Located in the heart of Baja California Sur, between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta, Loreto was declared one of the 121 Pueblos Mágicos of Mexico for its beauty and cultural richness.
Loreto retains a colonial charm bequeathed by the passage of the Jesuits who began their pilgrimage from here in their work of evangelizing and colonizing Baja California.
There is much to do in Loreto, in this article we will review some of the highlights and experiences.
1. Whale Watching Paradise
Loreto is geographically located in an unbeatable spot for whale watching. Every year between the end of January and the beginning of April the Loreto Bay National Park, located in the Sea of Cortez, is the temporary home of the largest creature on the planet, the Blue Whale. We can also find frequently during this season other whales such as: fin whales, sperm whales, humpbacks, minke whales, pilot whales and the feared killer whales.
At the same time thousands of gray whales migrate 12,000 mi/ 19,300 km from the icy waters of Alaska to the protected lagoons located in the Pacific Ocean of Baja California Sur to complete their reproductive cycle and feed. From Loreto it is possible to make excursions to these lagoons and have close encounters with them.
2. Loreto Bay National Park
Isla Coronado Beach
One of the must-see experiences in Loreto is to explore the Loreto Bay National Park, an area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The park is composed of a dozen islands and islets, five of them stand out: Isla del Carmen, Isla Coronado, Isla Monserrat, Isla Catalana and Isla Danzante. The most popular is Coronado Island because of its proximity to the city but all the islands can be visited.
On the islands you can enjoy exclusive beaches, hikings, bird watching, kayaking, and paddleboarding and above all enjoy countless marine species on snorkeling and diving excursions.
3. Beach day in Loreto
Nopoló Beach
Loreto has quiet beaches with turquoise waters where you can relax and enjoy the view of the islands of Loreto, and even spot humpback whales jumping out of the water. Among the outstanding beaches in loreto we can mention La Darsena, located near downtown, Nopolo, Ensenada Blanca and Luna de miel beach, located on Danzante island.
4. Explore Loreto Downtown
Nuestra Señora de Loreto Mission
Starting at the central plaza, you will discover that this Pueblo Magico retains its colonial charm. Walk through its cobblestone streets to the mission of Nuestra Señora de Loreto. The main headquarters of all the missions in Baja California, founded in 1697 and still preserves its original facade, next to it the museum of the missions. Visit the Casa de Piedra, which served as the jail of the city of Loreto and was later converted into the headquarters of the City Hall. On your way you will find restaurants, breweries, cafes and craft stores.
5. Go Hiking Sierra de La Giganta
Tabor Canyon Hiking
The Sierra de la Giganta Biosphere Reserve is the least explored territory in Baja California Sur. It is a mountain range 365 km long and 500 thousand hectares of volcanic terrain rich in wildlife. This oasis is home to the endangered bighorn sheep, endemic to this habitat, the peregrine falcon, the golden eagle and the desert squirrel. The area was inhabited by the Guaycura, native people of the region and their legacy can be seen in rock art in caves and rocks. Some of the most popular activities in this reserve are climbing and hiking, the most popular is the one in Tabor Canyon, where it is possible to swim in its natural pools and from the heights observe the sea of cuts.
6. Go Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
The Bahia de Loreto National Park is a protected area declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its diversity and natural wealth. This underwater paradise has an unlimited number of dive sites for all levels. It is easy to find a large number of fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, moorish idols and other tropical fauna. It is also possible to find turtles, rays, lots of nudibranchs and schooling fish like jacks and barracudas and more.
7. Go Sailing Sea of Cortes
All year round is sailing season in Loreto. Sail the Sea of Cortez as the first explorers did hundreds of years ago. Sailing is the least invasive way to interact with marine life. Explore desert islands and enjoy private beaches.
8. Go Fishing
The Sea of Cortez is one of the best fishing destinations in the world. Each year it is blessed with over 875 species of fish. The water temperature has a lot to do with the species you will catch. During the summer and fall months you will find Grouper, dorado, marlin, sailfish, and tuna. During the spring and winter months Yellowtail, roosterfish, Pacific sierra and grouper. Throughout the year you can find Snapper and seabass.
9. Go Kayaking
One of the most natural and least invasive ways to explore the Bahia de Loreto National Park is by kayak, it is possible to hire guided experiences of one or more days. The tours include certified guides and all the necessary equipment.
10. Visit Canipolé Cave Paintings
Located 40 mi / 63 km north of Loreto are the famous Canipolé rock paintings. These extraordinary rock murals made 12,000 years ago depict human and animal figures in scenes that could be ceremonial rituals, battles, pilgrimages or hunts. Approximately 5 km of walking so it is advisable to wear good shoes.
11. Visit San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó Mission
One of the most interesting places to visit during your visit to Loreto is in the small community of San Javier located 24 mi/38 km from the city of Loreto in the Sierra de la Giganta. In this charming village you will find the San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó mission built in stone in the 18th century.
12. Go Golfing
Danzante Bay Golfing
One of the activities that attracts visitors to Loreto throughout the year is golfing. Its world-class golf courses will test your skills and start you off with incredible views.
