Loreto, Mexico
Located in the Baja California Peninsula
I Love Mexico & it's people, they are known for their service to visitors, food, hospitality, history, ancient ruins, and Oh... the Beaches.
My clients always ask me is it safe to visit Mexico?
Anywhere in the world that you travel to, there are always corners of each country & cities that it is best not to travel to and it is important to always be on guard (be a smart traveler) no matter where you are in the world. But that doesn't mean you can not enjoy yourself and relax.
There are so many beautiful area's to visit in Mexico and today we are visiting Loreto, Mexico which is located in the Baja California Peninsula.
Mexico is one of the world’s favorite tourist destination and is blessed with a vast history, memorable traditions, rich culture, delicious cuisine and the unforgettable warmth of its people. The beauty and variety of beaches located throughout the country, surrounded by exuberant nature is as tempting as the Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) and impressive archaeological sites, all which make Mexico an essential choice for your next vacation.
In this series of learning modules, the region of Loreto will be highlighted as well as the beautiful landscapes from sea to volcano, endless activities from whale watching to mountain biking, luxury accommodations to glamping options and the vast history, culture and cuisine of found in this part of the Baja California Sur peninsula.
Baja California Sur is one of the few places in the world offering as a wide variety of experiences and sensations. The south peninsula offers unparalleled experiences: welcome to a region where you can dive among thousands of multicolored fish, witness the faith that built amazing temples in the middle of the desert, watch sea lions and the gray whale and its calves in their natural habitat and stay at the most luxurious resorts.
Located on the southern side of the Baja California peninsula, this state is bordered by the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez or the Aquarium of the World, to the east, by the Pacific Ocean to the west and is in the Mountain time zone. It’s home to 900 marine species and 80% of the country’s marine mammals (and 40% of the world’s marine mammals.)
Measuring 75,675 square kilometer's, Baja California Sur has plenty of space for visitors: the density is 10 inhabitants per square kilometer. With an average temperature year-round of 22C, visitors can enjoy 23 Blue Flag beaches and access to the world-renowned Marina Cabo San Lucas.
A colonial town on the edge of the Gulf of California, also known as Sea of Cortez, Loreto is an oasis surrounded by the peninsula’s most extraordinary mountain range, the Sierra de la Giganta. Known for its relaxed lifestyle and the warmth of its people Loreto is also a key part of Mexican history: Jesuit missionaries first settled here in the 17th century, establishing Mission Loreto in 1697 and developed fruit orchards and irrigation systems, still in use in the 21st century.
This mission would be the first of 17 in Baja California Sur, creating the Royal Highway and Loreto would be the capital of the Californias from 1697 to 1777. Loreto Bay is a wonderful underwater universe, home to the world’s largest animal, the blue whale and part of the second largest marine park in Mexico, Parque Bahia Nacional Bahia de Loreto, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site of the Gulf of California.
The center region of Baja California Sur, Comondú has endless experiences for thrill seekers. With one of the most stunning bays in Mexico, Magdalena Bay is where you can encounter a gray whale, as well as many other marine mammals such as turtles, dolphins, sea lions, and also migratory birds, such as herons, ducks and seagulls.
The
astonishing Cerro El Pilón la Purísima is a paradise for hikers and mountain
bikers featuring fascinating panoramic views, old missions and small villages
around the mountain. Fishermen make this area a must visit for seafood-lovers
because of the fresh supply of shrimp, lobster, abalone, clam, snail, sole,
grouper and red snapper.
Wouldn't you like to be there Now? Oh it looks So Relaxing & Soothing, imagine the Sun Set, oooo.
Surrounded by
the infinite beauty of nature, Mulegé features some unique landscapes, like the
memorable salt dunes of Ojo de Liebre and Las Tres Vírgenes, three volcanoes.
Featuring one of Mexico’s most important biosphere reserves, El Vizcaíno, this
northern area of Baja California Sur is also home to two UNESCO World Heritage
sites, rock paintings of the Sierra de Francisco and Laguna Ojo de Liebre, a
refuge of gray whales and calves, especially from November through March.
Iglesia de Santa Barbara, Sata Rosalía, Mulegé, BCS
With many charming towns, Mulegé has a small church designed by French architect Gustav Eiffel and can boast having one of the most stunning missions of Baja: Misión Santa Rosalia de Mulegé, a cultural heritage monument founded in 1705.
