Tecate, Border city in Baja California, Mexico
Tecate is a city set in a valley surrounded by mountain ranges, with the distinctive Kuuchamaa peak to the east. The settlement spreads across this terrain, mixing downtown streets with neighborhoods that rise toward the surrounding hills.
Juan Bandini received a land grant in 1829, but disputes with Kumeyaay people led to temporary abandonment before formal incorporation as a city in 1892. This restart marked the beginning of modern settlement and administrative development.
Kuuchamaa mountain holds deep meaning for the Kumeyaay people, who gather there for ceremonies that link them to their ancestors and the land. The mountain remains woven into daily life and community identity.
The border crossing connects directly to California, while Federal Highway 2 offers quick routes to Tijuana and Mexicali. Visitors should know the mountainous terrain means some areas are steeper and take longer to cross on foot.
A major brewery in the city has produced beer for over a century, with the product sold across Mexico and beyond. This long-standing industry has shaped the local economy and gives the place recognition beyond what most travelers expect.
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