Loreto is a treasure located on the Gulf of California in Baja California Sur, Mexico not yet discovered by many people, a place whose history and tradition have turned it into a Magic Town (Pueblo Mágico), and due to its natural landscapes also make it a beautiful paradise. Framed by the landscapes of its golden mountains and the Cortez Sea, Loreto shines in the scene of the natural wonders of Mexico, which merge with the importance of its history, its warm people, and the tranquility of its streets.
Loreto is located north of La Paz, bordering the Cortez Sea and entering the Sierra de la Giganta, which has capricious and large-scale rock formations; To get to this paradise, first discover Puerto Escondido and Nopoló with its great golf course whose landscape seems to welcome us in the best way to this tourist corridor.
Jewel of the Jesuit missionary architecture of Northwest Mexico
Loreto is the oldest town on Baja, which is why years ago it was the capital of the “Californias” since the first Mission of Nuestra Señora de Loreto was built there, it was also the starting point for evangelization and construction of important missions that years later formed the tourist corridor now known as “Camino Real”.
“La Cabeza y Madre de las Misiones de Alta y Baja California” is considered a historical monument and preserves a baroque-style stone façade, being an important site to visit if you want to get closer to the history of this destination.
On the inside, this missionary temple preserves the original image of the Virgin of “Our Lady of Loreto” (Nuestra Señora de Loreto) as well as images of the Jesuit order, an altarpiece with five oil paintings, a bell from 1734, and many other relics.
On one side of this Mission, you will find the Museum of the Jesuit Missions, in its six rooms exhibits unique collections that will teach you more about the history of the evangelization process at that time.
Walk through its Historic Center and relax in the town.
In addition to this important Mission, walking through the cobbled streets of its peaceful Historic Downtown will leave you pleasant memories and the typical panorama of a fishing village, you can visit its historical monuments and its magnificent buildings such as the Municipal Palace, La Casa de Piedra de Loreto and La Casa Santa of Loreto.
In addition to walking through Plaza Salvatierra, you can get to the pier and also take a walk through its markets where you will find handicrafts made with seafood as well as a variety of fish and also its famous clams, which we will talk about later!
Bahía de Loreto National Park
Besides surprising us with its lively culture, Loreto also offers us some wonderful islands that are located in an area that has been designated as the “Bahía de Loreto” National Park, the largest in Mexico and which was named a World Heritage Site.
Islas del Carmen, Danzante, Monserrat, Santa Catalina, and Isla Coronado form a refuge for migratory birds and wildlife and of course, are protectors of its wonderful marine life, which has been internationally recognized and is preferred by recreational diving and sport fishing lovers.
On its beaches with calm waters and beautiful natural settings, you can experience freedom in the middle of nature by kayaking, snorkeling, or sailing where you will meet unique friends such as birds, sea lions, dolphins, and the gray whale in its sighting season (from January to March).
You can also fish or discover the salt town on Isla del Carmen and many more experiences that can only be found in this paradise of the Sea of Cortez named “Aquarium of the World” by Jacques Cousteau.
Venture into Sierra de la Giganta
Also, you can venture into the Sierra de la Giganta, which is a mountain range that extends parallel to the Gulf of California, with a length of 250 kilometers and variable heights with curious formations, some very high that make up unique landscapes on to the sea of Cortez; there you have the option of mountain biking, excursions or a sedentary lifestyle and experience the thrill of rappelling in El Juncalito.
Another activity to do in Loreto is to play golf in the great setting of Nopoló.
Where to stay in Loreto?
In Loreto you will find small hotels with a great family tradition or Resorts with spas on its Islands, where the attention and quality of their services will delight you and give you a memorable trip.
What to eat in Loreto?
As for gastronomy, in Loreto you will find international food restaurants and typical South Californian dishes with seafood, a must are pickled clams or tatemadas, which are chocolate clams that locals themselves extract from the sea and cook in the same way for many years.
This traditional way of preparing it consists of putting the clams together and upside down on a gravel base and covering them with a scrub called “romerillo” which is a native of Loreto, then set on fire for around 40 minutes to have perfect cooking of the chocolate clams and get the romerillo aroma, they are served with a special sauce made with very tasty ingredients such as mustard, mayonnaise, lemon, vinegar, and a little jalapeño pepper, just imagine the flavor!
“They say that if you eat grilled clams from the hand of a single woman, you stay in Loreto forever.”
You can hear these and many more stories from the families of Loreto, who do not let traditions get lost over the years.
This jewel with so much to offer for a traveler like you is an opportunity to reinvent yourself and get to know what Baja California Sur offers. I assure you that the paths of this Magical Town, its viewpoint, cultural and natural attractions, climate, and inhabitants are the perfect complement to living something new in Baja Mexico to treasure forever.
How to get to Loreto?
To get to Loreto you will first need to fly to a nearby city, such as La Paz o Puerto Peñasco. From there you can either rent a car and drive to Loreto or take a bus or shuttle service. Is halfway between la Paz and Puerto Peñasco, about 250km south of La Paz, the capital of the state of Baja California Sur, it would take you about 3 hours on the Mexico highway.