by Ashley Curtin

Vive Loreto is a tour operator in the magical town of Loreto. Photo by Julian Gruening.

While hiking in the La Giganta Mountains, diving among the colonies of sea lions in the Sea of Cortez or discovering the Mexican culture inside San Javier Mission, Have a Baja Moment! with Vive Loreto.  If you are seeking a way to live the Loreto experience, this mutli-faceted tour operator has a complete spectrum of activities.  Looking for adventure?  Want to learn about the history of Loreto?  Thinking about diving or discovering the islands that are scattered in the sparkling waters of the Sea of Cortez?   Vive Loreto has an array of activities that are easily doable while visiting the Magic Town of Loreto.  No matter age, skill level or niche, Vive Loreto will tailor an adventure just for you.

The Loreto experience wouldn’t be complete without a romantic sunset.

Land Excursions

Canyons, waterfalls and breathtaking lookouts are just a few of the natural wonders found on a one of Vive Loreto’s guided hikes. While on foot, travelers will trek through the La Giganta Mountains and discover a preserved ecosystem and natural water pools. Or to discover the islands of Coronado or Danzante, travelers have the option of an island hike.

Hiking the region around Loreto offers interesting copper-colored terrain framed by sapphire sea. Photo by Ashley Curtin.

Another way to explore the countryside is on an ATV or mountain bike. There are different trails and tracks to follow—even the famous competitive ones used during the Baja 1000—to provide any skill level driver or bikers a memorable experience. Or travelers can hop on a mule and ride through the mountains and tour the local surroundings of Loreto the traditional way.

Sea Adventures

Snorkel, swim or relax on the beach of one of Loreto’s islands for the day. Vive Loreto offers travelers a boat ride on an open panga or a 21’ cabin cruiser to the uninhibited islands, the best options to for a peaceful and relaxing getaway. It is there travelers can also take advantage of all the fun sea activities and enjoy lunch while looking out at the Sea of Cortez.

An open panga boat is a great way to experience Mother Nature.

World-renowned fishing off the coast of Loreto is also a very popular activity among travelers and locals alike. Vive Loreto has options to satisfy both beginner and expert fisher-people.

Whale watching, depending on the time of year, is an amazing and unforgettable experience also facilitated by Vive Loreto. There are two different tours. One almost always offers travelers the chance to touch grey whales in Magdalena Bay in the Pacific Ocean; the other allows people to simply marvel at the blue whales, with the possibility of dolphin sightings, in the Sea of Cortez.

The Loreto experience happens on land and under the sea! Photo by Julian Guening.

The qualified and licensed dive team at Vive Loreto allows any level experienced diver a fascinating view of under water. Filled with a multitude of colorful fish, rays and massive coral reefs, the Sea of Cortez offers the most beautiful sea life spotting. For travelers who are looking to learn how to dive, PADI courses, including referrals and refreshers, are also offered at Vive Loreto.

Cultural Experiences

Rich history marks its territory in Loreto.  Vive Loreto has many cultural tours to teach travelers about Mexican traditions, starting with the charming downtown. Loreto is the oldest town in Baja and Vive Loreto offers travelers a unique cultural experience starting with the sampling of Mexican cuisine native to the area.  Paired with the culinary experience are excursions to historic missions and distant ranches that are original to the Loreto region. There is nothing like learning about the indigenous peoples, exploring cave art and walking through churches on the San Javier Mission tour or the ranch tour.

Vive Loreto’s tailored tours provide travelers with an unforgettable discovery of all things natural and incredible. Their expertise allows travelers to experience the magical culture, see the magnificent sea life and take part in the ultimate adventures that wait in Loreto.

There are lots of great places to stay in and around Loreto, including the intimate and beautiful La Damiana Inn which is centrally located and rich with history, or El Tiburon Casitas, which are fully furnished and near the marina.  And dining?  Loreto is as delicious as it is charming!

