A first-time guide to Loreto, Mexico

22.10.2024 - 21:17 / lonelyplanet.com

Oct 22, 2024 • 6 min read

Loreto is a charming, under-the-radar seaside town in Baja California Sur boasting beautifully clear waters,  dolphin sightings and clambakes on the beach. Only a 90-minute flight from Los Angeles, Loreto has become a haven for retired snowbirds and visitors from around the world, as well as a major stop for backpackers and the occasional cruise ship. 

This colonial city is also known for being the home of the first mission built by the Jesuits in 1697 and is a designated Pueblos Magicos in Baja California – meaning the government of Mexico has recognized it for possessing “magical” qualities. Overlooking the stunning Sea of Cortez, the secret’s finally out: Loreto has become an enchanting retreat for travelers in the know.

Baja California has fairly temperate weather year-round, so there’s no real “best” or “worst” time to visit Loreto. If you’re coming from a location with extremely cold winter weather, December to March is an ideal time to escape the chill and enjoy peak whale-watching season as they start migrating south. 

Springtime is also fantastic for an abundance of outdoor activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and more due to the warmer waters. Summer temperatures are definitely hotter in Loreto and well into the 90s, meaning airfare may be lower – great for travelers on a budget but perhaps a time to avoid if you’re not a fan of extreme heat. 

Loreto is a very quiet small town, and everything is easily walkable. You can easily spend just a long weekend here and get a good feel for the area, or spend a leisurely week-long vacation by the sea, sleeping in and wandering around the quaint cobblestone streets of the town center. The whole area has a slower pace of life, as evidenced by the many retirees you can spot hanging out at the cafes all day long. 

Yes, Loreto is extremely walkable, and frankly, getting around on foot is faster than waiting for a taxi. There are public buses and shuttles, but the buses can take a while. Outside of a few things that may require a tour shuttle, everything you’ll want to see is within a five to 15-minute walk – including the beach.

Just note that like many small towns in Mexico, there are cobblestone and uneven sidewalks everywhere, so travelers with mobility issues may find navigating them cumbersome, although many of the hotels have ramps and various accessibility features. 

During the winter months, sightings of blue, orca, gray and humpback whales are plentiful in the area – and some are known to be so familiar with the boats that they come up close to the side. So pack your waterproof camera and prepare to be dazzled. 

You haven’t truly seen Loreto if you don’t experience the turquoise waters firsthand. Take