Top places in Loreto

 

Loreto is not your typical Mexican town. But, despite the luxury resorts, the mansions along the coastline and the big American muscle trucks driving down the streets, there’s still an interesting isolated/untouched feeling to this place.

Its historic heritage dates back to one of the first human settlements in Latin America, who left cave paintings in the mountains of Sierra de la Giganta; and to the Jesuit missionaries who, in 1697, built the first Catholic Church in Baja California, known as Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó.

Nowadays, the natural beauty of Loreto’s Bay National Park is what attracts most tourists. With 510,472 acres of sea, five islands, ten islets, and a rich biodiversity (both in sea and land) it is the largest natural protected area in the Sea of Cortés and a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.

 

 

Here are our top places to visit and things to do whilst in Loreto:

Beautiful Sunrises

Wake up at the crack of dawn, put on a jacket, find a good bench at the ‘malecón’ (Spanish word for pier) and witness one of the best views in Loreto. The sound of the waves with the rosy/orange colors bordering the blue ocean is a show worth watching.

 

 

Most Famous Clams

If you want to eat where the locals do, head to Almejas Conchó, located in the corner of Francisco I. Madero and Atanasio Carrillo.

This cabaña is famous for its ‘Almejas Tatemadas’. A pre-Hispanic recipe where the chocolata clam is buried inside a special oven, burnt with chamizo branches, and served with mustard dressing and tortillas.

Also try the ‘Almejas gratinadas’ (clams covered with cheese and topped with a home made salsa), they’re superb. Everything is fresh and clean, so don’t be afraid to eat all the seafood you want.

 

 

Wildlife And Beach

Take a ‘panga’ (local word for boat) to Isla Coronado. It’s the nearest, the cheapest and the most beautiful island of Loreto’s National Park.

Tip: leave Loreto between 7.30am and 8.00am so you can have the island to yourselves. Also, pack some lunch and a parasol, because there are only two palapas available.

Once you reach the island, the clear green water will let you see a huge variety of fish and the lava path from the island’s –now inactive­– volcano (there’s also a hiking trail to see the crater).

When you visit the sea lion colony, ask the driver for the snorkeling equipment and swim with the curious babies. It was one of our best experiences in Baja. Just be sure to wear a wetsuit, because the water is freezing cold (the painful kind).

The final stop will be at a stunning turquoise and white-sand beach. If you aren’t up for a hiking expedition, just pull out your towel, relax under the sun and enjoy the view. Boats make their way back between 12pm and 1pm.

Lolo, our captain (contact below), was a great guide and would highly recommend him. We rented the panga five hours for $1,500mxn + $34mxn per person for a bracelet to enter the National Park.

 

 

A 5 de Mayo Experience

Mi Loreto restaurant (located in front of the town’s church) is what we always think a 5 de mayo celebration in the US looks like: giant margaritas, ponchos placed on the back of the seat for one to use, and José José on the background. Well, the music was truly typical; we’ll give them that. Flamenco would have been more accurate for the full 5 de mayo experience–Spanish not Mexican, by the way.

Aside from all the ‘Mexican extravaganza’, which we agree is very colorful and attracting, it is a lovely restaurant with a good menu and a great service. The free ‘sope’ (thick tortilla topped with beans, cheese, cream, pork and pico de gallo) they give as an entrance and the hand made tortillas were delicious.

 

 

Strolling Around Town Center

To describe Loreto, there’s a local motto that goes: “No pasa nada”. Meaning, “nothing ever happens here”, or “it doesn’t really matter”. Which is very accurate with their chilled way of life and the stillness of their streets.

We were there during high season, and even though most of the hotels were booked, the town was calm and quiet; it made our strolls even more pleasant.

Visit the oldest church in Baja ‘Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto’ and its museum, to have a little bit of context on the town’s history. Later, you can sit on the benches under the arrayan trees and enjoy an ice cream (there’s an ice cream parlor called Thirsty near the church, on Salvatierra street).

 

Perfect Spot For Sunset

Walk down the pier until you reach the end of it. Then, go a little bit further into the shore and wait for the sunset to reflect its colors on the puddles of ocean left during the low tide. The light makes the water look like mercury, doesn’t it?.

 

Fine Dinning

For a relaxing dinner in the town center, the best restaurant -in taste- is Mita Gourmet. Ask for the Chipotle Shrimps and Plaza Shrimps, you won’t be sorry. They also have a good selection of wine.

While eating, you’ll be approached by Tríos (musical group of three), who add a nice soundtrack to your Mexican meal. Don’t try to stop them, they’ll sing their boleros anyway. But, unless you ask for a song, there’s no fixed price and you are not obliged to give them money in return. So, whatever tip feels right, is okay.

 

Thanks for reading! Do you have a favorite spot in Loreto?

 

---

---

 

Useful information

Panga rental:
Lolo’s cel: (011 52 1) 613-100-7563

Accomodation:
We stayed at two Airbnb’s:

‘Casita del Árbol de las Indias’: perfect location, near town center and just behind the pier. Joa and her husband were excellent hosts. They gave us good recommendations on what to do in Loreto and a free meal at their restaurant ‘Tlalocan’.

‘Alicia’s house’: it is a little bit far (20 minutes drive on a dirt road from town center), but the location is beautiful, at the edge of the ocean, and the sky at night filled with stars is just amazing. Alicia was such a nice hostess; she woke up early and packed us a full breakfast for our trip to Isla Coronado —her banana bread is de-li-cious.

Whale watching:
In winter, you can take a tour to see the blue whale (the largest animal in the planet). But, don’t expect seeing them up close as the grey whales. Since it’s a protected area and the blue whale is an endangered specie, the boats have to stay 100 meters away from them.

From August to October, you can sail out to see the Orcas. Which, according to the locals, is a great experience.

Cave paintings:
When we asked about this tour, a local guide told us it wasn’t really worth it and that instead we should drive to Mulegé and see those.

An extra great view:
If you are traveling from La Paz to Loreto, make sure to stop at Mirador Frida. You’ll be able to stretch your legs and admire the blue ocean.