Located along the coast of Baja California Sur and the Gulf of California, this Mexican Pueblo Magico is rich in animal diversity, has spectacular desert scenery and is home to the history of North America, traveling on a desert seaside escape. take someone. Here are the top 9 things to do in Loreto, Mexico.
Take a boat trip to Bahia de Loreto National Park
The Loreto Bay National Park protects a marine ecosystem that includes five uninhabited islands. Located off the coast, most visitors board pangas (small boats) to explore Coronado on the main island.
On my trip, I joined the outfitter Wild Loreto on a boat leaving at 9am from Loreto’s marina. It was exhilarating to run across the ocean to the island.
Animals of Bahia de Loreto National Park
If development is not protected, animals thrive in Coronado. First, wild dolphins who like to play in their wake. They surfaced and dove near the island to get our attention.
Bypassing Coronado, we slowed down at a sea lion rookery. Some of the giant mammals howled as we glide close enough to see their whiskers. While we were rocking in Panga, the others were dozing off, looking up and taking pictures without hesitation.
Located in the Sea of Cortez, the island is known for its seabird habitat. Evidence of this was what the guide called “bird graffiti”, where birds had glassed over higher rock outcrops.
See the blue-footed booby
The most distinctive bird native to Baja California is the blue-footed booby. Most people think they only live in the Galapagos Islands. The islands of Bahia Loreto National Park are also breeding grounds, but half of the breeding pairs live in this area.
With the help of our guide, we saw several birds flying just above the water’s edge, hunting for fish. Our guide headed for a rocky outcrop favored by gannets, close to the water’s edge. Standing tall on cerulean blue legs, a few boobies were taking pictures.
It was a thrill to see the blue-footed booby as the main attraction in Loreto. For me, the trip to Baja, Mexico was easier than the Galapagos.
Bahia Loreto National Park beach
Situated in a sheltered cove, I found pure white sand as my guide approached the shore. The area looked like a postcard with turquoise water lapping on sandy beaches.
Due to the national park, no boats are allowed to stay, so we loaded up with lunch and gear and spent a few hours on the beach. First, my 15 year old son explored a short rock step up from the beach. Covered in inches of water, he saw small marine creatures flitting in and around the rocks. Using his borrowed mask, he observed small crabs and colorful fish.
The beach area has covered palapas and vault toilets. Visitors are required to bring food and drink for the picnic. It is useful to add a blanket and a parasol as well. Everything is packed.
Snorkeling in the Sea of Cortez
Snorkeling is a popular activity during the warmer months of the year. Loreto’s Malecon (main promenade) has a beach, but the best way to snorkel is the Sea of Cortez.
The underwater marine life is impressive, from colorful fish to sea turtles. Wild Loreto offers a 4-hour catamaran cruise to a quiet cove. In addition, Coronado Island tours are also a popular option for snorkeling. All snorkeling gear is provided by the boat captain.
The Wild Loreto Tour departs from the Loreto Marina along the Malecon de Loreto (Promenade). Reservations are required.
sunset cruise
Located on the Sea of Cortez, one of the most popular activities in Loreto is enjoying the water.I recommend the sunset cruise Bell Gateau Catamaran, cute cat in spanish.
We sat forward and enjoyed the sea breeze and desert views from the characteristic mesh in the bow of the catamaran. It was fun to be out on the water. But the action seen through the mesh fascinated my 15 year old son.
The sunset cruise included drinks and snacks such as freshly made ceviche and guacamole. ABT Sailing offers several excursions departing from Marina Puerto Escondido.
Whales of Baja
In February and March, blue whales can be seen surfacing from the beaches of Loreto. The blue whale is the largest species of whale and migrates between Baja and Baja. Alaska.
During my trip we headed across the peninsula to the Pacific Ocean to see Gray Whales. In some protected bays, they mate and give birth in warm winter waters. In Magdalena Bay, mother and baby gray whales can be seen swimming underwater from January.
Boarding at Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, our guide drove to the coastal lagoon of Magdalena Bay. The shallower waters in this area provide less habitat for killer whales, predators.
Observation of mother and baby whales
Because babies need to breathe more often, whale mother-baby pairs surface more often than adult adults. During the excursion, we watched her two sets of mother and child swim in the lagoon.
They broke in near our boat. I felt like I could touch it. Then they swam under our boat. After whale watching in Alaska, the experience was all the more fulfilling as the pair spent more time on or near the surface.
Garcia’s Tours in Baja California Sur Cd Insurgentes in Puerto Adolfo Lopez Mateos, located about 160 miles southwest of Loreto, offers daily excursions.
Mission Loreto
Located in the historic district of Loreto, this church was founded in 1697 by the Jesuits, Spanish missionaries of the Catholic Church. After 150 years of unsuccessful attempts, this was Juan Maria de Salvatierra’s first success.
As an active church, visitors should be mindful of services. Visitors can see the interior of the sanctuary, the building he completed in 1744.
In addition to missions, Loreto also has a historic district. Known as Pueblo Magico, it preserves its original architecture and culture. There are several pedestrian-only areas in this area, such as California Square near Mission. Plaza Salvatierra is opposite Loreto City Hall. The area also has several restaurants and souvenir shops.
Sample of popular Mexican dishes
One of my favorite things to do in Loreto is the food. We ate at several restaurants during our trip and enjoyed traditional Mexican and Baja cuisine.
Orlando’s Restaurant
Orlando’s Restaurant’s outdoor dining area is popular for its bright ambiance and palapa roof. With a Mexican menu available, I ordered the chicken mole, a rich sauce of chili, spices and chocolate. Mole sauce requires skill to make, so I will order it when I go to Mexico. San Antonio, Texas.
Located at FCO. I. Madero s/n, Centro of Loreto.Open Wednesday to Sunday 8am to 9pm
Asadero Super Bro
Super Bro serves giant burritos and is popular with locals, teens and big eaters. After seeing a burrito the size of a dinner plate, he ordered two tacos (tip for small eaters).
The location is Guillermo Fernandez Boulevard. Salvatierra of Loreto, Obrella. Hours of operation are Thursday through Tuesday from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm (closed on Wednesdays).
cafe au lait
Located on a pedestrian walkway in the historic center, Café au Lait has been a favorite since 1982. Café au lait is frequented by tourists as well as locals.
Located off the coast of FCO. I. Madero’s opening hours are 7am to 10pm Monday to Sunday and 7am to 1pm on Sundays.
stay on the beach
As a beach destination, we recommend staying on Loreto’s beach overlooking the sea. I stayed at the locally owned and operated Hotel Oasis. It features an outdoor heated pool and a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It has a large patio overlooking the water.
Located on Col Centro, Baja California S/N and Lopez Mateos Blvd.
