17 Things to do in Loreto, Mexico (2024)
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Looking for unique things to do in Loreto? This guide is for you!
Located along the Sea of Cortez, Loreto is a historic town that boasts a blend of history and incredible outdoor opportunities.
While Loreto might look like a sleepy pueblo with not much going on at first glance, there are plenty of things to do in Loreto to keep you busy for days. From exploring Old Town Loreto to hiking in the desert, enjoying the beaches, watching wild life, and scuba diving in the Sea of Cortez, this place packs on plenty of adventure.
There is a reason why so many people who come to Loreto for a quick visit end up staying here for months. The weather is sunny, the outdoor opportunities are second-to-none, and the locals are friendly and welcoming.
In this article, I will cover the best activities in Loreto – one of the best places in Mexico off the beaten path! Whether you are on a budget, or have more money to spend, keep on reading to find out the best options.
Where is Loreto located?
Loreto is located in the state of Baja California Sur between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta – the mountain chain that runs across the Baja California Peninsula. It is about 317 miles north of Cabo San Lucas; 142 miles from La Paz and about 560 miles from Tijuana.
Loreto Mexico map
BEST THINGS TO DO IN LORETO MEXICO: OVERVIEW
Whether you are into snorkeling, learning history, or exploring mountains by hiking, or ATV, you will not be bored in Loreto. Despite its small size, there are enough things to do in Loreto whether you are into food, culture, or outdoors.
1. Visit Loreto Bay National Park
Loreto Bay National Park (Parque Nacional Bahia De Loreto) was established in 1966, protecting 790 square miles of the Sea of Cortez and the islands of Loreto, and today it is one of the main treasures of Baja California.
If you enjoy diving, snorkeling, or wildlife watching, Loreto Bay National Park is a must on your Baja California itinerary. This place is a real adventurer paradise where you could spend a long time exploring the white-sand beaches, hiking, and admiring the biodiversity of the Sea of Cortez.
The national park includes five islands: Danzante, Carmen, Coronado, Montserrat, and Santa Catalina Islands. These areas are known for their clear blue waters that are perfect for snorkeling and are some of the best diving places in Mexico.
These islands are home to species like blue-footed booby birds, snakes, and lizards, as well as colorful tropical fish, sea lions, and turtles. In winter, blue, grey, and humpback whales mígate to the area to escape the cold waters of Alaska.
In 2005, The Loreto Bay National was designated the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it’s one of the jewels of Baja California known for its eco-tourism and outdoor scene.
Book the best snorkeling tours of Loreto
GOOT TO KNOW: When you book your tour of Loreto Bay National Park, make sure to do it with a certified guide who can give you a tour in a responsible manner that doesn’t disturb animals and has minimal effect on the marine creatures.
✅ Use only reef-friendly sunscreen that doesn’t hurt the ecosystems.
2. Explore the Old Town Loreto
Exploring the old town on foot is one of the best free things to do in Loreto. The main square of Loreto, Plaza Juarez next to the mission.
From there you can explore the center with its historic buildings, restaurants, and stores where you can buy artisan crafts. Salvatierra Pedestrian Street (or Andador Salvatierra) is a tree-lined walkway where you can hide from the sun on a hot day.
3. Walk along Loreto Malecón
Malecón is a waterfront street in Loreto a few blocks from the city’s downtown. Many visitors come here to watch sunsets, enjoy the atmosphere, or do their daily running. There are several public beaches along both ends of Malecón where you can take a dip on a hot day.
4. Take a picture with a Loreto sign
A colorful Loreto sign is an unmissable spot along the Malecón in Loreto. Come here to snap a few shots.
5. Stop at Mission Loreto
The Mission of Nuestra Señora De Loreto was started in 1697 and completed in 1703 by the Spanish conquistadors and was the first mission in the Californias. It’s one of the highlights of Loreto and is a perfect stop for a quick history lesson.
6. Learn Local history at Loreto Museum
Right next to Loreto, you will find Museo de las Misiones Jesuitas (Jesuit Missions Museum) which is home to an impressive collection of artifacts from Loreto history, many of which are a few hundred years old.
Here you can also learn a lot about the history of Baja California and the missions along the California Coast.
7. Go shopping in downtown Loreto
When visiting Loreto, don’t forget to shop for some treasures. Old Town Loreto has many souvenir shops where you can buy artisan goodies from many regions of Mexico.
