Your Itinerary for The Best Places to Visit in Loreto

Despite the town’s slow and quiet charm, there are so many things to do in Loreto that showcase the rich history and natural beauty of Baja California. From the rugged majesty of the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains to the serenity of the Sea of Cortez, it’s an enchanting destination, and by following this itinerary and adding these places to visit in Loreto into your schedule, you’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

Day 1: Downtown Loreto

Start your Loreto Mexico journey in downtown, getting to know that city’s history and wandering its cobblestone plazas. The most important places to visit in Loreto are the Loreto Mission, founded in 1697 by Jesuit priests, and the city museum next door. In these sites, you’ll learn about all the people who have called the city home, and afterwards, you can explore the streets of Loreto, popping into boutique shops and souvenir stores. To watch sunset, take an evening stroll on the Malecon boardwalk before sitting down to a dinner of authentic Mexican cuisine. 

Day 2: The Sea of Cortez

There are so many things to do in Loreto that head out to sea, and the best take you under the water’s surface. The easiest option for this is snorkeling, and with a lifejacket, even younger travelers can stick their faces into the water and spot tropical marine life swimming along the shore. For a bolder adventure, book a scuba diving trip, and you’ll see why the Sea of Cortez earned the nickname “The Aquarium of the World” from the famous oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. During the winter months, humpback, blue, and grey whales migrate to the warm Mexican waters and splash at the surface of the sea, so if you’re visiting this time of year, be sure to go out on a whale watching expedition.

Day 3: Tabor Canyon

The natural beauty of Loreto Mexico isn’t limited to the sea. The Sierra de la Giganta Mountains hold just as many wonders waiting to be explored. Tabor Canyon is a popular hiking spot, and on your vacation, a local guide can take you through the canyon and across rivers to discover a hidden waterfall. Along the way, you’ll learn about the local flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem.

Day 4: The Beaches of Loreto

After being out and about, it’s time to slow down and relax on the beaches of Loreto Mexico. Without leaving downtown, you’ll have access to sandy shorelines where you can throw a frisbee, splash in the water, or curl up with a good book. To escape the city, Ensenada Blanca is a nearby paradise that offers excellent snorkeling. If you’re up for a little more sightseeing, you can also sail out to the beaches on the Islands of Loreto.

Day 5: TPC Danzante Bay

One of the city’s main attractions is TPC Danzante Bay, an award-winning course designed by Rees Jones. Even if you’re not an avid golfer, it’s still one of the best places to visit in Loreto, and the natural beauty surrounding each hole and the unique design of the course will make this a day well spent. If some in your group aren’t wanting to hit the greens, the course’s Clubhouse is the perfect spot for a drink, and Sabila Spa at Villa del Palmar Loreto is a tempting indulgence to take advantage of. 

Day 6: La Pinguica Cave Paintings

La Pinguica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its petroglyphs (rock carvings) and pictographs (cave paintings). As you explore it with a local guide, you’ll feel transported into the landscape’s ancient history. There are a few other nearby sites, like Santo Domingo near the San Javier mission, where you can find more cave paintings. In fact, over 1,600 sites have been located in the area that still have ancient paintings, making it one of the most important concentrations of them in the world.

Each of these things to do in Loreto offers something different and will appeal to all types of travelers. Whether you’re hoping to dive under the sea or hike in the mountains, you’ll have plenty of options for how to fill your vacation, but as you do, be sure to take time to unwind and refuel with delicious Mexican seafood.