Things To Do In Loreto, Mexico

Explore the top things to do in Loreto, Mexico, from historic missions to breathtaking natural adventures. Here’s all you need to craft the perfect Loreto itinerary.

Loreto is a Mexico hidden gem where history meets nature in perfect harmony. From its ancient missions steeped in colonial charm to the protected islands of Loreto Bay National Park, this Pueblo Mágico in Baja California Sur has something for every kind of traveler.

Dive into outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, or whale watching, and discover its rich marine life. History buffs will love exploring the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, a site that marks the beginning of California’s mission trail. 

And no trip to Loreto would be complete without indulging in the region’s delicious local cuisine. 

If you’re searching for the ultimate guide to the top things to do in Loreto, look no further – I’ve curated everything you need to craft the perfect itinerary for your visit to the First Capital of the Californias.

Where to stay in Loreto

Hotel Santa Fe

The Hotel Santa Fe has cozy, comfortable rooms with a touch of Mexican charm. I loved how quiet it was but still in a convenient location – just a short walk from local restaurants, shops, and the town’s historic center. 

The outdoor pool, hot tub and serene courtyard were the perfect spots to unwind after a day exploring. The wifi is not the most reliable, so if you are looking to truly disconnect, this is the hotel for you.

> Book Hotel Santa Fe here

Hotel Boutique Posada de las Flores Loreto

Hotel Boutique Posada de las Flores is a boutique hotel bursting with character, from its stunning colonial-style architecture to the vibrant touches of Mexican décor everywhere you look.

The rooftop pool, with views of the Sea of Cortez, is an absolute highlight, and the location couldn’t be better, right in the heart of town, making it super easy to explore the mission, shops, and restaurants.

> Book Hotel Boutique Posada de las Flores here

Things to do in Loreto for the perfect itinerary

History and Culture of Loreto

Downtown Loreto

As the First Capital of the Californias, Loreto is brimming with history. It was here where the Spanish Jesuits set up the first Mission in 1697 – The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto.

This marked the start of the famous El Camino Real, a trail of missions stretching all the way up to northern California.

Wander around Downtown Loreto and soak in the different layers of history of this small town.

Start in the Plaza Civica, where you’ll find a cute Kiosko and the colonial-style Civic Hall, and right next to it, the historic Mission of Our Lady of Loreto and the Jesuit Missions of Loreto Museum.

The cobblestone streets are lined with colorful buildings, each with its own unique character, vibrant façades and charming wooden doors.

Don’t miss popping into Caballo Blanco bookshop, which has a great selection of books about Baja California, and its adjacent Baja Cowboy Museum, where you can learn a bit about the ranching culture of Baja California.

Loreto is a great place to explore at your own pace – no map required. So take your time strolling through the town and getting into every nook and cranny.

San Javier Mission

A visit to San Javier Mission feels like traveling back in time. Established as the second mission in the Californias in 1720, it can still be found tucked into the Sierra de la Giganta mountains.

This beautiful old mission is one of the best-preserved in the region and a true gem for history lovers. The stunning San Javier Mission church has stood the test of centuries and is a must visit, with its original altar, intricate woodwork, and religious artifacts. 

After exploring the church, take a stroll around the village and visit the famous tricentenary olive tree, planted by the Jesuits over 300 years ago. It’s a living piece of history that still bears fruit! 

Stop for lunch at the charming La Palapa San Javier Restaurant, where you can try machaca tacos, the traditional Baja cowboy meal with a refreshing agua fresca – a perfect way to refuel before heading back to Loreto.

His owner, Señor Memo, is a real character and he and his family will welcome you with open arms.

Natural Wonders of Loreto

Isla Coronados, Parque Nacional Marino Bahía de Loreto

Take a day trip to Isla Coronados, one of the natural wonders and one of the top things to do in Loreto.

Part of the stunning Parque Nacional Marino Bahía de Loreto (Loreto Bay National Park), this island is a protected gem that offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

The marine park itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its rich biodiversity and importance to marine conservation. When you visit, it’s easy to see why – it’s a paradise of turquoise waters, volcanic landscapes, and abundant sea life.

Your day on Isla Coronados begins with a boat ride from Loreto, where you may get lucky and see playful dolphins joining in the journey.

Once on the island, take a hike up to the Coronados volcano, a dormant crater that offers panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez and the surrounding islands. 

The hike starts easy, and gets a bit harder as you climb up due to the uneven terrain and the steepness of some sections. However, the sweeping vistas are worth every step! 

