Discover the beauty of Loreto, just lay back and let the soothing breathtaking indigo waters of the Sea of Cortez heighten your senses. Loreto's history is as vast as its culture. Learn about it first hand by touring Mission San Javier, experiencing the friendliness of its people or feeling the thrill of the catch in the largest and most abundant fishing grounds in the world. Alternatively play golf or tennis in perfect weather all year round. All this in just one place, Loreto, it's an experience you can't miss.
Description
Loreto lies 350 km north of La Paz. It is the oldest settlement in California, surrounded by the incomparable beauty of La Giganta Mountain Range, the desert and the Sea of Cortez. Loreto was the first of many Spanish Missions in California, founded by the explorer Juan Maria de Salvatierra, a Jesuit priest in 1697 and served as the first capital of the Californias.
Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, the peninsula of California was inhabited by nomad Indian tribes, such as the Pericue in the south, believed to be the descendants of artists who left the many cave paintings found on the mountains, such as the ones on Guadalupe Mountain near Loreto.
There are many interesting places to visit around Loreto, among the most beautiful is "Primer Agua", a Jesuit ranch nestled at the top of a mountain, where a beautiful spring fills an old plunge pool surrounded by an orchard. San Javier Mission, the second oldest and best-preserved of the missions is another beautiful place to visit, located on the La Giganta Mountain Range.
A tour through the "historic capital of the Californias" must include a visit to Nuestra Senora de Loreto Mission, the first Spanish settlement in all of California, currently housing over 200 original pieces of religious art and artifacts. A stroll along Loreto's promenade, or through its cobbled streets, or a visit to its many interesting shops seem to take the visitor on a journey back in time.
Beaches and surroundings
The breathtaking beaches of Loreto as well as Juncalito, Ensenada Blanca and Ligui, are popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking or windsurfing. Off the coast are the majestic islands of Coronado, with their lovely turquoise waters and sea lion colonies: Carmen with its gorgeous beaches and coves; Danzantes is a paradise for scuba divers and hikers alike, with its rocky shores and small inlets; La Catalana and Monserrat are favorites with eco-travelers for their unique wildlife.
The sea off the coast of Loreto is famous for its abundance of fish, such as amberjacks, marlins, sailfish, and wahoo, hence deep sea fishing is the most popular attraction. Although the best season is during the summer, fishing is good all year long. A new harbor has recently been completed for those who want to bring their own boats, or if you prefer you can charter one with the services of a competent skipper.
Likewise, Loreto has lots of activities for the passionate eco-traveler, such as boat trips to watch playful dolphins or even giant grey whales that migrate from Alaska each winter to their mating and breeding grounds in Magdalena Bay. You can also rent a bicycle and safely ride around peaceful Loreto and its surroundings. Alternatively go trailing or hiking and admire the impressive scenery.
For those fond of golf or tennis the trans-peninsular highway, Loreto-Nopolo-Puerto Loreto, takes you to the Nopolo Sporting Club. The club features a first class, 18-hole golf course by the sea and a professional tennis center with 8 outdoor courts and a stadium. Facilities at the club also include pools, steam baths, locker rooms, shops, and restaurants.