San Ignacio Lagoon Baja

The palmed oasis of San Ignacio is located in a small fertile valley (89 miles south of Guerrero Negro). Called Kadakaaman (red grass river) by the Cochimies, it was discovered November 19, 1716 by the Jesuit Francisco Maria Piccolo.

The palmed oasis of San Ignacio is located in a small fertile valley (89 miles south of Guerrero Negro). Called Kadakaaman (red grass river) by the Cochimies, it was discovered November 19, 1716 by the Jesuit Francisco Maria Piccolo. The mission was later founded January 20, 1728, by the Jesuit Juan Bautista Luyando.
San Ignacio, gateway to the cave paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco, is protected as a historical site by UNESCO. You must contact INAH next to the mission in order to obtain rules, regulations and permits to visit the cave paintings.

Part of the Viscaino Bioreserve, San Ignacio Lagoon is the national shelter of the gray whale, located 19 miles southwest of the city. A refuge to countless species of birds and reptiles, San Ignacio also offers hotels, restaurants, RV Parks, a paved runway, bus depot, gas station and tours to cave paintings and the Lagoon, among many other services.

The Festival of San Ignacio Loyalo takes place during the last week of July, as does the annual date harvest. The plaza fills with light, music and fun. In this festive atmosphere, you can enjoy horseraces, cockfights, dances, the fair and fireworks in one of Baja's prettiest plazas.



Whale Watching and Cave Paintings

San Ignacio provides the ecotourist with excellent options. San Ignacio is the gateway to the cave paintings area in the Sierra of San Francisco, distinguished by UNESCO as a Patrimony of Humanity. To visit caves such as La Pintada & El Ratón, it is necessary to contact the INAH, next to the mission, where you can learn the rules and regulations and obtain the proper permits. No one is allowed to visit these pristine sites without a registered guide. INAH will provide the guides for a fee.

The place that the Cochimes call Kadacaaman (red grass river) was discovered on November 19, 1716 by the Jesuit Father Francisco Maria Piccolo. The founding father of the mission, begun on January 20, 1778, was the Mexican Jesuit Juan Bautista Luyando, who devoted much of his life to the mission and its people.

Jesuit Fernando Consag was responsible for much of the construction of the church, utilizing 4 feet wide blocks of volcanic rock which originated from the nearby volcanoes, Las Tres Virgenes. Construction was completed in 1786. Due to its solid walls, the building has barely changed over the years and is one of the most beautiful missions in the Baja California peninsula.

In addition to the magnificent facade with it's decorated, carved stone, the buildings interior consists of a great alter of carved wood and gold finish, seven oil paintings and a statue of San Ignacio de Loyola. These are truly jewels of religious art of the XVII century. A visit to the church is one of the highlights of San Ignacio.

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Part of the Viscaino Bioreserve, San Ignacio Lagoon is the national shelter of the gray whale, located 19 miles southwest of the city. A refuge to countless species of birds and reptiles, San Ignacio also offers hotels, restaurants, RV Parks, a paved runway, bus depot, gas station and tours to cave paintings and the Lagoon, among many other services.



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