Located in Baja California Sur on the Baja Peninsula, Loreto is a quaint beach town steeped in history, where much of the land remains pristine and wild. Often overlooked by tourists heading to La Paz and Cabo, Loreto offers a closer connection to nature, away from the crowds and commercialization.

“I liken Cabo now to Waikiki, whereas Loreto feels like the old Maui,” said Owen Perry, the developer behind the region’s prominent resort, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay.

In 2018, Loreto attracted only 119,585 visitors, according to the Secretary of Tourism, in stark contrast to La Paz which welcomed 427,253, while Cabo typically sees over 3 million yearly.

For some, Loreto evokes memories of Cabo’s past when it was a lesser-known destination. “I visited Cabo in the 90s when it was just dirt roads and one bar, a truly unexplored paradise, and Loreto feels much like that today,” remarked Cindy Jennings, who traveled to Loreto last year. “It still retains a bit of that untouched charm.”

While the charming town itself is laid-back and inviting, it’s Loreto’s pristine natural environment that truly enchants visitors – and is likely to do so for years to come due to conservation efforts to curb development. The coastline is part of Loreto Bay National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to over 800 species of marine life, and portions of the surrounding mountains are also protected.

Here’s why Loreto, Mexico should be on your travel list.

Getting to Loreto

Traveling to Loreto from the United States is simple, with direct flights from Los Angeles to Loreto International Airport taking around 90 minutes. Other major cities offering direct flights include San Francisco, Phoenix, Dallas, and Tijuana. Once you arrive, it’s only a 15-minute drive from the airport to the town.

For those looking for a plush retreat, Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto by Danzante Bay, built in 2010, is about 30 minutes south of the airport. This expansive beachside resort features luxurious amenities, residences, a large spa, and a renowned 18-hole TPC golf course. “Initially, many doubted the wisdom of building in such a remote location; it was unknown to many,” Perry commented. “Yet I believed the vibes of the place were just right.”

The resort, as its name suggests, is situated next to the national park, with stunning views of Danzante Island, one of the five major islands within the park. The tranquil bay is so still it appears glass-like, making it perfect for paddleboarding and swimming. Guests who sign up for boat or snorkeling excursions can embark right from the resort’s beach straight into the national park territory.

Things to Do in Loreto

As one of only two Pueblos Magicos (Magical Towns) in Baja, recognized by the Mexican government for its cultural importance, Loreto is a charming locality filled with rich history. This area was inhabited by the Indigenous Cochimi and Guaycuras tribes for millennia. It also marks the site of Baja’s first Spanish settlement established in 1697 by Jesuit missionaries and has served as the region’s capital multiple times.

With its colonial architecture and historical buildings, Loreto is a delightful town that’s easy to explore on foot. “For me, Loreto felt like a safe, undiscovered gem,” Jennings reported. “There were conveniences for tourists, and accessing the water for various activities was a breeze.”

Visitors can explore the Jesuit Missions of Loreto“`html

Visit a museum showcasing artifacts from Indigenous Peoples alongside exhibits from the early settlers, or explore the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, a stunning Baroque church that has stood for over 300 years.

Explore the Ocean

Founded in 1996, Loreto Bay National Park covers over 800 square miles of protected marine area, a place the renowned French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau described as the “Aquarium of the World.” Anyone who visits will quickly understand why.

Guests can enjoy the park through scuba diving or by hopping between islands on a boat tour, with opportunities for snorkeling along the way. “Loreto offers breathtaking scenery and beautiful islands,” shared Perry. “When you take a snorkeling boat out, the whole day feels so secluded and untouched.”

On a morning boat excursion to Isla Carmen, Isla Danzante, and Isla Montserrat, visitors can expect to see a diverse array of marine life, such as manta rays, sea turtles, and even tropical whales. Baja is renowned for its large dolphin pods, and one pod joyfully surfed the waves alongside the boat.

Loreto is particularly well-known for whale watching, which is what attracted Jennings to this location. “I discovered it while searching for whale-watching opportunities,” she noted. In the winter months, humpback, orca, gray, and blue whales migrate to the park to give birth to their young before heading north. Due to their endangered status, Mexico has implemented strict guidelines regarding boat approaches and the number of vessels allowed in the area.

The beauty of the park continues after dark. Villa del Palmar organizes evening kayak tours in the bay, where boats are fitted with lights underneath. At the end of the bay, kayakers can switch off their lights to view the stars overhead and the bioluminescent plankton that sparkles when the water is disturbed.

Explore the Desert

While the ocean is captivating, land activities abound too, including hiking trails originating at Villa del Palmar and ATV tours through the desert and along the shore. A noteworthy day trip from Loreto is to the La Pinguica Mountain Range to see ancient cave paintings estimated to be 7,000 years old.

The resort’s premier attraction is the TPC Danzante Bay, which was named the Best Golf Course in Mexico in 2023 and the Best in Latin America in 2019. The beautiful course accommodates golfers of all skill levels, inviting players to hit their balls over open water from cliff to cliff while enjoying breathtaking views of the national park.

When is the Best Time to Visit Loreto

To avoid the intense heat of summer, especially when temperatures can reach 90°F, it’s best to steer clear of Loreto from June to September. “That region, surrounded by mountains, often lacks wind and can feel quite sweltering,” Perry explained.

The ideal time to visit is from October to May, coinciding with the whale migration season.

The author received complimentary access to this event from Villas del Palmar. YSL News retains full editorial control over the content.

(This story was updated to correct a misspelling.)