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about localrestaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.  For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411.

Related articles

• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• Live it Up In Loreto: Have a Baja Moment! in California’s First Capital
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto

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• The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves
• Loreto’s Eco-Alianza: Ecology in Action
• Loreto’s Art Cooperative: A Modern Fairy Tale

The post Living the Loreto Experience: How to Have a Baja Moment! appeared first on Loreto.

by Chris Sands

Loreto was not only the first capital of Baja California (and Alta California, for that matter, although gringos just call it California), but the first Spanish settlement on the entirety of the Baja Peninsula.  A sleepy seaside town located about 220 miles north of La Paz, Loreto enjoys a privileged position between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Gigante mountain range. It was founded by Jesuit missionaries in 1697, but these days it’s best known as a tourist destination — and heaven for lovers of outdoor adventure and water sports like fishing, diving, sailing, and kayaking.

Situated between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Gigante mountain range, Loreto is known for its beautiful settings.

Much of the current interest in Loreto centers upon five large uninhabited islands off the coast: Coronado, Danzante, Carmen, Montserrat, and Santa Catalina. These ruggedly beautiful  islands are situated in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park (they’ve also been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site), a fish rich environment perfect for snorkeling, diving and whale watching. This marine park is one of the best places in the world to view blue whales (February and March are the best months), and a premier destination for kayak enthusiasts.

How to live it up in Loreto? Sea Kayak Adventures offers scenic tours of the uninhabited islands off the coast.

Sea Kayak Adventures is one of the few companies licensed to give tours in Loreto Bay National Marine Park, and they offer all-inclusive packages that include food, lodging, and of course spectacular kayak trips around the islands, from Coronado’s sea lion colony to Danzante’s romantic Honeymoon Cove. Sea Kayak Adventures specializes in small group tours, and has an excellent guide to guest ration. Better yet, all of their guides are also marine biologists. This comes in handy when you’re exploring such an abundant wildlife environment, paddling next to dolphins, manta rays, whale sharks, and over 900 species of colorful fish.

Villa del Palmar’s Islands at Loreto Resort & Spa is one of the area’s premier lodgings.

One of the area’s newest lodgings is Villa del Palmar’s Islands at Loreto Resort & Spa, which opened in March of 2011. The property is actually located just up the coast from Loreto at Ensenada Blanca, about a half hour drive from the airport, with 181 suites overlooking Isla Danzante and the glittering blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. In addition to the luxe accommodations and quintet of swimming pools, there are a number of fine dining restaurants offering local delicacies like almejas (chocolate clams), as well as a cigar bar and onsite convenience store.

Villa del Palmar offers serene settings, first-class dining, and plenty of outdoor activities options.

The resort is located within the boundaries of the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, and offers outdoor activities options like osprey and whale watching hikes. Guests may relax at the Sabile Spa and Wellness Center, or work up a sweat on one of the two tennis courts. A golf course is currently in development, and is expected to open in 2014. Until then, you can fill your leisure time with margaritas by the pool, or take an afternoon drive to see the aboriginal cave paintings located at nearby Cuevas Pintas. These evocative renderings date back well over a thousand years, and suggest Loreto has always been one of Baja’s most popular travel destinations.

When was your last “Baja Moment?” Let us know, at Baja.com.

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.  For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 or email us at info@baja.com

Photos courtesy of Sea Kayak Adventures and Villa del Palmar.

Related articles

• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto

Related articles

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• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto
• The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves

The post Live it Up In Loreto: Have a Baja Moment! in California’s First Capital appeared first on Loreto.

by Ashley Curtin 

Climbing over boulders, wading through pools of water and scaling steep mountainsides in Tabor Canyon is the most popular hike among adventurous travelers visiting Loreto. The impressive natural features of the canyon preserve an ecosystem boasting green vegetation, blue palm, natural water pools and sheltered large trees, all home to the canyon. As hikers approach higher elevations in the mountains La Giganta, beautiful views of the Sea of Cortez across from Puerto Escondido are clearly visible. 