Los Cabos: Land’s End is Where Adventure Begins
A favorite destination of Hollywood’s biggest stars and world-famous celebrities, Los Cabos has bragging rights for its many lavish hotels and decadent restaurants. As the Marlin Capital of the World and a fixation for sport fishermen from around the world, the largest city of the Baja peninsula is unforgettable because of its breathtaking landscape.
There are 20
Blue Flag beaches in Los Cabos, including the popular El Médano, perfect for
kayaking and stand up paddling, the surfing beaches of Costa Azul and
Acapulquito and the soft waves of Palmilla and El Bendito. There's also an
underwater universe, and the must visit: El Arco de Cabo San Lucas, the
southern-most point of Baja California Sur.
La Paz:
Gateway to the Sea of Cortez
The state
capital, La Paz has become a favorite nautical destination for famous
superyachts and part of the Islas del Golfo de California Biosphere Reserve, a
UNESCO World Heritage site. In this Sea of Cortez reserve, there are 240
islands, home to many marine mammals including large populations of whale
sharks and sea lions.
La Paz is also well-known for its Malecón, a coastal promenade used by residents and visitors from sunrise to past sunset, for walking, running or cycling, direct access to many delicious restaurants, boutiques, city neighborhoods’ and markets. The city’s Old Town Hall features many art and historical exhibits and on Madero Street, there’s a twice weekly organic market.
Experiences
While Baja California Sur is one of the youngest states in Mexico, Loreto has many impressive areas dating back more than ten thousand years. Visiting Loreto is taking a journey through time: discovering the historic missions, exploring our unforgettable landscapes and wandering in the magical towns are great ways to learn the history of a region filled with adventures.
Beaches are endless...
In Loreto, The Islands of the Bahia de Loreto National Park have beautiful white sand beaches of organic origin, most of them made up of remains of mollusks and carbonated algae, created by erosion and weather over the past centuries.
Coronados Island is the most popular island within the Loreto Bay National Park, due to its proximity to the port of Loreto. The island has seven beaches for camping or relaxing. Danzante Island has approximately 15 beaches and Montserrat Island has memorable beaches too, easily reached by boat from Puerto Escondido.
Parks, Nature Reserves & Eco Adventure
The Bahía de Loreto National Park is part of the designation “Islands and Protected Areas of the Gulf of California”, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. The Loreto Bay National Park includes five islands, important habitats for the conservation of biodiversity and a special biosphere reserve.
On Coronados Island, you can
visit La Lobera, home to a colony of sea lions, where it’s possible to swim with the playful creatures, when it’s
not mating or baby season.
Isla
del Carmen is a wildlife conservation area, consisting of 15,000 private and
protected hectares with the only inhabitants being the Salinas Bay keepers,
among the flora and fauna. Measuring 27 kilometers long and nine kilometers
wide, this island is also known for Bahía Salinas, a salt deposit located at
the north end of the Island.
If hotels aren't your thing, then maybe Camping is :)
With 15 camping sites, Danzante Island has many well-marked trails to reach viewpoints to see the island and surrounding sea. A preferred spot by local kayak companies, especially during the winter season, this island is of volcanic origin, and rocky reefs make it popular for diving, snorkeling and a place to spot the world’s largest mammal, the blue whale.
With many memorable beaches, Monserrat Island offers an impressive view of the Sierra de la Giganta. It’s perfect for lovers of diving and underwater photography, in addition to be close to the Las Galeras islets, a short boat ride from Puerto Escondido or Agua Verde.
The Santa Catalina Island or Catalana, has a composition that is very different from the rest of the Gulf Islands. Giant cacti, reptiles and endemic rodents, make this island a paradise for scientists since the 19th century, as well as another place to enjoy diving and snorkeling.
History & Culture
In the pre-Columbian era, the peninsula was inhabited by three nomadic tribal groups. The Cochimí lived in the north; the center of Baja was the land of the Guaycura, and the south is where the Pericú had their settlement. The indigenous people of Baja California Sur thrived from fishing, collecting fruits and had a vast knowledge of plants, like the damiana, a medicinal herb still used today.
A Magical Town, Loreto is a charming place that combines the best of nature with colonial buildings. The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, the first and oldest of Baja California Sur, has many liturgical objects, 18th century oil paintings, a Baroque style altar piece in gold and a statue of the virgin, placed by Juan María de Salvatierra to found the mission in 1697. This is the beginning of the peninsula’s Mission Trail or Royal Road which leads to 16 missions.
