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Loreto Baja California
Eco-Tours
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Eco-tourism in Baja California has
branched out to appeal to a broad range of travelers and, as a result, an
assortment of experiences is available. When you look at Loreto, you will
discover an abundance of the unique flora, fauna, marine life, historical
and cultural attributes - all available and maintained in an ecologically
responsible manner. An example of this is the Bay of Loreto National Marine
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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. |
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CORONADO ISLAND OF LORETO
volcanic island with white
sandy beach
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While there is certainly some very
interesting sightseeing in and around Loreto, its is the destination's
scenic beauty, excellent sports fishing and adventure-ready environs that
attract the majority of today's visitors.
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.
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CAVE PAINTINGS "THE GREAT MURALS"
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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. |
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