Hikers can Have a Baja Moment in Tabor Canyon.

While Tabor Canyon, located 15 minutes south of Loreto Bay, is a moderate to advanced hike, it is best that a guide accompany hikers of all levels. The hike is about a three-mile distance along various geo-terrains at a climbing elevation of 1,000 feet. With tour groups such as Wild Loreto, the hike takes about three hours with a stop along the way to re-hydrate, snacking on healthy foods.

The first part of Tabor Canyon includes hiking along a trail, but as the hike progresses, it becomes more challenging with steeper climbs and an overall less defined route. As waterfalls from mountainsides and natural swimming pools entice swimmers, hikers become one with nature. The natural aspects of the hike are not only breathtaking, but also rejuvenating and invigorating, all at the same time.

Within the mountains of La Giganta lie the flora and fauna of Baja. The Tabor Canyon hike reveals indigenous plants and wildlife that inhabit the desert of Loreto. Bird watching is another common and rewarding practice on this hike. There are various species of birds perched in trees or swooping up the mountains surrounding hikers. Various reptiles — some which are rare — hide within their natural habitat and, given the opportunity, might cross path with hikers. It makes for an unforgettable experience.

The rugged mountains of Loreto offer travelers a way to seek out adventure with various trekking opportunities. From large, clear hiking paths to less traveled trails, Loreto is a place for hikers of all levels to discover the wilderness.

Here are a few tips when hiking Tabor Canyon:

•  Travel with a guide
• Pack lots of water
• Wear proper clothes (long pants, proper hiking boots and a hat to block the sun)
• Apply sunscreen
• Start hiking early in the morning
• Hike with a partner
• Bring a camera

LORETO Adventure Tourism 2013 from Visit Baja Sur on Vimeo.

Want to find our where to stay when visiting lovely Loreto?  

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.  For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 

Possibly Related Posts:

• Living the Loreto Experience: How to Have a Baja Moment!
• Live it Up In Loreto: Have a Baja Moment! in California’s First Capital
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto
• The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves

The post Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto. appeared first on Loreto.

By Ashley Curtin

Fresh, local and seasonal:  three of the regular attributes of  the cuisine of Loreto. Located on the Sea of Cortez in Baja, Loreto’s fresh seafood is the main feature on many restaurant menus. Grilled fillets of sea bass, prepared chocolate clams and homemade ceviche are just a few of the staple dishes of Loreto. And to enjoy the area’s authentic cuisine, here are five acclaimed restaurants serving Loreto’s favorites dishes.

Mita Gourmet

A top tier restaurant located on the Plaza in the center of Loreto, Mita Gourmet is serving creative dishes to visitors and locals alike. The restaurant is known for its personalized service, attentive wait staff and exceptional food quality. When patrons are ordering, the chef personally approaches the guests’ tables to add his culinary suggestions before preparing the dish.  From shrimp wrapped in bacon to a fish fillet stuffed with seafood and various cuts of steak, the menu boasts an array of flavors. With both inside and outside seating, the atmosphere is casual, colorful, intimate and entertaining; live music entertains guests on a nightly basis. Mita Gourmet’s prices are on the high side, but the restaurant’s superior standards and gourmet food makes it a place worth dining.

Location:  Davis Street In front of Plaza Juarez, Loreto, BCS 23880

La Palapa

Designed to resemble an oversized palapa—a thatched roof hut on the beach that provides protection from the sun—the fun atmosphere and fresh food make La Palapa a favorite restaurant among visitors who visit Loreto. The restaurant specializes in the preparation of seafood and other traditional Mexican dishes, such as chile relleno. Fresh fillets of sea bass are prepared to perfection, while a fun culinary experience at La Palapa is the Cesar Salad made table-side. A Mariachi band also frequents tables to entertain guests, but be prepared to pay a price for each song they perform. Situated on the beach, La Palapa boasts a laid-back atmosphere. It serves freshly made margaritas (a local favorite), and homemade chips and salsa to enjoy while waiting for the meal. La Palapa’s low prices in exchange for beautiful beach views makes this restaurant a crowd favorite.

