Playa La Negrita
Small town beach at the northern end of Loreto's Malecón. From here, gaze across the bay to Isla del Carmen.
Mexico
Loreto
CityCulture
Located on the Gulf Coast of Baja California Sur, Loreto was founded in 1697 as the peninsula's first permanent Spanish settlement. The Mission Church and Mission Museum form the heart of its small downtown.
by Felix Gillen
Located on the Gulf Coast of Baja California Sur, Loreto was founded in 1697 as the peninsula's first permanent Spanish settlement. The Mission Church and Mission Museum form the heart of its small downtown. Off the coast is the Bahía de Loreto National Park, home to five larger islands.
Sights in Loreto
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Museum of the Jesuit Missions
The museum next to Mission Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó, founded in 1697 as the peninsula's first permanent mission. It displays religious art, weapons, and tools from the 17th and 18th centuries and explains the history of the missions in Baja California.
Church
Mission Saint Francis Xavier of Viggé-Biaundó
The Mission in the village of San Javier is located approximately 35 km southwest of Loreto in the Sierra de la Giganta. It was founded in 1699, the present stone church dates from 1744 and features an 18th-century gilded Baroque altar. The road from Loreto is paved.
City walks in Loreto
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Loreto's Charm: A Journey Through Time by the Sea
Discover the historic heart of Loreto, the first Spanish mission in Baja California. Stroll along picturesque lanes to the lively Malecón and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this coastal town on the Sea of Cortez. A walk full of history and sea views.
Stops (6)
Essen & Trinken
Restaurant in the center of Loreto, a few streets from the Mission.
Mexican restaurant on Avenida Miguel Hidalgo in the center of Loreto.
Mexican restaurant and café on the Salvatierra pedestrian zone, a few steps from the Mission.
Mexican restaurant on Calle Juárez, Agua Dulce corner, in Loreto's northern downtown.
Food and Drink
Loreto's cuisine lives from the Gulf: fish, mussels, and shrimp come freshly caught to the table.
Chocolate clam
The large venus clam with a brown shell is Loreto's best-known specialty, often served grilled.
Tacos de pescado
Fried fish in corn tortillas with slaw and salsa.
Ceviche
Raw fish, marinated in lime juice, with tomato, onion, and cilantro.
History and Culture
The Mother of MissionsOn October 25, 1697, the Jesuit Juan María de Salvatierra founded the Mission Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó. From here, the chain of missions on the peninsula originated, and Loreto remained the capital of the Californias until 1777. The Museo de las Misiones Jesuíticas, located next to the church, displays religious art, weapons, and tools from the 17th and 18th centuries.ExcursionsMisión San Javier: An 18th-century Baroque stone church, approximately 35 km southwest via an asphalt mountain road.Isla Coronados: Boat trip to a sandy beach and snorkeling spots in the National Park.Whale Watching: In winter, blue whales and other species are found in the Gulf off Loreto; tours depart from the marina.
Exploring Locally
Explore the city center, featuring the Mission, pedestrian zone, and Malecón, on foot. Taxis are available at the center and the airport, located south of the city. Access the National Park islands solely by boat; book tours at the Marina or via hotels.A rental car is convenient for Mission San Javier and beaches south of the city. Long-distance buses on Carretera Federal 1 connect Loreto with La Paz in the south and Santa Rosalía in the north.
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