8. Hike Tabor Canyon
Hiking the picturesque Tabor Canyon is one of the best free things to do in Loreto. It’s a relatively short but somewhat challenging hike with some scrambling, and rock climbing further on, so you will need good hiking shoes and proper hiking gear.
To access the hike, take a road off Baja’s Transpeninsular Highway, and park your car on the right, where you will see a bunch of concrete blocks stacked on the side.
The trail into the canyon follows the wash, and although there are no signs, it’s pretty easy to find, and you will likely meet other hikers along the way.
Best hikes in Loreto, Mexico
- Tabor Canyon – Tabor Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Loreto that can be accessed by regular car from Baja’s Transpeninsular Highway. It’s a great place to spend time in the nature and enjoy the solitude. The hike follows the wash into the mountains and provides a respite from the desert heat. Some scrambling is required, so make sure to wear good hiking shoes.
- Punta Doctor (Punta Bajo) – An easy hike that follows the coastline, Punta Doctor is a hike north of Loreto. Drive your car north of and follow the signs to Punta Baja. The road fro Punta Doctor takes you into the desert and passes by some houses and a restaurant.
- Mesquite Canyon – One of the most popular scenic areas in Loreto, Mesquite Canyon is about 30 minutes south of downtown Loreto near a small town of Ligui. To get to the beginning of the trail, you will need a 4X4 vehicle, but you can also take a guided of Mosaic Canyon from Loreto. The trail is easy in the beginning, but as you progress, it becomes more difficult, as the canyon becomes more narrow.
Walk to the end of the road, make a right turn and walk through the wash. Always check the weather and postpone your hike if there’s a chnace of rain or flash flood.
Bring at least a gallon of water and don’t forget your camera because this is an incredibly scenic trail with a waterfall and epic views on many turns. I hiked Tabor Canyon during one of my trips to Loreto and had a fun time!
9. Go whale watching
No trip to Baja California is complete without whale watching. Blue whales grace the Bay of Loreto from January through the end of March, and you can hire one of the local operators to see these magnificent creatures.
Right off the coast of Loreto, you can also spot humpback whales and orcas, which is a magical experience!
Book the best whale watching tours in Loreto
10. Go snorkeling/scuba diving
Scuba diving and snorkeling in e Sea of Cortez is a one-of-a-kind experience and of the best things to do in Loreto.
The famous naturalist Jacques Ives Cousteau nicknamed this sea “the World’s Aquarium,” because of its incredible biodiversity, and when you get underwater, you will see that this place lives up to its name.
While diving in the Sea of Cortez you can see sea lions, colorful tropical fish, corals, and manta rays!
11. Visit San Javier
Located in the Sierra De La Giganta Mountains, San Javier is a tiny, picturesque village known for its impressive Spanish mission.
San Javier is about one hour north of Loreto and makes a perfect getaway if you want to enjoy its fruit orchards, authentic Mexican restaurants, and learn cool history.
The official name of the San Javier Mission is Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó. The word viggé comes from the indigenous Cochimí tribe’s name for the area, which translates as “elevated land that dominates the valley.”
✅ Join a guided tour of San Javier Mission from Loreto
12. Go kayaking in Loreto Bay
Kayaking in Loreto Bay is one of the best things to do in Loreto thanks to the calm waters of the bay sheltered from the Sea of Cortez.
Morning is the best time to go kayaking, as it gets windier in the afternoon which makes it harder to paddle.
Rent a kayak or paddle board around the Loreto marina or book one of the trips that combine kayaking with stops at one of the islands where you can spend the night stargazing and camping.
GOOD TO KNOW: When kayaking in Loreto, stay away from all animals including whales, dolphins, and any other marine creatures. It’s disturbing them, and it’s also dangerous for you, as a big animal like a whale could injure or even kill you with one quick move.
13. Explore Loreto beaches
Exploring Loreto beaches should be at the top of your bucket list because there’s nothing quite like them! These are some of the most beautiful and pristine beaches in Mexico, with few visitors and incredible rugged landscapes.
Nopolo, La Negrita and Playa Oasis are some of the most popular beaches in Loreto.
Coronado one of the most popular islands in the Bahia De Loreto is the crater of a dormant volcano and boasts incredible white-sand beaches. This island is reachable via a quick boat ride from Loreto.
14. Watch the sunset
In the late hours, Loreto puts on a magical display of colors with the hues of red, orange, and pink lighting up the skyline. It’s truly a spectacular show, and if you still think that there are enough things to do in Loreto to spend a day here, the sunset should convince you.
