If you’re over Cancun and Los Cabos and want to add a little adventure to your next Mexican vacation, you might head to the historic town of Loreto on the Baja California Peninsula. Located in the central part of the peninsula beside the Sea of Cortez, this longtime sport-fishing destination offers spectacular snorkeling, diving, and kayaking in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, plus a colonial plaza to stroll and two Jesuit missions to visit.
Where to Stay
Colonial Elegance: Antique furnishings, Talavera ceramics, and warm tones throughout set the scene at the romantic Hotel Posada de las Flores. Its 15 rooms and suites overlook Loreto’s central plaza and come with air conditioning, satellite TV, and wireless Internet. Enjoy breakfast in the rooftop garden and then take a dip in the adjacent swimming pool. Rooms range from $150 to $180 per night. Avenida Salvatierra at Madero s/n 23880 Loreto, BCS, Mexico; +52.613.135.1162 or U.S./Canada toll-free 877.245.2860; posadadelasflores.com
Modern Comfort: Comfy chaises lounges and colorful hammocks invite hours of poolside relaxation at Las Cabañas de Loreto. Stay in one of four well-equipped studios and prepare simple meals in the kitchenette inside, or use the outdoor kitchen and barbecue to grill your fresh catch. The main house, also available for rent, has an ocean view from the upstairs deck; studios have garden views and wireless Internet and cost $95 per night. Calle Morelos, one block from the waterfront; +52.613/.135.1105 or U.S. tel. 707.933.0764; lascabanasdeloreto.com
Resort Living: Loreto’s only large-scale resort is located five miles south of town in the government-funded development of Nopoló. Its 155 rooms are set around a lawn and pool and most offer ocean views. Renovations have been ongoing for the last couple of years, and amenities now include air conditioning and wireless Internet. The full-service spa is a rare find in this part of Baja. Enjoy tennis, golf, and water activities nearby. Rooms range $135 to $330 per night. Blvd. Misión de Loreto s/n, Fracc. Nopolo, C.P. 23880, Loreto. B.C.S. Mexico; +52.613.133.0010 or U.S. toll-free 866.850.0333; innatloretobay.com
Eco Adventure: Twenty-five miles south of Loreto, all-inclusive Danzante Adventure Resort overlooks white-sand Ensenada Blanca on the Sea of Cortez. Nine junior suites run on solar power (note, no AC) and feature views of Isla Danzante in the distance. The owners prepare organic produce from a garden on-site. Activities include snorkeling, diving, whale watching, massage, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. Junior suites range from US$180 to $199 per person, based on double occupancy and including all meals. U.S. tel. 408.354.0042; danzante.com
Where to Dine and Drink
Energy Boost: Visitors flock to Santa Lucia for delicious homemade breads and other breakfast fare. Refreshing “energy juices” are squeezed fresh and blended, like a smoothie without the ice. Calle Mateos at Jordán; +52.613.100.1332
Sports Authority: Catch the game at cozy, second-story Los Cuatro Altos Grill Sports Bar and order from a menu of burgers, steaks, seafood, and simple Mexican botanas. Calle Juárez and Independencia.
Argentinean Fix: Even native Argentines approve of the empanadas and grilled steaks at Pachamama. Calle Zapata 3, +52.613.135.2219
Tasty Tacos: El Rey del Taco earns top marks among Loreto’s many taco joints for its fresh fish tacos. Regulars know the food comes faster if you sit down at a table instead of waiting at the window. Calle Juárez between Zapata and Misioneros.
Where to Shop
Made in Mexico: Artesanias Colibrí is a pleasant gift shop with ceramics, jewelry, maps, and handicrafts. Avenida Salvatierra at Independencia.
Fine Art: Loreto’s first art gallery, Galería de Loreto, carries a small collection of oil paintings and watercolors by local artists. Calle Juárez between Madero and Suarez.
Where to Chill Out
Get Wet: Book a guided snorkeling or scuba diving trip with the PADI-certified Dolphin Dive Center and explore rock reefs, seamounts, and underwater caves along islands encompassed in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park. Calle Juárez between Davis and Mateos; +52.613.135.1914; dolphindivebaja.com
Trail Ride: Rent a mountain bike from the Cormorant Dive Center/Loretours and sign up for a guided trip to the village of San Javier and its historic Jesuit mission. Hidalgo at Misioneros, +52.613.135.2140; loretours.com
Afternoon Stroll: Sip a coffee—or a cocktail—at a café on the plaza and browse the many shops that surround it.
