Things to do in Valle de Guadalupe Beyond Wine (Copy)
Is the Valle de Guadalupe Open?
Yes, the Valle de Guadalupe is open. Hotels and Restaurants have changed their seating operations and made investments for covid. Many take reservations, so you will want to call ahead.
Things to do in Valle de Guadalupe Beyond Wine and Food
Updated 5/2021
In my 10 years living and working in Ensenada as an Expat, I have grown to love escapes to the Valle. I have come to love the Valle de Guadalupe for many things I already love, which don’t tend to be wine and fine dining, so I wanted to offer a few ideas to diversify your options.
Craft, Artesanal Beer. Yes, Ensenada has a hoping microbrew scene and you can find some in the Valle de Guadalupe. Check out Wendlant’s brewery and tasting room for a sunset beer. It is on the ocean just at the end of the D3 highway that goes through the Valle.
Kombucha in Valle De Guadalupe: My friend Todd opened a cool little place with fresh Kambucha and some tasty meats in San Antonio de las Minas, on the right straight back from the stoplight.
One of my coolest massage clients, Kino has Big Mountain Kombucha. The band leader with a reggae image lives a wild and healthy life.
Bike Ride:
Several of the resorts have bike ride options: Hotel Boutique and La Tierra have those options, allowing you to use their bikes to pedal around on the dirt roads and visit local wineries. It’s fun. As for biking on the roads, I don’t recommend it. Although the highway is well paved, and the shoulder is large in some areas, traffic is not accustomed to respecting bikes. Usually, you only see road bikers with a lead and follow vehicle, which seems like a lot of hassle to coordinate for me. And on the weekend the one-lane roads get backed up when biking groups are riding.
Mountain biking or gavel biking is AWESOME in the Ensenada area. Bring your own gear.
Zipline:
Cuatros cuatros resort has Desert Nest Zipline. They are not quite as big and awesome as Las Canadas 40min south of Ensenada but are much closer.
Hot Air Balloon Ride:
Valle is beautiful, why not get a new perspective.
Animal Life for the Kid in You
Ranch life in Valle de Guadalupe has a couple of options for animal viewing or petting.
The Valle features a kids zoo ‘Zoologico Parque del Niño’. It’s on the Porvenir side of the Valle.
And many other places have random ranch animals. My favorite is Casa Vieja, with goats that love to be rubbed, and ostriches.
And you may see road runners on the unpaved roads.
Hike to Waterfall/ hot springs
Still getting info for closer options. El Salto, 20 min north on road to La Mision is an interesting 30min walk hike to along canyon floor to rocky gorge, with an option for a steep uphill section of the hike. Camping options are available too.
Cheese tasting in Valle de Guadalupe
The cheese room in San Antonio Las Minas has a sampling of cheeses, jams, and such. Fun little stop and cheese wine combos are legendary to melt the fat of cheese with the acidity of the wine. Check out fresh apple pie in the cafe a couple of stores down.
Wine museum:
Valle de Guadalupe has a wine museum that is new and well run. It has great displays on the history of the region and winemaking. However, they have restricted hours during covid.
Get your Art on
Tres Mujeres has a great art cave. The owner Yvette is a ceramic artist.
My friend Jo Ann Knox runs a nice art collectivo in the rustic and authentic Casa Vieja. Several artists are on display/ for sale with a couple of food options. Find them by navigating to Cava VinTango near San Antonio Las Minas.
The adobe-style of the house and sprawling restaurant, rusty tractor, is a treat to meander around.
Live music in the Valle de Guadalupe is available, and you will have to search and call ahead. Check out Brent at JazzLite, he also runs the coffee cart at the highway exit for Maglen Guru Resort. Valle Girl Wines has a Sunday afternoon outdoor concert. Ochentos Pizza has Saturday night bands and is actually one of my favorite spots.
For hip electronic music, check out Casa Frida’s DJ sets and Agua de Vid. Saturday nights my buddy and Las Vegas-based DJ Arron Feld has been playing around the Valle this spring. Check his facebook for when he is playing.
Yoga and Pilates
Yes, Luna de Sol has some yoga offerings at Hotel Boutique. Michelle is a gentle and authentic soul. They are still in construction on the wellness center.
For private yoga classes in your rental, Ensenada Tours and Excursions can arrange a teacher, about $8-10 USD a person.
Spa Experiences in Valle
Most of the physical Spas are closed for Covid. However, there are mobile massage options that allow you to stay in your amazing rental and request a massage and facial at your place. And take the best nap ever after, without driving. Valle Mobile Spa offers packages for couples and groups from $99usd a person in Valle.
ATV Tours in Valle de Gudalupe
El Cielo has run some ATV Tours, however, it is unclear if nonguests can access them.
Horseback riding:
Many places have horseback riding, Hotel Boutique has good options. For a private guide, Contact Rosabella in Valle de Guadalupe, Marty Harriman in La Mision, or Chrystal B at Desert Trails south of Ensenada near La Bufadora.
The Valle runs on Baja Time, so for a larger, group with a budget, you may want to use a travel concierge
