Loreto Mexico Travel Guide: An Authentic Baja Getaway
It’s easy to fall in love with Loreto, Mexico – an authentic, safe Mexican town overlooking the turquoise-blue waters of the Sea of Cortez that remains largely unchanged after 25 years. I say that as I visited Loreto back in the late 90’s on three other occasions when I came to sea kayak for a week at a time. What I noticed on my April 2025 trip to Loreto is that the population has grown – but not exploded – and resorts haven’t taken over the town. Loreto retains the same small town charm I fell in love with all those years ago.
There are certainly more hotels – but not resorts, and the food scene is better than I remember it. The oldest Jesuit mission in North America, built in the late 1600’s is still in use today. And the phenomenal abundance of sea creatures from blue whales to dolphins, and manta rays to sea turtles is as awe-inspiring as ever
Thank you to Visit Baja California Sur and Loreto BCS Tourism for hosting my trip.
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Where Is Loreto, Mexico?
Loreto, Mexico is located on the east coast of Baja California Sur, about 500 kilometres north of Cabo San Lucas.
To the west of Loreto is the Sierra La Giganta Mountain range, home to small villages like charming San Javier and even lush valleys.
La Paz is about a 4.5-hour drive to the south, and the cute town of Mulegé is 140 km and a two-hour drive north.
Loreto Mexico hit the jackpot with their location on the Sea of Corte. just a short boat ride away from five uninhabited islands that are part of Loreto Bay National Park.
You might also enjoy: A Guide to Mulege, Mexico in Baja California Sur
Loreto is a Mexican Magical Town
Loreto is one of Mexico’s Pueblo Mágico or Magical Towns. I have stayed in Todos Santos, the only other Magical Town in Baja California Sur, albeit a more upscale version.
What they both have in common is “cultural richness, folklore, traditions, cuisine, art, and warm hospitality.” To keep them magical the Mexican government provides budget for upgrading their infrastructure and tourism while retaining their festivals and traditions.
Loreto gets a fraction of the visitors that Los Cabos and La Paz gets – partially because there are a limited number of direct flights. That suits people who visit Loreto just fine. It also keeps the local people happy.
One woman I spoke to in the local tourism industry said ” the locals are happy to have you visit Loreto, Mexico – just don’t overstay. They’re cheery about sharing their town, but it is their home and they want to keep it that way.”
What I love about Loreto, Mexico is you can still wake at dawn to the birds chirping instead of the blare of a car’s horn. And as you walk the Malecón, both locals and visitors alike will say a cheery buenos dias to you. I’ll take that any day over noise and fed-up locals. It really is a magical Mexcian town to visit.
Is Loreto, Mexico safe?
Safety is top of mind for travelers to Loreto, Mexico. The bottom line – Loreto is very safe for both locals and visitors. There are no travel warnings on the Government of Canada travel advisory website for the Loreto area. The same cannot be said for Cabo and even La Paz as of April 22, 2025.
Use common sense like you would wherever you live. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or show signs of affluence. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t buy drugs.
I personally walked around by myself before dawn and after dark and felt very safe. And according to our host and guide, I was told you could forget your cellphone at a café table and come back an hour later and it would still be there.
Getting to Loreto, Mexico: Direct Flights from Canada and the U.S.
Loreto, Mexico is much easier to visit now than it was 25 years ago.
WestJet runs direct flights from Calgary once a week from November until early May. You only spend four hours in the air! You will need to make connections from other major Canadian cities like Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Toronto to hook up with the direct flight.
There are also direct flights from Los Angeles to Loreto on Alaska Air – with daily service in high season.
There is a Tijuana Airport terminal in San Diego where you can use Cross Border Express (a walkway that connects the two airports where you can pass through immigration) and then fly directly to Loreto on either Calafia or Volaris.
You can also fly direct from Phoenix to Loreto on American Airlines.
Do you need to rent a car in Loreto?
If you’re planning on visiting Mulege or San Rosario to the north of Loreto, a car would come in handy. But for making life easy, I personally would recommend taxis or tours, so you don’t have to worry about driving. And Loreto itself is a very walkable town.
