Is Loreto Mexico safe? (2024)
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Is Loreto safe?
Yes, it is. Although Loreto is not 100 percent crime free, it’s safer than most places in Mexico. Loreto has no violent crime or cartels battling for control of the territory. As a tourist, you are mostly safe, if you use common sense and don’t get involved with shady people.
Loreto is a small town along the Sea of Cortez that’s known for eco-tourism and incredible scenery. It’s one of the best places to live in Baja where locals are welcoming and friendly and the pace of life is quiet and relaxing.
But as you probably have seen many headlines about drug violence in Mexico, you likely have questions about safety in Loreto.
Simply put, drug violence that affects many parts of Mexico doesn’t exist in Loreto, and the town sees little crime.
Loreto attracts plenty of North American expats and seasonal travelers who flock here to enjoy camping, the outdoors and sample the famous Baja cuisine.
Loreto is one of the most underrated destinations in Mexico and one of my favorite places in Baja California, because of its blend of culture, outdoor opportunities and friendly locals.
Located off the beaten path, Loreto is about 5.5 hours from Cabo by car. Most travelers miss out on this place, even though you can enjoy delicious food and water activities in Loreto, but for a fraction of what it costs in Cabo.
If you don’t feel like driving, Loreto also has an international airport with daily flights to destinations the United States in Mexico, which can save you hours of driving.
In this article, I will offer my take on safety in Loreto and provide tips for a fun and relaxing vacation.
Let’s get to it!
Where is Loreto Mexico?
Loreto is a small town along the Sea of Cortez, in Mexico’s Baja California Sur. It’s about 316 miles north of Cabo San Lucas and 222 miles from La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur.
Is Loreto Mexico safe?
Yes, Loreto is very safe, and as a tourist, you have little to worry about. While petty crime here is low, keep a close eye on your belongings, don’t go to remote areas alone, and avoid driving at night.
I never felt unsafe during my trip to Loreto, and I thought that the general safety precautions were more relaxed here than in the rest of Mexico.
While you shouldn’t let your guard down, Loreto is away from big cities, which explains why it doesn’t have serious crime or gang violence compared to places like Tijuana.
📍Check: Best things to do in Bahia de Los Angeles – a hidden gem of Mexico
Is Loreto Mexico safe for Americans?
Yes, Loreto is safe for Americans. Visitors from the United States make up the biggest share of tourists in Loreto, and many businesses in town are accustomed to American tourists. There are a lot of safety protocols in place because tourism is the main industry in the area.
Is there cartel in Loreto?
While Loreto is not perfectly safe, it has no major cartels battling over control of the territory. Loreto is a remote town away from major cities and busy highways, and crime here is significantly lower than in many other parts of Mexico.
Is there crime in Loreto Baja?
Loreto has low crime rate and no drug violence. It’s small town away from major travel routes and big cities, and is considered one of the safest destinations in Baja California for visitors.
Is it safe to swim in Loreto?
Yes, swimming in Loreto is safe. Loreto is located along the Sea of Cortez and has calm waters and no strong currents compared to the Pacific Coast. You can swim safely and enjoy water activities like snorkeling, diving, and kitesurfing.
Can you drink the water in Loreto, Mexico?
No, you can’t drink water in Loreto or anywhere else in Baja California. Water in Mexico is not safe to drink because of old pipes and contamination problems, and you should always buy bottled water in local supermarkets.
12 Safety tips for visiting Loreto
While you don’t have to worry about becoming a victim of drug violence in Loreto, you should still take some precautions while visiting this beach town. Here are some tips:
1. Download offline maps
If you plan on hiking in Loreto, download offline maps, or bring paper maps, because cell phone signals can disappear when you go to remote areas. It’s especially true if you plan to hike in the Sierra La Gigante Mountains.
2. Don’t showcase your valuables
Loreto is a laid-back town, and most people dress in casual clothing. Wearing designer clothing and expensive jewelry will look out of place.
3. Always carry water
Always have at least a gallon of water in your car when you are driving around or carry a water bottle if you are hiking in Loreto or visiting Loreto Bay National Park. Loreto has a dry, arid climate, and you can dehydrated quickly.
4. Don’t drink tap water
Tap water is nto safe in Loreto. Always bottled water, or fill up your water bottle in your hotel, if it offers filtered water.
5. Put on sunscreen
The sun can be very strong in Loreto, especially in spring and summer, and if you want to enjoy the best outdoor activities in Loreto, you should put on sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe. This is especially important if you want to swim or snorkel. Regular sunscreens often have harmful chemicals that can damage marine ecosystems.
✅ I recommend Reef Repair Sunscreen.
6. Wear a hat
If you are out on a bright sunny day, put on a hat to avoid getting overheated.
7. Respect marine wildlife
When snorkeling or diving in Loreto, keep a safe distance from any animals that you encounter. Avoid touching or bothering them because most incidents in the water happen when animals feel scared or threatened.
8. Don’t wander along the beach at night
Although Loreto is very safe, it’s best to stay away from the beach at night. Unless you are staying at one of the beachfront hotels in Loreto that have designated beach areas.
