Taking a trip to Loreto, in northern Baja California Sur, is like immersing yourself in a landscape of contrasts: the desert blends with the serenity of the sea, the towns feel suspended in time, and nature offers endless secrets to discover. Take note of our recommendations for what to do in this destination.
Loreto is the perfect starting point for those choosing to take a road trip through the less-explored territories of Baja California Sur, offering both the charm of an oasis and the majesty of the islands in the Sea of Cortez.
How to get to Loreto?
The main access route to Loreto, besides the Loreto Airport, is the famous Transpeninsular Highway, which winds between the peaks of the Sierra de la Giganta, revealing spectacular views of a desert landscape dotted with cardon and mesquite trees. The blue line of the Gulf of California appears in the background on the horizon, inviting you to venture into its waters. The contrasts between the arid desert and the bounty of the sea are impressive.
What to do in Loreto?
A must-see in Loreto is the central garden. If you walk along the Salvatierra walkway, you’ll arrive directly at the plaza to appreciate the simple architecture, yet it spans different eras. Take the opportunity to stop at Zopilote Brewing Co., where you can enjoy a craft beer in a very relaxed atmosphere, a mix of locals and travelers.
As you walk through town, you’ll also see some adobe houses whose patios still contain taco palms (nearby to this oasis) and fruit trees. We recommend taking a stroll along the boardwalk, either in the morning or at sunset; the place becomes a meeting point for cyclists, joggers, and local fishermen who enjoy the breeze from the Sea of Cortez. On Saturdays, walk to the end of the boardwalk to the Hotel Oasis, where you can experience a unique culinary tradition: clam tatema. This ancient dish is made with clams and other shells cooked between layers of gravel and rosemary branches.
Raíz Restaurant, in Loreto
Looking for things to do in Loreto? Every trip to this Baja California Sur destination should include a trip around the bay, which is a National Marine Park, a protected ecosystem that harbors impressive biodiversity. It’s home to five islands, each with its own unique personality and beauty.
From Marina Puerto Escondido, you can take a boat to discover these natural treasures in this area of Baja California Sur.
As you sail through the Sea of Cortez, the panoramic views of the islands will take your breath away. Santa Catarina and Montserrat are the most distant. Danzante Island, with its rock formations and crystal-clear waters, is one of the most beautiful spots for snorkeling or kayaking.
In the waters surrounding Isla del Carmen, you’ll discover a reef covered in coral, algae, and brightly colored fish. The water is so clear that you can easily see small fish of all sizes, barracudas, and sea urchins.
Meanwhile, on Coronado Island, you can also kayak and snorkel, as well as swim at beautiful beaches and hike, if you enjoy trekking.
During the tour, you’re likely to encounter bottlenose dolphins playing around the boat, and if you visit during the winter season (mid-January to early March), you might even see blue whales with their calves, a natural spectacle you must see in Loreto. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can experience this, and it happens in Baja California Sur!
Back on land, you can relax at La Brisa restaurant, across from the marina, while enjoying a burger or ceviche and a cocktail inspired by John Steinbeck, the famous American writer who explored these waters in the 1930s and wrote about them in his books. The atmosphere is peaceful, and the views of the mountains and the sea at sunset are memorable.
The Path of Water: Sierra de la Giganta
The Sierra de la Giganta connects Loreto in many ways. Located south of the municipality, it’s home to impressive canyons like Tabor, which you’ll reach after a demanding but rewarding hike. Here, the silence is only interrupted by the sound of your footsteps on the basalt rocks. As you explore this ruggedly beautiful landscape, your guide will tell you how rainwater filters into the depths of the mountains, forming springs that then emerge like oases in the middle of the desert.
After your hike, look no further: it’ll be the perfect time to recharge with a local meal. The fish, shrimp, and shredded beef tacos at Taquitos del Valle will give you an authentic taste of Baja California Sur. For dessert, don’t miss a coffee and pastry at Café La Route, a small spot in the central garden where you can relax and enjoy the afternoon.
The Mother of the Missions
The next step is to discover the history of the Loreto Mission, the first Jesuit settlement in the Californias. Founded in 1697, it is not only a historical site, but also a testament to the struggle to survive in an environment as inhospitable as the Baja California Sur desert.
More to do in Loreto! The Mission Museum will offer an in-depth look at the lives of the region’s first inhabitants and the work of the missionaries, while the murals in the Municipal Palace, by artist Alejandro Curiel, will give you an artistic vision of Loreto’s history and the role they played in the development of Baja California Sur.
Loreto and San Javier share a missionary history. In the heart of the Sierra de la Giganta, the San Javier de Viggé-Biaundó Mission is now a peaceful, one-street town. Founded in 1699 by Jesuits from Loreto, it’s a true oasis in the Baja California Sur desert, surrounded by mountains and outlined by palm trees and vegetation that mark the underground path of water. Upon arrival, you’ll soon find something to do: admire the colonial architecture of the mission, built with volcanic stone blocks, and explore its orchards, which still produce food thanks to the irrigation system created by the Jesuits.
Walking through San Javier is like stepping back in time. The adobe and reed houses, along with the palm roofs, indicate that you’re in a place removed from the modern world. Life in this Loreto village follows the rhythm of nature: the cycles of the moon and the earth mark the seasons for sowing and harvesting. Here, you can meet the local inhabitants, who dedicate themselves to making things and living in a traditional way, cultivating the land and raising animals. The peace of this place is so profound that, when night falls, the sky fills with stars, and the silence of the desert completely envelops you. This small town is one of those hidden gems that will make you feel truly connected to the history and nature of Baja California Sur.
Guides and Tours
There are several options for activities that suit your interests. Among them:
Outpost Charters offers sport fishing trips and explorations of Loreto Bay.
If you prefer sailing, Luxury Baja Sailing will take you around the bay aboard a sailboat.
If you’re more adventurous, Loreto Sea and Land Tours organizes activities such as scuba diving, hiking, and whale watching tours.
Loreto Guide, led by experienced guide Said Orozco, will help you customize your itinerary.
Now you know everything you have to do in Loreto and are sure to be inspired to explore this destination. Plan your trip to Baja California Sur soon! visitbajasur.travel
Source: foodandtravel
