For some Baja California residents, visiting tourist attractions around the state can be difficult because of financial or other limitations. A new government program is looking to change that.
Corazones Viajeros officially launched Friday with a visit to Zoológico Parque del Niño Jersey, bringing a group of beneficiaries together for a free day of tourism and recreation at the local zoo.
The program was created by the Baja California Tourism Secretariat to make tourism more accessible to priority groups, including children, young people, women, seniors, people with disabilities and communities experiencing vulnerable conditions.
Depending on the itinerary, participants can receive transportation, meals, guided tours and admission to the destinations included in each trip.
Participants highlight the experience
For Antonio Ramírez, the program has already provided an opportunity to experience something he might not otherwise have had access to. He learned about Corazones Viajeros through DIF after an invitation reached the community center he attends.
“I think it’s a great program, and we’re enjoying it. Besides being free, they treat us very well,” he told San Diego Red.
Leticia Gámez Rivera said the trips allow participants to discover parts of Baja California they may have never visited because of limited time or resources. She also emphasized the social aspect of the experience, particularly the opportunity for participants to travel together and meet other women from the region.
“We’re very happy and want to do it again,” she said.
A chance to discover their own state
Aaron de la Cruz heard about Corazones Viajeros from a friend in Ensenada and decided to sign up after learning about the trips.
During the group’s visit to the zoo, he described the experience as simply “beautiful.”
He also encouraged others to take advantage of the program and experience the destinations included in its tours.
For the state government, Corazones Viajeros is intended to make tourism more accessible to residents who may otherwise have limited opportunities to travel, while encouraging them to discover Baja California’s attractions.
