Loreto Airport

Loreto International Airport (LTO) is the aerial gateway to one of the most charming and secluded corners of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Located on the coast of the Gulf of California, also known as the Sea of Cortez, it serves as a starting point for travellers eager to explore the pristine beaches, rich underwater world, and colonial architecture of the city of Loreto. This compact yet modern airport accommodates both domestic and international flights, offering tourists easy and convenient access to this sunny paradise.

Despite its modest size, Loreto Airport boasts everything necessary for a comfortable start and end to your journey. The terminal building houses check-in counters, several shops with souvenirs and travel essentials, as well as eateries. The airport is capable of handling aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, thanks to its 2,200-metre runway. Its convenient location and friendly atmosphere make it an ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful holiday away from the noise of major tourist hubs.

Below you will find contact details for Loreto International Airport (LTO) to help you plan your trip.

• Official Website: Current information on flights, services, and regulations can be found on the official website of the airport operator, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP): www.aeropuertosgap.com.mx/es/loreto.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can call: +52 (613) 135 0499.
• Airport Address: Carretera Transpeninsular Km. 5, C.P. 23880, Loreto, Baja California Sur, México.
• Email: The airport does not provide a public email address. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: News and updates are published on the official social media pages of the GAP group, which manages the airport, on platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost luggage during a flight, please contact your airline directly. If you have lost personal items within the terminal, contact the airport information desk via the main phone number.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and enquiries regarding airport services, please use the information desk phone number.

Loreto International Airport (LTO) is located just a few kilometres south of the city centre of Loreto, making the journey there quick and convenient. A trip by car usually takes no more than 10–15 minutes. There are several ways to get from the airport to the city or vice versa; however, it is worth noting that Mexico has specific nuances regarding public transport in resort areas.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most popular and reliable means of transport. You will find official taxi stands right at the exit of the arrivals terminal. The cost of a trip to the city centre or major hotels is typically fixed. For greater convenience and potential savings, especially if travelling in a group, it is recommended to book a private transfer in advance. Many hotels also offer airport pickup services for their guests.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to actively explore the picturesque surroundings of Loreto and the Gulf of California coast. Offices of several international and local rental companies are present at the airport. Booking a car online in advance often secures better rates. This gives you complete freedom of movement from the moment of arrival.

As for public transport, there is no direct bus service to the airport. Theoretically, one could walk to the main highway and wait for a passing local bus (colectivo), but for tourists with luggage, this option is extremely inconvenient and not recommended. It is better to opt for more comfortable methods.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is available. It is located in immediate proximity to the terminal and offers both short-term and long-term parking options. Given the small size of the airport, finding a free space is usually not an issue.

Although Loreto Airport is conveniently located for access to the city, some travellers may arrive at larger regional hubs, such as La Paz International Airport (LAP) or Los Cabos (SJD), and travel to Loreto by land from there. This is worth considering when planning your route through Baja California Sur.

Loreto International Airport (LTO) is a compact and modern aviation hub that serves as the main gateway to one of the most charming regions of Mexico. Its key advantage is simplicity and convenience, as the airport consists of just one passenger terminal handling both domestic and international flights.

The terminal building features a logical and intuitive layout. All key areas—check-in, security screening, waiting lounges, and baggage claim—are located within the same building, a short distance from one another. It is practically impossible to get lost here, and signs in Spanish and English will help you orient yourself easily. Thanks to its compactness, the airport requires no transfers between terminals, making the journey more comfortable.

The terminal is functionally divided into two main zones. The Arrivals Zone is located on the ground floor and includes passport control for international passengers, baggage claim belts, and customs inspection. Immediately after exiting the customs area, you will find car rental counters and taxi kiosks. The Departures Zone is also on the ground floor and includes airline check-in counters. After check-in, passengers pass through security control and enter a cosy waiting lounge with several boarding gates.

Due to the airport's small size and moderate passenger flow, completing all pre-flight formalities usually takes significantly less time than in major hubs. Typically, check-in and screening take no more than 30-40 minutes. Nevertheless, the standard recommendation is to arrive at the airport approximately 2 hours before an international flight and 1.5 hours before a domestic one to avoid any rush.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the signs. After checking in for your flight and dropping off your luggage, proceed immediately to security screening to enter the secure area (airside). In the departure lounge, there is a small café where you can have a snack, and several souvenir shops. Due to the simplicity and small size of the airport, special navigation recommendations are not required—everything is within walking distance.

The history of Loreto International Airport (LTO) is inextricably linked to the transformation of the city of the same name into a popular tourist destination. The airport was built and opened in the 1970s, becoming one of the key elements of a large-scale government project to develop tourism in Mexico, overseen by the FONATUR fund. Before its appearance, Loreto was a quiet fishing village with very limited access, and the construction of the air harbour became the starting point for its development.

