Loreto

Loreto is located on the east coast of the Baja California Peninsula, in north western Mexico.

Loreto has a hot, arid climate in the summer, with daily highs in the 90s. Winter and spring average temperatures are in the low-80s and rain is rare occurrence here making it possible to participate in most activities all year round.

Take a stroll or cycle down the seafront Malecon, it's a good place to people watch or enjoy the nice views.

Dive or scuba dive in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, which encompasses 2,065 square kilometres of uninhabited islands and wildlife-rich waters of the Sea of Cortez.

The waters here are rich with many species of whale including sperm, humpback and blue whale.

The Mission of our Lady of Loreto is at the start of El Camino Real ("The Royal Road"), an historic corridor that follows north along the ancient route of the Spanish missions. The Jesuit Missions Museum is located beside the Mission of our Lady of Loreto. It has a collection of religious art, weapons and tools from the 17th and 18th centuries that were used in the Spanish missions in Baja California.

In the neighbouring town of San Javier, the Mission of Saint Francis Xavier is the best preserved mission in the peninsula.

In the "La Giganta" Mountain Range, there are cave paintings in canyons and rock shelters. Cuevas Pintas is 15km to the west and La Pingüica, 60km to the north of Loreto. The cave paintings from the indigenous groups of Baja California are world famous and some of them have been added to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites.

Take a horse riding excursion through the desert trails of the Sierra de la Giganta mountains.

Kayaking, mountain biking, golf, tennis, boating and fishing are just a few of the other activities on offer here.

There are several beaches in the Loreto area including Nopoló, Ensenada Blanca and Agua Verde.

The quiet, quaint streets of downtown Loreto offer numerous boutiques. "Productos artisanias" or "artists products" refer to hand-made arts and crafts found throughout Mexico. In Loreto, you'll find genuine silver jewellery, paintings, ceramic and wood sculptures and blown glass. Bargaining with the local vendors is a long running and fun tradition in Mexico.

There is a range of dining options on offer from fresh fish and seafood dishes (marlin, tuna, sea bass), fast food, BBQ, pizza and even sushi. Try a local dish - 'chile relleno' (stuffed, roasted pepper typically stuffed and fried) or 'carne asada' (grilled beef, often served with fresh guacamole, grilled onions, black beans, rice, tortillas and fresh salsa).

Tacos, quesadillas (stuffed tortilla) and alambre (grilled beef topped with chopped bacon, bell peppers, onions, cheese, salsa and avocado, served with corn or flour tortillas) are typical street food options.

Cruise ships anchor in Loreto Bay and tender passengers ashore, near to Loreto's Malecon (boulevard).