Location: Prolongacion Hidalgo Half a block away from the water
Loreto, BCS 23880

Conchó

A simple restaurant with no frills makes Conchó’s popular among the local foodies. The casual atmosphere, where plastic tables and chairs line the restaurant, is a fun way to spend an afternoon and fill up on seafood caught daily. Known for serving the freshest chocolate clams in Loreto, Conchó’s guests can choose from various preparations—grilled, raw, stuffed or broiled with melted cheese. But certain preparations can take some extra time so guests should expect to wait. And the wait is well worth the freshness. Conchó’s menu is not only easy on the wallet, but the restaurant provides guests a memorable dining experience when visiting Loreto.

Location:  Calle Madero with Carrillo, Downtown Loreto

The Market

Located within the Villa del Palmar Resort on the edge of the Sea of Cortez, The Market serves a delicious buffet complete with American favorites and authentic Mexican staples during breakfast, lunch and dinner. For guests looking for a serious entrée, the menu is composed of seafood and meat dishes highlighting the fresh and flavorful cuisine of Loreto. The Market is also known for its homemade bread—sweet rolls are made daily on site and served at each meal. The open dining area both inside and out offers guests a place to relax, with views of the pool and tropical landscape. The restaurant also has lounge areas for guests to relax on couches, and over-sized chairs perfect for enjoying a drink or a small bite to eat. With top-notch service and beautiful views of the Islands of Loreto, The Market is an exquisite dining experience.

Address:  Carretera Transpeninsular km 84 Ensenada Blanca, Loreto,Baja California Sur, Z.C.23880

Giggling Dolphin Restaurant and Boat Bar

The once-boat-turned-bar-and-truck is now a grill!  Remnants of this eatery’s colorful history are scattered about this restaurant, and have become famous fixtures that have visitors flocking to the Giggling Dolphin Restaurant and Boat Bar in Benito Juarez. The main dining area is inside the open-sided restaurant under a thatched-roof and provides its guests a bright and airy dining experience. Known for its fresh seafood, the fish tacos are the most popular choice on the menu. The guacamole served with homemade chips is also a local favorite. To experience the fun atmosphere, sit at the boat bar and enjoy a hand-crafted margarita on the rocks or blend it yourself by peddling a stationary bike. The staff is very friendly and attentive and service is fast. The fairly priced menu at the Giggling Dolphin Restaurant maintains high quality and consistency, while the lively, colorful decor makes this a place to dine at while visiting Loreto.

Location:  Benito Juarez, Loreto,Baja California Sur, Z.C.23880

Whether looking for a restaurant downtown or along the coast of the Sea of Cortez, Loreto has a variety of options for visitors. And no matter the atmosphere,  visitors are sure to Have a Baja Moment eating the freshest seafood and tastiest Mexican dishes while in Loreto.

Want to find our where to stay, when visiting lovely Loreto?  

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.  For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 

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• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto
• The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves
• Loreto’s Eco-Alianza: Ecology in Action

The post Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto appeared first on Loreto.

On the Baja Peninsula, nestled between the towering mountain range of the Sierra La Giganta and the beautiful azure Sea of Cortez, is the tranquil, historic town of Loreto. Just fifty paces from the sea, you will discover Las Cabañas de Loreto, the perfect place to stay to relax and explore this area. The cabañas are within easy walking distance to harbor, beach, restaurants and to shopping.

