Loreto, located on the Sea of Cortez around 2 hours (85 miles / 135km) south of Mulege, is the kind of Mexican town that campers either love or try to avoid. We’ve been both over the years, depending on when and where we’ve been able to find camping and whether or not there is a cruise ship tendered off the coast.
Yes, Loreto is one of the few destinations in Baja where cruise ship activity overlaps with camping and the town becomes a haven for ex-pats and travelers alike. Loreto also hosts an international airport with several direct flights that make it very popular and convenient for Americans and Canadians to visit.
However, it won’t take long for you to understand why Loreto has become so popular over the years and why the Mexican government has established it as one of a select few “Pueblos Magicos” in Baja. Loreto is truly special and you should definitely make an effort to spend some time there, even if it is only a day or two in passing through.
This charming town is a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Founded in 1697, Loreto is the oldest continuously occupied settlement in the Californias, making it a treasure trove of historical landmarks and stories. It was also the first capital of the Californias from the time of its founding until 1777, further instilling its historical and cultural importance.
The heart of Loreto is its picturesque town center, where cobblestone streets lead to the stunning Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto, a testament to the region’s rich colonial past. In the quiet town center, you’ll find a variety of older buildings, a museum, and several great restaurants and bars that give the sense that you have been transported in time and space to somewhere in Europe a few hundred years in the past.
Loreto’s natural surroundings are nothing short of spectacular. The town is the gateway to the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. This site includes pretty much every stretch of water and a handful of islands off the coast.
Here, you can embark on unforgettable snorkeling or diving adventures, swimming alongside colorful fish, sea turtles, and even playful dolphins. In fact, more often than not, you can count on seeing several pods or superpods of dolphins enjoying the fish-rich waters in the bay. And these waters also offer great whale-watching experiences where you might have the fortune of seeing Orcas and Blue Whales.
For those who prefer to stay above water, kayaking and paddleboarding offer a tranquil way to explore the serene coastline and hidden coves. You can put in right on the beach at the Malecon next to the pier or drive a little out of town to one of the many quieter beaches that offer the same incredible views.
But the allure of Loreto doesn’t end with its marine wonders. The Sierra de la Giganta mountain range provides a dramatic backdrop to the west, inviting hikers and nature enthusiasts to explore its rugged beauty. Driving an hour to the San Javier Mission in the heart of the mountains offers a chance to visit another historic visit and to get a perspective of how beautiful this part of Baja is and why it is such a popular place.
Further, trails leading to ancient cave paintings, waterfalls and panoramic vistas make for a perfect day trip, offering a glimpse into the region’s prehistoric past and a chance to immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes.
There is no shortage of land and sea activities to do in and around Loreto. We always tell people to plan for both. If it is a windy or rarely rainy day, enjoy the land activities. But when the wind is down and the water is glassy, do everything you can in the Loreto Bay!
Visitors to Loreto will also delight in its welcoming community and charming culture. The local cuisine, heavily influenced by the bountiful Sea of Cortez, is a seafood lover’s paradise, with dishes featuring fresh fish, shrimp, and clams. But you can get your hands on some hearty burritos and even take a break from Mexican cuisine with great options for pizza and even Southern “Soul Food.”
As the sun sets, the town comes alive with lively markets, artisanal shops, and charming restaurants where you can savor the flavors of Baja California Sur. We’ve been surprised more times than not to find some festival, food and crafts fair or student performance when walking to the town square in the evening. In fact, we usually save most of our strolling in Loreto for either the morning when the town is slowly waking up or for the evening when it is lively any day of the week!
Things to do in Loreto
As you can likely tell already, there is no shortage of things to do in Loreto. Whether you’re a water person, enjoy hiking or going offroad, or simply want to eat and drink your way around town casually, you’ll find Loreto is incredibly inviting for many reasons!
Here are a few ideas to get you started!
Explore the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto: Visit this historic mission, founded in 1697, to admire its beautiful architecture and learn about the region’s colonial past. It is located in the town center and is still an active church. You’ll likely hear the mission bells ringing at various times throughout the day, bringing to mind the Eagles “Hotel California, and you are welcome to go in and check out the mission or participate in services.
Snorkel or Dive in Loreto Bay National Marine Park: Discover the vibrant underwater world of this UNESCO World Heritage site, teeming with colorful fish, sea turtles, and coral reefs. Like the waters of the Sea of Cortez just an hour north, Loreto Bay does not offer the most spectacular diving opportunities. But combining either snorkeling or diving with a day trip to one of the islands will be unforgettable.
Kayak to Isla Coronado: Paddle through the turquoise waters to this nearby island, known for its pristine beaches, sea lion colonies, and excellent snorkeling spots. You can do this on your own if you know what you are doing and consider proper safety practices. Or hire a guide from one of a handful of tour operators in town.
