FAQs – La Casa de Ensueno

What accommodations are available at La Casa de Ensueño?

The two story property offers two separate and private living accommodations, La Ventana & El Jardin.

The colorful second floor accommodation named “La Ventana” has a full kitchen with dishwasher, two large Master Bedrooms each with king size bed, two spacious bathrooms each with a shower, family room, living room, and dining room, private use of the expansive covered porch and rooftop terrace – in all over 2900 sq ft of indoor and outdoor living space. From La Ventana’s front covered porch, “Margarita” rooftop terrace and from several of the interior living spaces you will have stunning views of the Sea of Cortez, Isla Coronado, Isla Carmen hillsides and the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range.

The first floor accommodation named “El Jardin” has two bedrooms with queen size beds, one bathroom with shower, kitchen with breakfast bar and a family room. El Jardin includes access to a private covered porch on the back of the property. El Jardin does not offer any views from the interior living space.

Our accommodations are perfect for travelers who are looking for a quiet, relaxing, peaceful vacation. Many of our guests enjoy sight-seeing, walks on the beach, hiking in the desert, exploring cave paintings and petroglyphs, shopping, dining at authentic Baja street taco vendors, fine dining, snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, horseback riding, whale watching, golfing, etc. Your choices are endless!

Each of the two separate accommodations feature a private entrance, direct beach access off the front of the property and free use of sea kayaks and cruiser-style bicycles. La Casa de Ensueño, located in the quiet and peaceful Spanish colonial architectural community of Costa Loreto, is approximately one mile from the Loreto village center.

We are confident that you will be very pleased with our Casa and the well established Costa Loreto neighborhood. No major construction projects on-going like those south of Loreto in Nopolo or night time car traffic out front like properties located directly on the malecon. Our sea shelled filled secluded Sea of Cortez beach is a short walk off our property with the beach egress directly off the front steps of our property. The Loreto village center is a quick 5 minute drive by car or 20 minute (+/-) walk down the beach to the malecon.

Is there an ocean view from the property?

The second floor accommodation includes spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez, Isla Coronado, Isla Carmen hillsides and the Sierra de la Giganta mountain range from the covered porch, “Margarita” rooftop terrace and from several of the interior living spaces.

The first floor accommodation does not offer any views. However, the beach and Sea of Cortez access is less than fifty strides directly off the front of the property.

Is there covered shelter for my vehicle?

Yes – there is a large covered carport that has more than enough room for two vehicles (max 10 foot height). The property also has a 1200 sq ft garage for indoor boat and auto storage, that dependent upon availability, may be reserved in advance for an additional fee. Please note the maximum interior height is 9 1/2 feet.

How do I get to Loreto Baja California Sur (BCS) and La Casa de Ensueño?

Loreto is one of the most historic and picturesque villages in Baja and can be easily reached by a 90 minute direct flight from Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines or from Tijuana on Aereo Calafia.

For the more adventuresome, you may choose to drive your personal vehicle to Loreto BCS. Loreto is located a mere 750 miles south of San Diego, California via Mexico Highway 1 out of Tijuana, Baja California Norte. You will enter the state of Baja California Sur at the city of Guerrero Negro (approx. driving time around ten hours). You’re not here yet. Another five hours south of Guerrero Negro you will turn left at the sign reading “Loreto” and continue to the waterfront or “malecon” on Avenida Salvatierra. At the waterfront, turn right and proceed one block to the “Loreto Solutions” office where you will contact Tere Muro for the Keys and directions to La Casa de Ensueño.

How do we get from the airport to La Casa de Ensueño?

There are taxis waiting at the airport upon your arrival. The Loreto International Airport (LTO) is very small and you will have no problem getting a ride.

If you prefer, you can rent a car or off road vehicle. Rental cars are available through Budget, Hertz, Fox and Europcar. Although the rental agencies are located in Loreto and at the airport, it is recommended that you contact your preferred rental agency ahead of your arrival to make a reservation. Some of our guests have reported they have received better rates over the internet. We often suggest you rent a car for a few days so you can explore the beautiful Bahia Concepcion beaches one hour north of Loreto, the quaint village of Mulege, the beaches south of Loreto or other places of interest like the San Javier Mission.

Who do we contact for the Keys to the property and for any other special needs?