Still keen to have your own wheels? You need to be 21 years of age or older to rent cars in Mexico. You can pick one up at the Loreto Airport, just a 12-minute drive from Loreto’s main square. Several of the large car companies have locations at the airport including Hertz, Alamo, and Enterprise.
Reserve ahead directly with the car rental company or rent cars through Booking.com and Expedia.com. Mexican car insurance is a must as “Mexican law requires all foreign vehicles to have liability insurance from a Mexican-licensed provider. “
The Best Time to Visit Loreto, Mexico
For those of you who are capable of embracing summer heat, Loreto can be a four season destination. But for most of us from Canada or the northern US, late fall, winter and spring are the best time to visit Loreto, Mexico.
Winter in Loreto
Most of my visits to Loreto have been in the winter. It’s the busiest time in Loreto with North Americans heading down to escape grey skies and the cold – but busy is a relative term here compared to places like Cabo.
In winter, the sun is almost always shining, and the temperatures are warm but not hot. It can get windy, so you will need sweaters and light jackets.
Winter is also the top season for whale watching. They are usually gone by mid-March. And if you’re a hiker, winter is the ideal time to visit.
Spring in Loreto
By April both land and water temperatures are warming up. For sun lovers it’s a great time to visit – but give the two weeks around Easter a pass when it’s school holiday time for Mexican kids as hotels will be packed. Snorkeling is usually very good.
Summer in Loreto
If you’re a bargain hunter, you’ll find lots of travel deals as summer is hot in Loreto, Mexico, so you’ll need to embrace it if you visit at this time. Note that there are no direct flights from Canada in summer.
Fall in Loreto
According to our Loreto hosts, November is the very best time to visit Loreto Mexico. Both land and sea temperatures are comfortably warm. It’s a great time for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
On rare occasions tropical storms and hurricanes can hit the northern state of the Baja though only eight events have been recorded in over 70 years. If a storm or hurricane were to happen, it will likely be in September or October.
Map of things to do, restaurants and hotels in Loreto, Mexico
Things to Do in Loreto, Mexico
The following are some ideas of things to do in Loreto, Mexico. I loved everything we did but especially anything that involved water – cue the boat ride and snorkeling with sea lions off of Coronado Island.
Explore Isla Coronado (and other nearby islands)
You can easily arrange to take a panga (the boat pictured below) or a larger boat over to one of three islands that make up Loreto Bay National Park. We’re pictured here on one of Coronado Island’s beautiful white sand beaches enjoying lunch from the restaurant at Hotel Santa Fe – marlin burritos if you want to know.
Loreto Sea and Land Tours dropped us off after our snorkeling/diving expedition, but they can easily arrange one-off tours to Danzante Island or Carmen Island North as well. You can’t go wrong with visiting any of ths islands.
Bring a swimsuit and towel, lots of sunscreen, a sun hat, cold drinks, and a lunch you can keep cold. Include fruit like watermelon that is very refreshing if you’ve been out on the water for some time. I’d also suggest a pair of running shoes if you want to explore. Coronado Island is volcanic, so rocks are sharp and there is lots of prickly vegetation around.
Go whale watching in the Sea of Cortez
Loreto Bay National Park is one of the greatest spots in the world to see whales – including blue whales, the largest mammal on the planet. The best time to observe them is in February and March. If you miss the blue whale window, you can still enjoy seeing dolphins, humpback whales, minke whale, pilot whales and reportedly even sperm whales.
I’ve never been whale watching in Loreto though I have done it with great success in La Paz. One time while sea kayaking in Loreto I was lucky to have a whale spout not too far from our boat – but that’s the closest I’ve come here. Maybe one day I’ll be be able to visit in blue whale season.
Go snorkeling or scuba diving with sea lions
One of the best tours you can do in Loreto Bay National Park is the snorkeling and/or diving tour with Loreto Sea and Land Tours. (If you’re hoping to dive you’ll have to provide proof of certification.) After a 30-minute boat ride out to Coronado Island, head for the rocks where the sea lions hang out.
