Loreto, Mexico

What It Is Like to Retire in Loreto

Loreto is located in the North Eastern región of the state of Baja California Sur, about 350 km North of La Paz.  This is a calm tranquil paradise blanketed in natural wonders like the Marine park  and surrounded by a small number of islands, which make Loreto an ideal place to retire, for those people that love aquatic sports like snorkeling, fishing, and scuba diving.

Loreto's splendid weather and spectacular scenery are closer than you think. Just an hour or two by air from most cities in northern Mexico and two to four hours from the most important cities in the US, paradise is nearer than you ever imagined.

As you stroll through the area, you come to know its history. Loreto was the first Spanish town in the Baja California Peninsula, site of the first mission capital of the Californias founded in 1697 by Jesuit priest Juan Maria Salvatierra. In the Jesuit Missions Museum, you can browse through a collection of 17th and 18th century religious art, tools and antique firearms used in Baja California's Spanish missions.

You can also find cave art carved into the walls and rocks of the majestic Sierra de la Giganta, part of which has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Where to Retire in Loreto and Home Prices

Many types of housing is available including single-family, condos, villas and apartments are offered with prices ranging from the low $100's (2,487,472.00 MXN) to over $800,000 (15,304,320.00 MXN).

What Is Special about Loreto

Natural beauty surrounds this small town. Jacques Cousteau called it "The World's Aquarium" as it is a paradise for Scuba divers. It is a birthing place for gray whales and also offers turtle preserves. Loreto is a tourist resort known for great snorkeling, and fishing, but also has a golf course and a tennis center.

What Is Not Special about Loreto

Temperatures are in the 90's during summer months. If you don't love outdoor activities and water sports you won't find much else to do.

Who Will Like Retirement in Loreto

The small town is considered a nature lovers paradise and offers one of the most biodiverse body of water in the world. Expats enjoy low housing costs along with good medical and dental care at lower cost than in the U.S.

Local Economy Is Driven by

The economy is driven by tourism and fishing.

Climate and Physical Environment

The climate here is hot and humid with the hottest temperatures from June through October and have average highs of 93 degrees with winter temperatures in the 60's and 70's. The hurricane season (June through November) is a concern for Loreto, with the last one hitting in 2006.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Loreto is a quiet fishing village that does not offer the glitz of other Baja towns. There are several seafood restaurants here along with Mexican, Latin, and pubs most with great reviews on TripAdvisor.com. Culturally, there are several sites and Missions that are considered historical monuments, but Loreto draws tourists and expats for its overall beauty and outdoor activities which include many sightseeing boat tours, fishing charters and water sports. There are popular town festivals celebrated in September and October.

Crime

Crime rate here is low and does not have the drug violence that affects other parts of Mexico.

Medical facilities

Medical standards are high in Baja. North Americans often choose to have dentistry or medical treatments or elective surgeries done here because of the quality of the care and the cost.

Transportation

Loreto has only two main roads with many side streets made of packed sand. The city is served by Loreto International Airport.

Valuable Links

Visit Loreto