Tere and Enrique Muro with Loreto Solutions, a local family owned company, manages La Casa de Ensueño. The Loreto Solutions office is located on the south end of the malecon.

Directions to Loreto Solutions: Drive to the waterfront or “malecon” on Avenida Salvatierra. Loreto Solutions is located on the malecon (waterfront) between Hidalgo and Jordan, next to Sea Coffee and close to Augie’s Bar. Please see Tere Muro for the keys and directions to La Casa de Ensueño.

Tere Muro speaks English very well and can be reached by phoning her office number 613-135-1986, cell number 044-613-100-9341, or in the event of an emergency her house number 613-135-1168.

If calling from US to Mexico

To reach Tere in her office from the US dial 011-52-613-135-1986.

To reach Tere by cell from the US dial 011-521–613-100-9341

Loreto Solutions specializes in assisting you with all your needs. Whether you are in Loreto for a short term vacation, here to explore foreign investment opportunities or seeking long term residency, Loreto Solutions is your source! Services include FM3 filing, car and boat importation, fidecomisos, property sales and management, formation of a Mexican Corporation, preparing legal documents and translations.

Regarding departure: Please be sure to discuss with Tere Muro arrangements to return the keys prior to your departure.

Are there beaches nearby?

Beach access is less than 50 strides directly off the front steps of La Casa de Ensueño. The beach has semi-dark coarse sand and loads of sea shells. We recently added a third Ocean Kayak for your enjoyment. We now have an 8′ Yak Board, 11′ Caper and 13′ Tandem.

The onsite kayaks, included at no additional charge, are for short boating excursions only. Please do NOT attempt to reach the nearby islands with these Kayaks. After your personal use and enjoyment, we only ask that you rinse off the Kayaks, paddles and life preservers using the outside fresh water faucet and hose.

Nearby Coronado Island has a beautiful white sand beach as well as numerous coves found around Carmen Island. You should hire a “panga boat” and captain to take you on the Coronado tour or to show you other “secret spots”. South of Loreto is Juncalito Beach (approx 20 min drive) and Ensenada Blanca (approx 30 min drive). There is also a nice beach located in Nopolo at the Inn at Loreto Bay (approx 20 Kilometers from the Casa). Beaches in Mexico are public lands and therefore access can not be restricted.

Are there restaurants and food stores nearby?

Yes – there are numerous wonderful restaurants within walking and bicycling distance of La Casa de Ensueño. The closest of many neighborhood markets is located less than half a mile and the main market, El Pescador, is located on the main street (Ave.Salvatierra) at the stop light-about a five minute drive from La Casa de Ensueño.

What about internet service?

Yes – if you must stay connected to the outside world – feel free to bring your own laptop set up for wireless access. We subscribe to an internet service provider and have a powerful wireless router installed inside the Casa. Our secured Wireless Network name is “ensueno” and the Password can be found in the FAQ “hardcopy” document located in your accommodation. Please do not share the password with anyone else.

Other Internet Access Options: There are numerous internet cafes throughout Loreto that have free Wi-Fi access for laptops. Some of our favorites include Cafe Ole’ that is near the village center and Sea Coffee on the malecon.

What about telephone service?

La Casa de Ensueño does not have dedicated telephone service. Most US cell phone companies offer a Mexico/International Plan. Please check with your current provider.

Do the each of the accommodations have TV with satellite service?

Yes – both accommodations have TV with Satellite Service and Stereo Entertainment Center. We also have a collection of Movies on DVD in the “La Ventana” accommodation. There are also a few DVD video rental stores in the main Village of Loreto. Of course, you are welcome to bring your own favorite music and/or movie DVDs.

Is smoking allowed?

We respectfully ask that there be no smoking in La Casa de Ensueño living spaces or on the premise.

Do you allow pets?

Occasionally, we allow small dogs but our canine “guests” need to be approved on an individual basis. If you are traveling with your pet, let us know at the time of your inquiry.

Does the town of Loreto have walking paths?

Loreto has a beautiful malecon (water front walk) that is tranquil and peaceful. The malecon, which is approximately one mile from La Casa de Ensueño, does draw both tourists, local residents and fisherman. Festivals at the marina, team championships, and carnivals throughout the village are vigorously celebrated by the Loretanos and foreign residents alike that enjoy participating in these traditional events. The malecon and side streets features many shops, restaurants, coffee houses, bars, art galleries and plenty of places to just sit and relax.