9. Vet tour operators
If you are taking a tour in Lore too, don’t forget to vet your tour operator. There are several tour companies in Loreto, and if you want to take a tour of the Bay of Loreto National Park, you can hire one of the local tour guides who have their boats parked along Loreto Malecon.
10. Learn Spanish
Being able to speak with locals in their native will give you an extra layer of safety, as you will better understand what’s going on and make better decisions.
11. Don’t leave your food and drinks unattended
When you are going out to Loreto restaurants, don’t leave your food and drinks unattended.
12. Camp in designated areas
While camping under an open sky in the desert is an amazing experience, staying in a campground offers better security. Several campgrounds in Loreto have excellent amenities and offer a nice and welcoming environment to travelers.
Many camping spots in Loreto along the Sea of Cortez are perfect for adventurers. Among them are Playa Ligüí, a public beach south of Loreto, and Puerto Agua Verde, a secluded area about 1 hour south of Loreto where you can enjoy camping in the nature. While these places have designated camping areas, they have no amenities or hook-ups.
✅ Check: Is Tecate, Mexico safe?
Best campgrounds in Loreto
- Rivera del Mar RV Park – Located in the middle of Loreto, it’s a popular camping area with amenities and walking distance from downtown Loreto.
- Romanita RV Park 2 – A more quiet campground on the outskirts of Loreto, this place is perfect if you want to enjoy a quiet atmosphere. It has plenty of space and great basic familiarities like camping areas, bathrooms, and showers.
Get a travel insurance for your trip to Loreto
While you can lower your risk by following safety tips, you should also get comprehensive travel insurance that will protect you in case of accidents, injuries, and lost or stolen belongings.
I recommend (and use) SafetyWing, a popular travel insurance that offers plans for long and short-term travel. Whether you are taking a quick trip to Baja, or want to spend a couple of weeks (or months) on the road, their insurance has good coverage for various types of trips.
✅ GET A TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR TRIP TO MEXICO
Baja Bound Insurance
A popular insurance specifically for Baja California, Baja Bound covers your trip to this part of Mexico. It’s one of the most popular insurance plans for Baja California that can cover your RV and car and is trusted by many travelers from the United States and Canada. They also offer insurance plans for boats, motorcycles, ATVs, and other types of vehicles.
How to get to Loreto?
You can get to Loreto by driving or taking a flight. If you are on a budget, you can also catch a bus to Loreto from La Paz or Cabo San Lucas.
Is it safe to drive to Loreto, Mexico?
Driving to Loreto is safe, but you should limit your time on the road to day time. Baja’s major highways have only two lanes and it’s not uncommon for cattle to walk on roads at night, which creates a big hazard for drivers.
How to get around Loreto?
You can get around downtown Loreto on foot since it’s a small town, and all major landmarks are within walking distance. But if you want to explore the area around Loreto, you will need a car. Many travelers drive to Loreto, but if you are flying to Loreto, you can rent a car at Loreto Airport.
Renting a car in Loreto
Renting a car in Loreto is a great way to enjoy one of the most scenic places in Baja California. Although you can explore downtown Loreto and take tours, having a car will give you the ultimate freedom and allow you to explore places off the beaten path.
If you want to enjoy a fun adventure, rent a 4X4 because some of the roads near Loreto are unpaved and can be in rough condition. You can rent a four-wheel drive at many car rental companies at Loreto Airport.
✅ CHECK PRICES ON CAR RENTALS IN LORETO
Where to find car rentals in Loreto?
You can find tons of rentals in Loreto through DiscoverCars, an online platform where you can find dozens of vehicles of different makes and models. DiscoverCars has affordable prices and a flexible cancellation policy.
They also offer Mexico car insurance, which is mandatory for all vehicles.
What documents do I need for renting a car in Loreto?
Renting a car in Loreto is no different than renting a car in any other destination in Mexico. You will need a valid driver’s license, a passport, a credit or debit card, and Mexican car insurance.
➡️ A passport
You will need a valid passport to rent a car in Loreto.
➡️ A driver’s license
If you are wondering whether you can rent a car in Loreto with a U.S. driver’s license, the answer is yes. Sam applies for a Canadian and European driver’s license.
A valid driver’s license is required to rent a car in Loreto, or anywhere in Mexico. If you are traveling to Mexico from countries that don’t use the Roman language alphabet, apply for an international driver’s license before your trip.
➡️ Can I drive in Mexico with a US license?
Yes, you can drive in Mexico with a valid US driver’s license and driver’s license from Canada, the EU, and the UK. If your driver’s license is not in English, you might need to buy an International Driving Permit that is typically valid for two years.
➡️ A credit or debit card
You can use a debit or credit card to rent a car in Loreto. A car rental company will put a hold on your credit card between s$1,000-$2,000. If you return your car rental with no damages, the hold on your credit card will go away, and you will get your money back.
Use your credit card, because if you use a debit card, a car rental company will take the required amount straight out of your checking account, which means you will not have access to this money while in Loreto!
