Loreto Baja California Eco-Tours

BAY OF LORETO NATIONAL MARINE PARK

In 1996, as the result of initiatives from the Loreto community, Mexican President Ernesto Zedillo established as law the Bay of Loreto National Marine Park. It was the third such protected marine bio-region in the Sea of Cortez. The park, which covers 1,283 miles, also includes the 5 'biosphere reserve' Islands of Coronado, Carmen, Danzante, Monserrat and Santa Catalina. They are also protected by the Sea of Cortez Migratory Bird and Wildlife Refuge.

To reinforce the importance of the Marine Park, you will be pleased to know that the Sea of Cortez is the breeding area for the Pacific gray whale.

CORONADO ISLAND OF LORETO

   volcanic island with white sandy beach

First time visitors to Loreto marvel at its physical setting: five deserted islands seem to almost float on the horizon in the cobalt-blue Sea of Cortez, while the towering Sierra La Giganta mountains rear up behind the village.

The five islands off Loreto's coast invite exploration by hikers, beachcombers, scuba divers, snorkelers and swimmers:

Loreto's shores are bordered by highlands, broken by the river valleys on the east but presenting an almost unbroken mountain wall on the west. The coastline is irregular and forms numerous small bays, making it exceptional for kayaking.

CAVE PAINTINGS

"THE GREAT MURALS"

The true origin of cave paintings in Baja California Sur is still unknown. However, they have been dated as far back as 1,500 years and are considered so valuable a find, that UNESCO has designated the largest murals - The GREAT MURALS - for special protection.

One can find these cave paintings all over Baja but the more convenient and significant groupings are located in the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains - just outside of Mulege, which is approximately 84 miles to the north of Loreto. You will hike through scenic canyons or desert trails where you will experience the flora and fauna of this ecological wonderland.

The cave paintings represent larger-than-life animal and human-like forms in scenes that could be ritual ceremonies, pilgrimage, hunting or battles. They are made in ochre, red, white, yellows and black. The faceless human like-like figures painted in red and black, are seen are painted in a standing position with their arms up and their head covered in a strange hat.