Loreto: a hidden world

The uproar of the motor was heard, the panga boat embarked and the wind started blowing against our faces. The excitement was building in my stomach with each second waited until finally I felt the big splash from their respiration. Every year pods of majestic gray whales travel from artic grounds to the warm waters of Mexico which grants them their title of longest mammal migrators on Earth. During the months of January to March the cetaceans make a pit stop in the beautiful Sea of Cortez to give birth to their babies because of the protection of these waters provide from sharks. Panic and amazement are suddenly felt as the thrill of seeing these enormous whales come closer to a tiny boat that they can easily flip increases. However, the “little” whale calves rapidly set up a playful mood by sticking their heads out of the water and close to the boat for the public to pet them.  These are the type of unique experiences that you will enjoy at Loreto, in Baja Mexico. I had the pleasure of living there for a year and unlike other beaches such as Cancun, Loreto´s beauty comes from its humble atmosphere and closer connection to nature.

QUARTER FINALIST 2013 FTF TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP

ACTIVITIES

If you want to get closer to nature Loreto has a wide repertoire of wildlife waiting at every corner which ranges from small animals such as lizards to bigger animals such as whales, all perceivable in their natural habitat. However the tours in which I felt a closer connection to nature were the ones to the Danzantes and Coronado Island. For whale watching I just went to the Adolfo Lopez Mateos port during whale season, the gray whale festival hosted there and several groups were giving tours for a fair price, you can learn about the culture, shop Mexican handicraft and get engaged in different cultural activities.

Additionally, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, biking or fishing are activities that must be experienced when visiting Loreto. Yet, if you prefer to chill and relax you can either watch the oranges, pinks and reds of a lovely sunset from the beach, go to sea walk in town or play golf. Moreover if you want to spend your day swimming at sea, taking a sunbath, or building a sandcastle then you should go to Nopolo, Juncalito, Requeson, or Puerto Escondido beaches. Other attractions include The Mission of Our Lady Loreto, a temple founded in 1697 or the cave paintings from 1,500 years ago at La Sierra de San Francisco.

FOOD

There is nothing better to eat at Loreto than fresh seafood. The best seafood restaurant is Mitas Gourmet. For breakfast the Café Ole is a classic; it is located at downtown. Notwithstanding, if you love authentic Mexican food, Mexico Lindo y Que Rico is the place you should visit. And finally, you can’t live the town without going to Asadero Super Burro, they serve enormous Mexican burritos made with fresh handmade tortillas that you won’t find anywhere else.

HOTELS

The best bets to stay at Loreto are the resorts because they virtually provide most of the activities that Loreto offers in a single place plus the luxurious amenities. The resorts I recommend are Villa Del Palmar, La Mision Hotel, and Loreto Baja Beach Resort because they have luxurious installations and wide variety of services. However, if you have a big family or plan to stay more than a week then you should consider renting a sea side Villa at Loreto bay.

So it doesn’t matter who are you or what do you like, Loreto has something for everyone!