La Bufadora South Of Ensenada

This is the reason people come out here both locals and tourists. There are two levels and I suggest if you are
new to the area you go up to the second level because you are less likely to get soaked. The shopping is just
another plus. The tourists on the cruise ships are dropped off by the bus loads just to see it.

The La Habana restaurant is another great restaurant out there. Their hours outside of Summer are 9:30 AM to
5:00 PM. They have a variety of food that ranges from typical Mexican to absolutely gourmet. Great for a late
breakfast or lunch, but be careful they close early. The one thing La Habana has over all of the other food
choices is the view from upstairs. It is not uncommon to see Whales out over the Peninsula. The service is the
great and they take credit cards (something unique in the area). Their prices are much higher than their sister
restaurants in the area, but the choices on the menu are wider and more gourmet. If you are looking for a
gourmet menu plan an early dinner or late lunch and you will not be disappointed. Just plan on a little more
money then you usually spend in the general area, but it is worth it.

Down stairs they have the good quality clothes, a Long Bar, and the largest Humidor in the area. This is the only
store selling Cuban Cigars that I can recommend. There is such a fake Cuban business in Mexico that you need
to take steps not to be burned. Although you might enjoy one one or two on your trip, you need to remember
they are still (unfortunately) illegal in the States.

You can find all of the souvenirs, Leather items, Silver Jewelry, blankets, Shells, t-shirts, pottery, and anything
else sold in Mexico along one street. Great Clothes, Great Food, and a Great View. We can find everything we
want right here a short drive from the a beach house at prices much lower than we are used to in the States.
Shells (about a quarter of the price in the states), Margarita Glasses, Geckos, large decorative Plates and
Bowls, Blankets, and many other items are sold here. Like all Mexican shopping areas, they have pharmacies
that will sell you anything. Be very careful in buying things you do not have a prescription for. They will sell it to
you, but that does not mean your not breaking the law. This is a good time to discuss fireworks. The stores in
Mexico will sell you some awesome fireworks. The only problem is that they are illegal to light in Mexico and
illegal to bring back to the states. It seems ridiculous, but I recommend not buying them at all.

Try the Tacos (Shrimp our favorite) at the restaurant across the street from La Habana. Try the fresh Churros (a
Mexican donut), The BBQ Corn, The Coconut Drinks, the fresh Fruit cups, they are all great. If you go to La
Bufadora once, I guarantee you will visit again. Because it is a State Park and Tourist area, prices are higher
than in Punta Banda. We have found it is worth it. The ride and view alone are worth the fifteen minutes it takes
to get out there.

We have found that Sunday is kind of a local area day. On Sunday you may be the only American. Fridays
(subject to change) there are no cruise ships in the area and it is rarely crowded on this day, although we went
down recently and the Queen Mary II was in port on Friday (very unusual). Plan a trip to La Bufadora and you
will come back.

Remember, always pay in pesos if listed in the menu. The rate has changed so much lately that you never know
what exchange rate you will be given for dollars. Better to avoid the concern and maximize your money.

Drive west from Punta Banda out on the Peninsula. Be careful on the winding road
out to the end of the peninsula because the view, of the beach, Ensenada, the
tuna rings, and Todo Santos Island. La Bufadora is the Baja version of a State
Park and it is only twenty minutes away from the house. There will be people in
the road as you approach waving you to parking areas. If it is busy, take the
easiest one, but you will have to walk a couple of blocks to the blow hole. If it is a
Friday (no cruise ship tours that day), you can drive to the La Habana restaurant
and turn left and park below. Don't fight the shops road if it is busy and has lots of
people walking.

Let's face it. The views are equal to La Jolla in San Diego. Who would not want to
spend time eating or just walking around taking pictures of this view. During Whale
Season, it is not uncommon to see them even as you drive down with their water
spouts up into the air out of the water. More times than I care to remember we
pulled over before we had gone down the hill to take in the Whales in the water just
off the point. Just as you round the point to the left, there is a hill off to your right. It
looks like it is an Island among the peninsula. If you have a an SUV or four wheel
drive vehicle that can handle it, pull in and pay 20 pesos to visit the area and drive
to the right and up this hill to it's highest point for some of the best views in the
area. Be careful as you reach the top since it ends quickly. Park and take your
camera for some of the most awesome coast line and islands you will ever see.On
the way out there just as you come down the hill, you will see a restaurant on your
right. La Bufadora Tequila Grill is a great restaurant with great service. They have
numerous different kinds of tequila and are open longer hours than other
restaurants in the area. They have great specials like happy hour and Taco
Tuesdays. We do love to spend time there and will many times in the future.