The drive from Los Angeles to Valle de Guadalupe was easier than I expected. After a few hours on the road, my boyfriend and I crossed the border into Tijuana, Mexico, and with just about an hour left before arriving in Valle, hunger set in fast. A quick restaurant search brought us to El Ciclo in Baja, a stop that ended up being a delicious start to our trip. 
What caught my attention right away was the menu’s diversity. From seafood to meat to vegetarian-friendly options, it was the kind of menu that makes you want to order everything just to see what’s possible.
We started with the Shrimp Tiradito (355 pesos, $20 USD), a beautifully plated dish of thinly sliced salmon drizzled with beet sauce, topped with pickled onions and garlic aioli, and served alongside crisp blue corn tostadas. It was bright, flavorful, and gone far too quickly.
Next up were the Skirt Steak Tacos (280 pesos, $15 USD). Four hearty tacos layered with juicy steak, smoky grilled chorizo, creamy avocado dip, and a roasted tomato sauce. Every bite was a perfect balance of bold and fresh. And because no taco tasting feels complete with just one variety, we followed it with the Shrimp Tacos (295 pesos, $16 USD). These paired plump shrimp with melted mozzarella, red onions, and avocado. Honestly, it was a surprising, yet seamless combination that worked beautifully.
By the end of the meal, I realized El Ciclo wasn’t just a convenient stop; it was a reminder of why I love traveling through Mexico. Food here feels like an adventure of its own, where familiar favorites are elevated with creativity and care. If you’re planning a drive to Valle de Guadalupe, make a stop at El Ciclo on your way. The visit will turn an ordinary road trip break into an unforgettable beginning to your getaway.
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Address: Blvd. Benito Juarez 633 3 Chavez Tecate, Baja California. Mexico
Phone: +52 665 150 3047
Hours: Sunday and Monday – 8:00 am to 9:00 pm, Tuesday through Thursday – 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, and Friday and Saturday – 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
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