Las Cabañas de Loreto are a hide-away in Baja's Paradise

Loreto is full of history and is considered the oldest permanent settlement in Baja. In 1697, Spanish padres founded the Mission Nuestra Senora de Loreto, the first mission in the chain of 17 that stretched to Sonoma, California. Loreto remained the capital of Baja California for 132 years, until 1829 when a hurricane devastated the city, and the capital was then moved to La Paz. Loreto has a beautiful Malecon, sea-front boardwalk, that invites you to stroll or rest in one of the benches facing the Sea of Cortez. It also has one of the most quaint town squares in all of Baja, and is the center for people to gather for music, poetry reading and other civic activities. The islands off of our shore have been designated and UNESCO world heritage site.

Loreto is truly a paradise. Photo provided by Las Cabanas de Loreto.

And there, smack in one of Mexico’s most lovely regions, is Las Cabañas de Loreto…a hide-away in Baja’s paradise.  The cabaña studios are behind the main house and face an inner courtyard. The studios have air conditioning, wi-fi access, kitchenettes equipped with microwaves, coffee makers and small refrigerators. The property has a pool, hot tub, guest laundry, outdoor sink area, BBQ and hammocks, available for you to use.

Loreto is one of the most picturesque towns in Baja, and can be easily reached via Mexico Hwy 1 (750 miles from San Diego) or by a 90 minute direct flight from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines.  Loreto has many activities to choose from; fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, golf, tennis, whale watching, excursions to historic missions, or just watching the pelicans fly over the water.

Want a hide-away in Baja’s paradise?  Find out more about Las Cabañas de Loreto at http://www.lascabanasdeloreto.com/Loreto/ or on Baja.com!

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about local restaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.  For more information, please call toll-free (US/CAN) 855-BAJA-411 

Possibly Related Posts:

• Live it Up In Loreto: Have a Baja Moment! in California’s First Capital
• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves
• Loreto’s Eco-Alianza: Ecology in Action

The post A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto appeared first on Loreto.

The Arts in Loreto:  Lizette Unzuna is Doing What She Loves

Lizette Inzunza is Directora of Social, Civic, and Cultural programs in Loreto. We gather on our Plaza for dances, gymnastics, music, holiday fiestas, food, and fun. The Arts become our answer to difficult times felt around the world and also here.

Exhibits in two rooms of our Municipal change each month; there have been more than 20 exhibits since our mayor’s election. No two exhibits are alike, ranging from abstracts escaping their frames to a seventeen year old boy’s intricate drawings, professional paintings done in vivid Mexican colors, and water colors by retired Americans who can still live in luxury. We shudder over violent Revolution paintings and smile over nature drawings done by school children. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, viewing of exhibits and simple refreshments are anticipated and well-attended. Strong art and the voices of people from contrasting backgrounds and cultures become windows allowing us to view the world through the eyes and passions of others.

Lizette has lived in Loreto since 1988, raising her son (also an artist), teaching classes, volunteering, and always, painting, painting, painting. She tells me she’s always loved art, but never dreamed it could become her career. On a science track, with chemistry her major, art was a hobby while doing something else “important.” However, each book margin and notebook was crowded with doodles and drawings. At graduation, ready to begin her science career, her teacher praised her art talent and said many available careers are open to talented artists. Lizette scoffed, but the next day, he brought her a list of art careers.

That teacher changed her life.

Lizette smiles, noting that she still struggles, while most of her classmates are now doctors or in science careers. However, she’s doing what she most loves to do….art.

"Entrega Absoluta" by Lizette Inzunza

My last question was about future ambitions and hopes. Lizette longs to travel, see and experience new things, while keeping her base in Loreto. Wherever she goes, Lizette will take along her gentle patience, sharing talents and visions, and always will impact the lives of others. Lizinsol@hotmail.com

Want to learn more about Loreto, its people and arts?  Find out where to stay and what to do in Loreto!