When you are back from the hike, cool off with some snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Playa Isla Coronados. The island’s vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish make it a snorkeler’s dream, and you might even spot sea lions basking on the rocks.

Isla Coronados has the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation opportunities. It’s a must for anyone creating a Loreto itinerary filled with outdoor wonders!

La Pingüica (Canipole) Cave Paintings

For a day where you can combine both intriguing history and incredible nature, take a day trip to La Pingüica (also known as Canipole) cave paintings, one of the most fascinating things to do in Loreto.

For this adventure, located deep within the Sierra de la Giganta, you will need to join a guided tour. 

It starts with a scenic drive from Loreto into the desert, where you’ll hike through rocky trails surrounded by towering cardón cactus, the tallest cactus in the world.

These giants, along with clusters of spiky cholla cactus, will give you the sense that you are somewhere remote and inhospitable, but the final destination of this hike will prove quite the opposite. This is an area that was inhabited by humans way before records began.

The hike itself is moderate, weaving through arroyos and rocky paths with plenty of opportunities to stop and soak in the views.

Once you reach the cave paintings, you’ll be standing in front of an incredible piece of history that dates back 3,000-4,000 years. 

The artwork, created by the indigenous Cochimí people, features vibrant depictions of humans, animals, and abstract shapes painted in red, black, and even unusual green hues. 

The Baja California rock art sites are so significant that they’ve been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, making this one of the most unique experiences in Loreto.

Outdoor Adventures in Loreto

Whale watching (December to March)

Whale watching is one of the most magical experiences you can have in Loreto. The Sea of Cortez, often called the “Aquarium of the World,” is teeming with marine life, and between December and March, it becomes a playground for migrating whales. 

Here you can spot blue whales, the largest animals on the planet, along with humpbacks, fin and gray whales, and even orcas if you’re lucky! It’s an awe-inspiring sight to see these gentle giants breach, spout, and glide through the crystal clear waters.

Whale watching tours start with a boat trip out into the marine sanctuary that is part of the Parque Nacional Marino Bahía de Loreto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Hiking Cañón de Tabor (Tabor Canyon)

The Cañón de Tabor (Tabor Canyon) hiking trail features a breathtaking desert landscape. This challenging hike includes scrambling over rocks and navigating narrow paths.

It’s recommended to join a guided hike of the canyon. Alternatively, if you are doing it on your own, it’s best to set out early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler, especially between October and April, which is the ideal hiking season.

The starting point for the hike is 25 minutes outside of Loreto, just outside Puerto Escondido.

Make your way through the canyon, and you’ll soon be surrounded by towering walls of red rock and a surprising amount of greenery. You’ll find incredible giant cardón cactus, mesquite trees and, after the rain you may even find colorful desert wildflowers. 

Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as desert iguanas and lizards. Depending on the season, you might also find small pools of water and trickling streams which contrast with the dry landscape. 

This hike is 2-3 miles round trip and a bit of a workout with plenty of climbing and scrambling, so sturdy shoes and plenty of water are essential. 

Kayaking in Bahía de Loreto (Loreto Bay)

Kayaking in Loreto Bay first thing in the morning is a great way to start the day, and to get up close and personal with the stunning natural beauty of the Sea of Cortez.

The calm, clear waters make it an ideal spot for paddling as you glide past the beautiful coastline. 

As mentioned, this UNESCO-protected marine park is home to an incredible variety of sea life. So as you paddle, you might catch sight of a manta ray leaping gracefully out of the water and you may even see dolphins riding the waves – both pretty spectacular to see!  

Most tours begin early in the morning when the waters are smooth and the light is perfect for taking in the dramatic coastal scenery. Along the way, your guide will point out local wildlife and share fascinating stories about the Sea of Cortez and its rich biodiversity.

However, if you prefer to kayak at your own pace without joining a tour, you can rent a kayak independently.

> Rent your kayak in Loreto here

Relaxation in Loreto

Loreto Malecón

There’s no better way to end a day full of adventures than with a stroll along Loreto Malecón in time to catch the sunset.

The Malecón is one of Loreto top attractions. It’s a wide, scenic promenade that hugs the waterfront, dotted with benches and palm trees. Locals and visitors alike come here to walk, chat, and enjoy the sea views.

As the sun dips behind Loreto, the sky turns soft shades of pink, orange, and gold, casting a warm glow over the Sea of Cortez. This is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll at the end of the day. 

