We weren't properly introduced to the area until we were lost and trying to find a campsite at Puerto Escondido. Which, we found out, there are no campsites in ...
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There’s No Camping in Puerto Escondido, but Fishing, Yes!
Posted: March 6, 2012 Filed under: Travel | Tags: ashley ross, cast n'reel fishing charters, druce ross, fishing loreto, fishing puerto escondido, hotel 1697, loreto, loreto fishing charters, loreto hotels, mr and mrs a, puerto escondido, ross family Leave a comment »
It wasn’t a secret to Mr & Mrs A that Loreto in Baja California had some significant history behind it. But for fishing?
That was new to us. We weren’t properly introduced to the area until we were lost and trying to find a campsite at Puerto Escondido. Which, we found out, there are no campsites in Puerto Escondido. Just a large cemented parking lot and a marina. The two stories of mostly empty offices, one restaurant and center for the yacht club, overlooks a small harbor full of both sail and power boats.
In an attempt to find a place to stay, we asked a young couple inside an open office if they knew of any sail boats to rent for the night. There were none available, but in a gracious moment, the young woman offered a room in a power boat that belonged to her family’s charter fishing company, Cast N’ Reel. Her name was Ashley Ross, and her hospitality (and friendship) went far beyond anything we could have possibly expected.
Not only did she put us up in one of their two, spacious charter boats, she invited us to share in a meal of freshly caught tuna with the Ross family. We met Mr. Ross, the fisherman behind the charter and the Ross family legacy that started in the early days of Cabo San Lucas. He had a depth of knowledge about fishing that was passed down from generations and the entire family clearly shared a passion for the sea. We didn’t get the chance to head out on the boats, but we met the crew and heard stories about the amazing catches over the years. I couldn’t believe the size of the fish they were catching – they were larger than I was. If you don’t believe me, check out these Facebook photos!
We stuck around in Loreto for a few days and had the opportunity to hang out with Ashley and her fiancé Druce. The town of Loreto had charm with its “Malecon” or esplanade lined with luxury hotels and stoned streets. There were plenty of authentic restaurants and in the center of town at the end of the tree canopy covered streets was the three hundred year old Mission. Surrounded by a beautiful square and boutique hotels on every corner, the place turned magical at night when salsa lessons began and couples danced under the stars.
After a good meal and margaritas one night with our new friends we decided to stay in town near the square at Hotel 1697. The room was simple, yet lovely and offered a few things that were luxury to us weary travelers, such as a soft floor rug and down comforter. Our room also came with a large bathroom and walk in tiled shower. Each room also had an open terrace overlooking the square for guests to enjoy breakfast or dinner from.
The bed was very comfortable, the shower was hot and the charming place was reasonably priced at $65 USD. The hotel also had a room with two beds and a kitchenette for families as well as secure parking. If we ever head back to Loreto to visit our friends, we would definitely stay here again.
This was one of those times when traveling, we realized how much the people we meet make the place memorable.