Gear up – and that means putting on a thick wetsuit in the winter months to keep the cold at bay – even if you’re just snorkeling. Then hop into the water and start swimming.
It’s intimidating to put it mildly to share the ocean in close quarters with sea lions. But it’s also a thrill. I snorkeled by myself, but in sight of the boat. There were some colourful fish close to shore but the visibility wasn’t that great. However, being in the water with up to 500 pound sea lions definitely got my attention.
My friends Gemma and JR loved the two dives they did. They saw sharks, octopus, rays, loads of colourful fish, moray eels and of course the sea lions.
Sea kayak out of Loreto, Mexico
I’ve enjoyed two multi-day sea kayaking tours in the Baja – one for a week and one with my mother that left right from the beach in Loreto. On a third trip I started north of Mulege and traveled down to Loreto over the course of seven days. I still have a fourth kayaking trip I’d love to do – Loreto to La Paz over 10 days!
What makes kayaking near Loreto on the Sea of Cortez so memorable are the deserted and pristine beaches you camp on and the sheer amount of sea life that can be seen right from your kayak. Can you picture manta rays flying through the air as you paddle? It’s happened more often than I can count. I’ve also had whales, dolphins and skinny see-through fish all nearby. The sea birds in the area are plentiful and so much fun to watch especially the pelicans dive bombing for fish.
The sunsets are spectacular, the night skies inky-black and there’s a sweet sense of accomplishment after a week out – sometimes fighting big winds and swell. If you don’t want to do multi-day trips you can rent kayaks in Loreto and enjoy a few hours out at a time.
Walk the Loreto Malecón and catch the sunrise
Loreto’s Malecón is a 1.2 kilometre stretch of pavement adjacent to the Sea of Cortez. It starts by the marina and travels to a point where it turns to sand in front of the Oasis Hotel. I recommend walking out to the very tip of the sand, where you’ll see many shorebirds looking for food along the water – sand interface.
Walking, running, or even biking the Malecón is one of the most popular things to do in Loreto, especially at sunrise and in the cool of the day around sunset.
Sunrise is dramatic especially at the time of year when the sun comes up behind Carmen Island. Try to get to the Malecón about 15 minutes before sunrise so you can watch the magic unfold with the timeless beauty of breaking waves as a backdrop.
Don’t miss a photo op by the Loreto sign close to the marina while you’re in the area.
Go to the spa in Loreto Mexico
If you need to recharge and enter a state of bliss, book the two-hour full body massage with a facial at Spa Las Flores & Boutique on the square in Loreto. Products contain organic ingredients including aloe vera, prickly pear and cactus. I left feeling light on my feet and well moisturized. What a treat this was – and perfect for couples too.
While I was waiting, I looked through the Mexican style clothing they carried – and of course kick myself for not trying it on, especially as prices are reasonable.
Head for the beach
There are a couple of beaches along the Loreto waterfront – and while great for bird watching and relaxing after a swim, the beaches are not quite like the beautiful white sand beaches you find on the islands in Loreto Bay National Park.
At the northern end of the Malecón is La Darsena Beach. It’s closest to downtown and a quick walk from many hotels. You’ll find palapas too where you can relax under the shade. If you keep walking north, you’ll run into La Negrita Beach and more palapas.
Head south to Playa Oasis alongside Las Garzas Estuary. The estuary is a great spot to look for birds, especially herons. I recommend you walk to the sand spit looking for tiny shorebirds to where it ends in the bay.
Explore downtown Loreto on foot
You only need a few hours to wander the streets and shops of Loreto. The main square is a good starting point as most of the sights are a short distance from there. Some suggestions include the following:
- Walk the shady, pedestrian-friendly treed Juan María de Salvatierra, especially in the evening when it’s lit up.
- Catch the Friday night market in the square and if you time it right, a movie after dark.
- The Loreto sign in the square is a popular place for a photo op.
- Visit the oldest building in Loreto – the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó. To this day it is well-used by the local people. Twice I passed it while services were ongoing.
- Check out the fabulous mural by Alejandro Curiel in the Loreto city hall portraying birds, horses, warrior females, musicians, and even our host’s daughter as a child.