Baja.com is a comprehensive online source of first-hand travel information for the Baja California Peninsula, supported by a full-service tour operator staffed by Baja locals (our “Baja Travel Savants”). We offer Baja travelers expert advice about localrestaurants, hotels and vacation rentals, as well as guides, maps and articles about events, sports and activities. We provide bilingual customer support, information and sales seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Living the Loreto Experience: How to Have a Baja Moment!
• Live it Up In Loreto: Have a Baja Moment! in California’s First Capital
• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto

The post The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves appeared first on Loreto.

The attractive little blue and white building at Centro Paseo Miguel Hildago #67 houses an organization founded four years ago, when several people decided that there was a greater need for community involvement  through an organization that would encourage working together to conserve the natural resources and beauty of the desert, mountains, and sea around Loreto. This beginning came during a time of much local development, and a group of individuals were concerned about the impact of that development on the environment and fragile ecosystem of this area.  And so, Eco-Alianza was created.

The organization has initiated a number of activities and programs since its inception. It is involved with water quality and waste management projects, Earth Day activities, education for all ages, formation of Pescadors de Alianza (fishermen who are collecting data from the sea and sharing their expertise), outreach activities for families and young people, and research that empowers these young, their families, local fishermen, and others in the community to be heard by those who have the power to make and enforce environmental laws.

Edna and Gaby, who run the two-room office and give the children’s workshops, are beautiful young women with lots of energy and enthusiasm for their work. This enthusiasm is contagious.

I recently sat in on one of their workshops.  In it, boys and girls identified marine birds, learned about the animals’  habits, had contests, went on field trips, and ended by creating surprisingly professional paper mache birds from plastic bottles and lots of glue, paper, and paint (and much patient instruction).

Here’s what Edna and Gaby had to say about their workshops and the organization:

What ages are the children at your workshop, what is the cost to attend, and can you tell us about your most popular workshops?

Our youth education workshops are geared toward children 9-12 years old. The workshops are free, with materials and employee salaries covered by donations.  All of the workshops have been wildly popular for the children. The favorites are probably the camping programs “Camping Without Leaving a Trace” and also the one on “Sea Mammals.” It is hard for me to believe that many children who have lived here all of their lives have never before been in a boat, on an island, or seen dolphins or sea lions.  The cost of a boat trip to Coronado is too much for many families’ budgets.

What are the greatest needs if Eco Alianzia? Can you tell us about some of your upcoming project? 

We are always in need of funding for more environmental programs. Future plans include forming a club for young people who have formerly been in classes, with the idea of maintaining continuity and then growing our own mentors/helpers for future programs. We also plan to create an online magazine, hopefully with a new page for each of the four seasons, with the goal of giving a voice to the people of Loreto (including our  young people).  This program would become a forum to air views and write about  many issues: problems, current research, solutions to problems, dates for planned activities, and it would give everyone a chance to participate and speak. We also hope that it could help instill a sense of pride in all the natural beauty we have here.

What is the hardest thing you do? ( I had my own idea of that, having stayed to help clean up after the workshops busy with pasting and painting birds, but they did not mention clean-ups. )

The waste management concerns and programs are currently the hardest to deal with, because  Eco-Alianza has been embroiled in setting up the necessary groundwork, which takes time, and does not quickly show the progress made.

–

We ended our conversation with enthusiastic hugs and promises and Edna summed it all up when she said that “for our young people, this is so important.  You cannot love what you do not know.” The education program has already touched the lives of many young people (and their families, who are often included), and I sense a growing awareness of pride and sense of ownership of the beauty here in Loreto.

For more information on the organization and its activities, visit the Eco-Alianza Facebook Page, or contact them at 52 (613) 135-1900.

Have you experienced an Eco-Alianza workshop or event? Share your comments with us!

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• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto

The post Loreto’s Eco-Alianza: Ecology in Action appeared first on Loreto.

