Masked men in stretchy pants throwing down body slams, somersaults, backflips and trash talk en español could only mean one thing. Así es, ¡lucha libre! Mexican wrestling differs little from its American counterpart technically speaking. Best two out of three wins. But the camp, action, drama, color, acrobatics and sporadic pyrotechnics make it nothing short of a living, breathing comic book.
Headlining this particular bout are Mil Mascaras, El Rayo de Jalisco, Canek and Cien Caras. Ruby Gardenia, Tijuana's favorite gender-bending queen of the ring, will also be gracing us with her feathery presence.
The $45 ticket includes transport from the border to Tijuana’s Auditorio Municipal on Turista Libre’s famed fun bus, gelatinous en-route libations and a lucha libre souvenir so sweet you’ll probably pass it on to the grandkids.
TICKETS.
So it's not necessarily a scene straight out of "Eastbound and Down" Season 2, but a cornrowed Kenny Powers is about the only sideshow missing from this dose of minor league baseball south of the border (dancing bull-alligator-chicken mascot trio and cheerleaders in cowgirl hats aside). Grab your mitt and Big Chew and join Turista Libre in cheering on the stars of the Liga Norte de Mexico, the Tijuana Toros, as they take on the Ensenada Marineros at Estadio Gasmart, a 16,000-capacity ballpark that underwent a nearly $2 million renovation for the 2013 season.
On the pregame itinerary are a hotdog stop and light tailgating alongside the Turista Libre fun bus in the stadium parking lot. Tickets include roundtrip border transport, en route libations and admission to the game.
TICKETS.
Waterslides that should probably require helmets but everyone rides face first anyway. Big-ass beers rimmed with chile and chamoy. Tambora bands, corn on the cob on the grill, Tecate eagle fake tattoos, a Tarzan rope. Everyone says Disneyland is the happiest place on earth. But they’re wrong. Welcome to El Vergel, Baja California’s largest waterpark. An oasis of overly chlorinated adrenaline rushes that's been open since 1964, it's without a doubt a heavy contender for Turista Libre's most favorite spot in all of Tijuana.
Tickets include border transport, park admission, artillery for the en-route water gun fight, plus complimentary Tecates and Jell-O shots aboard TL's beloved fun bus.
New this year! The Frequent Sliders Fun Pass! Join TL for three days at El Vergel for the price of two or four for the price of three. Share it with your friends like a groupon or hog it all to yourself. ¡Como tu quieras!
JUNE 22 TICKETS.
JULY 6 TICKETS.
AUGUST 17 TICKETS.
SEPTEMBER 21 TICKETS.
3 FOR 2 FUN PASS.
4 FOR 3 FUN PASS.
Eighty miles from San Diego lies the Valle de Guadalupe wine country, home to some 60 vineyards scattered between the hills between Ensenada and Tecate. Often referred to as the Napa of Mexico, it's increasingly perking the curiosity of enophiles from near and far. Given the distance and rural terrain, we'll be forgoing our usual mode of transport for a van with room for 15. Tickets include roundtrip border transport, roadside tamales, tastings at three wineries and dinner at Ochento's, house of amazing woodfired pizza and even more amazing sunset views. The 10 a.m. departure should have us back at the border by 10 p.m.
TICKETS.