- Check out the wooden house “Romanita” east of the plaza beside the Romanita RV Park.
Go horseback riding along the beach
Horseback riding is a popular active in Loreto. On a day when the wind was blowing so hard that the marina closed, we opted for a horseback ride south of Loreto out of the small fishing village of Ligui. Our hosts lined up a tour with Mario Peréz, a freelance tour guide who can be reached on Whats App at +52 1 613 105 8935
The highlight for me was the long section of scenic horseback riding on Playa Ligui parallel to the ocean. It doesn’t get better than that! Cool winds moderated the temperature until we headed inland.
Our guide Mario was particularly good at both spotting and identifying birds – though I don’t think any of us needed help with turkey vulture identification. I’ve never seen so many as I have in the Loreto – Mulege area.
Visit the San Javier Mission
If you have at least a half day make a point of visiting the agricultural village of San Javier (population 150) and one of Baja California’s most well-preserved missions: Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó. The scenic hour-long drive southwest of Loreto takes you into the craggy Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, winding through rolling hills and surprisingly green valleys with intermittent views of the Sea of Cortez.
Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó – or the San Javier Mission was founded in 1699 and completed in 1758. The handsome stone church, set against a backdrop of palms and mountains, features a lush garden including centuries-old olive trees, planted by the Jesuits.
At one point a fence was placed around the olive trees to protect them. According to one story, without the human touch they started to die so the fence was removed. Today you’re encouraged to touch, caress or even hug the twisted and very beautiful olive trees.
Don’t miss the baked clams and oyster show
Every Saturday the beachfront Oasis Hotel at the southern end of the Loreto Malecon offers the famous Almejas tatemadas or charred chocolate clams buffet. Arrive by 5 PM to watch the traditional process of clams and oysters being placed in the sand, then covered with brush and lit on fire.
By 6 PM the buffet table is set up with the clams, and oysters offered in a myriad of ways – raw, baked, and grilled. You’ll find more fresh seafood, meat and grilled chicken along with salads. Our host finished her meal with tableside prepared talega coffee – that’s double poured through a cloth filter. I would never sleep after drinking this at 8 PM!
Day Trips and Adventures from Loreto, Mexico
There is lots to explore north and south of Loreto. There are numerous places in Baja California Sur where you’ll find cave paintings. Many beautiful white sand beaches along the coast of Baja California Sur beckon for a swim and R&R. Hiking in the mountains will appeal to some of you if it’s not too hot. And birders can drool over the thought of searching for 400+ bird species.
I do recommend visiting Mulegé – ideally overnight but even as a day trip it’s worthwhile. My detailed blog on a guide to Mulegé showcases most everything you can do in the area.
Where to eat in Loreto
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out in Loreto, Mexico. I found food to be very reasonably priced and incredibly fresh.
These are some of the places we enjoyed eating out at in Loreto – but it is by no means a complete list. Half the fun is exploring and finding local spots that speak to you.
The San Javier Farm Restaurant
My favourite meal in Loreto took place at the unforgettable San Javier Farm – the first farm to table restaurant in Loreto. With a garden beside it, you know vegetables and fruits are just-picked fresh. Our meal of sea bass was one of the more memorable ones of my life.
You can eat outdoors if it’s not windy. By the time dessert arrived, the wind had settled, allowing us to sit beneath the stars and enjoy a poached pear – a perfect ending to a brilliant evening.
If you don’t have a car in Loreto, take advantage of their shuttle service. It’s worth the money and time to dine here one night.
Baja Haay!
Our first meal in Loreto Mexico at Baja Haay! was so good. I would have been happy simply eating guacamole and chips, but they’re known for their seafood so shrimp tacos it was.
Asadero Superburro
Have a burrito craving? Head to Asadero Burrito for a great selection of burritos including the supersize version you see in the picture. Their tacos are also very good.
Mi Loreto
If you have a hankering for mole – Mi Loreto is the restaurant to visit. It was more “touristy” than others with very few locals eating here, but I still very much enjoyed our evening here. Sit outside, under the tree growing in the dining room and enjoy the colourful setting and music.
