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With an investment of $200 million, a group of Mexican entrepreneurs is pushing forward a sustainable ecotourism megaproject named Colorado Ensenada, which is set to transform the southern region of Ensenada. The project aims to boost the renowned Cheese and Wine Route while developing a lifestyle immersed in nature.
“We are focusing on strengthening the historic Cheese and Wine Route as well as the southern area of Ensenada, an important agricultural region where we aim to create a community,” said Verónica Sigala, the legal director of the Colorado Real del Castillo technical and advisory committee.
The committee, she explained, includes academics from the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC), local historians, agricultural developers, jurists, biologists, and the Archbishopric of Baja California. “The goal is to create a small city where we will have schools, airstrips, and an entirely self-sustaining lifestyle on a total of 855 hectares, located at kilometer 53 of the Ensenada-Mexicali highway.”
Sigala outlined the project’s three phases, the first of which began on January 2, 2024. This phase includes the zoning of a historic center and the establishment of the Pro Real del Castillo council. The council will oversee the proper growth and conservation of the area’s flora and fauna. In a symbolic ceremony, the first stone for a Catholic parish was laid. Archbishop Francisco Moreno expressed his honor at being involved in the project, which will feature a monastery, a parish, and a retirement home for priests.
In addition to religious infrastructure, the project plans to introduce two cable cars that will traverse the entire tourist destination, enhancing accessibility. Already, horseback and helicopter tours of the area have commenced. A private airstrip and heliport have also been established, marking the beginning of the area’s transportation infrastructure.
The second phase of the project will feature the creation of Baja California’s largest hiking trail, covering more than 85 kilometers within the property. This phase aims to attract outdoor enthusiasts and offer unparalleled experiences in the heart of nature.
Sigala emphasized that the ultimate goal is to offer people the opportunity to develop their families in this area. There will be residential plots for sale, giving residents the chance to live in a 100% self-sustaining and secure destination. The project’s design includes only two access points, ensuring enhanced security and controlled development.
Colorado Ensenada is expected to be fully completed within five years. However, by January 2025, key components such as a civic plaza, interactive museum, boutique hotel, lake, and major access roads should be ready for public use. One of the project’s main selling points is its proximity—just 50 minutes from the famous Valle de Guadalupe wine region.
Armando Islas, a professor at the UABC Ensenada campus and member of the UABC Foundation, highlighted the academic significance of the project. “We are thrilled to be part of this megaproject, where academic programs can be established. There will be opportunities to build a research center and observatory aimed at preserving the region’s flora and fauna, among other activities that will benefit students’ learning experiences.”
As the Colorado Ensenada project progresses, it promises not only to enhance tourism and boost the local economy but also to create a lasting educational and environmental legacy. This ambitious project is poised to become a benchmark in sustainable tourism, blending ecological preservation with community development and a thriving tourism industry.
The ecotourism venture stands out for its commitment to nature and sustainability, offering a unique lifestyle that harmonizes with the surrounding environment while fostering economic growth. As each phase of the development unfolds, Colorado Ensenada will bring significant transformations to the region, attracting visitors, residents, and students alike.