Hike in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains: Take a trek through these stunning mountains to see ancient cave paintings and enjoy breathtaking landscape views. Any hiking app will direct you to some of the most incredible trails and views in the area. Or, once again, you can hire a guide to take you.
Take a Stroll in the Historic Downtown: Loreto is a small town with many nearby natural attractions. But if you are in the town, you don’t want to miss a walk through the downtown area. The city center is known for its tree-lined cobblestone archways, colorful buildings, cafes and restaurants.
Whale Watching Tours: Embark on a boat tour during the winter months to witness the majestic gray whales that migrate to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez. Loreto offers one of the only places in the world where you may see the Blue Whale, the largest animal on Earth. But you can also see Orcas, humpback, and fin whales along with pods of dolphins while you are out on the water.
Visit the Loreto Museum: This charming museum houses fascinating exhibits and artifacts about the rich history and culture of Loreto. Located in the town square, it is easy to combine this with a trip to the mission and some great people-watching while sipping a margarita or craft beer.
Fishing Expeditions: Join a fishing charter to experience world-class sportfishing, targeting species like dorado, marlin, and yellowtail in the abundant waters of the Sea of Cortez. Fishing is better in the warmer summer and early fall months. However, you can still catch various fish during the more popular winter camping months. Head down to the pier to talk with local fishing captains about the options and if the wind will cooperate. Or jot down a phone number from any of the pangas that you will see being pulled around town.
Stroll Along the Malecón: Enjoy a leisurely walk along Loreto’s scenic waterfront promenade, taking in beautiful views of the bay and the surrounding islands. Like most of Baja’s Malecons, there are loads of restaurants and shops across the street from the water and you’ll come across people exercising or sitting on a bench or under a palapa on the beach taking in the day.
Relax on Playa La Negrita Beach: Spend a day soaking up the sun on this tranquil beach, perfect for swimming, picnicking, or simply unwinding with a good book. It is right on the Malecon’s north end, next to the lighthouse and pier, so you can easily make this a stop with other activities on your itinerary.
Savor Local Cuisine: Indulge in fresh seafood dishes at local restaurants, where you can enjoy specialties like fish tacos, shrimp ceviche, and chocolate clams. Very few restaurants in Loreto do not serve up delicious food! Whether you’re looking for traditional street tacos or want to experience a culinary masterpiece, there is no shortage of options for satisfying your hunger!
Volunteer in Loreto
Soft Paws Cat Sanctuary
While you will come across several great dog rescues in Baja, Soft Paws Cat Sanctuary is the only rescue for our feline friends in the entire peninsula. Alex is an incredibly passionate person when it comes to protecting and adopting out cats from around the Loreto area. Soft Paws has a physical location where many of the cats live. But Alex brings work home with her too as she fosters up to two dozen cats at a time in her own home. She is constantly looking for volunteers to help maintain the sanctuary, play with the kittens, and do other tasks you might offer. Of course, donating things like premium cat food, litter and cleaning supplies helps too in addition to any financial donations you may decide to make.
- Phone: +1 903 261 0882
- Email: alexjasonyenzer@gmail.com
Campgrounds in Loreto
Loreto offers several different campground options that are almost perfectly suited to the type of RV you have rather than where you want to camp. There are a few great options for mostly smaller rigs right in the heart of town, with a few options for larger rigs a little further away.
Regardless of what type of RV you have, Loreto is a popular place, and we recommend that you make reservations at whichever campground you plan to stay at, particularly during the busy winter camping months.
Looking for campground contact and location information? Check out our 280-page paperback guidebook with everything you need to know to plan and enjoy your Baja camping adventure!
Rivera del Mar Trailer RV Park
River del Mar is an excellent option if you have a mid-size or slightly larger RV and want to be close to the center of town. Owned and managed by Yolanda, one of the friendliest and hardest working people we know, the campground has around 20 spots each offering a different amount of space.
All sites offer full hookups with WiFi access extending to most. There is also a centrally-located and well-maintained bathroom house with toilets and showers and a common area palapa great for socializing or ducking out of the sunshine.
If you haven’t done laundry in a while, you can either wash and dry it on your own at the laundry facility next to the office at the front of the campground, or you can walk across the street to the house caddy corner from the campground, where you can drop off your laundry for typically next-day service.
We say that the campground is big-rig friendly. But the reality is that there are only one or two spots that can accommodate anything over 30 to 35 feet, and maneuvering into them will be a challenge, particularly if the campground is as full as it usually is. If you have a bigger rig and are considering staying here, be sure to reach out in advance and clear it with Yolanda first.
It is about a ten-minute walk to the heart of Loreto, taking an immediate right out of the campground and continuing straight for six or eight blocks. Be aware that most properties between the campground and the city center have gates with large, loud dogs behind them. You will be safe walking on the sidewalk. But you might be surprised more than once when a dog runs up to you on the other side of the gate!
