Mexicali

Mexicali, capital of Baja California, is located at the northeastern portion of Baja and borders Calexico, California. In the past 105 years it has boomed into a rich and diverse economic city, with one of the nation’s best employment rates. Mexicali offers a complete modern infrastructure which includes many opportunities for amusement, sports, and the enjoyment of Mexico’s rich traditions.

Mexicali has conquered growth in many aspects. There are currently 21 industrial parks that gather more than 130 national and international companies, offering nearly 55,000 jobs. Here you can find the biggest aerospace lab in Latin America. There are also more than 12 universities that offer internationally valid programs and a diversity of specialization areas.

Where to Dine

The selection of cuisine in Mexicali is very diverse, with Chinese being one of Mexicali’s traditions. Traditional Chinese restaurants started in the 1930’s when Chinese immigrants first arrived here via the Sea of Cortez and settled into the area, fusing both cultures. Today there are more than 120 Chinese restaurants in Mexicali.

You can also enjoy carne asada and world class beers, which are distinctive to the area. Today, there are many small breweries that offer great varieties. If you prefer wine, you can sample the finest wines that are produced in the vineyards along the Pacific coast in nearby Guadalupe Valley. Some highly recommended places to dine are Los Vagones (Mexican and international food next to the border),  Sakura (Japanese Cuisine), Mezzosole (Italian food at Hotel Lucerna), Fonda de Mexicali (Mexican food at Hotel Araiza), El Sarape (Mexican food and Mariachi), Heidelberg (German and international), Premier Restaurant (International Restaurant at Crowne Plaza), Chalet Restaurant (International Restaurant at Hotel Siesta Real), Los Arcos (Seafood), El Rincon de Panchito (Chinese Restaurant) and China House among many others.

Where to See & Do

You’ll be able to find tons of exciting activities and places to visit. There is the Sol del Niño interactive museum with an IMAX Theatre with 3D technology. Bosque de la Ciudad park has a man-made lake and a beautiful zoo. Young people and children will have tons of fun riding the water slides and splashing around in the kiddy pool.

For those who enjoy golfing, don’t miss the Club de Golf Campestre de Mexicali. It includes a challenging 18-hole course that features huge fairways, greens surrounded by water hazards and sand traps.

If you enjoy hunting you will be excited by the variety of exotic fauna that inhabit the Valley of Mexicali. Wildlife includes birds such as the “Cerceta,” golondrina duck, mountain quail and pheasant.

Where to Stay

You'll find many hotels offering top quality service for all budgets and tastes in Mexicali. They are up to the highest standards of quality with the best amenities.

The city is equipped with a complete and modern infrastructure, which guarantees success for tourist-related events, promotions, expos and conventions. It also has an important and capable hotel structure, which supports events with a total of 2,000 hotel rooms, with very important hotel chains in the city.

Hotel Araiza, (877-727-2492) and 01800-0265-444
Hotel Lucerna, (800-LUCERNA) and 01800-0266-300
Hotel Crowne Plaza, (800-2-CROWNE) and 01800-0265-123
Hotel Calafia, (877-727-2492) and 01800-0265-444
Hotel Colonial, (800-437-2438) and 01800-0265-888
Hotel Siesta Real, (800-426-5093) and 01800-0265-466
Hotel City Express, (800-2489-397) and (686) 564-1650
Hotel Cosmos Don Carlos, (686)5681155 to 57
Hotel Regis, (686-566-8801)
Hotel del Norte, (888-221-8504) and 01-800-0273-230
Hotel Azteca de Oro, (686-557-1433)
Hotel Posada del Sol, (686-558-7475)
Hotel Posada Inn, (686-558-6100)
Hotel Hacienda del Indio, (686-557-2277) and 01-800-027-9873.     

Calendar of Events

Mexicali homes many important regional events such as AgroBaja, an internationally renowned agricultural event that receives more than 50,000 people in just 3 days.

The BajaProg (www.bajaprog.com) is an internationally acclaimed rock festival and has featured the likes of Luciano Pavarotti at the Laguna Salada.

Mexicali’s traditional Fiestas del Sol are held in September at the main regional fairground. This festival receives over 400,000 visitors. For details, visit www.fiestasdelsol.com.mx.

If you are a baseball fan you will certainly want to catch the spirit of the Liga Mexicana del Pacifico, Mexicali’s Professional Baseball League season. Every year from October to January, you can support the local team, Aguilas de Mexicali by attending their exciting games. They are held in the Casas Geo Stadium. The team boasts players that are recognized both in the United States and all over Latin America. Today, Mexicali is proud to announce that it will be the home of the Serie del Caribe in February 2009.

For those who love bullfighting, the Plaza de Toros Calafia hosts the best regulated bullfights throughout the year. It is also a magnificent venue for other events, such as local festivals and large concerts featuring national artists.

Exciting off-road racing is held during the year. Races are organized by well-known international associations like SCORE INTERNATIONAL and CODE. The new McMillan 500, the Mexicana Logistic 300, and Score San Felipe 250 are some of the biggest competitions that take place in the Mexicali area. Sand Drags and motorcycle races complement this automotive entertainment.

For up-to-date information, visit their website at www.mexicaliturismo.com. You can also email the tourism board at info@mexicaliturismo.com or call (888-342-7323).