Loreto was once the capital of a piece of territory stretching from California to Texas that included Sonora, Sinaloa and Coahuila. Nowadays it is the heart of a natural paradise known as the Sea of Cortés.

Loreto is located between the sea and the Sierra de la Giganta, the city is approximately 400 km from the far south of the peninsula with warm climate that fluctuates around 28ºC. Loreto Bay, which includes Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante, Montserrate and Santa Catalina islands has been protected as a National Maritime Park since June 7 2000. It provides refuge for mother-of-pearl, starfish, sea urchins, fan coral, killer whales, blue whales, dolphins and sea lions.

Baja

Loreto, Baja

Maps Courtesy of Posada de Las Flores

The desert climate around Loreto is typical of Baja. Here, the dry heat is complimented with cool sea breezes that blow off the Sea of Cortez, making the climate agreeable all year round. Can you see yourself vacationing in Loreto...absorbing the spectacular sunrise? It is truly a Destination of Discovery!

Because of its biological diversity and geological peculiarities, Loreto is an ecological entity with varied ecosystems. The coastline in and around Loreto is one of the richest and most varied in Baja. You will find the towering Sierra La Giganta Mountains, reefs, caverns, bays, oasis, a multitude of islands, coves - all influencing and being influenced by the climate of Loreto.

Loreto Baja California was accidentally discovered in late 1533, Baja California has a history that blends ambition, scientific curiosity, evangelizing zeal and the challenges of nature. For over 150 years, it was considered an island, and several expeditions landed here in search of the pearls that originally made it famous. They all failed because of the difficulties of obtaining supplies, the resistance of the Indians and attacks by pirates, until October 25 1697 when Juan María Salvatierra created the first permanent settlement when he established the mission of Nuestra Señora de Loreto. The mission constituted an initial attempt at colonization, and served as the capital of the territory until 1829 when an earthquake destroyed the city and the capital was relocated to La Paz. It would be another 150 years, however, before Loreto was fully integrated into the country’s development, its international airport was built and its trans-peninsular highway was built.

Beaches
Loreto has beautiful beaches with soft sand ideal for relaxation and water sports; the nearby beaches of Nopoló, Puerto Escondido and Juncalito are also worth visiting.

Bahía Concepción: This long, protected bay with blue-green waters and several little coves can be visited from the highway linking this town with Mulegé. Santispac beach is surrounded by mangrove swamps bordered by rugged hills, and at El Requesón there is an attractive white sand dune adjoining some rocks. At high tide, these cks are surrounded by water, forming a little island.

Nopoló: 27 km south of Loreto, Nopoló is a tourist center developed by Fonatur. It has several medium and small sized beaches with transparent water and a marvelous view of El Carmen Island. This forms a kind of wide sea canal between it and the coastline.

Puerto Escondido: Adjoining Nopoló, Puerto Escondido is a small bay almost completely closed off by Danzante Island, which is quite small compared with the enormous El Carmen Island, just next to it. The Sierra Gorda stretches down to create coves with small beaches.

Camping
Walking through the old missionary town of Loreto is extremely pleasant, but the best beaches are to be found in Nopoló, 9 km away, the North Beach 17 km and Puerto Escondido 28 km away, the last of which provides a number of caravan services.

Cuisine
Loreto’s cuisine is a combination of Northern cooking, seafood and the recipes brought over by the missionaries resulting in wonderful fish and meat dishes. Specialties include ceviche, lobster, seafood dishes and fish tacos as well as fajitas, fillet steaks and the very famous chocolata clams "tatemadas".

Ecotourism
Loreto is located midway between the two most highly recommended places for spotting the gray whales that annually make the long, eight-thousand mile journey from the waters of the Sea of Behring to the coasts of the peninsula. It is also the largest town in the region, and the one with the best services, including the only international airport. Towards the northwest lies the Laguna Ojo de Liebre in San Ignacio and to the south, the Bahía de Magdalena. The best excursion for spotting the gray whales lasts a minimum of three or four days, which will give you time for several boat trips to have a closer look at the mammals and their offspring, which weigh two tons at birth. If you have a little more time, you could take in a visit to the famous cave paintings.

NOTE: The San Ignacio lagoon in Southern Baja California is located about 350 km northwest of Loreto. Gray whales come here from Nordic latitudes at the end of December and stay there until the beginning of April. In order to see the whales, a stay of a minimum of three days is recommended. In this time, the chances are that you will have an opportunity to see the whales up close without having to sail out to the open sea.

Fishing
Fishing tackle is available for hire in Loreto so that fishing enthusiasts can catch marlin, yellowtail, rooster fish, sail fish, dorado, sea bass and giant squid in the waters of the Gulf of California or the Sea of Cortés.

Golf
The city’s foundation is celebrated between October 19 and 25, when various cultural, sports and artistic events are held including its famous golf and tennis tournaments.

Campo de Golf Loreto: Located on Boulevard Misión de San Ignacio, it has 18 holes par 72, with a 6,800 yard course.

Hiking & Climbing
Thirty km outside Loreto stands the Sierra la Giganta an eroded mountain chain with spectacular ravines and crags. Some of its walls are vertical and you can walk along the edge of the ravines.

Horseback Riding
You can go horseback riding on the beaches in Loreto; or if you prefer, you can ride a horse along the paths leading to the Sierra de la Giganta escarpment

Sailing
Loreto has a small marina and the waters of the Sea of Cortés are ideal for sailing and visiting the many islands off the coast.

Snorkel & Scuba
The enormous island of del Carmen lies just opposite Loreto, and, a little further out to sea, one can see some smaller islands, including Coronados, Danzante, Montserrat and Santa Catalina. Together, these form a natural habitat for some fantastic terrestrial and marine fauna. Underwater, divers can swim among seals, dolphins, and colorful tropical fish; on land, you will find birds and reptiles.

Water Sports
Built on the shore, Loreto has all the amenities and traditional attractions of the finest beach resorts, such as a magnificent climate, sand, sky and clean waters, water sports, gastronomy, and the finest hotel services. It is also the biggest Marine Park in México consisting of the islands of Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante, Montserrat and Santa Catalina opposite the bay that are perfect for photographers, divers and environmentalists since they provide refuge for several marine species such as seals, and various migratory birds as well as dolphins, corals, starfish and numerous varieties of small reptiles.