text:
Loreto

There is more than one place called Loreto:

Argentina

 * Loreto (Corrientes)
 * Loreto (Misiones)
 * Loreto (Santiago del Estero)

Brasil

 * Loreto (Brasil) -a city in the state of Maranhão.

Chile

 * Loreto (Chile)

Italy

 * Loreto (Ancona) - a town in Ancona province with a Marian shrine that is the origin of the wide dissemination of the name.
 * Loreto (Asti) - a town in Asti province.
 * Loreto (Novara) - a town in Novara province.
 * Loreto (Perugia) - a town in Perugia province.
 * Loreto (Perugia2) - a town in also in Perugia province.
 * Loreto Aprutino (Pescara) - a town in Pescara province

Mexico

 * Loreto (Baja California) - a city in Baja California.
 * Loreto (Zacatecas) - a town in Zacatecas in central Mexico.

Peru

 * Loreto (Peru) - the northernmost region in Peru.

Philippines

 * Loreto (Agusan del Sur)
 * Loreto (Surigao del Norte)

title: Loreto


text:
Loreto (Baja California)

Loreto is a resort town in Baja California Sur, catering mostly to American travelers, who arrive on daily flights from California to Loreto International Airport. In 2019, it had 20,000 residents.

Climate
Loreto has a tropical desert climate which is hot and humid, with abundant sunshine (desert with some rainfall in summer). The temperatures are hot from June through October. These summer days have highs around 34 °C (93 °F) and high humidity. In spring season, the temperatures are moderate and temperate. Autumn and winter months are usually windy. The wettest months are August and September, when there are occasional short-lived rainfalls. One concern for Loreto is the Pacific hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, and some times causes heavy rainfall and floods in the area.

By plane

The transportation to and from the airport is only available by taxi service (there’s no public transportation service to the airport).

By car
Loreto is accessible by car using the Federal Highway 1, which runs from Cabo San Lucas to Tijuana, Baja California, terminating at the USA-Mexico border crossing (San Ysidro CA Port of Entry), where it turns into Interstate 5. However, the road has only two lanes and serves as the main street in several towns and villages.

By bus
Autotransportes de la Baja California and Autotransportes Aguila have a station in the town, on Salvatierra Street. These lines operate services between Loreto and other destinations in Baja California and Baja California Sur (Mexicali, Tijuana, La Paz and Cabo San Lucas). From the US, the services are via Tijuana, where Greyhound has a station (the service involves bus change to the ones of ABC or Aguila lines).

By boat
Cruise services are available from San Diego, which include dinner cruises, gambling cruises and 'party excursions'. Private boats use the port facilities of [Puerto Escondido] ("Hidden Port"), a safe natural harbor surrounded by hills 30 minutes from downtown. This is the base for the Hidden Port Yacht Club.

Get around
In the city proper, all you need to do is walk. The airport is a short ride from downtown and the main strip.

See
There are seven buildings in Loreto from the 18th to the 20th century that are considered historical monuments by the federal government:
 * the most important is the Mission of our Lady of Loreto, which is at the start of El Camino Real ("The Royal Road"), an historic corridor that follows north along the ancient route of the Spanish missions, to its ending in Sonoma, California, USA.
 * In the neighboring town of San Javier are five historical buildings, most importantly the Mission of Saint Francis Xavier (Misión de San Francisco Javier), the best preserved mission in the peninsula.
 * The ruins of Mission of San Bruno are 20 km north of Loreto. It was the first mission of Baja California, founded in 1683 by Jesuit missionary explorer Padre Eusebio Kino. It was ordered abandoned by the Spanish Crown a mere two years later.
 * The Jesuit Missions Museum (Museo de las Misiones Jesuíticas) is beside the Mission of our Lady of Loreto. It has a collection of religious art, weapons and tools from the 17th and 18th centuries that were used in the Spanish missions in Baja California.
 * In the "La Giganta" Mountain Range ("Sierra de la Giganta"), there are cave paintings in canyons and rock shelters. The nearest sites to Loreto are Cuevas Pintas (15 km to the west) and La Pingüica (60 km to the North). The cave paintings from the indigenous groups of Baja California are well-known and some of them have been added to UNESCO's list of world heritage sites.

