Travel Life sits down with Jesus Ordoñez, general director for the Board of Tourism of Baja California Sur, to get the inside scoop on this under-the-radar destination.
Photo courtesy of: Travel Life
“But once you immerse yourself and explore the sites and culture, you understand how diverse this territory is.”
TL: How long have you worked for Baja California Sur and what is your favourite part of the job?
JO: I have been with the Board of Tourism of Baja California Sur for a little over seven years. I love that I get to connect people who want to explore amazing places to the special people who live in these places and create a fantastic experience for everybody. I know almost every corner of Baja California Sur which makes it easier for me to share the wonders of our destinations so people who want to travel and explore can fall in love without paradise.
A Destination Like None Other
TL: What is your favourite part of living in the region?
JO: My favourite part is how big and diverse the region is. It is incredible how in just one day you can be in many different places that are unique, pristine and just plain beautiful. I am always in awe at how beautiful all of Baja California Sur is.
Photo courtesy of Travel Life
TL: In your job, I imagine you have had the opportunity to travel the globe. What makes Baja California Sur so unique in what it has to offer?
JO: It’s the apparent simplicity and off-the-beaten-path feel of the destinations. Most of the areas in Baja California Sur, excluding Los Cabos, are not very developed, especially the northern part of the state. But once you immerse yourself and explore the sites and culture, you understand how diverse this territory is. Underwater, on the water, by the Sierra range and in the desert–the heritage and history here are vast. It has been untouched by the modern world in many ways and things are still done like they were in the old days. The locals are very proud of their roots and their traditions and are well aware of the magnificent gifts that are the natural resources of the region.
Authentic, Fresh, Local
TL: What is your favourite food that you feel is unique to your region?
JO: The best food for me is whatever you catch that day. You clean it and prepare it right there with the fishermen. Scallops, oysters and chocolata clams are some of my favourites, but I also love the local goods from the ranches. Fresh-made cheese, hand-made tortillas and the best beans you`ll ever try.
Photo courtesy of Travel Life
Photo courtesy of: Travel Life
Embracing Nature in All its Forms
TL: What is the most surprising thing nature in Baja has to offer?
JO: The most surprising thing about nature in Baja is its abundance. Let`s not forget that this is a desert. It can feel inhospitable, but it just takes a few drops of rain to see the desert flourish before your eyes. The contrast of the desert meeting the turquoise waters of the Gulf of California is breathtaking, and of course, we have an abundance of marine life on both the Pacific side and the Gulf of California side. Every day out in the ocean is a different experience. You’ll never live the same day twice.
TL: What is the best place/way to watch a Baja sunset?
JO: There are so many! My top suggestions are the sand dunes in Guerrero Negro and Laguna de San Ignacio, both on the Pacific side of the Peninsula. Another very special spot is Santa Teresa Canyon where, as the sun sets, its rays bring out the different shades of red, yellow and orange of the canyon walls.
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Keeping Canadians Coming Back For More
TL: Loreto/Baja California Sur has always been considered somewhat off the beaten path, but WestJet’s direct flight to Calgary shows Canadians have begun discovering this hidden gem. How does the destination preserve authenticity and keep visitors feeling like they have experienced one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets?
JO: I am confident the authenticity of Loreto will always be there. This is due to the fact the local community is committed to maintaining the culture and heritage that makes them so unique in the world. They want visitors to learn about and preserve it with them. Locals are very proud of their roots and who they are.
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TL: Tell us about the Canadian expat community living in Loreto.
JO: I think every Canadian that has made Loreto their second (or full-time) home has become part of the local community because of the similarities in our cultures. Both Canadians and Loretanos respect nature, enjoy the outdoors and are welcoming and kind people.
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Exploring Endless Turquoise Waters
TL: The Sea of Cortez is considered one of the world’s best playgrounds teeming with sea life. What is your most memorable moment in/on the water?
JO: As an avid diver there are many. I have enjoyed swimming with marlins and orcas, having a baby sea lion board our boat to rest when he got a bit lost from his pack and returning him to his family safe and sound, diving with a school of thousands of yellowtail, and with a bunch of sharks. Every time you get in the waters of the Gulf of California you’ll be energetically supercharged; It makes you really consider how special this place is and how privileged we are to be living here.
Photo courtesy of: Travel Life
TL: How does the destination’s history enhance the visitor experience?
JO: This is definitely a big part of the experience of Loreto because you see it all around you. All the locals know the history and the traditions and they are happy to share them with you. Our history is unique and goes back thousands of years. Creating all these layers of how Loreto has become what it is today and how all of that makes it so different and unique.
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Must Knows When Travelling to Baja California Sur
TL: More and more, Canadian travellers are looking to truly immerse themselves in a destination and experience local life. Can you share some recommendations for things the average tourist would not know about?
JO: One should be going to San Javier and spending at least one night there. It is a very small community of only a couple hundred people. You’ll really get to immerse yourself in the culture and way of life of the locals. I also suggest visiting La Purisima for a few days to hike this beautiful area, listen to the local history and stories, and delight in the food. It’s nothing fancy but has great flavours, made with love that only locals can provide.
Photo courtesy of: Travel Life
How To Get There
Take advantage of convenient, direct service with WestJet from Calgary to Loreto. Connecting flights from across Canada every Friday from November to April. For more information, visit vamosaloreto.com and visitbajasur.travel.
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