Café Ole
You’ll find Café Ole just steps away from Hotel Boutique Posada de las Flores Loreto. It’s a popular place for locals and tourists alike, especially for breakfast. People watching is tops here too. Try their refreshing hibiscus drink while you contemplate the menu.
Los Olivos Restaurant
Los Olivos Restaurant at La Mision Loreto is the place to visit for Sunday brunch. Just be sure to eat lightly on Saturday night so you can try some of their Mexican specialties.
Serrano “Wine Seafood & Grill” Steakhouse
Called the number one steakhouse in Loreto, Serrano Wine, Seafood & Grill is justly famous for its massive tomahawk steak cooked over fragrant mesquite, as well as its fresh seafood. The warm hospitality and relaxed ambiance made it feel like a special occasion
Try these hotels in Loreto, Mexico
There are loads of hotels in Loreto Mexico to choose from including some that offer long term stays for reasonable rates.
There is only one resort – Villa del Palmar – but I have never visited. Across from the Malecon, La Mision Loreto offers rooms with private balconies with either ocean or mountain views and poolside service.
Hotel Rosarito
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Hotel Rosarito – just a 5-minute walk from the main square. I loved the vibe of the spacious, air-conditioned room with lots of shelving and places to hang your clothes. Rooms open to a pool – better for plunging than swimming, and a small sitting area where you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast every day.
There is also a pretty roof-top patio with good views of the area and plenty of seating.
Hotel Boutique Posada de las Flores Loreto
Featuring a glass-bottom pool on the roof deck, the beautiful hacienda-style Hotel Boutique Posada de las Flores Loreto is located on Loreto’s main square. I toured the rooms and swooned over the colonial Mexican décor with 18th-century furniture, talavera pottery, colourful paintings, and exposed beams. The only downside I’ve heard is that the church bells start ringing early in the morning.
Posada del Cortes
I stayed one night at the Posada del Cortes – also a short walk from the main square and Malecon. My room – decorated in colonial style was big and very comfortable. Breakfast comes with a stay and is served in the bedroom though you can just as easily sit outside under a sun umbrella and enjoy the colourful flowers and plants. Or, if you have a balcony, enjoy breakfast with a view.
Why Canadians love Loreto, Mexico
Canadians flock to Loreto, Mexico for a vibrant expat life and of course to get away from our long winters. Loreto is an easy getaway with direct flights from Calgary – a real bonus now that many of us don’t want a connection in the US.
I met one fellow on the plane who had bought a place on a golf course. He told me how much he loved the town and the people – and he seemed pleased as punch with how much he paid for his golf games.
Canadians see Loreto, Mexico as a safe, compact and authentic town to visit with lots to do. The food scene is fantastic, the sun almost always shines, and the winter temperatures are ideal.
Loreto, Mexico Travel Tips
Currency: You can pay in both US dollars and Mexican pesos. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Language: Spanish is the local language and English is spoken by many. Most restaurants have both Spanish and English menus.
Wi-Fi: All hotels had fast Wi-FI.
Before you go: Familiarize yourself with Whats App – as that’s how you’ll want to get in touch with people in Loreto.
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but we were told that 10% was usually fine for meals unless you’d had incredible service. At a bar tip about 20 pesos per drink and 20-50 pesos a day for housekeeping. Pony up for your guides, especially if they’ve done a great job.
Water safety: I brushed my teeth with water from the taps but never drank it. It is considered potable but bottled water is everywhere. Consider buying the Water To Go bottle with a built-in filter.
Packing tips for the desert: When the sun goes down in the desert, the temperature drops quickly. And wind is common in Loreto, especially in winter. Pack a sweater, a fleece, and a light jacket for those days. Ball caps or sun hats are equally important. Don’t forget to bring a good pair of sunglasses.
More reading on places to visit in California Baja Sur
- Swimming with Whale Sharks in La Paz
- Hiking in the Sierra Norte Mountains of Mexico
- 7 Fun & Unusal Things to Do in La Paz, Mexico
- 6 Travel Tips for Cabo San Lucas, Baja California
- A Mouthwatering Night Dining at Flora Farms Cabo
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