Things To Do
in Mexicali
This vibrant city, known as the capital of Baja California, boasts a unique blend of Mexican and Chinese cultures, thanks to its historic Chinese community. Famed for its scorching summers, it is a major agriculture center in the Mexicali Valley, one of the largest irrigation districts in Mexico.
Beyond its economic and cultural significance, it offers a wide variety of culinary delights, including its own distinctive version of Chinese cuisine and traditional Mexican dishes.
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Plaza Cívica, where you can enjoy the beautiful architecture and local atmosphere. Don't forget to grab a breakfast taco from a nearby food stall.
Head to the Centro Cultural Mexicali to discover its art exhibitions and cultural events. Afterward, indulge in a traditional lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Stroll along the historic Avenida Obregón, soaking in the lively ambiance. End your day with some delicious street food and maybe catch a local performance.
Start your day by visiting the beautiful Valle de los Gigantes, where you can marvel at the towering cactus. Enjoy a picnic breakfast surrounded by nature.
After exploring the valley, visit the nearby Laguna Salada for some birdwatching and tranquility. Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a local eatery known for its regional dishes.
As the sun sets, make your way to a cozy café for a warm drink. Take in the serene views and reflect on your day amidst the peaceful surroundings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong economy, primarily driven by manufacturing and agriculture.
- Proximity to the U.S. border allowing for easy access to the United States.
- Warm climate with low annual rainfall, appealing for those who enjoy sunny weather.
- Affordable cost of living compared to many cities in the U.S.
- Rich cultural heritage and diverse community.
- Air quality issues due to industrial pollution.
- Limited access to healthcare facilities compared to larger cities.
- Higher crime rates in certain areas.
- Variable availability of public services and infrastructure.
- Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
Best Activities in Mexicali
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy rock climbing at Cerro Prieto, a popular outdoor destination in Mexicali known for its scenic rock formations and challenging routes suitable for climbers of all levels.
Explore the expansive sand dunes surrounding Mexicali by embarking on an exhilarating ATV off-roading adventure, offering opportunities for thrilling rides and stunning desert views.
Embark on a hiking excursion in the Valle de los Gigantes, a picturesque valley renowned for its towering cacti and diverse desert flora, providing an enriching outdoor experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of Mexicali with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Mexicali
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers panoramic views of Mexicali and the surrounding area, ideal for photography.
A scenic park with green spaces and water features, providing great photo opportunities.
A vast, otherworldly landscape that offers unique and captivating photo opportunities.
Food in Mexicali
Mexicali Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Marinated and grilled beef, often served with fresh tortillas, guacamole, and salsa. Can be found at La Vaquita Restaurant.
Must-Try!
A traditional Mexican beef stew featuring vegetables and savory broth. Can be savored at Mercado de Todos Santos.
San Felipe-style fish tacos, typically featuring fried fish, cabbage, and a zesty crema. Best enjoyed at Mariscos El Pelón food cart.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Mexicali better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a plethora of fresh produce, meats, spices, and traditional Mexican delicacies, making it an ideal destination to experience the vibrant local food scene.
Avenida Michoacán is renowned for its diverse range of street food stalls offering everything from birria tacos to elote (grilled corn) with an array of toppings, providing a true taste of Mexicali's culinary diversity.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Mexicali, it is important to respect personal space and avoid standing too close to others, especially when having conversations or waiting in lines.
Using polite language and greetings such as 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you) is highly valued in Mexicali as a sign of respect.
In Mexican culture, showing respect for elders is important, so addressing them with proper titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora' and showing deference is customary in Mexicali.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Mexicali with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Mexicali
Ensure a smooth experience
In Mexicali, it is customary to give a 10-15% tip at restaurants, bars, and for other services like taxi rides and hotel staff.
Cash is widely used in Mexicali, but credit and debit cards are also accepted at most businesses. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and street vendors.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Mexicali.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Mexicali, comfortable temperatures and clear skies.
Another good time to visit Mexicali, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Cooler temperatures, but still a good time to visit Mexicali for outdoor activities.
Hot temperatures, but ideal for enjoying the city's water parks and other attractions.
Mexicali at Night
Hiking in Mexicali
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A prominent hill located near Mexicali, offering hiking trails with stunning views of the surrounding desert landscape. The area also features geothermal energy plants.
This mountainous region is located just south of Mexicali and offers various trails for hiking and outdoor activities, with diverse plant and wildlife.
A unique desert basin that provides scenic views and opportunities for hiking. Various trails around the area allow exploration of the unique landscape.
An excellent hiking spot offering a moderate challenge with rewarding views at the summit. Ideal for those looking for a quick hike close to Mexicali.
A beautiful canyon offering trails for hiking and opportunities for bird watching and photography. The canyon showcases dramatic rock formations.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Mexicali through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Mexicali by plane.
Located in Tijuana, Baja California, this is one of the largest international airports in the region, approximately 130 kilometers from Mexicali.
Situated in San Diego, California, this major airport is about 140 kilometers from Mexicali and serves numerous international flights.
Located in San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur, this airport is about 1,000 kilometers from Mexicali but is significant for international travel.
Located in Palm Springs, California, this airport is approximately 200 kilometers from Mexicali, offering several international flight options.
Situated in Phoenix, Arizona, this major airport is around 400 kilometers from Mexicali, providing a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population in Mexicali, consisting of individuals with Mexican citizenship.
A significant group, including expatriates and residents from the United States who live in Mexicali.
This group includes individuals migrating from countries such as Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
A notable demographic historically present in Mexicali, contributing to its cultural diversity.
Comprising various indigenous communities, this group represents the original inhabitants of the region.
Individuals from other Latin American countries, including Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru.
The Soul of Mexicali
Discover the essence of Mexicali through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Baseball is extremely popular in Mexicali, with a rich history and a strong local league. The city is home to several teams, including the Mexicali Eagles, which compete in the Mexican League.
Basketball enjoys a significant following in Mexicali, with local leagues and schools promoting the sport. The city has also produced several skilled players who have excelled nationally.
Soccer (football) is widely played and watched in Mexicali. The city supports local clubs and has fans that passionately follow national leagues and teams.
Boxing is a well-regarded sport in Mexicali, producing many notable fighters. The city has a vibrant boxing culture with gyms and training facilities catering to aspiring boxers.
Lucha Libre, or Mexican wrestling, is a popular entertainment sport in Mexicali. It features colorful masks and costumes, and events draw large crowds who enjoy the theatrical aspect of the matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mexicali.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and food stalls in Mexicali offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options ranging from flavorful bean burritos to refreshing ceviche made with mushrooms or tofu.
Several eateries in Mexicali cater to gluten-free dietary needs, providing dishes such as grilled meats, fresh seafood, and vibrant salads using locally sourced ingredients.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Mexicali with these cultural adventures.
