Mission San Francisco Javier
Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó
The best-preserved Baroque stone mission in the Sierra de la Giganta, with rock art and canyon oases along the mountain road.
Mission San Javier was founded in 1699, and its present church was completed in 1758. It is the best-preserved and most finely decorated mission in Baja California. Thick dark volcanic stone walls, a Baroque façade and a gilded wooden altar have all survived intact. Behind the church stands an olive tree about 300 years old. From Loreto, a newly paved mountain road runs about 35 km west across the Sierra de la Giganta, passing canyons, palm oases and roadside rock art sites. The drive takes about 1 hour. The church is free to visit, and the village has a few small restaurants. The mountain road has many bends, and rockfalls are possible after rain.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Tabor Canyon
- Playa Juncalito
- Museum of the Jesuit Missions
- Mission of Our Lady of Loreto
- Malecón de Loreto
- Isla Danzante
- Isla Coronado
- Isla del Carmen