Overview
Tucked on the Sea of Cortez in Baja California Sur, Loreto is one of Mexico's most understated coastal gems. Founded in 1697 as the first Spanish mission in the Californias, it now draws UK travellers for its turquoise waters, uncrowded beaches and the Loreto Bay National Marine Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting five desert islands just offshore. It's a quieter, more authentic alternative to Cabo, with whale watching, world-class snorkelling and a walkable colonial centre.
Best time to fly to Loreto
The most comfortable months to visit are October to May, when daytime temperatures sit in the pleasant low-to-mid 20s°C and the sea is calm. January to April is peak season for spotting grey and blue whales in the Sea of Cortez, so book flights to Loreto early if you want this window. Summer (June to September) brings intense heat and humidity, with a chance of tropical storms August to October — check the price charts on this page, as fares often dip in the shoulder months either side of peak whale season.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Loreto from the UK, so journeys involve at least one connection. The most common routing is London to Los Angeles with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic (around 11 hours), then onward with Alaska Airlines, which operates seasonal flights from LAX to Loreto (roughly 2.5 hours). An alternative is flying via Mexico City with British Airways or Aeroméxico, then taking a domestic Aeroméxico Connect or Calafia Airlines flight into Loreto. Total journey time from the UK typically runs 15–20 hours including connections, so comparing routings on the When to book chart above can help find the smoothest option.
Things to do in Loreto
Loreto rewards travellers who want the outdoors without the crowds:
- Loreto Bay National Marine Park: Snorkel or dive among five protected islands teeming with marine life.
- Whale watching: Boat trips (January–April) bring you close to grey and blue whales in the Sea of Cortez.
- Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto: The first Jesuit mission in the Californias, founded in 1697, in the heart of the old town.
- Isla Coronado: A short boat ride to a pristine island beach popular for kayaking and sea lion sightings.
- Historic Malecón and town centre: Stroll the seafront promenade, cobbled streets and plazas lined with cafés.
At Loreto International Airport (LTO)
Loreto International Airport sits around 5km (3 miles) from the town centre, roughly a 10-minute drive. Pre-booked transfers and taxis are readily available outside arrivals, and several UK tour operators include transfers as part of a package. There is no train or bus link, so arranging a taxi or transfer in advance is the simplest option after a long journey.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Loreto
- Book ahead for whale season: January–April fares rise quickly, so book 3–4 months out if travelling then.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures on the transatlantic leg are often cheaper than weekends.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting by a few days either side can unlock better connections and lower fares — see the When to book chart above.
- Compare routings: Weigh LAX–Alaska Airlines connections against Mexico City routings, as pricing and journey time vary by season.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders do not need a visa for tourist visits to Mexico of up to 180 days, but must complete a tourist card (FMM), usually issued during check-in or on arrival. The currency is the Mexican Peso (MXN), though US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas; card payments are common in hotels and restaurants. No special vaccinations are required, though routine cover and travel insurance are recommended, and tap water should be avoided in favour of bottled water.
