Loreto (Baja California)

Loreto is a resort town in Baja California Sur, catering mostly to American travelers, who arrive on daily flights from California to Loreto International Airport. In 2019, it had 20,000 residents.

Understand

Climate

Loreto has a tropical desert climate which is hot and humid, with abundant sunshine (desert with some rainfall in summer). The temperatures are hot from June through October. These summer days have highs around 34 °C (93 °F) and high humidity. In spring season, the temperatures are moderate and temperate. Autumn and winter months are usually windy. The wettest months are August and September, when there are occasional short-lived rainfalls. One concern for Loreto is the Pacific hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, and some times causes heavy rainfall and floods in the area.

Get in

By plane

The transportation to and from the airport is only available by taxi service (there’s no public transportation service to the airport).

By car

Loreto is accessible by car using the Federal Highway 1, which runs from Cabo San Lucas to Tijuana, Baja California, terminating at the USA-Mexico border crossing (San Ysidro CA Port of Entry), where it turns into Interstate 5. However, the road has only two lanes and serves as the main street in several towns and villages.

By bus

Autotransportes de la Baja California and Autotransportes Aguila have a station in the town, on Salvatierra Street. These lines operate services between Loreto and other destinations in Baja California and Baja California Sur (Mexicali, Tijuana, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas). From the US, the services are via Tijuana, where Greyhound has a station (the service involves bus change to the ones of ABC or Aguila lines).

By boat

Cruise services are available from San Diego, which include dinner cruises, gambling cruises and 'party excursions'. Private boats use the port facilities of [Puerto Escondido] ("Hidden Port"), a safe natural harbor surrounded by hills 30 minutes from downtown. This is the base for the Hidden Port Yacht Club.

Get around

In the city proper, all you need to do is walk. The airport is a short ride from downtown and the main strip.

See

There are seven buildings in Loreto from the 18th to the 20th century that are considered historical monuments by the federal government:

  • the most important is the Mission of our Lady of Loreto, which is at the start of El Camino Real ("The Royal Road"), an historic corridor that follows north along the ancient route of the Spanish missions, to its ending in Sonoma, California, USA.
  • In the neighboring town of San Javier are five historical buildings, most importantly the Mission of Saint Francis Xavier (Misión de San Francisco Javier), the best preserved mission in the peninsula.
  • The ruins of Mission of San Bruno are 20 km north of Loreto. It was the first mission of Baja California, founded in 1683 by Jesuit missionary explorer Padre Eusebio Kino. It was ordered abandoned by the Spanish Crown a mere two years later.
  • The Jesuit Missions Museum (Museo de las Misiones Jesuíticas) is beside the Mission of our Lady of Loreto. It has a collection of religious art, weapons and tools from the 17th and 18th centuries that were used in the Spanish missions in Baja California.
  • In the "La Giganta" Mountain Range ("Sierra de la Giganta"), there are cave paintings in canyons and rock shelters. The nearest sites to Loreto are Cuevas Pintas (15 km to the west) and La Pingüica (60 km to the North). The cave paintings from the indigenous groups of Baja California are well-known and some of them have been added to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites.

Do
  • Many American tourists enjoy fishing in "pangas" for "dorado" (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish). Local restaurants willingly prepare the daily catch of the tourists.
  • Fishing Loreto has long been regarded as one of the best places for fishing. Yellowtail, sailfish, marlin, wahoo, roosterfish, and dorado are abundant in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.
  • Whale watching The waters off Loreto are home to several species of great whales including Blue, Fin, Bryde's, Humpback, Orca, Sperm, and many others. This is perhaps the richest area in the world for whale and dolphin diversity.
  • Diving and snorkeling Excellent scuba, free diving, and snorkeling nearby due to the fantastic diversity of marine life. The convergence of tropical influences from the south and temperate conditions from the north bring together an amazing array of species. Local dive shops and charters are available.
  • Kayaking Beach camping kayak tours of the wilderness islands in the Bahia de Loreto National Park with access to prime whale watching and snorkeling.
  • Yoga and meditation You may simply request a massage or acupuncture treatment right in the privacy of your own casita, or you may advance your healing process by setting up a personally guided meditation. Also yoga and breathwork practices and for the past several years has used these mainly for Freediving.

