Discover The Islands of Loreto

Where are the Islands of Loreto? The Islands of Loreto are located on the eastern side of the Baja Peninsula, formally known as Baja California Sur, only a two-hour flight from Los Angeles. The region boasts 155 miles of coastline, 465 square miles of sea and five islands within a United Nations protected Marine Park also listed as a United Nations Heritage Site which helps maintain the pristine beauty of Loreto. The «Sierra de la La Giganta» mountain range provides the backdrop to Loreto, giving guests unparalleled vistas of both mountains and water found in few other places on earth. What kinds of activities is Loreto known for? Loreto is well known as a recreational, social and sporting paradise. Regional highlights include best sport fishing in all of Mexico, Scuba diving in paradisiacal warm waters , kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing, snorkeling, wind surfing and more. Other things to do are golfing at world-class golf courses alongside the Sea of Cortez, hiking, mountain biking and Stadium court tennis and cave painting tours. Where should I visit during my stay in Loreto? Missions Mission San Javier is a testament to the «discovery» of the region, as it was built by explorers and Jesuit priests Juan Maria de Salvatierra and Junipero Serra. Mission of Our Lady of Loreto Concho born in 1697 and exists today as a testament to Loreto’s deep-rooted history and spirit. Today, this historic mission also houses a museum where visitors can discover the history of the native people, the acts of the Jesuit missionaries and the colonization of Baja. The church, recently restored with its bell tower rising high above the center of town, is representative of the living history, roots and culture of Loreto. Puerto Escondido This port is the gateway to the Sea of Cortez. It is by far the largest natural marine port in Mexico, providing a safe haven for a multitude of boats and yachts of all sizes. Island-Hopping There are five islands of Loreto: Coronado, Danzante, Del Carmen, Montserrat and Santa Catalina. They provide a wide variety of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, photo safaris, trekking, flora and fauna and majestic scenery. A $25 Pesos permit fee for access to the Natural Reserve marine park is required to visit any of the Islands of Loreto. Isla Coronado A 30-minute boat ride away, guests will experience a wonderful day of adventure and relaxation in one of the most beautiful islands of Baja California Sur. Coronado is the ideal place for sunbathing on the beach, observing colonies of sea lions and dolphins, snorkeling, and much more. Isla Danzante A Loreto icon, Danzante Island features an amazing array of native plants, choral groups and a wide variety of marine species. It is the home of lovely beaches and a great place to enjoy diving, hiking or just relaxing in the sun on «honeymoon beach». Isla Del Carmen Isla Del Carmen is the largest island in the Sea of Cortez and features amazing salt deposits, breathtaking beaches and caves waiting to be explored. Isla Montserrat Isla Montserrat is the perfect place for wild game viewing and snorkeling and features an abundance of trails for hiking. Isla Santa Catalina Santa Catalina boasts incredible natural beauty, gorgeous scenic views and a rich diversity of fauna. Cave Paintings Between Loreto and Bahia de Los Angeles lies the Sierra de San Francisco, home to a large collection of paintings, estimated to be 1,000 to 1,500 years old. Museum of Loreto Missions The Museum of the Missions of Loreto is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entry price is $43 Pesos per adult. Here you can learn the history of the Jesuit missions in Baja California Sur through pictures, artifacts and legends displayed throughout the six-room museum. Activities in San Javier Mission San Javier located 32 km north of the majestic Sierra de La Giganta mountains, and features wonderful activities during the journey including swimming in some of the waterfalls and outbreaks of water, and watching the production of (and eating!) goat cheese and delicious guava paste. Once in San Javier, guests can admire the gothic architecture of the first colonial Jesuit Mission in Baja California Sur, and visit a 300-year-old olive tree that still bears fruit today. Conception Bay Tour Featuring the most well-known and photographed beaches in the region, visitors will see the beaches of El Requeson, distinguished by a thin strip of land that stretches from the mainland to two small islands; Coyote, with its famed palm tree in the center of the semi-circular beach; as well as El Burro, Santispac and more. What is there to do in downtown Loreto? Many visitors enjoy the Paseo Salvatierra, a street filled with markets and souvenir shops, where tourists can find several locally-made items from the Baja, clothing, accessories and both casual and more formal restaurants. The street leads to the city’s boardwalk and along the way is Loreto Mission, the Mission Museum and the newly renovated town plaza. The Islands of Loreto Nightlife At the end of the day, you can unwind with a margarita, beer or just a lemonade at one of the Islands of Loreto’s local bars. Recount your fishing stories or your hole in one, relaxed under a palapa with friends, enjoying the beautiful sunset. If you want more options you can always go to downtown Loreto. Most of the nightlife takes place near the malecon area where you can find lots of locals and you’ll be able to absorb the sights, smells, and sounds of a place untouched by time. After all, the town’s official slogan is «300 Years Old and Still Undiscovered.» *]]>