Along the way, there are plenty of spots to pause, snap photos, sit and watch the sky change colors, and even better, for a nice cocktail at one of the local bars.

Birdwatching

The Estero Las Garzas (Estuary Las Garzas), at the end of Loreto Malecón, is a great spot for birdwatching, and a great place to spend a relaxing hour or so. At the end of the day, the estuary comes alive with the sound of birds settling in for the night. 

You’ll see a great variety of birds, including herons and egrets wading in the shallows, and lively flocks of pelicans crashing into the water as they fish.

If you have binoculars, don’t forget to take them with you for a closer look, but even without them you will be amazed at the diversity and activity in this tranquil spot.

Loreto Cuisine – What and where to eat in Loreto

Baja fish tacos

You are in Baja California Sur, so Baja fish tacos are a must try here – it’s practically a rite of passage.

This iconic dish is all about fresh, crispy fish (usually locally caught), wrapped in a warm corn or flour tortilla and topped with crunchy cabbage, creamy sauce, and a squeeze of lime. You can even add a little kick with spicy salsa or a drizzle of chipotle mayo. 

I had the Baja fish tacos at Restaurante Los Olivos, within Hotel La Misión Loreto and they were spectacularly crispy outside and tender inside. Plus the view from the restaurant balcony over the Malecón is unbeatable.

Tatemada Chocolate Clams

Tatemada chocolate clams are a dish that’s a symbol of Loreto. This dish dates back to ancestral times, making it a legacy of the first inhabitants of the area.

Chocolate clams, also known as ‘Baja’s seafood candy’, are a specialty of the area. But the way they are cooked in Loreto is pretty special.

The clams are placed in a tatemador, a rectangular hole in the ground that’s filled with thick gravel. They are carefully placed on top of the gravel and semi buried with more gravel on top. Then they are covered with a bunch of dry twigs and bushes called romerillo.

The romerillo is then set on fire and the clams are cooked underneath for about 40 minutes. This particular bush is what gives the clams their particular smoky flavor.

The clams are then served with a mustard and mayo sauce and they are eaten with a flour tortilla.

Cooking this emblematic dish is a bit of a spectacle, and Hotel Oasis, located at the end of the Malecón, cooks tatemada chocolate clams every Saturday at 5pm.

Once you see how they’re cooked you’ll want to stay for dinner to enjoy the clams and the rest of their deliciously fresh seafood and meat buffet.

When I was there, clams were out of season, so they cooked tatemada oysters instead and they were truly spectacular. In fact, my meal at Hotel Oasis was my favourite meal in Loreto.

Anything fish and seafood

To be honest, you really can’t go wrong with anything fish or seafood here in Loreto. But if you’d like something a bit special, don’t miss going to Raíz, the restaurant within the Hotel Boutique Posada de las Flores on the main square.

I had the best seafood soup here. It was so intensely delicious that I could have had multiple bowls of it a few days in a row. Their shrimp and cream cheese-stuffed sea bass with caper sauce and parmesan risotto was also truly spectacular. 

But what topped it all off was the wine and beer (yes, beer!) pairing with each dish. I was very impressed with the wines offered, which were all from the Valle de Guadalupe in Baja California. And the beer was a Mexican stout that went perfectly with the soup – and I’m not even a beer drinker!

Loreto FAQs

Summers can get quite hot, so if you visit then, be ready for sunny days and a slower pace – perfect for beach lounging and snorkeling! 

Do I need to rent a car in Loreto?  

I’d say that you definitely need to explore beyond the town to get the most out of your Loreto itinerary – like visiting San Javier Mission and La Pingüica cave paintings. So renting a car is super convenient.

That said, if your focus is mainly on enjoying the town’s charming center, beaches, and boat tours, you can easily get around on foot, by taxi, or with a guided tour. It really depends on your adventure style!

How to get to Loreto

Getting to Loreto is easier than you might think! If you’re flying, Loreto International Airport (LTO) is well connected with direct flights from several U.S. cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Dallas, as well as from Tijuana and other Mexican hubs. 

If you’re up for a scenic road trip, driving down the Transpeninsular Highway 1 is an adventure in itself! 

The journey from cities like La Paz or even further north in Ensenada takes you through stunning desert landscapes, charming small towns, and jaw-dropping coastal views.

Do you have any questions about the top things to do in Loreto?
Let me know in the comments!

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Disclosure: This post has been created as a partnership with HipTraveler. As always, all views are my own.