Events
  • Fiestas de la Virgen de Loreto. The Our Lady of Loreto Festivities are celebrated on September 8. It's a series of religious, civic and cultural events.
  • Fiestas de la Fundación de Loreto. The foundation of the city is celebrated from October 19 to 25. It's one of the most important cultural events in the state.
  • Fiestas de San Javier. The festivities from December 1 to 3 are in honor of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint from the neighbor town of San Javier. These festivities attract a lot of pilgrims from the peninsula.
  • Loreto 400. An off-road racing event that takes place in September. The course is a classic desert offroad race which route includes Comondú, San Javier and the old towns of La Giganta mountain range.
  • Loreto 300 milles. Off-road racing event. December.
  • Torneo de las Mision Fishing Charity Tournament that started in 1993. The 2007 edition will be July 12–14.
  • Loreto Dorado International Fishing Tournament. Takes place in July.
  • Copa Dorado Tournament. State tournament in September.
  • Governor's Cup Fishing Tournament. May

Buy
  • Silver Desert, Salvatierra #36 (next to the city hall). Jewelry in silver, pieces selected from all over Mexico and some others made by the owner. Great place to get a souvenir from Mexico. 

Eat
  • La Terraza, Ave Madero, 16. M-Sa 14:00-22:00. Sushi, soups, tepanyakis, tempuras and yakimeshis. (updated Jan 2021)
  • 🌍 Sea Coffee Loreto (Sea Coffee), Paseo A. Lopez Mateos, 23880, ☏ +52 613 135 2096. M-Sa 07:00-23:00. Coffee shop, lunch. 
  • Cafe Olé 14 Ave Madero.
  • Carmen's Blvd. Costero Lopez Mateos, 50577. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Beach view.
  • Mc LuLu's Paseo Hidalgo. Mexican food stand. Outdoor seating only.
  • Guaycura - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo

Mexican breakfast. Dine indoors or on the patio terrace with views of the Sea of Cortez, swimming pools and their gardens. For dinner, themed and a la carte with a choice of Mexican and international entrees. Wine bar specials Monday - Wednesday.

  • Pool Restaurant - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo

Baja dishes, salads, light sandwiches & hamburgers, margaritas, fresh made chips & salsa.

  • Campanario Bar - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo

Overlooking Loreto Marine Park. Rooftop terrace bar.

  • Asadero Super Burro - Independencia s/n, Loreto, Mexico - Delicious burritos and stuffed potatoes.
  • Orlando's, Fco. I. Madero s/n, Centro. Sit-down restaurant with great fish tacos and friendly service. Closes early on Sundays. (updated Mar 2018)

Drink
  • Pelicano Loco Sports bar at the Motel Dorado. Happy Hour specials. Open 13:00-20:00.
  • Campanario Lobby Bar - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Misson de Loreto, Nopolo

Located on the top level of the resort. Open daily.

Sleep
  • Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo - 10 minutes South of Downtown Loreto

A 155-room resort, which sits on a secluded beach. Every room offers spectacular views of the Sea of Cortés. The resort’s heated pool allows year-round swimming and the gardens host events, including oceanfront weddings, family reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries. Adjacent to the resort, is the Loreto Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 golf course, and the Loreto Tennis Center.

  • Las Trojes Bed and Breakfast 50277. US$50 including breakfast, internet and airport pickup.
  • Baja Outpost Boulevard Adolfo Lopez Mateos, 135 1134 (toll free from the US +1-888-649-5951)
  • Las Cabañas de Loreto
  • Motel El Dorado, Callejón Pípila s/n, ☏ +52 613 135 1500. A 2-star motel one block from the waterfront. US$45-50 
  • Danzante. Hotel with 9 private suites. 64 km (40 miles) south of Loreto. US$300/night 
  • El Santuario Eco-retreat center on the bay where you may "be still and dance". 64 km (40 miles) south of Loreto.

Go next

San Javier is a beautiful town in the mountains 30 km west of Loreto, with cobblestoned streets and a 300-year-old Spanish mission. Along the road, you will have stunning views back towards the sea.

Mulege is the next town north, a picturesque town with an old mission and prison, set next to a river and oasis of palm trees.

Routes through Loreto
Guerrero Negro ← Mulegé ←  N  S  → Jct → La Paz


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