Sand painting by Co-op artist Antonio

Once upon a time, nine spirited women and men watched jobs decrease and hard times spread in their village of Loreto, Baja. The group discussed the need to encourage art and creativity in Loreto, how to add beauty and inspiration, and ways to showcase the talents hidden here. People living on remote mountain ranches were searching for outlets for their handmade leatherwork and art. But was this the time to start something new? There was no money, but the cooperative took off.  the members called themselves Misioneros del Arte.

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• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto

The post Loreto’s Art Cooperative: A Modern Fairy Tale appeared first on Loreto.

For the second year the event was held at the Inn at Loreto Bay, which provided their beautiful courtyard as a perfect location to for the competition. After several days of unseasonable windy weather, the morning of the competition was back to the usual perfect Loreto weather with a gentle breeze and brilliant sunny skies.

I had been asked to provide music again for the event with my portable PA system, and so I arrived at the Inn about 8:30 in the morning to set up the equipment.  At that hour, about half of the teams had already arrived and some were already hard at work setting up their cooking stations and preparing ingredients.  But much work had been done already by volunteers to get the site ready for the luncheon that would follow the judging.  Shade tents sheltered most of the tables that had been set up for the event and the courtyard was surrounded by the cooking stations for each of the participating teams. Each team added decorative touches to their tables with displays of fresh ingredients, flowers and other accents to create their own ambiance.

As more teams arrived and began the cooking process, wonderful aromas began to drift between the different stations.  A steady stream of diners began to gather and enjoy complimentary appetizers and a selection of cold drinks as they circulated around the perimeter, observing and visiting with the participants, watching their preparations and “ooohing and aaahing” over the impressive quantities of seafood and other ingredients that were assembled to garnish the pans of fragrantly cooking rice.

The major sponsor of this Paella competition from its first year has been Roganto Wines, an exclusive, small, “boutique” winery located near Ensenada in Baja Norte.  This year they brought the biggest Paella pan I have ever seen – it was easily over 4 feet across and produced a masterpiece that served 120 people!  In addition they were providing tastings of several selections of their wines as well as offering wines by the glass and sangria to enjoy with the meal.  They also sold their wines by the bottle or the case, and all the proceeds made up a substantial portion of the total funds raised from the event.  In what has become another tradition, following the Luncheon they even set up a station providing free Pina Coladas until their ample stock of the ingredients ran out!

On a poignant note, this event was held on the 11^th – Remembrance Day in Canada and Veterans Day in America and I was moved by the fact that someone had had the foresight to bring down a quantity of the Canadian Legion Poppies which were handed out to most of those in attendance – a fitting memorial for all of us living here who have so much to be thankful for.  All in all, it was a wonderful time, and none of this memorable day would have happened without the long hours of planning and organization that Shelia, assisted by her husband Manfred, have dedicated to bringing the people and resources together, and along with the involvement of over two dozen volunteers, to make this event the continuing success it has become.

Each year, since the beginnings four years ago in the backyard of their home here in Nopolo, Shelia and Manfred have been the driving force behind this competition and luncheon – one of this community’s most successful social and fundraising events.  In addition to creating a wonderful celebration of food and drink and an opportunity to bring together our community in a beautiful environment at the beginning of another season, much good will also be done with the net proceeds of $4500.00 which will be divided equally between the Internado (residential) School, Caritas (providing basic support to those in greatest need), and the Loreto Optimists Children’s Fund.

The other big event this week marked another anniversary, the “Homecoming Street Party”, sponsored  by the HOA and organized by Associa our administrator, to mark eight years since the first sales event that launched the Villages of Loreto Bay in November of 2003.  As part of the activities, during the day on Friday the commercial tenants along the Paseo celebrated the recent openings of their businesses by holding a “Sidewalk Sale” to introduce their goods and services to all the Homeowners who are currently here.