15. Spend the night in Loreto
After you have watched the sunset, it’s time to recharge your batteries. Spend a night in one of the hotels in Loreto to relax before hitting the road the next day.
16. Discover the ancient wall art
Loreto is known for its well-preserved ancient paintings that can be found in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains. The Loreto area is home to some of the most famous paintings, particularly in places like Cuevas Pintas.
Exploring local history is one of the most unique things to do in Loreto, and you can arrange a tour to see these artworks with one of the local tour operators.
17. Take an ATV tour
Taking an ATV tour is one of the best ways to explore Loreto and the surrounding areas, because some of them might not be accessible by foot.
During this fun tour, you will follow your guide along the waterfront Malecon, and explore part of the Baja 1000 off-road racing course, and check out the natural springs and pools of Las Virgines.
The tour also includes a small break and a hike.
Best day trips from Loreto, Mexico
1. Santa Rosalía
A historic town that’s home to the iconic Iglesia Santa Bárbara, designed by Gustave Eiffel. The Mining History Museum offers insights into the town’s copper mining past, and visitors can also enjoy local cuisine, particularly the famous French bread known as “pan francés.”
2. San Ignacio
San Ignacio is a charming town about 2 hours from Mulegé. San Ignacio is known for its whale watching and historic mission, Mission San Ignacio Kadakaamán, which dates back to the 18th century. The town’s palm-filled plaza and nearby freshwater lagoon also attract visitors.
3. Mulege
Mulegé is a small town surrounded by palm-filled oases, desert terrain, and beautiful beaches along the Sea of Cortez. Bahía Concepción, located south of Mulegé, is particularly renowned for its tranquil bays and pristine beaches, making it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
4. Bay of Magdalena
The Bay of Magdalena is situated on the western side of the Baja California Peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean.
The main attraction of the Bay of Magdalena is whale watching. Every year, gray whales migrate from the cold waters of Alaska to the warm waters of Baja California Sur to breed and give birth. The bay serves as a critical calving and breeding ground for these majestic marine mammals.
Where to eat in Loreto?
For its small size, Loreto has plenty of restaurants, and I even found some good options for plant-based eaters.
Best restaurants in Loreto, Mexico
1. Los Olivos
One of the best restaurants in Loreto, Los Olivos is a waterfront eatery with excellent selection of food including buffet breakfast, various lunch and dinner items like salds, pizza and Greek salad as well as an incredible flan dessert.
2. Waicura
An execllent place for plant-based eaters, Waicura is the only restaurant in Loreto that;s fully vegan.
3. Mi Loreto
One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Loreto, this place has a very friendly staff and delicious Mexican dishes like tacos, chilaquiles and burritos.
4. El Meson Del Guaycura
If you are looking for a budget place to eat in Loreto, don’t miss out on El Meson Del Guaycura, a small restaurant that offers typical Mexican food like pozole, fish tacos, and sopes cooked from scratch.
Loreto, Mexico history
Loreto was founded on October 25, 1697, by the Spanish priest Juan María de Salvatierra, and became the capital of Californias (the region that consisted of today’s California State and Baja California in Mexico).
But before the Spanish conquistadors arrives in Baja California, the area known today as Loreto was home to Mexican tribes.
Over time, the Spanish decided the land in Loreto wasn’t worth it due to the harsh climate and left for Europe in 1768.
Loreto remained the capital of Californias until 1777 because of its strategic position, but eventually, the capital was moved to Monterrey, after the Peninsula was split into Alta California and Baja California.
The later part of the 20th century saw the continued growth of tourism in Loreto after the major highway was built through Baja California.
Loreto Pueblo Magico
Loreto and Todos Santos are the two Pueblos Magicos in the state of Baja California Sur. Loreto is the only Pueblo Magico in Mexico that has an airport (code: LTO).
What are pueblos magicos?
Pueblos Magicos are the towns recognized by the Mexican government because of their cultural, historical, and architectural significance. The Mexico Secretary of Tourism designated the first group of Pueblos Magicos in 2001, to bring more tourism dollars to rural parts of Mexico that were often overlooked by tourists.
The program has turned out to be a great success, as they have seen big improvements in infrastructure, jobs, and overall economy.
Today, there are over 130 Pueblos Magicos across Mexico, including Loreto, Todos Santos and Tecate, three pueblos magicos in Baja California.
