A Laid Back Fishing Village
It was like walking through a Hollywood movie set. The wide promenades were clean and landscaped like an oasis centered around the historic first mission and the sea. The buildings and facades make you feel like you are walking through colonial times. Loreto is truly a place to go if you want to “get away”. It’s quiet but not so much that you will run out of places to walk. (At least not during a week-long visit)
A Hidden Treasure along the Sea of Cortez
Loreto offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. This charming coastal town boasts a rich history, being one of the oldest settlements in Baja California.
Surrounded by dramatic desert landscapes and turquoise waters, Loreto is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. From kayaking to exploring nearby islands, there’s no shortage of adventures to embark upon.
Walking Along the Malecon
If you start at the southern point, you could walk 20 minutes until you hit the end at the beach. At this time you can continue for another 20 minutes if you want. The Malecon is lined with many sculptures.
I recommend visiting Loreto if you like…
- Baja fish tacos
- A slower pace
- Small local art galleries
- Cantinas
- Walking a beach boardwalk
- Taking a boat excursion to explore nearby islands
- Sealife watching (whales are seasonal)
- Fishing
Be prepared to see a lot of Gringos
Loreto is a magnet for Expats and people with second homes here. So you won’t need to have your Spanish at a fluent level. I was disappointed to not be able to practice my Spanish here. I would ask in Spanish and they would answer in English.
Prehistoric Cave Paintings
If I had an extra weekend I would have done this but it is a full day. Over 5,000 years old, these prehistoric pictographs are wonderfully preserved are a window into life long ago. See the Wikipedia page.
Dining and Cuisine
Being a smaller city, there’s still a wide variety of eateries here. For unique cuisine, you can find at least one restaurant that handles it. Vegan is also popular here. Of course, Mexican seafood is always popular here.
I am a true believer in taking a guided tour immediately to get acquainted with a city. A tour is a great way to get your bearings and you have the full attention of a local expert for great suggestions.
Regional Dishes
Loreto is famous for…
- Machaca: Shredded and dried beef or fish, rehydrated and cooked with eggs, tomatoes, onions, and chili peppers, served as a hearty breakfast dish.
- Almejas Tatemadas, or Charred Clams, are among the most famous of the typical food in Loreto. These clams are roasted on a pit of gravel and covered in romerillo, which is then set on fire. Once the fire is put out, the clams are opened and served with a delicious mustard-based sauce.
- Ceviche – Fresh seafood, such as fish or shrimp, marinated in lime juice and mixed with onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and sometimes avocado, served as a refreshing and tangy appetizer.
- Tacos de Pescado: Fresh fish, often snapper or grouper, grilled or fried and served in tortillas with shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and spicy mayo.
- Tacos de Mariscos: Seafood tacos featuring shrimp, octopus, or other marine delicacies, often served with avocado and a variety of salsas.
- Tacos de Cabeza: Slow-cooked and seasoned beef head meat, usually served with onion, cilantro, and lime.
Explore San Javier Mission, Lunch, Walk & Historical Tour
This tour offers the best of two worlds. You can transported to check out another nearby mission. While there you can visit the oldest olive tree planted in the Americas. Then you will be taken to a nice restaurant in town for lunch.
More Things to Do in Loreto
Many things you can do on your own but there are some activities, I suggest a tour. I haven’t been on a bad tour yet. And they really know how to do it here in Mexico. They take all the stress of planning out of it so you can focus right on what you want to see.
Where to Stay – Accommodations
There are all kinds of options and price points available. I am more economically minded and I wanted to be immersed in the city, so I chose a homestay. I found a cute little Airbnb for under $40 a night. And when you book a month, I have gotten my rate down to $30/night.
Click here to see my stay on Airbnb.
Want to know how I find an apartment in a safe neighborhood? Click here
But you can find any price point you want from dorm rooms to luxury.
Click on the links below to go directly to Loreto.
I have booked hundreds of stays and experiences using Airbnb. Iconic Mexican Cities do not have to cost an arm and a leg.
If you’re on foot like me, you want to be as close to the center as possible. I recommend staying in the pink zone shown on the map. The big river in the map is actually dry except during the rainy season. So if it is wet, stay on the town side of the river.
More Photos
