Making the most of Loreto
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Your ship anchors in Loreto Bay, and a ship’s tender transports you ashore to the Malecon, Loreto’s pleasant boulevard.
Take a printable map with you.
On the Gulf of California coast, around 350 km (220 mi) north of La Paz, the state capital, sits Loreto. Also known as Conchó, this Baja California Peninsula settlement was the first Spanish one, capital of Las Californias from 1697 to 1777, and is now the seat of the municipality of Loreto in Mexico’s Baja California Sur. Its population was 14,724 at the 2010 census.
Today, the city is a tourist resort serving mostly U.S. travelers.
At the start of El Camino Real ("The Royal Road") stands the Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó (Mission Loreto), the most important of seven Loreto buildings from the 18th to the 20th century recognised as federal historical monuments. This historic corridor follows the ancient Spanish-mission route north to its ending in Sonoma, California, USA.
Getting around
The town centre is walkable, with every sight within a few blocks of the others.
Loreto has long been counted among the best fishing places. In the Sea of Cortez’s blue waters, Yellowtail, sailfish, marlin, wahoo, roosterfish and dorado are abundant.
Blue, Fin, Bryde’s, Humpback, Orca, Sperm and many other great-whale species live in waters off Loreto. This may be the richest place in the world for whale and dolphin diversity.
A fantastic diversity of marine life makes nearby scuba, free diving and snorkeling excellent. Tropical influence from the south meets temperate conditions from the north, bringing together an amazing variety of species; local dive shops and charters are available.
Food and shopping
Across Mexico, "Productos artisanias", or "artists products", describes the myriad hand-made arts and crafts. Loreto’s quiet, quaint downtown boutiques reveal Mexican creativity through genuine silver jewelry, paintings, fine textiles from the mainland, ceramic and wood sculptures, blown glass and metal designs.
Money
The peso (MXN) is Mexico’s currency and uses the same symbol as US dollars, which can be slightly confusing. Tourist-area dollar prices are labelled "US$" or show an S with a double stroke. There are about 17 peso to 1US$.
In the far north, and elsewhere at tourist locales, US dollars are widely accepted.
Compared with Europe or the USA, credit cards are not as widely accepted; some companies charge around 5% extra for these transactions.
Staying connected
The main language is Spanish. Border cities with the United States and tourist destinations largely speak English too.
For customers, several cafés around town provide free WiFi access.
Opening Hours and
Hours: Mon-Sun 1000/1100-2000/2200 in big towns and cities; Mon-Fri 0900-1400/1600 elsewhere.