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We recently sat down with Tracy Collingridge, broker at Coldwell Banker Momentum Real Estate in Loreto, to talk about how the market is evolving in one of Baja California Sur’s most historical towns. Our conversation covered how Loreto differs from Los Cabos, the planning rules that shape its growth, who is buying there today, and where new developments like Alta Baja fit into the area’s long-term trajectory.
How Loreto Compares to Los Cabos
How do you describe Loreto to someone who knows Cabo but has never been there?
One of the great things about Loreto is that it’s very accessible, even though people often assume it’s remote. We have an international airport, and depending on where you’re staying, you’re about 10 to 20 minutes away. It’s a town of roughly 25,000 people, so it feels intimate, but it still has everything you need: good restaurants, shopping, medical services, and a strong sense of community.
What really defines Loreto is the balance. You have a wide range of properties, from smaller condos to high-end luxury homes, beachfront residences, golf course properties at TPC Danzante Bay, and places like Puerto Escondido where you can have a yacht docked right in front of your home. So there’s variety, but it never feels overwhelming.
Compared to Cabo, Loreto is quieter and more relaxed. It’s a place where people come to live, not just to vacation, and that shapes the whole atmosphere.
Common Misconceptions About Loreto
What do people most often misunderstand about Loreto?
Honestly, the biggest misunderstanding is simply that people don’t really know it at all. Many assume it’s far away, hard to get to, or that there’s just not much there. I’m always surprised by how many people who live in Cabo have never been to Loreto, even though it’s only about a five-and-a-half-hour drive and a beautiful one at that.
Once people do come, their perception changes very quickly. They realize it’s not isolated, it’s not undeveloped, and it’s not lacking in amenities. It’s just calmer. I love going to Cabo for a few days to enjoy the energy, but after a while, you feel it. Loreto is different. You come back, and it feels more tranquil, more livable, while still offering everything you actually need, whether you’re here on vacation or living full-time.
Growth, Planning, and Development Limits
How has Loreto managed to grow without losing its character?
A big reason is that growth in Loreto has always been more controlled. We have clear limits on density and building height, which makes an enormous difference. In most areas, buildings can be no more than four stories high, and along the malecón in town, it’s limited to three. You can’t build higher than the mission, so the historic center keeps its scale and its visual balance.
There are also very real natural and legal constraints. Loreto sits between the Sea of Cortez and the Giganta mountain range, and much of the surrounding land has been designated as protected parkland. That means large sections of the mountains will remain undeveloped. On top of that, we’re part of a marine park, which limits things like jet skis and parasailing. You don’t have vendors selling trinkets on the beach, and there isn’t the same pressure from timeshare operations that you see in other destinations.
All of that creates a different experience. Development still happens, but it happens within boundaries, and those boundaries are what allow Loreto to grow while keeping the look, feel, and pace that people come here for.
The Different Areas of Loreto
How would you describe the different areas of Loreto, from the historic town to Nopolo and further south?
One of Loreto’s strengths is that it offers very different experiences within a relatively small area. If someone is drawn to a traditional Mexican town, they tend to gravitate toward the historic center. It’s charming, very safe, walkable, and has everything from smaller condos to beachfront homes right in town.
If you move south for about 13 minutes, you reach Nopolo. That area is more about planned communities and gated living. This is where developments like Loreto Bay are located. Loreto Bay has been around for about 20 years, but it’s extremely well-maintained. The streets, gardens, and common areas are constantly cared for, and it continues to evolve with new shops and restaurants. It’s a place where many people don’t even feel the need for a car because everything is within walking or biking distance, or a short golf cart ride.
Further south, you have areas like Danzante Bay, Villa del Palmar, and Puerto Escondido. These are more resort-oriented or marina-focused environments. Puerto Escondido, in particular, appeals to people who want direct access to the water and the ability to dock a boat or yacht right in front of their home. Danzante Bay has a spectacular TPC golf course. Together, these areas create a layered market, offering options that range from town living to resort-style communities, all within the same region.
Who Is Buying in Loreto Today
Who is buying in Loreto today, and what tends to draw them there?
We’re seeing a mix, but a large part of the market comprises people who already own property elsewhere and are now at a different stage of life. Many bought smaller homes years ago when they were still working, and now that they’re retired or spending more time here, they want something larger, closer to the beach, or with a sea view. That’s been a steady driver of demand in the higher-end segment.
At the same time, more people are discovering Loreto online. I’ve had buyers who had never been here before, found Loreto through internet searches, came for a short visit, and bought a property within days. Someone arrives planning to rent for a week and, instead of leaving with souvenirs, ends up buying a home.
We’re also seeing more Mexican buyers, particularly professionals. Doctors, lawyers, business owners, and developers from places like Mexico City and Monterrey are coming to Loreto, building high-quality homes, and putting down real roots in the community. That shift has become especially noticeable over the last few years.
Alta Baja and the Next Phase of Development
Where does Alta Baja fit within Loreto’s broader development story?
Alta Baja represents the next phase of development in Loreto, but very much in line with the town’s values. The property was purchased more than 20 years ago and was originally planned as a JW Marriott condo-hotel project. When the 2008 financial crisis happened, everything was put on hold.
When the developers revisited the project, they completely changed the concept. Instead of a hotel-style development, Alta Baja is now designed as a gated residential community with single-family homes and condominiums. The focus is on lower density, quality, and long-term livability. There will be roughly 30,000 square feet of amenities for homeowners, including a restaurant, beach club, fitness facilities, and a spa.
One important decision was not to sell empty lots. Buyers purchase a home and can customize it, but construction stays under one vision. That helps maintain quality and consistency across the community. Beachfront homes are expected to start in the two-million-dollar range, and even the condos are designed so that every unit has a sea view.
What Should Never Change in Loreto
As Loreto continues to develop, what is the one thing that should never change?
For me, it comes down to density and scale. If Loreto were to suddenly allow taller buildings or much higher density, it would completely change the town’s feel. The height restrictions and development limits are essential to preserving what makes Loreto special.
Loreto works because it feels human in scale. You still see the mountains, the mission, and the sea. Growth will happen, and it already is happening, but as long as it stays within those boundaries, Loreto can continue to evolve without losing its identity. That balance is what people value here, and once it’s lost, it’s very hard