Islands of Loreto

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THE ISLANDS OF LORETO,
SEA OF CORTES
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THE Islands of Loreto,
SEA OF CORTES
Located in Mexico’s beautiful Baja California Sur on the
Sea of Cortes side, Loreto boasts 300 years’ worth of
rich heritage and largely untouched natural splendor.
With its host of unique historical experiences and active
endeavors, Loreto is a must-visit for any elite adventurer.
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THE ISLANDS OF LORETO,
SEA OF CORTES
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mario cortes, President,
Loreto Hotel Association
MISSION / LORETO
“From Loreto’s first days as the home of
several indigenous tribes and Spanish
missionaries, and as Baja California’s first
capital, people have recognized the unique
beauty and bountiful resources of Loreto. Our
mix of islands, bays, beaches and mountains
makes Loreto a one-of-a-kind destination,
not only in Mexico, but in the world. We have
great plans for the future of tourism in Loreto
and welcome visitors to come and visit or
make Loreto their second home.”
Situated along Baja California Sur’s eastern coast, Loreto is an oasis of laid-back, oldworld Mexican charm. The town’s landscape shifts from the stunning Sea of Cortez on
the east to the dramatic Sierra la Giganta Mountains on the west, which translates to
a diverse range of ecological and historical experiences for intrepid elite travelers.
Loreto’s remote location and intimate village setting attract those looking for a
true getaway. Despite its status as the oldest human settlement on the peninsula,
dating back over 300 years, today Loreto is a modern escape that offers plenty of
luxury amenities like marinas, resorts, fine dining and an 18-hole oceanfront golf
course. Some of the world’s greatest sportfishing can be found just minutes offshore,
while five deserted islands offer miles of breathtaking natural beauty. History buffs
will love strolling Loreto’s town square, home to the well-preserved Misson of Our
Lady Loreto and its onsite museum. Slightly off the beaten path but surprisingly
accessible, Loreto is one of Mexico’s hidden treasures, whether you’re looking for
action and adventure or pampering and relaxation. It’s no surprise that this charming
locale is quickly becoming a favorite amongst VIPs from around the world.
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THE ISLANDS OF LORETO,
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ROCK FORMATION / BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
ELITE BOATING / BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
Elite Ecotourism
Situated just off Loreto’s coastline in Loreto Bay are a total
of five deserted islands—Coronado, Del Carmen, Danzante,
Montserrate and Santa Catalina—all of which are protected
as part of the Loreto National Marine Park, and each offering aquatic activities, hiking and beach fun. The park is also
teeming with mother-of-pearl, coral, blue whales, dolphins
and sea lions, making this an excellent place to witness
some of the world’s most amazing creatures in their natural
habitat. Contact one of Loreto’s sea kayaking tour operators, who will help you plan an unforgettable itinerary that
includes two to five hours of kayaking through the Sea of
Cortez, offering daily guided snorkeling and hiking trips. You
can even add on a day of whale-watching for a jaw-dropping
experience you won’t soon forget.
Loreto sits at the tip of a 100-mile-long stretch of sea that
is home to an unmatched diversity of marine life—including
more than 800 species of fish, unique to Baja California
Sur’s surrounding waters. It is one of the few locations in
the entire world where divers can get up close and personal
with an awe-inspiring, six-foot long Humboldt squid, a resident of these waters from the late summer into the fall.
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THE ISLANDS OF LORETO,
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SPORTFISHING / LORETO
DIVING / SEA OF CORTES
KAYAKING / SEA OF CORTES
Hook, Line and Sinker
World-class sportfishing is another one of the region’s top
draws. Enthusiasts will find an enticing range of highlyprized game fish like yellowtail, dorado, marlin and sailfish,
all native to the region. Serious about hooking one of these
heavyweights? Know when to go. Experts say Loreto has
two distinct fishing seasons: In the summer months (and
peaking in July), you’re almost guaranteed a catch during
the famous annual dorado fishing run, while mid-November
through April is the peak time for yellowtail. Loreto has a
wide selection of local, family-run tour operators—many of
whom have been fishing these waters for decades—who can
help you plan a panga charter or professionally-guided expedition to score the perfect catch.
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THE ISLANDS OF LORETO,
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OLD MISSION CHURCH
On a Mission
After all that adventure, enjoy a stroll through Loreto’s historical town square. The scenic streets reflect authentic Mexican charm, while the pace of
life here is decidedly relaxed. Several excellent restaurants and markets will satisfy discerning gourmands.
