BajaNomad

Loreto Bound

coldinsouthdakota - 1-6-2010 at 07:31 PM

Hello,

I'll be flying into to Loreto next month for a ten day vacation. (We are in the middle of yet another blizzard at the moment in SD). Meeting my parents at the airport, and then camping and the like. Anything you'd advise some completely new people? Any particular hassles in the air port? Any thing particular to see?

Thanks so much

fishbuck - 1-6-2010 at 07:32 PM

I think I read in here that at the airport you will be overun by timeshare weasels...:lol:

Marla Daily - 1-6-2010 at 08:39 PM

Welcome to the Baja Nomad board and to Loreto. Be sure to take the drive to San Javier, stopping at the chapel at Las Parras along the way. Lunch at the restaurant, Dos Borrachos, a long block off the highway up the road to San Javier, is worth the visit while you're in the neighborhood.

The best gift shop in Loreto (in my opinion) is the Alacran, on the first corner to the west of the Loreto Mission.

Breakfast at Cafe Ole across the street from Bancomer at the town square (or what is left of it during its reconstruction) is always fast, good, and reasonably priced.

Can't beat the enchiladas suizas at Los Mandiles on the Malecon (beach Blvd.) for dinner.

You will be there for whale season. A trip to Lopez Mateos on the Pacific side of the peninsula to pet the whales will keep you coming back.

Let us know what you liked after your visit. You are welcomed to U2U me if you have any specific questions about Loreto. We've had a second home in Loreto since the 1980s. There were only a dozen gringos with homes in Loreto at the time. Now they number over 1000!

[Edited on 1-7-2010 by Marla Daily]

things to do..

msawin - 1-6-2010 at 09:17 PM

to Cold in Dakota,
Can find some great info here at this site.. From Woodbury County Iowa and my wife of 30 anos, Eastern So. dakota. Rosalt area.

I've been down in the Loreto area as of 1989. Drove down the first time so I / we have seen the great state... so rent a car and drive up north to Mulege. The views of Bay Conception are the "most" to view and never to forget. Than come on down south to Ligiu and visit Ensenada Blanca. a perfect beach. Cruz over to Puerto Mateos and check in on the Pacific side. short trips. A coulpe hours to Mulege, One hour to Mateos... 30 min. too Ligiu.

please take the time to see as much of the area and great views as possible..

marty

Howard - 1-6-2010 at 09:42 PM

I have had the privilege to have traveled to around 50 countries in my life (and counting) and one of the most awe-inspiring sites that I have ever witnessed is close encounters with the California Gray whales. To view these magnificent creatures, you are only about a 2-hour drive from Loreto. Go one line and look for either San Ignacio or Magdalena Bay whale migration. You are coming down at almost a perfect time to see these behemoth mammals and I assure you, that after all the great memories of Loreto fade, you will always look back upon the whale viewing and smile. It is an easy drive, relatively inexpensive and a day trip. If you need any further assistance with more information, I am sure quite a lot of people on the site will chime in.

Marla was right on with her recommendations and after thinking about it, I think most people will agree to take advantage of your timing and chance of a lifetime.

I dare one person to think otherwise on my recommendation!

"When your life finally flashes before your eyes, you will have only moments to regret all the things in life you never had the courage to try."

coldinsouthdakota - 1-6-2010 at 09:46 PM

thanks so much for all the great replies all ready

the current weather in South Dakota is making me anxious to go!!!!

My parents will be driving down to Loreto, and picking me up at the airport. Anything they should know?

dudette:

Howard - 1-6-2010 at 09:59 PM

Yes, tell them to have a cold Pacifico waiting for you when you get off the plane.

Pompano - 1-6-2010 at 10:57 PM

coldinsouthdakota....

Hi, I'm from North Dakota and have lived half the year in Baja for about 40 years now. I have a place in Coyote Bay, Conception Bay, north of Loreto about 65 miles. Would be glad to point out the town of Mulege and various camping beaches in Conception Bay. Google both and you will see plenty of photos and gather tons of info.

Am actually enroute right now to Lake of the Woods for some ice-fishing and check on a place I have there. Will miss SD though, as I will go east from Denver to Iowa and north from there. It's -8F at my Up North place now. Not too bad for this time of year. Almost balmy. Will be back in Baja before your arrival.

Good luck and no highway driving at night. Fencing is poor and most is open range.

wilderone - 1-7-2010 at 09:15 AM

Don't leave all your cold weather gear behind. Bring enough cold clothing for 40 degree night and early morning temps. If the wind is blowing, it feels even colder. Bring a mask and snorkle; find somebody in Mulege to take you to the pictographs; have a boat in Mulege take you a bit north to a great snorkling beach and picnic, hiking. (They can pick you up at the end of the day). Try not to leave your camp unattended if you feel there is any chance at all of someone coming by in your absence. You might want to drive to San Francisco to see the one cave mural that doesn't need a permit. A spectacular drive (exit Mex. 1 a little north of San Ignacio - ask in San Ignacio for info).

Bajahowodd - 1-7-2010 at 12:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by coldinsouthdakota
thanks so much for all the great replies all ready

the current weather in South Dakota is making me anxious to go!!!!

My parents will be driving down to Loreto, and picking me up at the airport. Anything they should know?

dudette:


Seems that you are implying that your parents mey be driving down for the first time. And you mentioned camping. What are your parents driving? Will they be looking for campsites on the way?

coldinsouthdakota - 1-7-2010 at 01:30 PM

Very perceptive!!!

Yes, they are driving down. First time, a pickup with a lance camper on the back. Campsite suggestions would be appreciated.

wilderone - 1-10-2010 at 09:19 AM

Campsites for a pickup/camper is wherever you find it. They'll figure it out. A thousand of 'em. Might consider Rancho Santa Ynez, El Marmol, Mission San Borja, La Gringa end at Bahia de los angeles, Laguna Manuela, estero coyote, sammons lagoon.