Guide To Loreto

About Loreto

Loreto is one of five main locations in the State of Baja California Sur - which include Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Todos Santos and La Paz. All of these places can be discovered individually with Mexperience.

Loreto was the state capital until 1830, when the capital was moved south to La Paz. Originally a Spanish Missionary center for the region, the town was inaugurated by Father Juan Maria Salvatierra in 1697 under a statue of the Virgin of Loreto, from where the town gets its name.

As far back as the late 1970's and into the 80's, the Mexican Government has been promoting Loreto as the next big place for tourism: It has invested in local infrastructure, built an airport, golf and tennis facilities there. However, to date, Loreto has still not turned into the huge power magnet that was envisioned; its primary attractions are still its tranquil atmosphere, it's fishing village feel, and stunning local scenery.

Of late, Loreto has also become a major location for foreigners who are buying property in Mexico and retiring in Mexico. Its proximity to the United States, easy access to La Paz and Los Cabos, and great road and air connections are making Loreto a destination of choice for retirees and people seeking second homes in Mexico.

Located about 240 miles northwest of La Paz on the Sea of Cortez (also called the Gulf of California), Loreto is overlooked by the Giganta Mountains behind, excellent beaches and turquoise waters at its feet; five islands just offshore provide a range of activity opportunities for travelers including eco travel activities.

Some of the finest fishing also takes place in the waters off Loreto; although this destination has not been in the top list of visited places by tourists and travelers, experienced fishermen have known of Loreto and its treasures for some time.

If you're looking for a quieter, less commercialized beach experience, away from the crowds in Los Cabos and a world away from the Cancun type experience, Loreto should be on your shortlist of places to go.

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Key Attractions

Islands Offshore

If you're looking for excellent water sports: diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling etc, then the islands just offshore from Loreto are some of the top places in Mexico to enjoy these activities. Isla del Carmen and Isla Danzante are two main islands, which also offer the opportunity for overnight stays.

Nature and Adventure Experiences in Los Cabos

Loreto is a perfect base from which to enjoy Mexico's great outdoors and take part in a variety of Nature and Adventure experiences in Mexico.

The local ecology, the landscape, the climate and the proximity to the sea make this region a natural paradise for those who love enjoying nature. What more, you can find experienced and well prepared local organizations who are ready to help you enjoy the best of what this region offers.

Fishing, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, horseback riding, nature walks, fabulous bird watching, cliff hikes, sunset cruises, watching the amazing whales sea lions are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the area.

Also See: Nature and Adventure Experiences in Mexico.

Water Sports

With its calm turquoise waters, fine weather all year round and uncompromising beaches, its no wonder that water sports are one of the main attractions in Loreto. Snorkeling, SCUBA diving, kayaking, water skiing and jet-skis - whichever water sport you prefer... If it's water based, you can experience it in Loreto.

Local Cruises

What better way to enjoy the scenery than on a local boat cruise? Local cruises take you on tours around the many islets surrounding the area and you can also go on a sunset cruise that let your eyes and senses experience some of the most wonderful sunsets you'll ever view in your life.

Whale Watching & Sea Lion Colonies

From the Bering Strait, whales migrate to the Pacific coast of Baja California Sur between January and March of each year. To see the marvel of the great creatures, you'll need to visit 'in season'.

Fishing Trips

Baja California Sur is one of the top venues in the world for sports fishing. You can rent your own skiff ("panga"), or contract a full sized boat. Read the Mexperience guide to Sports Fishing in Mexico and discover just what a fantastic day out a sports fishing experience can be on your next visit to Mexico.

Away from the Water

Away from the water, Loreto offers the Museo de las Misiones (Missions Museum) portrays the history of the settlements in Baja California Sur and contains some anthropological exhibits of the area.

The Mision de Nuestra Señora de Loreto was the first Mission to be built here in 1699 and can be seen today in the center of town.

Property and Retirement in Loreto

Loreto is undergoing a transformation to become one of the most popular and sought-after places for people seeking retirement options in Mexico and also those who want to buy a second home in Mexico; either as part of their retirement planning and/or a vacation home in Mexico. Mexperience offers extensive guides to Living and Working in Mexico, as well Mexico Retirement planning, and Buying Real Estate in Mexico.

Golf in Loreto

The climate in this area is ideal for golf, all year-round, and the region is fast becoming one of the top places to play the game. Loreto offers a golf course next door to the world-class tennis facilities at the Nopolo Recreational Complex.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can get to Loreto by plane from Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Los Angeles (USA). Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines in Mexico

By Bus - To get to Loreto from the US, your best bet is to fly there (see above); the bus journey from Tijuana to Loreto takes about 22 hours. If you are in Los Cabos or La Paz, frequent buses make the journey from these places to Loreto and back, daily.

By Car - Driving to Loreto from the southern border of the United States will take you about 16-20 hours on Highway 1. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

By Ferry - If you are on Mexico's mainland, or want to get to it, there is a ferry that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. Check the Ferry's website at: www.bajaferries.com for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details. Getting to Loreto from La Paz will require a further journey northwards on Highway 1.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is about 5 miles south of town. Taxis are available from the airport into town. If you want to rent a car, agencies have desks inside the main airport terminal building. Booking in advance is likely to save you money (see Renting a Car, below).

Taxis - Local taxis are widely available, but not metered, so agree your price before you get in. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish

Rent a Car - If you want to see all of the amazing beaches and scenery which reside around the Loreto area, your best bet is to rent a car. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience. See the Mexperience Travel Center about Car Rental in Loreto.

By Local Bus - If your budget is tight or you want to see more of local life, local buses do run run frequently connecting Loreto to main places south of here: La Paz, Los Cabos and Todos Santos as well as other destinations further north of Loreto such as Mulegé and Ensenada. Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses.

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Local Events Calendar

No local events currently listed.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the downtown area of Loreto. During business hours, they and the Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's checks and cash from you as well. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience's Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Loreto

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Restaurants

Cafe Olé. Coffee shop. Madero, No number, Centro. Tel: (613) 1350496

The Roof Garden. Mexican food. Salvatierra, No number, Centro. Tel: (613) 1351162

Restaurante El Taste. Seafood. Zapata, No number. Centro. Tel: (623) 1351489

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When Night Falls

After a hard day's play on the water or not so hard day relaxing in the sun, visitors in Loreto take advantage of the ample and varied range of cafes, bars and restaurants downtown.

Nightlife in Loreto is not what you'll find further south in Cabo San Lucas; night life here is more relaxed and tends to revolve around cafes and smaller, local, bars and restaurants.

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What to Buy in Loreto

The downtown area of Loreto offers various boutiques and shops selling a range of Mexican art and craft works including ceramics, blown glass, silver, lamps and furniture, carved sculptures, fine textiles and other Mexican works from the Baja and the Mainland.

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Local Climate

The weather during the summer months will be extremely hot; cooler near the coasts. In the winter it can get cooler and windy, so if you're traveling in the winter, take some warmer clothes just in case the weather turns cooler (especially in the evenings) while you're there. The 'rainy season' is September, otherwise this part of Mexico enjoys sunshine and dry weather most days of the year.

Live Weather Report:

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