Loreto, Baja California Sur

Loreto, Baja California Sur
Top: view of Loreto from the Gulf of California; middle: Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó (left) and Posada de las Flores (right); bottom: City Hall (left) and downtown (right).
Coat of arms of Loreto, Baja California Sur
Loreto, Baja California Sur is located in Baja California Sur
Loreto, Baja California Sur
Loreto, Baja California Sur
Location of Loreto in Mexico
Loreto, Baja California Sur is located in Mexico
Loreto, Baja California Sur
Loreto, Baja California Sur
Loreto, Baja California Sur (Mexico)
Coordinates: 26°00′46″N 111°20′36″W / 26.01278°N 111.34333°W / 26.01278; -111.34333
Country Mexico
StateBaja California Sur
MunicipalityLoreto Municipality
FoundedOctober 25, 1697
Founded asReal de Loreto
Founded byJuan María de Salvatierra
Government
 • MayorArely Arce Peralta
Elevation
3 m (10 ft)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total16,311
 • Demonym
Loretano
Time zoneUTC−7 (Pacific (US Mountain))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−6 (Pacific)
Postal code
23880
Area code613
Websitewww.loreto.gob.mx

Loreto is a city and municipal seat of Loreto Municipality, Baja California Sur, on the West Coast of Mexico. Located on the Gulf of California, the city had a population of 16,311 inhabitants in 2020.[1] Loreto is a regional economic and cultural center, as well as a major tourist destination on the Baja California Peninsula.

Loreto was founded in 1697, when Juan María de Salvatierra founded Misión de Nuestra Señora de Loreto Conchó. The city served as the capital of Province of the Californias until 1777, when the capital moved to Monterey, California. Loreto continued to serve as the capital of Baja California until 1829. The city grew rapidly in the 20th century and is today a major tourist destination and regional hub.

  1. ^ "CENSO Loreto 2020" (PDF).