Loreto, Baja California Sur

The first Spanish colonial city on the Baja Peninsula, the town of Loreto fronts the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park, a vast protected area in the Gulf of California and home to five UNESCO World Heritage Site islands. Renowned for its eco-diversity, the stunning bay is home to one-third of the world’s marine mammals and provides aquatic enthusiasts the opportunity to uncover a diverse and unique ecosystem through activities such as fishing, diving, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. On land, Loreto is a historic and quaint town that contains the peninsula’s first mission, “Our Lady of Loreto Mission.” Surrounding the town, magnificent mountains, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site La Pinguica which contains prehistoric cave paintings, are ripe for exploration. Visitors can hike, horseback ride and bike through the picturesque landscape while simultaneously uncovering the town’s rich history.