|
Loreto Basics |
|
 |
 © istockphoto.com/binabina |
Loreto is a small town in a truly spectacular setting. Loreto is located in Mexico's State of Baja California Sur. With a population of only 15,000 people, Loreto has only recently been discovered by American retirees seeking a low-cost lifestyle in a warm climate, and they've found what they're looking for in Loreto.
The mainstay of Loreto's economy is tourism. The Sea of Cortez's abundant sea life makes Loreto a mecca for snorkelers and sport fishermen. Loreto also features pristine beaches, hiking, golf, and water sports, without the frenetic atmosphere of neighboring towns like Cabo San Lucas. In Loreto, the watchword is relaxation.
Loreto has a hot, arid climate in the summer, with daily highs in the 90s. The winter and spring can be quite pleasant, with daily average temperatures in the low-80s and refreshing sea breezes cool down the night. Rain is rare and the skies are clear 360 days a year.
|
|  |
As you look from your ship to the village of Loreto, the gold and green hills of the Sierra de la Gigante mountain range lie to the west and the clear blue waters of the Sea of Cortez are to the east. But it's desert out there in the hills, all the more reason to explore the area.
Your ship will drop anchor in Loreto Bay, and you will be transported ashore via ship's tender. You will come ashore in the northern part of the town, along the city's pleasant Malecon (Paseo Lopez Mateos), which arcs south following the shoreline. The Malecon features grass, palm trees and a seaside walkway complete with benches right at the edge of the Sea of Cortez. How romantic!
The Big Deal in Loreto is the Loreto Bay Company. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company is developing the $3 billion Villages of Loreto Bay, a series of seaside villages in walkable neighborhoods near the historic fishing village of Loreto. Plans call for the development of 6,000 one-, two- and four-bedroom condominiums and one- to four-bedroom villa-style houses during the next 11 years. They are attracting retirees and second home owners who appreciate the areas' weather, ambiance and lower cost of living. The Loreto Bay Company also subsidizes flights to the Loreto airport as a way to promote the area.
This is a laid-back place, perfect for relaxation, exploring the desert or swimming, diving, snorkeling or kayaking on the Sea of Cortez. For those who plan to spend at least part of the day in the village, it's helpful to know that Loreto has its own unique culinary traditions. You'll have a good meal which, combined with a cold beverage or two, can make for a very pleasant day.
| |
 © istockphoto.com/donfenton |
Loreto is on Mountain Time, seven hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time during standard time, or six hours during daylight savings time. Daylight savings time begins on the first Sunday of April, and ends on the last Sunday of October.
|
|
|
Spanish is universally spoken in Loreto; most of the shopkeepers catering to tourists also speak English.
|
|
|
The U. S. Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico about the security situation in Mexico.
"Since 2006, the Mexican government has engaged in an extensive effort to combat transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The TCOs, meanwhile, have been engaged in a vicious struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity...
"There is no evidence that U.S. tourists have been targeted by criminal elements due to their citizenship. Nonetheless, while in Mexico you should be aware of your surroundings at all times and exercise particular caution in unfamiliar areas..."
|
|
|
|
Currency
The Peso is Mexico's official currency, and uses the "$" sign to denote the peso amount. Each peso is made up of 100 centavos. Bills come in demoninations of $20, $50, $100, $200, $500 and $1000 pesos. Coinage comes in denominations of 50 centavos, and $1, $2, $5 and $10 pesos.
Just be aware that larger notes (e.g., $500 Peso notes) are often difficult to change.
The current US Dollar/Mexican Peso exchange rate is as follows:
Banks and ATMs:
ATM machines can be found in downtown Loreto, in the tourist area. The following is a partial list of the ATMs in town:
- Citibank: At the branch on Avenida Cinco De Mayo, No. 103; Citibank account holders are not charged an ATM transaction fee.
- BBVA Bancomer: At the branch on Avenida Cinco De Mayo, No. 203; another ATM machine can be found on Salvatierra.
See our Loreto ATM map for the locations of the above ATMs.
