Ecotourism

Loreto is located midway between the two most highly recommended places for spotting the gray whales that annually make the long, eight-thousand mile journey from the waters of the Sea of Behring to the coasts of the peninsula. It is also the largest town in the region, and the one with the best services, including the only international airport. Towards the northwest lies the Laguna Ojo de Liebre in San Ignacio and to the south, the Bahía de Magdalena. The best excursion for spotting the gray whales lasts a minimum of three or four days, which will give you time for several boat trips to have a closer look at the mammals and their offspring, which weigh two tons at birth. If you have a little more time, you could take in a visit to the famous cave paintings.

San Ignacio lagoon.

Seeing the gray whales.

NOTE: The San Ignacio lagoon in Southern Baja California is located about 350 km northwest of Loreto. Gray whales come here from Nordic latitudes at the end of December and stay there until the beginning of April. In order to see the whales, a stay of a minimum of three days is recommended. In this time, the chances are that you will have an opportunity to see the whales up close without having to sail out to the open sea.

Hiking & Climbing

Thirty km outside Loreto stands the Sierra la Giganta an eroded mountain chain with spectacular ravines and crags. Some of its walls are vertical and you can walk along the edge of the ravines.

Camping

Walking through the old missionary town of Loreto is extremely pleasant, but the best beaches are to be found in Nopoló, 9 km away, the North Beach 17 km and Puerto Escondido 28 km away, the last of which provides a number of caravan services.