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The lovely colonial town of Loreto was the first Spanish settlement on the Baja California Peninsula.

It was founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries, who found a steady spring of fresh water and built the Mision Nuestra Señora de Loreto. The town is a criss-cross of roads with the main route through being Salvatierra street. It's safe and easy to walk around, even at night. The quaint historic centre comprises only a few pedestrianised tree-lined streets with shops and leads up to the seafront (malecon) and small port.

The restored Spanish plaza and church are a lovely spot with a few cafés, bars and restaurants giving you the opportunity to watch the world go by. It's a good jumping off point to visit the nearby island of Coronado, go fishing or visit nearby cave paintings. From December to March fin and blue whales can also be found off the coast which if you are lucky enough on a boat trip are an amazing sight.

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Audley Travel Specialist Tessa

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Loreto by contacting one of our Mexico specialists

Suggested itinerary featuring Loreto

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Loreto, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Loreto

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Loreto

    Accommodation choices for Loreto

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Loreto. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Loreto

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Loreto, and which use the best local guides.

    • Half Day Whale Watching in the Sea of Cortez
      Fin Whales

      Half Day Whale Watching in the Sea of Cortez

      Half Day Whale Watching in the Sea of Cortez

      Today you will head out of Loreto by small motorboat to spend approximately four hours looking for whales in the Sea of Cortez. The area is known to be a spot for blue and fin whales, which will be in the area to calve.

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    • Whale watching excursion to Magdalena Bay
      Gray Whale, Baja California

      Whale watching excursion to Magdalena Bay

      Whale watching excursion to Magdalena Bay

      Baja is well known as a great place to whale watch. The grey whale spends summers in the waters off Alaska, and then heads 6,000 miles (almost 10,000 km) south to the warmer lagoons of Baja in January, February and March.

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    • Loreto City Tour
      Loreto, Mexico

      Loreto City Tour

      Loreto City Tour

      Today you will explore the small historic centre of Loreto with your guide. You will walk along the oceanfront boulevard, then walking through to the city hall, where Loreto's history will be explained.

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