Loreto, land of great bounty and contrasts, has captivated everyone who's gazed at the breathtaking beauty of its beaches and islands, the abundance of its wildlife, and the majesty of its mountain range. Its geography is so diverse that locals and visitors are favored with a suitable setting for a variety of leisure activities, from a tour of the historic buildings in town, diving or sport fishing trips to golf.
The historic center of Loreto has recently been remodeled and now offers plenty of comfortable and peaceful spots, perfect for reading and relaxing. The new ocean side promenade constitutes a magnificent work of engineering that not only embellishes the harbor but invites locals as well as tourists to take fantastic strolls along the beach.
Our Lady of Loreto Concho Mission
Considered as the mother of all the missions in California, the Loreto Mission was the first Spanish settlement in the peninsula, founded by Juan Maria Salvatierra, a Jesuit priest, in 1697. It was here where other Jesuit priests set off to establish the rest of the missions in California.Among the most prominent relics that are still preserved and displayed, are liturgical objects, oil paintings, the main altarpiece crafted in Churrigueresque (Spanish Baroque) style, and the original sculpted image of Our Lady of Loreto.
Museum of Jesuit Missions
Adjoined to the church, the Museum of Jesuit Missions houses Loreto's vast, cultural legacy in seven permanent and one temporary exhibit rooms. Among the treasures displayed are antique collections of common and religious objects, works of art, handicrafts, archaeological pieces, and representations of important historic events in the region. Some of the museum's highlights are religious-themed oil paintings, a life size figure of Christ, a large 19th century church bell, and a unique wooden cross.
St Francisco Javier Mission
Thirty-five kilometers northeast of Loreto, rising gracefully among the amazing landscapes formed by the impressive, sheer cliffs and steep hills of La Giganta Mountain Range, stands St Francisco Javier Mission. It was the second mission on the peninsula, built by the Jesuits, originally founded by Father Francisco Maria Piccolo in 1699. However, due to constant attacks by the Native Americans, it was abandoned for some years and later reinstated by Father Juan Ugarte in 1701. Built entirely in stone, the massive work of architecture conserves its original design, reason for which it has been declared a rare, Californian landmark.
Primer Agua
A fresh water spring formed by precipitation slowly dripping down from La Sierra de la Giganta, it has been known to the Spanish since the Jesuits set off on their mission to convert the locals to Catholicism. To escape the intense heat of the peninsula, the cool shade provided by the fruit trees as well as the pools filled with fresh water from the spring make this an oasis and the perfect place to beat the heat. Visitors are welcomed to use barbecue grills, tables, chairs, and restroom facilities.
Sportfishing
Loreto includes five islands, 223 km of coastline and diverse marine life, such as marlins, swordfish, sailfish, and tuna during the summer, amberjacks during winter and red snapper, bass, grouper, jewfish, shark, mackerel, squid, and the famous "chocolate clam", a species only found in the Gulf of California, all year round.
Undeniably, nature has favored Baja California and especially Loreto, with a privileged geographic location and a bounty of marine species, making it a haven for sport fishermen. The most predominant catch is marlin, abundant in these waters, where sports enthusiasts can test their skills in any of the seven tournaments held in Loreto each year.
Loreto Bay National Park
Loreto Bay National Park, extending from Isla Coronado to the north until Isla Catalina to the south, and a surface of 206,580.75 hectares, was officially declared a National Nature Reserve in 1996. Although it is a protected area, it is possible to take trips to watch humpback whales, fin whales, pilot whales and with a little bit of luck, even blue whales during the months of February, March and April. Trips usually last for five hours approximately and it is permitted to anchor the boat at some spots for passengers to go snorkeling or scuba diving.
Cave Paintings
For those who like to be challenged, a hike up the hills of Loreto and into the Sierra of Guadalupe will unravel the secrets of the caves. Known for their marvelous primitive paintings of human and animal figures of gigantic proportions, in black and red, the caves will certainly be an exciting adventure. The life size or even larger figures date back at least 7500 years, before the Aztec civilization flourished in the Valley of Mexico, and approximately 1000 years earlier than the rest of the cave paintings found in North America.
Golf
If you are fond of outdoor sports, you can play a game in one of the most beautiful and original golf courses in the world, The Nopolo Golf Course. Located 9 km south of Loreto, the course features 18 holes, par 72. With an intricate design, it is built in a desert, with semiarid cacti vegetation within and around the course and sand dunes surrounding the holes, a challenge even to the experienced golfer. A club house, restaurant, terrace, pool, sunbathing area, restrooms and locker rooms make up the modern and efficient facilities of the club.
Professional Tennis Center
A great attraction for tennis lovers and a site of spectacular scenery, this magnificent compound has it all, including eight excellent outdoor courts and a stadium for 280 people. Additionally, the center offers visitors top class services such as, restaurant, bar, shop, pool, steam bath, resting areas, and professional instruction.