BAJA BLUE WATER & TREASURES ON THE SEA OF CORTEZ

High on a hill, dominating the sea, Loreto is a small city that lives solely for the “Santa Casa”, one of the most famous and revered monuments of Christianity. According to tradition, it was the Virgin Mary’s birth house, which up until that time was kept intact and venerated in Palestine, then flown by angels from Nazareth to the Adriatic Coast and set on a green hill of laurels on the night of December 10, 1294; hence the name Loreto.Today, the historical hypothesis, more scientific but as equally impressive, is attributed to the Crusaders, who transported from the Holy Land the precious residence that since the 14th century has been a destination for believers from all over the world.Thanks to the faith and the generosity of visiting princes and popes, the construction of the immense Sanctuary around Santa Casa, that lasted almost three centuries between modifications and decorating, was achieved by the greatest architects and artists of that time; from Sangallo, Bramante, Vanvitelli to painters and ceramists of the most noted renaissance schools.Nevertheless, whether for myth or reality, today Loreto offers a wide range of interests and events to those who visit: sublime sacred occasions, priceless treasures of art, museums, tourist and artistic itineraries, exhibitions and international musical shows and events.

An exciting mixture of old and new, Mazatlán (an Aztec word meaning “place of deer”) has long been a favorite of sport fishermen, with trophy catches of sailfish and marlin possible year ’round. Those just seeking to catch some natural beauty will find plenty offered in the majestic neighboring mountain range, as well as the finest harbor on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.

This sleepy fishing village became a jet-set resort after “The Night of the Iguana” was filmed here in 1964. Nestled on the 28-mile curve of Banderas Bay and bordered by a mountain range, Puerto Vallarta is surrounded by sleek, sophisticated world-class resorts, yet its downtown area has steadfastly held its character, refusing to be modernized. You’ll still find the traditional whitewashed houses with red-tile roofs and lush bougainvillea, cobblestone streets, and colorful fishing boats. A treat for the eye as well as the camera.

San Diego, (dê-â´go) city (1990 pop. 1,110,549; met. area 2,498,016), seat of San Diego co., S Calif., on San Diego Bay. The city is the second largest in California and the sixth largest in the U.S. Its excellent natural harbor has made it a fishing and shipping port, and a major naval center. Aerospace, electronics, shipbuilding, biotechnology, and other industries are important. Tourism and convention business are large factors in the economy. Explored and claimed by Spain in 1542, it
was the site of the first of Fr. Junípero Serra’s missions and a historic fort, the Presidio (both 1769). The area has many other historic sites, including the Cabrillo National Monument. San Diego is also a cultural, medical, oceanographic, and research center, and its aquatic park and enormous zoo are well known. From 1988 to 1995 the America’s Cup sailing races were held at San Diego.