Loving Loreto: How to embrace the romance of this magical destination

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Loreto

Have you met Loreto? This lovely corner of Baja California Sur sits like a button on an evening glove, gracing the slender arm of Baja California’s peninsula. This is one of Mexico’s Magic Towns, a Pueblo Magico. It’s a place where anything can happen, if you want it to. Say hello to romantic Loreto where hearts open and time slows down.

Brews under the stars at El Zopilote Brewing Co

First date in Loreto

Begin your romantic rendezvous under a canopy of fairy lights at El Zopilote Brewery near the town square. The Irish owner pours his heart into his artisanal brews and beer-battered fish tacos fresh from the Sea of Cortez. You might meet cute on a “Pints for Paws” night, one of their frequent fundraisers for Soft Paws Cat Sanctuary where rescue cats roam like furry cupids. Raise an El Bandido Stout or a Rattlesnake IPA and bond over your love of whiskers and wet noses.

Set sail for the Sea of Cortez

Commitment issues

Wondering how to take your trip to the next level? Here’s where Loreto really shines. Hike hand in hand on the Tabor Canyon Trail, a 1.3 kilometre route that ends in hidden pools and waterfalls. Or meet local guide Mario Perez and his family in nearby Ligui and canter along a sandy beach on horseback while Mario introduces you to the landscape he knows so well.

Join Sea and Land Tours for a half-day hike to see La Pinguica cave paintings and pictographs created by ancient nomadic tribes. Experienced guide Juve Orozco will help you imagine the site as it appeared to people just like you, centuries ago.

Or stay in town and stroll along Juan Maria de Salvatierra, the town’s historic walking street, shaded by a canopy of trees. Visit The Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, the very first mission in Baja California Sur, built in 1697. The bells still ring out for weddings, mass and other celebrations.

Sipping margaritas at Claudia’s

Buy a ring maybe?

You’ll find glass ornaments, pretty sunhats and fun luchador wrestling masks at Plaza Julieta and handmade silver jewelry at Quetzalli Art Studio. A ring can be a wonderful souvenir, or it might be a promise for the future. Pick up a brightly painted wooden carving called an alebrije for luck at Plaza Mission Loreto.

As afternoon shadows appear, drop into Las Flores Spa & Boutique for a couples massage. Their organic massage and body treatment products will soothe you with scents of cactus, aloe vera and prickly pear. The location is perfect. Across the charming central plaza, City Hall glows buttercup yellow at sundown and Claudia’s Margaritas restaurant is waiting next door. Sip a chilled rice milk horchata or a frosty margarita at a candy-coloured outdoor table under the sign that says “Loreto Mi Amor.”

A glimpse of the terrace and courtyard at Posada Del Cortes

Happily ever after in Loreto

For a romantic stay, consider the enchanting Hotel Posada del Cortes. The rooms at this classic Spanish style boutique hotel have creamy hand plastered walls, dark oak furnishings and comfortable beds piled high with pillows. Vines cover the walls of the cobblestone courtyard and wind their way up a delicate wrought iron staircase to a breezy third floor terrace perfect for stargazing and midnight confessions.

Loreto’s shopping street

Honeymoon phase

No trip to Loreto would be complete without time on the water. The Bay of Loreto National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sanctuary caressed by the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of California. Seals, dolphins and sea lions make their home here along with marine turtles, hundreds of species of fish and the famous blue footed boobies.

Rent a kayak or sail with ABT Sailing to one of five nearby uninhabited islands for a day of boating, snorkelling and sunshine. Share a picnic lunch at Honeymoon Cove on Isla Danzante, slip into the waves to explore the Agustin Melgar shipwreck, then watch the sunset turn Elephant Rock a dazzling gold at Isla Santa Catalina. You may never want to say goodbye to magical Loreto.

Want more Loreto ideas? Try:

Old Meets New in Baja California Sur Where a Culinary Adventure Awaits

Where to Eat in Loreto Baja California Sur

Linger Longer in Loreto