Is it necessary to exchange currency?

US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere in Loreto. If you want to use Pesos during your stay, contact your local bank in advance and have them order some pesos for you. Be sure to allow enough time to order and take delivery of your pesos from your local bank before you leave for Loreto.

Are credit cards accepted at local establishments?

Depends on the establishment, there are some restaurants and shops in the village that do not accept credit cards. Prior to traveling to Mexico, we always notify our credit card company of our travel dates. Also, please be advised, you may incur a Foreign Transaction Fee when using your credit card or ATM card while in Mexico. We recommend you contact your credit card company prior to your trip to discuss out of country use.

The Bank ATMs found throughout Loreto will dispense Pesos when you make a withdrawal using your ATM card from your home bank..

What are the kitchens like?

Both accommodations in La Casa de Ensueño have a kitchen with full sized refrigerator, gas stove with oven, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and of course a blender (for mixing your favorite beverage). La Ventana’s kitchen even has a dishwasher!

Please do not put any food scrapes or other waste in the dishwasher or down the kitchen sink plumbing. For your convenience, waste baskets and trash liners are provided. Additional trash bags can be found in the kitchen drawer or linen closet.

Both La Ventana and El Jardin dining areas feature authentic Mexican stoneware bought in Guadalajara, drinking glasses, eating and cooking utensils and pots/pans – all provided for your use. We just ask that you wash and store your cooking pots, pans, dishes and utensils prior to your departure.

There are various dry condiments (salt, pepper, etc) and sandwich bags in the kitchen drawers / cupboards. We just ask that if you use the last of any item that you restock the item prior to your departure for the next guest.

Do you provide maid service?

We provide cleaning / maid service before and after your stay at no additional charge. If you wish, for an additional charge, we can arrange to have your accommodations tidied up every day or on an as needed basis. The additional charge will include trash take out, making your bed, dish washing, and sweep / mop the floor as needed and change of bed sheets on the fourth day of a week stay.

Do you supply sheets/towels and hairdryers?

Yes – we provide bath towels and bed sheets. However, we ask that you please bring your own beach towels, hairdryers and personal care products.

Can the plumbing system process toilet paper?

The Casa is connected to the Loreto city sewer system. However, we do request that you minimize the amount of toilet paper being flushed down the system.

A common practice in various parts of Mexico is to place the bulk of your toilet paper waste in the trash can located next to the toilet.

For your convenience, you will find a small waste basket located in each bathroom. Additional small trash bags can be found in the kitchen drawer or linen closets. As a general rule, the best practice in Mexico is not to flush anything down the toilet system that did not go through your system first.

What is the electrical current?

It is 110V, same as in the United States.

Do you have a pool?

There is no fresh water pool on the premise. However, feel free to take a plunge in Mother Nature’s pool (the Sea of Cortez) which is less than 50 strides from the front of the property.

We do have agreements with the Dessert Inn and La Mison (two hotels near on the malecon) that allow our guests pool privileges. The Dessert Inn (formerly the La Pinta) and La Mison are a short walk down the beach, ~ 1 KM to the Dessert Inn that allows children and a little over 1 KM to La Mison Hotel and Spa on the malecon which may have an age restrictions. Both locations are a quick 5 minute (+/-) drive by car or 20 minute (+/-) walk down the beach. Please call or email us if interested in learning more about the pool privileges.

Is there a golf course or tennis court nearby?

Yes – there is a golf course in Nopolo, located near the Inn at Loreto Bay which is a 15 minute (+/-) drive to the south on Mexico Highway 1. There are community tennis courts and soccer fields in Loreto at the Deportes (Sports) Complex near the Cemetery off Transpeninsula Highway 1.

Is the water safe to drink?

We have been told the city water is safe and many residents drink right from the tap. However, you may prefer bottled water for drinking and ice. We have three 5 gallon water containers at the property that can be filled at a number of water purification locations throughout Loreto. Most restaurants and food stores have bottled water available upon request. Please be sure to refill prior to your departure for the next guest to enjoy.

What time zone is Loreto In?

Loreto is located in Baja California Sur, which is in Mountain Standard Time (one hour ahead of California).