➡️ A Mexican car insurance
To rent a car in Loreto, you will need Mexican car insurance, which is mandatory for driving in the country.
Note that car rental companies in Mexico will not accept US car insurance. When you book your car with DiscoverCars, you can buy your car through their platform. DiscoverCars offers basic, medium, and full coverage for rental cars, and you can pay for your insurance at the same time when you book your car online.
Car rental companies in Mexico usually place a hold on your card, which can be up to a thousand dollars. If you return your car with no damages, the hold will be removed within a few days. It’s a standard procedure for renting cars in Mexico, including Loreto and other parts of Baja California.
Where to buy Mexican car insurance
If you are driving to Loreto from the United States, you will need to purchase Mexican car insurance. Several companies offer Mexican car insurance including Baja Bound Mexican Insurance, which offers the most comprehensive insurance for driving in Mexico.
Safe things to do in Loreto
Most activities in Loreto involve spending time outside. Rent a car to visit Tabor Canyon or enjoy the beaches near Loreto but to explore some of the most beautiful islands near Loreto or partake in water activities, you will need to get a guided tour. Most tour companies in Loreto are downtown.
1. Visit Loreto Bay National Marine Park
Explore the marine life by snorkeling or kayaking in this protected area. You can also take boat tours to see dolphins, sea lions, and other wildlife.
I suggest Isla Danzante and Isla Coronado, the closest island to Loreto. You can visit both islands on the same tour, but you will need to negotiate the price with your tour guide. You can visit these islands only by taking guided tours from Loreto.
That’s where speaking Spanish will come in handy, since most locals speak little to no English, besides restuarants and hotels.
2. Check out Historic Mission of San Javier
Take a day trip to visit the Mission of San Javier, a historic mission located in the mountains near Loreto. The mission dates back to the 18th century and takes about 1 hour to get to Loreto.
3. Take a walk along Malecón de Loreto
Stroll along the waterfront promenade, known as Malecón de Loreto. Enjoy the scenic views of the Sea of Cortez, and explore local shops, restaurants, and cafes.
4. Enjoy water activities
Loreto is one of the best places in Baja for water activities such as fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The calm waters of the Sea of Cortez make it an ideal location for these activities. If you are taking a tour in Loreto, always have cash on you, as credit cards are not always accepted.
5. Hike in Tabor Canyon
Tabor Canyon is one of the most popular hikes near Loreto where you can follow the trail that goes into the rugged canyo that offers breakthtaking scenery.
Best hotels in Loreto
- Hotel Oasis – Located along the beach in Loreto, this popular hotel is also within walking distance from the center. It boasts one of the best beach clubs in Loreto and a big swimming pool.
- La Mision Loreto – Located next to the waterfront and about 10 minutes from the airport La Mision is one of the most popular hotels in Loreto that has a free airport shuttle, on-site parking, and delicious breakfast.
- Hotel 1697 Loreto – One of the best-rated hotels in town, this place boasts a quiet atmosphere and a central location near the main plaza.
- Posada de Las Flores – A cute boutique hotel in Cabo Sal Lucas that has a nice rooftop and a swimming pool, this place is located near Loreto’s Plaza Civica.
✅ Check: Where to stay in Loreto
Is Loreto safe: FAQ’s
Why go to Loreto
Loreto is a hidden gem of Baja California that boasts mild sunny climate year-round and a nice mix of outdoor opportunities and culture. If you like good food, want to learn Baja’s history and see wildlife, Loreto should be on your bucket list.
What is Loreto Mexico known for?
Loreto is known for its rich colonial history, eco tourism, and incredible wildlife. Just off the coast of Loreto, you can spot marine animals like sea lions, whales, and even orcas.
The entire area around Loreto is home to many Jesuit missions, including Loreto Mission and San Javier Mission. During colonial times, Loreto was also the capital of the Californias, as Jesuits who came here found water, which was critical for living in the desert.
When is the summer season in Loreto?
The summer season in Loreto lasts from late May through October, and it gets very hot here during these months. November through the beginning of March is the winter season when temperatures get cooler.
Is Loreto better than Cabo?
Loreto is a scenic destination with a small-town charm and plenty of outdoor opportunities, while Cabo is the most popular place in Baja California famous for its nightlife, high-end restaurants, and luxury hotels. While Loreto sits off the beaten path, Cabo is visited by millions of tourists.
Is Loreto Mexico safe to live?
Loreto Mexico is a safe place with low crime rate. It’s a small town with a growing expat community as more people keep moving here because of affordable cost of living and a slow pace of life.
Can you flush toilet paper in Loreto Mexico?
No, you can’t flush toilet paper in Loreto because it has old pipes which are not capable of processing paper and other hard materials. Always use a trash can to dispose of toilet paper in Mexico, because many parts of the country have outdated infrastructure.
Safety in Loreto: Final word
Loreto is one of the safest destinations in Mexico, and crime here is very low. Even though Loreto is remote, getting here is well worth all the time and effort, because there’s nothing like this gem. And while you are mostly safe, don’t forget to follow precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.
