About Loreto
Loreto stretches along the sunny Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez. Although the surrounding seas are nearly five million years old, they are also one of the youngest on the planet.
Explore Mexico
Overview
The lovely town of Loreto along the east coast of the Baja California Sur state of Mexico was founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries.
The lure of the ocean and the region’s rich variety of sea life greatly influenced the area’s development. Bahía de Loreto National Park, off the coast, is home to dolphins, whales, and pelicans. The town’s malecón is ideal for long, romantic strolls.
The city’s heritage is evident in the downtown area’s cobblestone streets and well-preserved buildings, including a mission and plaza. The divine Mission San Javier, deserted in 1817, and later restored, is a piece of religious history surrounded by non-native date palms, grapes, citrus, and ancient olive trees introduced to the area.
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What To Do
Explore Loreto’s colorful colonial buildings, such as the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, a 17th-century church. Be sure to visit El Museo de las Misiones de Baja California, which exhibits religious art, weapons, and tools used in Spanish missions during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Loreto is the ideal getaway for those who love the outdoors. Take an excursion to Loreto Bay National Marine Park; experience the region’s desert ecosystem; hike to prehistoric cave paintings in the Sierra de la Giganta mountains.
See and be seen strolling along the town’s lovely seaside walk, the Malecon. Go scuba diving and snorkeling, or watch whales and dolphins glide through the sea. Rejuvenate your body and soul at a local spa or with a relaxing swim in the warm waters of Loreto.
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Travel Tips & Tools
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