The port of Ensenada region was discovered in 1542 by Captain Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, on an expedition he took ordered by the Viceroy of New Spain, Don Antonio de Mendoza. In 1995, Ensenada population reached 314,281. Ensenada, the third largest city in Baja California, derives much of its income from tourism, for it is only about 75 miles far from the U.S-Mexican border. A permanent flow of tourism is attracted by Ensenada natural beauty, climate, excellent seafood and fine wines. Baja California's coasts regularly arrive at this seaport.
Tourism is complemented with manufacturing, fishing and agriculture.
It has fertile valleys such as San Quint n, Maneadero, Valley of Guadalupe, Santo Tom s, San Sim n, San Vicente, El Rosario, Real del Castillo, La Trinidad y El Alamo. Tomato, strawberry, grapewine, cucumber, green onion, onion, squash, alfalfa, potato, and flowers are main crops. Ensenada is also Baja's major fishery, and their catch includes tuna, abalone, lobster, sea urchin and sardine. Many fish-processing factories operates there. In order to make this harbor suitable for international operations, a modernization process has already begun.