Town 23 km south of Loreto
A nearly enclosed natural harbor and marina south of Loreto, set below the cliffs of the Sierra de la Giganta.
Puerto Escondido, about 25 kilometers south of Loreto, is a natural harbor almost completely enclosed by land, which makes it one of the safest anchorages on the Sea of Cortez. Sailboats and yachts shelter here, and its marina is the main departure point for boat trips to Isla Danzante, Isla del Carmen and the southern islands of the Bay of Loreto National Park.
Behind the harbor rise the steep red cliffs of the Sierra de la Giganta. In 1940 John Steinbeck and the biologist Ed Ricketts stopped here aboard the Western Flyer on the voyage he later described in The Log from the Sea of Cortez, and they went inland into the mountains.
The canyon they explored, Tabor Canyon, sometimes called Steinbeck Canyon, is now a popular hike. The hike, usually about three hours, climbs some 300 meters up a rocky arroyo, scrambling over huge water-polished boulders past pools and, after rains, small waterfalls, with views back over the harbor.
What to see and do
Hike Tabor Canyon, scrambling over giant boulders to pools in the Sierra de la Giganta.
Take a boat from the marina to Isla Danzante or Isla del Carmen.
Watch the sailboats in the enclosed harbor below the cliffs.
Start a sea kayak trip along the coast toward the southern islands.
Getting there
From Loreto, drive south on Highway 1 for about 25 minutes and take the signed turnoff to the harbor. The Tabor Canyon trailhead is near the highway close to the turnoff; it is a rough scramble, so wear good shoes, carry water and start early, or join a guided hike from Loreto. Avoid the canyon if rain is forecast.
23 km south of Loreto
Directions from Loreto on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
Plan your trip
Places to stay in Puerto Escondido
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Weather warm
Puerto Escondido shares the climate of Loreto, 23 km away. The best months to visit are Jan, Apr, May, Nov.
Make Loreto your base
Puerto Escondido is an easy trip from Loreto, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around Loreto
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Isla Coronado
· Beach · 14 km away
The closest island to Loreto: a volcanic cone with a white-sand beach, turquoise water and a colony of sea lions. -
Isla del Carmen
· Nature reserve · 18 km away
The bay's largest island, with quiet coves and the ruins of an old salt works at Bahía Salinas. -
Parque Nacional Bahía de Loreto
· Nature reserve · 24 km away
The marine national park right off Loreto's malecón: five desert islands, whales in winter and clear water for snorkeling and kayaking. -
Misión San Javier
· Landmark · 26 km away
A remote Jesuit mission in the Sierra de la Giganta, with a fine 18th-century stone church and a centuries-old olive tree. -
Isla Danzante
· Nature reserve · 27 km away
A small, rugged island off Puerto Escondido, loved by kayakers for its sheltered coves and good snorkeling. -
Agua Verde
· Town · 62 km away
A remote fishing village with turquoise coves at the end of a rough mountain dirt road; best with a high-clearance vehicle.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.