M LITE GOLFING / LORETO THE Islands of Loreto, Located in M 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 and active endeavors, Loreto is a must-visit for any elite adventurer. www.gotoloreto.com www.visitm.com
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 M, 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 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 M 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. www.visitm.com
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. www.visitm.com
SPORTFISHING / LORETO KAYAKING / DIVING / 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. www.visitm.com
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. www.visitm.com
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. www.visitm.com
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; gtelordesertinn@prodigy.net.mx Hotel Oasis Pascal Pellegrino Cofone, 52-613-135-0112; loretooasis@prodigy.net.mx Hotel Duve Coral Rigoberto Romero Aceves, 52-613-135-1037; duvecoralhotel@hotmail.com Hotel Hacienda Suites Lic. Sixto Davis, 52-613-135-1693; reservhaciendasuites@prodigy.net.mx Hotel La Mision Mario Hurtado, 52-613-134-0350; info@lamisionloreto.com; www.lamisionloreto.com Hotel Danzante (Villa Group) Carlos Valdez; www.villagroupresorts.com Hotel Angra Ana Carranza, 52-613-135-1172; atencionalhuesped@hotelangra.com; www.hotelangra.com HotEl Santa Fe (Villa Group) Jorge Aviles, 52-613-134-0400; javiles@villagrouploreto.com.mx Hotel Posada las Flores Jose Luis Becerra, 52-613-135-1162; gerentelto@posadadelasflores.com Villa del Palmar (Villa Group) Paul Moreno; morenopaul2@yahoo.com; www.villadelpalmarloreto.com Loreto Playa Roberto and Paulette Lane, 52-613-135-1129; lto@loretoplaya.com; www.loretoplaya.com La Damiana Inn Gerardo Rodas or Debora Simmons, 52-613-135-0356; ladamianainn@yahoo.com; www.ladamianainn.com Hotel Salvatierra Dominga Margarita or Cota Benoit, 52-613-135-0021; motelsalvatierra@hotmail.com Hotel Posada San Martin Arq. Martin Davis Smith, 52-613-104-8019; arq.mdaviss@hotmail.com Hotel Plaza Loreto Juan Aguirre Elias, 52-613-135-0280; reservacioneshp@prodigy.net.mx Hotel Posada del Cortes Jesus Cortes, 52-613-135-0281; jcortesl@prodigy.net.mx The Inn at Loreto Bay Peter Maxwell, 52-613-133-0010; peter.maxwell@homex.com.mx Hotel Junipero Aurelio Robinson or Julio Magdaleno, juliocmglto@gmail.com Villas de Loreto Ron Bellerive, 52-613-135-0580 HOTEL POSADA LAS FLORES Hotel Luna & Bar Eclipse Alberto Besomi or Karla Moncayo, 52-613-135-2288; reservationhotelluna@yahoo.com; www.hotellunaloreto.com Hotel Coco Cabañas Steve Scalapino, 52-613-135-1729; stephenscalapino@hotmail.com; www.cococabanasloreto.com Sukasa Bungalows Joyce Clagett, 52-613-135-0490; sukasa_bungalows@hotmail.com; www.loreto.com/sukasa Las Cabañas de Loreto Jill Jackson, (613) 135-1105; info@lascabanasdeloreto; www.lascabanasdeloreto.com www.visitm.com