Using US Dollars in Loreto
As US dollars are widely accepted in Loreto, you don't have to change your dollars into pesos. If you're using dollars alone, make sure to bring smaller denominations to pay for incidentals and taxi rides.
|
|
 © istockphoto.com/Tyrannosaur |
Owing to its geographic proximity, Loreto has a climate almost identical to La Paz. Loreto enjoys 340 days of sun during the year.
During the comfortable winter and spring months, the average daily temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-70s F (18-25° C). Summer and fall daily averages rise to the 80s. It can be hot in the summer months, with 100+ degree days not uncommon.
Relative humidities range from the low- to high-60% from December through June, and then rise to the low 70s from July through November. Loreto gets an average annual rainfall of only 2 inches per year.
Winter water temperatures in the Sea of Cortez around La Paz are in the mid-60s F. During the summer months, the temperatures climb into the mid-80s F. |
Loreto Average Temperatures |
|
Jan |
|
Feb |
|
Mar |
|
Apr |
|
May |
|
Jun |
|
Jul |
|
Aug |
|
Sep |
|
Oct |
|
Nov |
|
Dec |
| Avg High - F |
73 |
|
76 |
|
80 |
|
85 |
|
88 |
|
93 |
|
95 |
|
94 |
|
93 |
|
89 |
|
82 |
|
76 |
| Avg High - C |
22 |
|
25 |
|
26 |
|
29 |
|
30 |
|
34 |
|
36 |
|
35 |
|
35 |
|
30 |
|
27 |
|
25 |
| Avg Low - F |
53 |
|
54 |
|
55 |
|
57 |
|
60 |
|
65 |
|
72 |
|
74 |
|
74 |
|
67 |
|
62 |
|
57 |
| Avg Low - C |
11 |
|
11 |
|
13 |
|
14 |
|
16 |
|
18 |
|
22 |
|
23 |
|
23 |
|
20 |
|
17 |
|
14 |
Loreto Average Precipitation |
|
Jan |
|
Feb |
|
Mar |
|
Apr |
|
May |
|
Jun |
|
Jul |
|
Aug |
|
Sep |
|
Oct |
|
Nov |
|
Dec |
| Avg, Inches |
0.0 |
|
0.4 |
|
0.1 |
|
0.0 |
|
0.0 |
|
0.0 |
|
0.0 |
|
0.0 |
|
0.7 |
|
0.0 |
|
0.5 |
|
0.4 |
| Avg, mm |
0 |
|
11 |
|
2 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
18 |
|
0 |
|
12 |
|
11 |
|
 © istockphoto.com/mjunsworth |
Internet Cafes
The cyber cafes in town are centered in the Mission district, along with the ATM machines. Here's a partial listing of recognized internet cafes:
- Dot Com Internet Cafe, In the Mission district, next to Cafe Ole. Rates of $2 for 30 minutes. Open daily, year round.
- Caseta Soledad, Calle Salvatierra, in the Mission District. Reasonable rates. Open daily, year round, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
See our Loreto Internet Cafes & Wi-Fi Hotspot Map for the locations of the above internet access points.
Cellular Phone & Data Services
Travelers with American cell phones should be aware that their carriers will add a variety of international roaming charges when their phones are used in Mexico. You can also buy a "Mexico plan" from your carrier; check with your carrier for the precise details.
 |
Cell service: Verizon's CDMA service in the Loreto area is provided by local partner Iusacell.
Data services: Through partner Iusacell, Verizon offers EVDO coverage in the greater Loreto area.
See details on Verizon's cell and data services pricing and coverage maps. |
 |
Cell service: AT&T's GSM service in the Loreto area is provided by Telcel and Telefonica.
Data services: AT&T offers 3G service in the Loreto area through its partners Telcel and Telefonica.
See details on AT&T's cell and data services coverage maps. |
 |
Cell service: Sprint's CDMA service in the Loreto area is provided by partner Iusacell, and with partners Telcel and Telefonica when using a quad-band GSM phone.
Data services: Through Iusacel, Sprint offers EVDO coverage in the Loreto area. Sprint also offers 3G coverage in Loreto when using a UMTS-capable device with an active SIM card and global plan.
