About Loreto

Loreto - Your Gateway to Adventure!

Situated on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula at the coordinates 26º00’46” N 111º20’36” W, Loreto is a vibrant city offering a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and recreational activities. Located between the Gulf of California and the Transpeninsular Highway, Loreto boasts a picturesque setting at an average elevation of 10 meters (33 ft) above sea level. To the west, the spectacular “La Giganta” Mountain Range (Sierra de la Giganta) stretches across the state of Baja California Sur, running parallel to the gulf coast.

As a popular tourist destination, Loreto attracts visitors from the United States, with convenient daily flights from California to Loreto International Airport. Fishing enthusiasts flock to Loreto for thrilling expeditions on traditional “pangas,” targeting prized catches like dorado (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish), which the local restaurants are eager to prepare for eager anglers.

The city showcases a rich history, with a charming museum coexisting alongside an active parish, offering a glimpse into Loreto’s cultural heritage.

Steeped in colonial history, Loreto holds the distinction of being the first Spanish settlement in the Viceroyalty of New Spain on the Baja California Peninsula. Founded in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries at Misión Nuestra Señora de Loreto, the town flourished around a reliable spring of fresh water. Over the centuries, control of the Baja California missions shifted to various religious orders, shaping the town’s evolution. Loreto served as the capital of the province of Las Californias until 1777 when the capital was relocated to Monterey. From its colonial past to its modern-day allure, Loreto continues to captivate visitors with its enchanting surroundings and rich cultural legacy.

Loreto air travel Connections