14 Amazing Things to Do in Loreto, Mexico

Along the eastern shore of the Baja Peninsula, established amongst giant cacti, sturdy mountains, and glittering blue water, exists the colorful coastline town of Loreto, Mexico.

Located on the coast of the Gulf of California (likewise known as the Sea of Cortez) with the Sierra de la Giganta mountains as its background, it’s a reputable Mexican tourist hotel as well as a preferred winter months destination for Americans and Canadians leaving the cold.

Loreto, Mexico is just one of just two towns in Baja California Sur (the other is Todos Santos) with the Pueblo Mágico, or Wonderful Community, title– a designation offered by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourist to areas supplying remarkably high historic, social, architectural, and also gastronomic value.

This travel guide covers the best points to do in Loreto (consisting of off the beaten track tips and day trips), the very best time to visit, where to remain, where to eat like a local, as well as a lot more.

By the end of this article, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip to Loreto, Mexico!

Best Things to Do in Loreto, Mexico

From drinking palomas on the white sand beaches to horseback riding in the Baja desert to snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez, Loreto has something for everyone.

We lived in Loreto for over a month as well as assembled this total list of what to do in Loreto, consisting of all the must-see tourist attractions, prominent day tours, and also a few off the beaten track tasks.

Loreto Mission and Museum

Established in 1697 by Salvatierra, Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto (Goal of Our Lady of Loreto) was the initial Spanish objective constructed in the Californias (what is now the U.S. state of California as well as the Baja Peninsula in Mexico).

The surrounding Museo de las Misiones Jesuitas (Jesuit Missions Museum) houses a religious art collection in addition to artefacts from the era of the Spanish goals.

Downtown Loreto Plaza

One of the best things to do is to invest a day in midtown Loreto, Mexico.

Plaza Juárez (additionally called Plaza Civica) is Loreto’s primary square and also the heart of town. It’s right next to the objective and also surrounded by open-air dining establishments and also stores where you can order lunch, purchase authentic Mexican handicrafts, take a peek at the murals inside Palacio Municipal (City Center), stroll along the tree-covered Andador Salvatierra (Salvatierra Pedestrian Road).

If you’re there on a Saturday, come by the farmer’s market in the plaza for local products like olives and flour tortillas.

Loreto Malecón

The malecón is a paved walkway that leaves the coast beside midtown Loreto. It’s a prominent place for celebration on the weekends or taking a morning stroll to view the dawn over the Sea of Cortez.

There are public beaches on either end of the malecón, where you can take a dip in the water or continue your walk on the sand.

Loreto National Marine Park

Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto (Loreto Bay National Forest) is a marine park simply offshore from the town of Loreto, Mexico.

The national forest is residence to five islands (Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, Monserrat, and Catalina) and a range of wild animals, consisting of multiple types of whales, whale sharks, dolphins, sea lions, tropical fish, and birds.

Taking a boat scenic tour to Isla Coronado (Coronado Island) or Isla del Carmen is the most popular method to explore the Loreto National Marine Park.

This watercraft tour to Coronado Island includes a boat trip to the island, snorkeling (equipment included), lunch, and drinks.

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Loreto

Described by the epic diver, Jacques Cousteau, as the “world’s aquarium,” the Sea of Cortez is including a variety of wildlife. Snorkeling or scuba diving is an incredible way to experience the under water heaven off Loreto’s shores.

This Loreto Bay sailing and also snorkeling scenic tour consists of cruising on a catamaran, open bar, lunch, and also snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez. Or you can reserve a dive with Dolphin Dive Baja.

Blue Whale Watching

Blue whales are the largest recognized animals to ever stroll the eastern. They are jeopardized, however from February to March, you can take a blue whale viewing excursion with Loreto Blue Whales to see these gentle titans.

If it’s not blue whale period, employ a panga at the marina to see the other whale varieties off the coast of Loreto, consisting of fin, humpback, and also orca.

Loreto Beaches

There are many lovely playas (beaches) to relax on along Baja The golden state Sur’s coastline. The beaches listed below are all just a brief stroll from downtown Loreto.

Playa La Darsena: Free palapas line this little beach boarding the marina’s north side

Playa La Negrita: Long, sandy coastline on Loreto’s north coast

Playa Oasis: A sandy beach that sticks out into the sand alongside the tidewater at the southerly end of the malecón.

Beaches that are driving distance from downtown Loreto consist of La Salinita, Nopoló, Juncalito, El Quemado, Ensenada Blanca, as well as the coastlines on the islands.

San Javier Mission

San Javier is a little, picturesque town in the Sierra de la Giganta hills, about a hr’s drive from Loreto. Its rock streets, hill sights, fruit orchards, as well as centuries-old Spanish goal, make San Javier a must-do day trip from Loreto.

San Javier Goal’s full name in Spanish is a lengthy one: Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó. Words viggé comes from the indigenous Cochimí individuals’s name for the area, meaning “elevated land that controls the valley”. The San Javier Goal was developed by Spanish Jesuits in 1759 and also is taken into consideration to be among the most effective preserved Spanish missions.

Now scenic tour from Loreto to San Javier includes transportation, a led excursion of the town as well as its objective, as well as lunch at an authentic Mexican dining establishment.

Sierra de la Giganta Rock Art

There are incredible pre-hispanic rock paintings spread throughout the Baja Peninsula. Actually, the Sierra de la Giganta hills near Loreto are home to several websites, with one of the most popular being Cuevas Pintas and also La Pinguica.

This guided rock paint trip consists of transport from Loreto, lunch as well as beverages, as well as a hike through the Sierra de la Gigantic to see the Canipole rock art.

Birdwatching at Las Garzas Estuary

Estero Las Garzas, or Herons Tidewater, is a fantastic spot for a fast birdwatching session in Loreto without having to go also far.

It goes to the southern end of the malecón and just about a 15-minute stroll from the downtown plaza. If you’re fortunate, you may also capture a glimpse at a blue-footed booby bird.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding in Loreto Bay

Kayaking and also paddle boarding in Loreto is an excellent method to enjoy a tranquil and also peaceful moment on the water. The wind generally gets in the afternoon during the winter months, so the most effective time to delight in kayaking or SUP is in the mornings. There are many locations to lease kayaks and SUPs for the day in Loreto as well as at the big marina south of community, Puerto Escondido.

For the utmost kayaking journey, publication a led several day kayaking as well as outdoor camping tour of the Loreto islands with Paddling South or Sea Kayak Baja Mexico.

Tabor Canyon Hiking Trail

With falls, arroyos (creeks), rocks, and also both hill and sea views, it’s not a surprise that the Cañon del Tabor (Tabor Canyon) treking path is one of the most well-known hike near Loreto.

The Tabor Canyon treking route as well as other popular walkings in the location are mapped out on AllTrails.

You can trek on your own or you can book this hiking trip of Tabor Canyon that includes transportation from Loreto, water and also snacks, and a 3-hour guided walk via the canyon to amazing sights of the sea, along with info on the local flora and fauna.

Loreto Horseback Riding

Go back in time and also invest a day discovering the Baja desert by horseback.

This Loreto horseback riding tour consists of transport, treats and refreshments, as well as a 2+ hrs assisted horseback riding journey with information on the background, flora, and also fauna of the region.

Bahia Concepcion Beaches

Several of the most lovely coastlines in all of Baja can be found in Bahia Concepcion (Conception Bay).

Schedule a low-priced service an automobile and do the 2-hour beautiful drive to take pleasure in these off the beaten path playas.

Have lunch on the sand at Playa Santispac, see the one-of-a-kind sand spit at Playa El Requeson, or relax under a palapa at Playa El Coyote.