Exploring one of Loreto’s acclaimed missions is like taking a trip back in time. In the heart of town you’ll find the Mission of Our Lady Loreto as
well as an onsite museum, an excellent resource for learning more about Loreto’s colorful past. Another exciting stop is the Mission of San Javier,
established by Sicilian priest Padre Francesco Piccolo and later abandoned after a series of native attacks. The mission was then taken over by
Father Juan de Ugarte, who began growing grapes and making wine. After perusing the site, take an exciting ATV tour through the Sierra la Giganta
Mountains.
Loreto’s potent combination of Spanish history and untamed nature presents an extraordinary educational opportunity, and draws naturalists and
explorers from all over the world. This year, Harvard University offered an exclusive journey through the Sea of Cortez aboard the 62-guest National
Geographic Sea Bird. Guests took to the region by kayaks and Zodiacs, toured the area’s 18th-century missions, and had a chance to witness playful
dolphins in their natural habitat, all under the guidance of Harvard’s Jeremiah Trimble, a Curatorial Associate at the prestigious university’s Museum
of Comparative Zoology. Visit www.hmnh.harvard.edu/travel to learn more.
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ANCIENT ART WORKS
CAVE PAINTINGS / BAJA CALIFORNIA SUR
Amazing Artworks: Baja’s Cave Paintings
The region of Baja California Sur is the home of more than 100 (that
have been discovered so far) prehistoric works of art. These majestic
cave paintings include floor-to-ceiling, multi-layered red and black
monos (or human figures), as well as depictions of creatures such
as birds, deer, big-horned sheep, rabbits, turtles, fish, sea mammals
and other wildlife that shared the dramatic mountains and turquoise
waters along the coast. These primitive works are considered a
national and historical treasure, and in order to preserve their beauty,
visitors are only permitted access to these areas when accompanied
by an official guide.
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Elite Sleeps: Loreto Hotel Directory
From luxurious resorts with bespoke service to boutique hotels and inns, Loreto’s accommodations prove that great things come in small packages.
Hotel Desert Inn
Oscar Avilez Lucero, 52-613-135-0025; [email protected]
Hotel Oasis
Pascal Pellegrino Cofone, 52-613-135-0112;
[email protected]
Loreto Playa
Roberto and Paulette Lane, 52-613-135-1129;
[email protected]; www.loretoplaya.com
La Damiana Inn
Gerardo Rodas or Debora Simmons, 52-613-135-0356;
[email protected]; www.ladamianainn.com
Hotel Duve Coral
Rigoberto Romero Aceves, 52-613-135-1037;
[email protected]
Hotel Salvatierra
Dominga Margarita or Cota Benoit, 52-613-135-0021;
[email protected]
Hotel Hacienda Suites
Lic. Sixto Davis, 52-613-135-1693;
[email protected]
Hotel Posada San Martin
Arq. Martin Davis Smith, 52-613-104-8019; [email protected]
Hotel Plaza Loreto
Juan Aguirre Elias, 52-613-135-0280; [email protected]
Hotel La Mision
Mario Hurtado, 52-613-134-0350; [email protected];
www.lamisionloreto.com
Hotel Posada del Cortes
Jesus Cortes, 52-613-135-0281; [email protected]
Hotel Danzante (Villa Group)
Carlos Valdez; www.villagroupresorts.com
Hotel Angra
Ana Carranza, 52-613-135-1172; [email protected];
www.hotelangra.com
HotEl Santa Fe (Villa Group)
Jorge Aviles, 52-613-134-0400; [email protected]
Hotel Posada las Flores
Jose Luis Becerra, 52-613-135-1162;
[email protected]
The Inn at Loreto Bay
Peter Maxwell, 52-613-133-0010; [email protected]
Hotel Junipero
Aurelio Robinson or Julio Magdaleno, [email protected]
Villas de Loreto
Ron Bellerive, 52-613-135-0580
HOTEL POSADA LAS FLORES
Villa del Palmar (Villa Group)
Paul Moreno; [email protected];
www.villadelpalmarloreto.com
Hotel Luna & Bar Eclipse
Alberto Besomi or Karla Moncayo, 52-613-135-2288;
[email protected]; www.hotellunaloreto.com
Hotel Coco Cabañas
Steve Scalapino, 52-613-135-1729; [email protected];
www.cococabanasloreto.com
Sukasa Bungalows
Joyce Clagett, 52-613-135-0490; [email protected];
www.loreto.com/sukasa
Las Cabañas de Loreto
Jill Jackson, (613) 135-1105; info@lascabanasdeloreto;
www.lascabanasdeloreto.com
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