Leg 128 MMLT Loreto (Mexico) to MMGM - Guaymas (Mexico)
MMLT - Airport Info
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ICAO code: MMLT
Airport name: Loreto Airport
Location: Loreto
Useful information
Airport elevation: '
Time zone: UTC-
Lighted runways : Yes
Maximum runway length: '
Runway surface : Asphalt
Instrument approach (ILS, LOC, LDA, and SDF):
Loreto Info
Located 84 miles south of Mulege and 217 miles north of La Paz is the historic town of Loreto or "Conchó" in the indigenous language which means "red mangrove". Not only is it the oldest town in Baja California, founded in 1697 by the Jesuits, but its surrounding scenery is incomparable; the magnificent Sierra de la Giganta mountain range, the awesome desert and the azure Sea of Cortez.
Facing Loreto (pop. 10,000) are the wonderful islands such as the Coronados with its turquoise waters and sea lion colonies; Isla Carmen with its beautiful beaches and coves; the Danzantes with its rocky edges and small coves, a paradise for scuba diving; and Catalina, a favorite of the ecologist with its unique flora and fauna.
The surroundings of islands offer the great sportfishing with an abundance of fish like yellowtail, sailfish, dorado, marlin, wahoo and roosterfish. Sportfishing has made Loreto famous and is one of its main tourist activities. Likewise, great schools of frolicking dolphins can be observed and with any luck, one might see the blue whale, the biggest animal on the planet. Recently a wide area of the Sea of Cortez in front of Loreto was declared a Nation Marine Park by the Mexican government thus preserving the pristine waters here.
Crystal-clear waters at Isla Coronado
As the oldest permanent settlement and first capital of Baja, Loreto is steeped in history. The mission of Nuestro Señora de Loreto, built in 1752, has been rebuilt due to earthquakes and floods many times, but serves as the lead mission in colonialization of the Baja peninsula. A museum filled with religious art and colonial artifacts is found next door. One of Baja's most magnificent missions, San Javier, can be found 23 miles to the west in the Sierras. A must see!
The tourist corridor of "Loreto-Nopolo-Puerto Loreto" offers many tourist amenities and is developing into a popular getaway for the sailing crowd. There is an 18 hole golf course and a magnificent tennis center with 9 courts and a stadium, considered among the best in Baja.
Loreto has an international airport which is served daily from California, a bus depot, and excellent tourism services; hotels up to five stars, bed & breakfast inns, restaurants, R.V. parks and campgrounds, car rentals, recreational services and much more.
MMGM - Airport Info
ICAO code: MMGM
Airport name: Guaymas Airport
Location: Guaymas
Useful information
Airport elevation: '
Time zone: UTC-
Lighted runways : Yes
Maximum runway length: '
Runway surface : Asphalt
Instrument approach (ILS, LOC, LDA, and SDF):
Guaymas Info
Guaymas is the main port of the state of Sonora, situated on the coast of the Sea of Cortez. San Carlos is about 12 miles to the North West.
San Carlos is a more popular destination for tourists, with many Americans coming in the winter months, and Mexicans coming in July and August. The beaches aren't particularly sandy, more rocky actually, but San Carlos is excellent for outdoor sports of all kinds. Diving, sailing, fishing, horse riding, kayaking and golf all have their place here. There are fishing tournaments in May, July and September, and golf tournaments throughout the year.
Guaymas was founded in 1769 by the Spaniards. In the 1800s it was hotly contested harbor with invasions attempted by many groups and nationalities, including the Americans. In 1852 the notorious French pirate Gaston Raousset de Bourbon managed to capture the port for several months. The pirates left for two years, however on their return the Mexican army was waiting for them. Most of the pirates were captured and executed. Today Guaymas has a thriving fishing industry. Some of the day's catch is served in the local restaurants, the local delicacy being the Camarones Gigantes - giant shrimp. A ferry can be caught here to Santa Rosalia in Baja California.
The most notable sights in Guaymas are the Plaza de los Tres Presidentes commemorating the three Mexican presidents who have come from Guaymas. The Iglesia de San Fernando was built in the 19th century, as was the Palacio Muncipal. The Plaza del Pescador has beautiful views, with the bay on one side and the city spread out on the other. There is a statue of a fisherman here, dedicated to those who have died in their dangerous profession.
The week before Ash Wednesday Guaymas celebrates a carnaval, and the week after the carnaval, San Carlos also holds a small canival.