Best time to visit Loreto Mexico
Loreto has more than 300 days of sunshine per year, which means you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Loreto at any time of the year. May through August is the hottest time in Loreto, and mid-August through late September often sees rainy overcast days.
December through April is the busiest time in Loreto with many RV’ers and snowbirds coming to the area. It’s also the best time to visit Loreto if you want mild weather and plenty of sunshine, as temperatures stay in the mid-70s.
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 nice quiet atmoshere and central location near main plaza.
How to get to Loreto?
The easiest way to get to Loreto is by driving. You can drive to Loreto after renting a car in Cabo San Lucas or stop in Loreto after driving through Baja California Norte and passing through Guerrero Negro, San Ignacio and Santa Rosalia, and Mulege which are north of Loreto.
Most visitors either rent a car to come to Loreto or drive their cars and RVs after crossing the California border.
Do we need a car in Loreto?
While you can explore downtown Loreto on foot, you will need a car if you want to do scenic hikes and visit other places in the area. Public transportation in Loreto is limited, and you are better off having your own vehicle, if you want to have more freedom.
I recommend and use DiscoverCars, an online platform where you can find dozens of vehicles in the most popular destinations throughout Baja California. DiscoverCars offers flexible rates and has no hidden fees or surcharges.
✅ RENT A CAR FOR YOUR TRIP TO LORETO
Loreto Airport
Loreto International Airport (LTO) offers daily flights from Tijuana and La Paz, as well some flights from the United States. It takes about 10-15 minutes to get from Loreto airport to downtown, and you can do it by taxi, private shuttle or car rental.
Book your transportation from Loreto Airport
Best Things To Do In Loreto, Mexico: FAQ’s
Is Loreto worth visiting?
If you like a small-town charm and a slower pace of life, you should include Loreto in your Baja California itinerary. Loreto Bay National Park makes this town a must-stop, because there’s nothing like it.
While some Cabo San Lucas beaches can feel crowded, Loreto Bay National Park is the exact opposite: the beaches here are pristine and there is only a limited number of visitors allowed.
When I visited Coronado Island on a day trip from Loreto in May, I had the entire beach to myself after other boats had left around 4 p.m.
What is Loreto known for?
Loreto is known for its striking natural landscapes, pristine beaches with clear turquoise waters and Bay of Loreto National Park, which is home to a dverse flora and fauna.
Do people speak English in Loreto?
While many people who work in hotels and restaurants speak English, most locals in Loreto speak only Spanish, so it’s important to know at least a few basic words to get around.
What is the best time of year to go to Loreto?
The best time to go to Loreto is May and October, shoulder months when you can enjoy good mild weather and avoid the peak season.
What is the hottest month in Loreto?
The hottest month in Loreto is August when tempeartures reach the high 90’s.
How many days to spend in Loreto?
Plan at least 3 days in Loreto, if you want to cover the basics. Loreto is an outdoor heaven, as Loreto has some incredible opportunities for diving, snorkeling, and kayaking. Add some fascinating history that you can learn in local museums and through cave paintings.
What is the weather like in Loreto?
Loreto has a dry arid climate with plenty of sunshine like the rest of Baja California Peninsula. Summers is the hottest time in Loreto and winter has the mildest weather which is ideal for spending time outside. The shoulder season from October through November is a good downtime in Loreto before the busy season begins.
Is Loreto safe?
Yes! Loreto is one of the safest places in Baja California. While places like Cabo San Lucas and Tijuana have seen an increase in drug trafficking, Loreto remains a quiet spot where you don’t have to worry about your safety.
Still, be aware of your surroundings and watch your back, as you are never 100 percent safe, no matter where you travel. To learn more about safety in Baja California, check my complete guide to safety in the region.
Is it safe to swim in Loreto?
Loreto is located along the Sea of Cortez, which has calm waters and gentle waves. Still, you should always check the conditions before getting in the water and heed the warning, if there’s any.
Is Loreto Mexico safe for Americans?
Loreto is one of the safest places in Mexico, and statistically, it’s safer than many big cities in the United States. Loreto is isolated from mainland Mexico and doesn’t have violent crime that affects many other parts of the country.
Best things to do in Loreto, Mexico: Final word
Loreto is one of my favorite places in Baja California. It’s small, charming, and boasts incredible scenery and tons of history. Locals in Loreto are friendly and welcoming. To experience authentic Mexico, spend a few days in Loreto!