and Valle de Guadalupe. You can also take an Uber from the Tijuana airport or Tijuana border to Valle de Guadalupe. The cost is approximately $60. Contact the concierge at your hotel to arrange a car service to and from the festival.

The best way to minimize the border wait when returning to the United States is to have a Sentri pass, which allows you to enter a designated “Sentri” lanes, which are generally shorter and faster-moving, cutting down on the border wait significantly. Click here for more information on obtaining your Sentri pass. Keep in mind that getting a Sentri pass can sometimes take several months. We suggest applying as soon as possible to increase the likelihood that your Sentri gets to you on time. If you (and your car) have Sentri but your friends don’t, you may want to drop them off, let them walk across, and meet you on the other side. (They will probably beat you there!) Finding the Sentri lane is half the battle. Click here for directions on finding the Sentri line at the Tijuana border.

Another option is to cross the border at Tecate, which means leaving the Valle de Guadalupe from a different direction. There is no Sentri line at Tecate; lines are generally shorter. Keep in mind that this drive consists of undivided mountain roads.

If you are leaving Sunday, the best time to leave Valle de Guadalupe is before 7 a.m. If you are leaving Monday, the best time to leave is after 9 a.m.

Contact us at info@vallefoodandwinefest.com.