See details on Sprint's cell and data services coverage maps. |
 |
Cell service: T-Mobile's GSM service is available in the Loreto area through its partners Telefonica and Iusacell.
Data services: T-Mobile offers 2G service in the Loreto area through its partners Telefonica and Iusacell.
See details on T-Mobile's cell and data services coverage maps. |
Kindle Connectivity
|
In Loreto, you can download your Kindle 3G data through Telcel's EDGE/GPRS coverage in the city. |
|
|
 © istockphoto.com/adamdodd
 |
|
Local Holidays & Festivals |
Look for the following local festivals, holidays and events taking place in Loreto in 2013:
|
- Ano Nuevo (New Year's Day), January 1. National holiday celebrated with dances and fiestas.
- Dia de los Santos Reyes (Day of the Three Kings), January 6. A national holiday celebrating the New Testament story of the arrival of the three wise men who each brought a gift to the Christ child. It's the day that children receive gifts as well as shoes full of candy, and people buy a pastry called rosca de reyes.
- Dia de la Constitucion (Constitution Day), February 4. Public holiday commemorating the signing of the Mexican Constitution of 1917. The day is usually marked by festivals and street celebrations.
- Todos Santos Art Festival, February 2 to 9. Todo Santos hosts a week-long art festival, including art shows, concerts, handicraft demonstrations and workshops.
- Carnaval (Mardis Gras), February 7 to 12. The city's biggest street party and entertainment festival starts Thursday, February 7, and continues through Tuesday, February 12.
- Birthday of Benito Juarez, March 18. A public holiday celebrating the birthday of Benito Juarez, who rose from humble origins to occupy the Presidency of the Republic in the second half of the 19th century.
- Primero de Mayo (Labor Day), May 1. A national holiday.
- Loreto Fest, May 2 to 4. Three days of fun and games, and some of the best music by the sea. Monies raised benefit local school children..
- Cinco de Mayo, May 5. A Mexican holiday commemorating the Battle of Puebla in 1862, when the Mexican army defeated a French force twice its size just south of Mexico City. Not as big a deal in Mexico as it is in the US.
- Fiestas de la Virgen de Loreto, September 5 to 7. The Virgin of Loreto Festivities involve a series of religious, civic and cultural events.
- Mexican Independence Day, September 16. A celebration of Mexico's War of Independence against Spain. Look for the delivery of the "El Grito de Dolores," the official grunt that marks the day.
- Dia de la Raza (Columbus Day), October 12. Dia de la Raza is how Mexico celebrates Columbus Day.
- Fiestas de la Fundacion de Loreto, October 201 to 24. The celebrations surrounding the founding of the city of Loreto is one of the most important cultural events in the state.
- Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), November 1-2. Celebrants build private altars to honor the deceased, using sugar skulls, flowers and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed.
- Revolution Day, November 18. A national holiday celebrating the Mexican Revolution of 1910.
- Fiestas de San Javier, December 6 to 7. A celebration of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint from the neighboring town of San Javier. These festivities attract a lot of pilgrims from the peninsula.
- Fiesta de la Inmaculada (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), December 8. Marks the beginning of the Christmas celebration season.
- Dia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe), December 12. Commemorates the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico's patron saint.
- Navidad (Christmas Day), December 25. A public and religious holiday celebrating the birth of Christ.
|
|
|
 © istockphoto.com/Windzepher |
Loreto is a boutique port for Holland America, and in 2013 for Princess, on voyages to the Gulf of California.
In 2013, ships arrive at the city's cruise ship pier at 8:00 am, and depart at either 4:00 pm or 6:00 pm.
In 2012, Loreto will see no port calls from the cruise lines.
In 2013, Loreto is slated to host 5,000 passengers sailing on 3 ships. For further information, see our Loreto Cruise Ship Schedule - 2013.
|
|
 |
|
The following cruise lines will make port in Loreto in 2013:
 |
Princess Cruises |
 |
Holland America |
|
|
 © istockphoto.com/madisonwi |
|
|
© 2008-2013 CruisePortInsider.com |
|