Paintings
In the Baja
California Peninsula, there are approximately 2,000 rock art sites, dating back
more than 7,500 years. Loreto is considered the oldest human settlement in the
Baja California Peninsula, with inhabitants dating back almost 12,000 years.
Extraordinary cave paintings and petroglyphs can still be seen, these
spectacular rock murals depicting larger-than-life human and animal forms in
scenes of ceremonies, pilgrimages, hunts or battles.
In Mulegé’s
Sierra de San Francisco, there are extensive caves with large murals to be
discovered in various canyons. In Loreto and Comondú, smaller paintings can be
found near streams and in smaller caves. Within the Sierra de La Giganta, there
are an abundance of ceremonial sites, which Indigenous tribes used as camping
sites throughout the year.
Are you a Foodie? Do you enjoy Seafood & Fish?
Gastronomy...
Because of the fresh seafood
and locally-sourced ingredients from farms, an important culinary movement has
occurred across Baja California Sur. Renowned chefs are displaying their
exquisite gastronomical proposals at many hotels, and many top restaurants can
be found throughout the peninsula.
Although
fish and shellfish are the basis of Loreto’s cuisine, new flavors are also
added to the panorama: Mediterranean, Asian, South American and from other
parts of our country, so gastronomy is richer in variety each year.
The
emblematic mollusk of Loreto, the chocolata clam is available in every
restaurant but will have different ways of tasting this region’s star product.
Be sure to try “almejas chocolatas”, a typical dish of Loreto, grilled
chocolata clams.
CHOCOLATA CLAM FESTIVAL – Every
June the festival celebrates the chocolata clam with recipe contests, shows and
tastings, showcasing the traditions of the Pericú tribe used to prepare the
“almejas tatemadas.”
Here are a couple activities that Mexico is known for:
Deep Sport Fishing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Golfing, and Rock Climbing.
The perfect activity for extreme sports lovers, the Sierra de la Giganta is highly recommended as a place to climb rocks and cliffs,
with small paradises hidden between the mountains and sea.
In Loreto, one of the most popular places to climb is Tabor Canyon, full of waterfalls, green landscapes and rocks that are a challenge.
Where to stay: There is a wide range of accommodation's to choose from:
All-Inclusive, Family-Friendly, Villas, Haciendas, Boutique Hotels, Luxury Hotels, and Camping.
If you are looking for an All-Inclusive experience, I would recommend to you Villa del Palmar at the Island of Loreto is a contemporary beachfront resort, where everything is included and kids stay and eat free.
The hotel epitomizes luxury within a small town while also offering complete privacy and every modern touch. The perfect place for everyone from honeymooners to large families. The resort features 4,447 acres of unspoiled beauty. Boasting three restaurants and 20,000 square feet of turtle-shaped pools, extraordinary beaches, and world class golf course.
There are also a WIDE range of All-Inclusive in Los Cabos. With So Many Options to Choose from, let's work together to fins the Best Suited Accommodations for you.
Last but not the least, a video for chocolata clam by Chef Roberto Cardazzo.
There is so much more that I could share with you contact meontact me to start planning your vacation to Baja California Sur in Mexico.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit
- Did you know that Loreto is considered one of the oldest human settlements in Baja California?
- There are two UNESCO World Heritage sites found here: Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino and the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco.
- The Royal Highway aka the Mission Trail to discover the 17 historic missions of the Baja peninsula including the first, Mission Loreto in 1697.
- Water sports are possible every day in Loreto: snorkeling, diving, kayaking and stand up paddling
- The islands of Bahia Loreto National Park offer some of the best beaches of Baja.
- Eight types of whale call this region home and eco-tours will definitely showcase the orca, humpback, blue and gray whales.
- Adventure is everywhere – mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking – there’s plenty of landscapes from sand dunes to volcanoes to explore.
- There are endless options for accommodation from glamping on an unspoiled beach to five-star luxury resorts with every possible amenity.
- From small cafes to fine dining, the cuisine of Loreto will never disappoint thanks to the locally-sourced ingredients from farms and fresh-caught seafood like chocolate clams.
- There are 350 days of sunshine in Baja California Sur. Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, Kayak Oasis Mulegé
COVID-19 Update: No PCR Test required prior to departure.
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