The campground is a convenient walk to the Malecon as well and there is a agua purificada, hardware store and propane dispensary located just a few blocks behind the campground toward Highway 1.
There are two ways to reach Rivera del Mar from Highway 1, depending on whether you’re coming from the north or south. Both exits from the highway lead to Calle Escuela Preparatoria, which leads to a right-hand turn onto Fco. I. Madero. The campground is immediately on your right and you might have to maneuver to make the turn depending on what size rig you have.
| Price Range | $25+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | Y |
| # of Sites | 20+ | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 20A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Bajazul Casitas and RV Park
Bajazul Casitas and RV Park is the newest campground option in Loreto and offers a little more space for mid- to large-size rigs. We cannot say that the campground is big-rig friendly, but if you are up to 30’ in trailer or motorhome length, chances are you will fit.
Bajazul is located on a pedestrian street, just like nearby El Moro and Romanita, which can be intimidating, especially on your first visit. We recommend that you arrange for someone to help guide you from the road to the campground so you can do so with less chance of an incident.
The campground offers eight full hookups in a row along the side of the property. These will all likely be back-in, making maneuvering a trailer or larger motorhome a bit challenging. But the campground also offers a bathroom with flush toilets, hot water, and a laundry facility. And when it comes to location, you are literally at the heart of Loreto and can’t ask for a much better spot.
| Price Range | $25+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | Y |
| # of Sites | 8 | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | N | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 30A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | N |
Hotel and RV Park El Moro
Hotel and RV Park El Moro is an option for anyone with a motorhome or trailer that is around 20-25 feet in length at maximum. Located in the heart of Loreto on a pedestrian street, you must put aside the faces that other tourists make as you approach the campground from the Malecon.
With most of the business coming from the hotel side, the campground is little more than a parking lot. But there are designated sites with the opportunity to have a full hookup. There’s a gate that closes at night, offering great security, and you are once again paying for location, location, location, and not necessarily the mediocre toilets and showers or the WiFi that sometimes works and other times does not.
But being in the heart of Loreto, you will have excellent cell service if you need to remain connected. Also, be sure to call in advance, as the last thing you want to do is drive to the campground only to have to awkwardly maneuver your way back to the main road.
| Price Range | $25+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | N |
| # of Sites | 8 | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | N | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 20A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Romanita RV Park
Romanita RV Park is probably the most popular campground in Loreto. It can accommodate rigs up to or around 25-30 feet maximum. It is a haven for van life, and we’ve never walked past the campground without seeing at least one VW van tucked away among the more modern models.
We have yet to be successful in camping at Romanita in either our 25-foot truck camper or our 30-foot motorhome. This is because the campground sites are very loosely defined. The smaller sites with hookups are easily determined but typically only fit smaller RVs.
But for those mid-size RVs, you’re typically told to try and fit somewhere off to the side here or there. Thus if you are counting on having one of the six full hookup sites, there is a chance you’ll end up dry camping or leaving for one of the other campgrounds in the area.
However, Romanita does remain the premiere place to camp if you book a site in advance and have a rig that can fit. You have access to flush toilets and showers and are within walking distance to anywhere in town because you are right in the middle of town. There’s also a tour company operating from the property so it can be a one-stop shop to camp and book all of your Loreto adventures.
| Price Range | $20+ | Sewer Hookup | Some | Laundry | Y |
| # of Sites | 15+ | WiFi | Y | Pool | N |
| Big Rig Friendly | N | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 20A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | Y |
Loreto Shores Villas & RV Park
Loreto Shores Villas and RV Park is your best bet if you have a bigger rig at or over 32-35 feet. While not as conveniently located in town as the other campgrounds, the RV park is just a short walk or drive across the arroyo from town. Because it is the only big-rig-friendly camping option in Loreto, the park stays busy, and it is best to call or email ahead to make a reservation if you want to stay here.
The sites have full hookups but are a little tightly packed together. You’ll have WiFi and access to the pool on property as well, which is a big hit even in the winter months when temperatures can still be warm in Loreto. Plus, you can knock out laundry as well.
There is beach access. However, the biggest complaint about Loreto Shores is that the campground appears to be an afterthought to the surrounding housing development. Waterfront properties block all but a few views of the water. But you can still access the beach from the campground if you would like.
| Price Range | $40+ | Sewer Hookup | Y | Laundry | Y |
| # of Sites | 15+ | WiFi | Y | Pool | Y |
| Big Rig Friendly | Y | Cell Service | Y | Security | Y |
| Electric Hookup | 30A/50A | Shower | Y | Pet Friendly | Y |
| Water Hookup | Y | Toilet | Y | Tent Friendly | N |