Why Loreto, Mexico Should Be Your Next Baja Escape

Loreto, Mexico, is a place so special it’s tempting to keep it a secret—a quiet, unspoiled destination that has earned its spot as one of the best places to visit in Mexico for those seeking authentic experiences and tranquility.

Located between the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains, Loreto is a beautiful coastal town on the Baja Peninsula where adventure, Mexican culture, flavourful cuisine, and stunning landscapes come together seamlessly. Perfect for outdoor lovers, history buffs, and travelers seeking a more peaceful side of Mexico. When HipTraveler invited us to discover Loreto, we never expected such an unforgettable experience far from the typical tourist trail.

Road Trip to Loreto

Loreto International Airport connects directly to major cities in the U.S. and Mexico. A road trip isn’t required, but we wanted to see more of the Baja Peninsula. We felt perfectly safe driving from Cabo San Lucas to Loreto and highly recommend it. The road is well traveled and maintained, but we were told not to drive at night as some potholes are as big as some small vehicles, and cattle on the road at night can be a problem.

We flew into Cabo San Lucas and spent three days enjoying fun in the sun before hopping in a car for our seven-hour road trip north on Highway 1. The road trip to Loreto is stunning, with stops in Todo Santos and La Paz. The coastal landscape changed before our eyes, winding through vast stretches of desert where we saw cardón cacti, some of the tallest in the world. These cacti are the perfect cartoon cacti! As the terrain alternated between flat, open plains and rocky mountain passes, we felt like we were starring in our own Western movie.

Things to do in Loreto

So, what makes this part of Mexico so appealing? For us, it was the laid-back vibe, the culture, the history, and, of course, the food. Loreto is the perfect place to base yourself if you plan on exploring this part of Baja California Sur. And we recommend you do just that.

Explore Loreto’s Historical Heart

In any new place we explore, we love getting acquainted with the town by taking a walking tour, so that is just what we did. Starting with a caffeine kick at La Route Bikes and Coffee on the beautiful Plaza Jaurez in the heart of town was the perfect way to start off a fantastic day. La Route is a shop that has it all: bicycles, books, souvenirs, and a cool, chill vibe that any Expat worth their weight will want…