Day 1

Arrive mid-day at Loreto International Airport and transfer to a hotel, bed-and-breakfast, or vacation rental in downtown Loreto. Some good choices include Coco Cabañas, Las Cabañas de Loreto, or the upscale Hotel Posada de las Flores.

Stroll the malecón and plaza at sunset. Mingle with local expats over dinner at the Los Cuatros Altos Sports Bar, or sample the legendary fish tacos at El Rey del Taco.

Day 2

Rise early to spend the day fishing, kayaking, diving, or touring the islands in the Loreto Bay National Marine Park directly offshore. Then reward yourself with a meal of hearty Argentinian fare at Pachamama and drinks at the second-story, open-air Bar Eclipse.

Day 3

Sleep in, then visit one of the best-preserved Jesuit missions on the peninsula in the tiny village of San Javier, a 36-kilometer (22-mi) drive southwest of Loreto. You can drive yourself, hire a van and driver, or join a guided ATV tour. Finish the excursion with a meal at Del Borracho Saloon and Grill.

Add an optional 15-minute drive south to tour the FONATUR development at Nopoló and have a drink at the seaside Inn at Loreto Bay.

Day 4

Take an early morning walk along the waterfront. Enjoy the views over breakfast and an “energy juice” at the Santa Lucia café. Browse the shops near the plaza for souvenirs. Take one last dip in the pool, and off you go.

© Nikki Goth Itoi from Moon Baja, 9th Edition