The primary task of the new airport was to create an aerial gateway for tourists, primarily from the USA and Canada, who were looking for new places for leisure, sport fishing, and diving. The launch of scheduled and charter flights radically changed the region's economy, giving a powerful impulse to the development of hotel infrastructure and the service sector. Together with the construction of the Transpeninsular Highway during the same period, the airport opened the beauties of the Gulf of California coast to the world, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Throughout its history, the airport has been modernized repeatedly to meet growing passenger traffic and changing international safety standards. Reconstructions of the runway and updates to the terminal have been carried out. Today, it represents a modern, albeit small, complex capable of handling medium-haul aircraft. The airport is managed by the company Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), ensuring a high level of service.

Perhaps the main achievement and most interesting fact in the history of Loreto Airport is that it was created not evolutionarily, but as a strategic object for the purposeful transformation of the region into a tourism gem. This mission was successfully accomplished, and today LTO continues to play a key role in the prosperity of Loreto and its surroundings, remaining a vital transport artery connecting this secluded paradise with the rest of the world.

Loreto International Airport (LTO), despite its modest size, offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable start or end to their journey through one of the most picturesque regions of Mexico. Here you will find amenities that will make your wait for the flight pleasant and hassle-free.

Dining and Shopping. The terminal features several cafés and snack bars where you can have a bite before your flight or enjoy coffee and refreshing beverages. There are also souvenir shops where you can purchase items from local artisans, traditional Mexican goods, and other mementos.

Lounges and Wi-Fi. For a more comfortable wait, the airport has a VIP lounge offering a secluded atmosphere, snacks, and drinks. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stations are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial Services. ATMs are installed in the airport building where you can withdraw cash. A currency exchange point is also available, which is particularly convenient for tourists arriving from abroad.

Additional Amenities. The airport is equipped for the comfort of all passenger categories. Mother and child rooms are provided for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are offered necessary assistance, and the infrastructure includes ramps and specially equipped washrooms. If needed, a medical unit is available for first aid.

Accommodation and Business Services. Although there are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, many accommodation options are located in the city of Loreto itself, just a few minutes away by taxi. Specialised conference rooms or business centres are absent at the airport, but basic business services may be available in the VIP lounge.

Loreto International Airport (LTO) is a small and compact air terminal, so the choice of dining establishments here is limited. Nevertheless, passengers can find everything necessary for a snack before departure. All cafés and shops are located in the single terminal, making navigation through the airport very simple.

The main place to eat is a small snack bar located in the departure area after passing security control (airside). Here, travellers are offered sandwiches, pastries, crisps, sweets, as well as hot and cold beverages, including coffee, juices, and soft drinks. This is an ideal option for a quick snack while waiting for boarding.

If you are counting on a full meal or wish to try authentic Mexican cuisine, it is recommended to do so in advance at one of the restaurants in the city of Loreto. The assortment at the airport is primarily oriented towards convenience and speed of service rather than gastronomic delights. The opening hours of establishments depend directly on the flight schedule—they open a few hours before the first departure and close after the last one leaves.

Unfortunately, specialised dietary options, such as Halal, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free dishes, are practically unrepresented at the airport. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices in airport cafés are generally higher than in the city, which is standard practice for air terminals.

To ensure your journey through Loreto Airport is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, make use of these helpful tips. A little preparation will help save time, reduce stress, and even save money.

Arrival Time at the Airport: Loreto International Airport (LTO) is relatively small, but to avoid rushing, arrive well in advance. It is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you enough time for check-in, baggage drop, and security control.

Check-in and Security Control: The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on your airline's website. Have your passport and boarding pass ready at the airport. During screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large gadgets from your hand luggage, and pack all liquids (in containers no larger than 100 ml) in a separate transparent bag.

Seat Selection: When flying out of Loreto or arriving here, window seats (especially on the left side when flying north) offer stunning views of the Sea of Cortez and the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range. If freedom of movement is more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage: Be sure to pack all your most valuable items in your hand luggage: documents, money, bank cards, prescription medicines (if necessary), and portable chargers. Do not pack sharp objects or liquids over 100 ml. A light jacket or sweater will also come in handy, as it can be cool on the plane.

Connecting Passengers: Although Loreto is rarely a transit point, if you have a connection planned at another airport in Mexico or the USA, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Study the map of the transfer airport in advance and ensure you have enough time between flights.

Customs Control: Upon arrival on an international flight, you will need to pass customs control. Fill out the immigration and customs forms usually distributed on the plane. Mexico often uses a "traffic light" system: you press a button, and a green light (pass without inspection) or red light (baggage inspection) lights up randomly. Be prepared for this.

Saving Time and Money: Book your airport transfer online in advance—this is often cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Bring an empty reusable water bottle and fill it after passing security to avoid spending money on overpriced drinks.

In Case of Flight Delay: Be sure to check your flight status before leaving for the airport. If the flight is delayed after your arrival, contact the airline counter. Depending on the length of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation. Pre-downloaded films, music, or a book will help pass the waiting time.