Loreto is a tranquil tourist town and municipality on the southeast coast of the Baja California peninsula. A Mexican paradise untarnished by noise and crowds, 15,000 permanent residents and several thousand seasonal visitors from the USA and Canada currently enjoy this peaceful seaside town.
Loreto was founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries, who built the mission Nuestra Señora de Loreto, strategically situated near a life-giving spring. The church is a restored landmark along the walking street close to the central square.
Along with the six offshore islands in the Sea of Cortez, Loreto was protected by the Federal Government in 2000 as the Bay of Loreto National Park, preserving it for future generations to enjoy. UNESCO further recognized Loreto as a World Heritage site.
It’s impossible to describe Loreto without mentioning the Sea of Cortez, famously named by Jacques Cousteau as "The Aquarium of the World." The remarkable variety and abundance of marine life here was unlike anywhere else his ship, the Calypso, had traveled.
A walk (or run!) along Loreto's malecón provides a spectacular view of the sunrise with sea and islands as the backdrop. Long known as a sportfisherman destination, the town harbor supports a fleet of pangas operated by knowledgeable and experienced local fishermen. Also, seasonal yellowtail and dorado tournaments have become an annual tradition.
The Loreto International Airport is only 10 minutes from the city center with flights to Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Calgary, Tijuana and La Paz. Click here for flight information.
Within a half an hour are dozens of hotels and hundreds of rental property options, including Hotel Tripui , which is within walking distance from Marina Puerto Escondido. You can also enjoy the La Mision resort, across the street from the malecón, or within a 15-30 minute drive, explore the Loreto Bay Golf Resort and Spa or Villa del Palmar (also with a golf course).
For a taste of history, an hour drive to the west in the Sierra de la Giganta is the San Javier Mission—another historic church established by the Spanish along the Camino Real. Enjoy a stunning view of the Bay of Loreto National Park islands as you drive to the mission.
And for a literal taste of Loreto, you can discover many excellent restaurants throughout town. Descriptions of a dozen of these local eateries will undoubtedly give you an appetite. To experience the famous Loreto clams, make a reservation at Del Carmen at The Oasis Hotel or on your way to Marina Puerto Escondido stop for lunch at Vista al Mar (The Clam Shack)!
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