With displays set up on the sidewalks in front of each location, many of the businesses had special offers and or samples, making it a great opportunity for residents to get to know the businesses and what they have to offer.  The range of businesses that have opened on the Paseo (the main road that runs through Loreto Bay) now includes two furniture and home accessory stores, several property management services, a spa offering aesthetics and massage, a fresh food market, several construction contractors, a wine bar and boutique and the convenience store that has been in operation for the past several years.  A couple of more businesses are due to open before the New Year and when it is all up and running the community of Loreto Bay will enjoy a level self-sufficiency we could only dream about several years ago!

After the businesses had closed for the day, the HOA hosted the Homecoming Party at the Bajaja Bar and Grill, centrally located midway between the Founders and Agua Viva neighbourhoods. Homeowners had RSVP’d to attend and each home received a number of free drink tickets and the restaurant served several delicious “finger food” appetizers throughout the evening, all courtesy of our Association.

As a measure of the numbers of Owners who are here this early in the season, there were 250 in attendance, 90% of whom were Homeowners, the remainder their Guests, who were able to purchase tickets at the door.  To top off the evening, Loreto Bay’s favourites, Los Beach Dogs performed two sets to “thunderous” appreciation and what available space there was on the pool patio was jammed with enthusiastic dancers.

As I said, in a community as new as Loreto Bay is, there have not yet been many occasions for anniversaries – but this week was something special with both the fourth Paella competition and Luncheon and the eighth year since the first homes were sold here from chalk lines on the sand – just two more reasons we have to be thankful for “Living Loreto”.

Possibly Related Posts:

• Live it Up In Loreto: Have a Baja Moment! in California’s First Capital
• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto
• The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves

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I have lived most of the past 5 years in Loreto Bay, a development 15 km outside of the small town of Loreto in Baja Sur, about 2/3 of the way between Tijuana and Los Cabos, on the east coast of the 1,000 mile long Baja Peninsula.

What attracted me here in the first place was the natural beauty of the surrounding area – with the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range behind us and the Sea of Cortez in front – sunrises over the water, and sunsets behind the mountains.  I think this magical place is best described the way it has been known locally – “Where the mountains come to swim”.  Growing up in Western Canada (near the Rocky Mountains), I still remember the thrill I felt the first time I realized that I was going to be living somewhere that Palm trees grow!

Settled in this natural beauty, the development where my home is located has risen, within the past 6 years, from a sandy crescent beach, to become one of the largest private home developments in all of Mexico with over 500 completed homes.  As the owner of one of the first of those homes completed, I have seen Loreto Bay grow from chalk lines in the sand to a beautiful community of rainbow hued villas clustered around many landscaped courtyards and winding stone paths – all leading to an ever-changing shoreline vista.

Coming from a cosmopolitan city of over one million people, I have learned to appreciate the simplicity of my new life in the town of Loreto – population 12,000.  I have seen many subtle changes in the town over these years, as new businesses and services grow to meet the demands of the expanding ex-pat community and tourism.  I have also learned to adapt to the continuing challenges of blending North American expectations with Mexican realities – the secret to happiness here is learning NOT to compare.

Early on I learned an important lesson that I remind myself of often: “I am not going to change Mexico.  If I am lucky, Mexico will change me, and if I don’t want that – I shouldn’t be here!”  Well, Mexico (and more particularly Loreto), has changed me – and I like the change!  Three years ago I began to put down my thoughts and experiences about life here in a Blog I call “Living Loreto” and over the years this has become my public diary where I write to better understand and appreciate my day to day life.  I hope you come to share those experiences and join in the quiet adventure with me –Bienvenidos!

Possibly Related Posts:

• Live it Up In Loreto: Have a Baja Moment! in California’s First Capital
• Have A Baja Moment at Tabor Canyon: Hiking the Mountains of Loreto.
• Have a Baja Moment: 5 Places to Eat in Loreto
• A Hide-Away in Baja’s Paradise: Las Cabañas de Loreto
• The Arts in Loreto: Lizette Inzunza is Doing What She Loves

The post Drew McNabb, Loreto Amigo appeared first on Loreto.