Loreto
Loreto is a city in Baja California Sur, Mexico.
Get in
By plane
- 1 Loreto International Airport (LTO IATA) (15 minutes from downtown Loreto). It is served by carriers such as Alaska Airlines, providing international flights to Los Angeles. Domestic services are provided by Aeroméxico Connect, Aéreo Calafia and Aéreo Servicio Guerrero [dead link], regional airlines that operate flights within the state, and to Sinaloa and Sonora.
The transportation to and from the airport is only available by taxi service (there’s no public transportation service to the airport).
By car
Loreto is accessible by car using the Federal Highway 1, which runs from Cabo San Lucas to Tijuana, Baja California, terminating at the USA-Mexico border crossing (San Ysidro CA Port of Entry), where it turns into Interstate 5. However, the road has only two lanes and serves as the main street in several towns and villages.
By bus
Autotransportes de la Baja California and Autotransportes Aguila have a station in the town, on Salvatierra Street. These lines operate services between Loreto and other destinations in Baja California and Baja California Sur (Mexicali, Tijuana, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas). From the US, the services are via Tijuana, where Greyhound has a station (the service involves bus change to the ones of ABC or Aguila lines).
By boat
Cruise services are available from San Diego, which include dinner cruises, gambling cruises and 'party excursions'. Private boats use the port facilities of Puerto Escondido ("Hidden Port"), a safe natural harbor surrounded by hills, located 30 minutes from downtown. This is the base for the Hidden Port Yacht Club.
Get around
In the city proper, all you need to do is walk. The airport is a short ride from downtown and the main strip.
See
The Mission
Do
- Fishing Loreto has long been regarded as one of the best places for fishing. Yellowtail, sailfish, marlin, wahoo, roosterfish, and dorado are abundant in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.
- Whale watching The waters off Loreto are home to several species of great whales including Blue, Fin, Bryde's, Humpback, Orca, Sperm, and many others. This is perhaps the richest area in the world for whale and dolphin diversity.
- Diving and Snorkeling Excellent scuba, free diving, and snorkeling nearby due to the fantastic diversity of marine life. The convergence of tropical influences from the south and temperate conditions from the north bring together an amazing array of species. Local dive shops and charters are available.
- Kayaking Beach camping kayak tours of the wilderness islands in the Loreto Marine National Park with access to prime whale watching and snorkeling.
- Yoga and Meditation You may simply request a massage or acupuncture treatment right in the privacy of your own casita, or you may advance your healing process by setting up a personally guided meditation. Also yoga and breathwork practices and for the past several years has used these mainly for Freediving.
Buy
- Silver Desert, Salvatierra #36 (next to the city hall). Jewelry in silver, pieces selected from all over Mexico and some others made by the owner. Great place to get a souvenir from Mexico.
Eat
- La Terraza, Ave Madero, 50496. 16. Seafood, steaks. 1pm - 10 pm Daily, Closed Sundays.
- 1 Sea Coffee Loreto (Sea Coffee), Paseo A. Lopez Mateos, 23880, ☏ +52 613 135 2096. 7AM to 11PM. Coffee Shop, Lunch, Closed Sundays.
- Cafe Olé 14 Ave Madero.
- Carmen's Blvd. Costero Lopez Mateos, 50577. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Beach view.
- Mc LuLu's Paseo Hidalgo. Mexican food stand. Outdoor seating only.
- Guaycura - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo
Mexican breakfast. Dine indoors or on the patio terrace with views of the Sea of Cortez, swimming pools and their gardens. For dinner, themed and a la carte with a choice of Mexican and international entrees. Wine bar specials Monday - Wednesday.
- Pool Restaurant - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo
Baja dishes, salads, light sandwiches & hamburgers, margaritas, fresh made chips & salsa.
- Campanario Bar - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo
Overlooking Loreto Marine Park. Rooftop terrace bar.
- Asadero Super Burro - Independencia s/n, Loreto, Mexico - Delicious burritos and stuffed potatoes.
- Orlando's, Fco. I. Madero s/n, Centro. Sit-down restaurant with great fish tacos and friendly service. Closes early on Sundays.
Drink
- Pelicano Loco Sports bar at the Motel Dorado. Happy Hour specials. Open 1:00pm-8:00pm.
- Campanario Lobby Bar - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Misson de Loreto, Nopolo
Located on the top level of the resort. Open daily.
Sleep
- Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo - 10 minutes South of Downtown Loreto
A 155-room resort, which sits on a secluded beach. Every room offers spectacular views of the Sea of Cortés. The resort’s heated pool allows year-round swimming and the gardens host events, including oceanfront weddings, family reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries. Adjacent to the resort, is the Loreto Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 golf course, and the Loreto Tennis Center.
- Las Trojes Bed and Breakfast 50277. US$50 including breakfast, internet and airport pickup.
- Baja Outpost Boulevard Adolfo Lopez Mateos, 135 1134 (toll free from the US 1-888-649-5951)
- Las Cabañas de Loreto
- [formerly dead link] Motel Dorado. Two star motel located one block from the waterfront. US$45-50
- [dead link] Danzante. Hotel with 9 private suites. 64 km (40 miles) south of Loreto. US$300/night
- El Santuario Eco-retreat center on the bay where you may "be still and dance". 64 km (40 miles) south of Loreto. [formerly dead link]
Go next
San Javier is a beautiful town in the mountains 30km west of Loreto, with cobblestoned streets and a 300-year-old Spanish mission. Along the road, you will have stunning views back towards the sea.
Mulege is the next town north, a picturesque town with an old mission and prison, set next to a river and oasis of palm trees.
| Routes through Loreto |
| Guerrero Negro ← Mulegé ← | N  S |
→ Jct  → La Paz |