I was a little worried when I heard the 37km road trip to the San Javier Mission took at least 2hrs, one way.

But Kip and Mary, our hosts and chauffeurs, had been there before. We bounced our way up the rugged track in to the Gigantic Mountains (Sierra Giganta) of the Baja peninsula.

… Jesuit Father Francisco María Píccolo visited the place on May 11, 1699. He started the construction of a chapel in October of the same year …

The church, considered one of the most beautiful and well preserved of the Californias, was built with stone taken from quarry from the bed of the brook of Santo Domingo 20 km southeast of San Javier. Its original baroque appearance has been well preserved; its interior has: a golden altarpiece with five oleos, brought from Mexico City in thirty two boxes; two statues: one of San Francisco Javier and another one of Our Lady of Guadalupe; and a crucifix, all of these are from the 18th century. It has three bells, two of them are dated 1761 and the other one 1803. There is a monument of that time at the end of the street that leads to the church. It is known as “the Cross of Calvary”. From there hundreds of pilgrims who visit the patron saint walk sometimes on their knees. …

read more – Baja Quest

We were quite impressed with the Mission, located high in a green oasis.

This visit is a must do pilgrimage for all tourists (and their pets) visiting Loreto.

After lunch, we made a slower descent, stopping to photograph wild poppies.

Here Mom’s searching for some ancient Indian rock paintings.

A terrific destination. The San Javier Mission is highly recommended.

see all my photos from the day on flickr