Loreto

Loreto is a coastal village on the Sea of Cortez, and it takes great pride in many claims to fame. The town is probably most proud of “La Mision Nuestra Senora de Loreto” (Our Lady of Loreto Mission), which is the first and oldest mission built in either upper or lower California. The early mission became the center for exploration into the deserts and mountains of Baja, and also for the expansion of the mission system. Loreto is surrounded by the Gigantes mountains on three sides, and the Sea of Cortez on the fourth, and offers year-round postcard natural beauty to visitors and tourists. Loreto also boasts the largest marine preserve in Mexico, the Parque Maritimo National Bahia de Loreto. The park encompasses five protected islands and offers some of the most exciting underwater experiences to be found on the Baja peninsula. South of Loreto, Nopolo is a large-scale tourism initiative funded initially by the Mexican government and now going through a period of transition as developers change hands. It has condos, a beachfront hotel, golf course, shops, tennis courts, and more. Nearby, the Puerto Escondido marina has a sheltered harbor, marine services, a restaurant, showers, and accommodations nearby.MORE