Misión San Francisco Javier de Viggé-Biaundó

If you want to explore new places this is a place to visit. I was thinking it would be a dirt road, but the road to the mission is fully paved and in good shape! From Loreto it’s super easy, just turn after the airport and look for the saloon sign. About 45 minutes, to San Javier. The views and scenery are amazing on the drive, stop and take pictures on the turnouts. Once you’re there it is very historic. To see the olive tree, that 300 years old which is super cool you have to pay a small fee. Nothing is listed but we paid 100 pesos each and they were very happy. They asked us to try their wine, very sweet not my thing but it was from grapes grown here. December they have a big celebration that’s brings a lot of people up here, but it’s worth a visit. Not sure if I would go back but it’s a great Mexican town in the middle of nowhere! Oh, if they have a local tour guide take you they appreciate a tip for showing you around and they speak good English.

The Mission is in good condition and well maintained. Signage and an attached museum explain the history and importance of the Mission, although it is mostly in Spanish. The orchards and related irrigation system are also of great interest. The drive from Loreto to the Mission is also most impressive.

The Misión is special and certainly recommended to visit. A tranquil and historic place. If desert mountain landscape, tiny charming pueblo, and friendly welcoming people are your cup of tea, you won't be disappointed with San Javier and it's historic Misión.

As we wandered up, a lovely local came over and started chatting to us. We were fascinated by his knowledge of the area, and he showed us through the mission and then to the 328 year old olive tree beyond. We gladly tipped him for his time and knowledge, gaining more from our time there because of him.

Its a long but nice drive to get there. We went as a tour, so it was nice to hear stories about the history of the area on our way up and at the mission. The historical significance is nice to see preserved.

Photos can't describe the feeling you get when you arrive. The beauty and the history are unsurpassed. The village is a beautiful, tranquil Oasis. The caretakers are so friendly and willing to share and answer any questions. This is something you don't want to miss if you visit Loreto. Be prepared for an hour long, winding clime with breathtaking views of the Sierra Gigante and the bay, as well as some fairly sketchy road conditions... be sure to pay attention to the road.

A lovely little village. Beautiful old church and grounds. The streets of the town are lined with orange and lime trees. The olive trees in town were a nice treat. The drive up the mountain was relatively smooth with only a few areas where the road had collapsed down the mountainside. Very scenic.

This place is awesome. Mind blowing to think of what it would look like when it began! Weird mix of local residents and tourists. Walk around all the grounds and explore it. Worth the drive though.

A side trip to San Javier was a perfect addition to vacationing in Loreto. Our rental car was a normal sedan, and we may have felt a bit more comfortable with 4 wheel drive for parts of the road that lead to San Javier, but it's a lovely drive, and there were no actual problems getting there. The simple aesthetic of the church is a delight, and the town is terrific for wandering. There were not many choices for food, but the one restaurant we found nearby was just right. I highly recommend San Javier as a half day trip destination.

We're so glad we took the time for this trek to the mission, which is still used as a church for the San Javier community. Wander around the back to see the olive trees and aqueducts. There's no cellular service in the mountains, and the restaurants are very limited. This is a rustic, amazing historic place that's well worth the beautiful trip to get here.

Founded by Jesuits of the Roman Catholic church in 1699, Mission Javier's purpose was to covert the Cochimi Native Americans to Christianity. The Mission Javier is located in the Sierra de la Giganta Mountains just 32 Km southwest of Loreto. It's a scenic drive which puts you in touch with the high desert plateau ecosystem. Native cacti, wildlife abound near prominent arroyos. The present mission was built in 1744 by Father Miguel de Barco. Currently, the mission is overseen by Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History. The mission features an alter piece of Baroque style, carved and gilded doors dedicated to San Francisco Javier whose image is accompanied by five oils with religious images. The exterior is supported by buttresses and is also in the Baroque style. Adjacent to the mission is a graveyard which is interesting. The church is open from 8am-7pm.. Surrounding the mission are date palms, grape orchards, citrus and olive trees. One olive tree is claimed to be 300 years old. A vegetable garden and a stable of horses are sustained by a system of water canals. Village of 130 people has one restaurant (Palapa), and a few stores which function on solar energy. I would consider the trip to be a 1/2 day adventure. While the mission is in the style that can be seen throughout Mexico and the American West, the whole complex of geology, archaeology, ecology and history make this mission exceptional.

Great detour! San Javier is about an hour drive from Loreto on a (mostly) paved road. The drive alone is so beautiful it makes the trip with it - gorgeous mountain views, a beautiful river, and a tip notch view of the sea of Cortez. The mission is in great condition and is a beautiful sight to see and a person was there to explain some history and show us around. Doesn't take much time to explore and there are a few restaurants and shops to check out once you're up there but all in all it could be a half day trip. We are happy we went!

Lives up to its reputation as the "Jewel" of the Baja California missions. In very good shape and one of the largest missions still standing. Nice decorations inside and solid stone construction outside.