Do

 * Many American tourists enjoy fishing in "pangas" for "dorado" (Mahi-mahi or Dolphin Fish). Local restaurants willingly prepare the daily catch of the tourists.
 * Fishing Loreto has long been regarded as one of the best places for fishing. Yellowtail, sailfish, marlin, wahoo, roosterfish, and dorado are abundant in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez.
 * Whale watching The waters off Loreto are home to several species of great whales including Blue, Fin, Bryde's, Humpback, Orca, Sperm, and many others. This is perhaps the richest area in the world for whale and dolphin diversity.
 * Diving and snorkeling Excellent scuba, free diving, and snorkeling nearby due to the fantastic diversity of marine life. The convergence of tropical influences from the south and temperate conditions from the north bring together an amazing array of species. Local dive shops and charters are available.
 * Kayaking Beach camping kayak tours of the wilderness islands in the Bahia de Loreto National Park with access to prime whale watching and snorkeling.
 * Yoga and meditation You may simply request a massage or acupuncture treatment right in the privacy of your own casita, or you may advance your healing process by setting up a personally guided meditation. Also yoga and breathwork practices and for the past several years has used these mainly for Freediving.

Events

 * Fiestas de la Virgen de Loreto. The Our Lady of Loreto Festivities are celebrated on September 8. It's a series of religious, civic and cultural events.
 * Fiestas de la Fundación de Loreto. The foundation of the city is celebrated from October 19 to 25. It's one of the most important cultural events in the state.
 * Fiestas de San Javier. The festivities from December 1 to 3 are in honor of Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint from the neighbor town of San Javier. These festivities attract a lot of pilgrims from the peninsula.
 * Loreto 400. An off-road racing event that takes place in September. The course is a classic desert offroad race which route includes Comondú, San Javier and the old towns of La Giganta mountain range.
 * Loreto 300 milles. Off-road racing event. December.
 * Torneo de las Mision Fishing Charity Tournament that started in 1993. The 2007 edition will be July 12–14.
 * Loreto Dorado International Fishing Tournament. Takes place in July.
 * Copa Dorado Tournament. State tournament in September.
 * Governor's Cup Fishing Tournament. May

Eat
Mexican breakfast. Dine indoors or on the patio terrace with views of the Sea of Cortez, swimming pools and their gardens. For dinner, themed and a la carte with a choice of Mexican and international entrees. Wine bar specials Monday - Wednesday.
 * Cafe Olé 14 Ave Madero.
 * Carmen's Blvd. Costero Lopez Mateos, 50577. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Beach view.
 * Mc LuLu's Paseo Hidalgo. Mexican food stand. Outdoor seating only.
 * Guaycura - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo
 * Mc LuLu's Paseo Hidalgo. Mexican food stand. Outdoor seating only.
 * Guaycura - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo

Baja dishes, salads, light sandwiches & hamburgers, margaritas, fresh made chips & salsa.
 * Pool Restaurant - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo

Overlooking Loreto Marine Park. Rooftop terrace bar.
 * Campanario Bar - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo

 * Asadero Super Burro - Independencia s/n, Loreto, Mexico - Delicious burritos and stuffed potatoes.

Drink
Located on the top level of the resort. Open daily.
 * Pelicano Loco Sports bar at the Motel Dorado. Happy Hour specials. Open 13:00-20:00.
 * Campanario Lobby Bar - Inn at Loreto Bay - Blvd Misson de Loreto, Nopolo

Sleep
A 155-room resort, which sits on a secluded beach. Every room offers spectacular views of the Sea of Cortés. The resort’s heated pool allows year-round swimming and the gardens host events, including oceanfront weddings, family reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries. Adjacent to the resort, is the Loreto Golf Club, an 18-hole, par 72 golf course, and the Loreto Tennis Center.
 * Inn at Loreto Bay  - Blvd Mision de Loreto, Nopolo - 10 minutes South of Downtown Loreto
 * Las Trojes Bed and Breakfast 50277. US$50 including breakfast, internet and airport pickup.
 * Baja Outpost Boulevard Adolfo Lopez Mateos, 135 1134 (toll free from the US +1-888-649-5951)
 * Las Cabañas de Loreto
 * El Santuario Eco-retreat center on the bay where you may "be still and dance". 64 km (40 miles) south of Loreto.
 * El Santuario Eco-retreat center on the bay where you may "be still and dance". 64 km (40 miles) south of Loreto.
 * El Santuario Eco-retreat center on the bay where you may "be still and dance". 64 km (40 miles) south of Loreto.

Go next
San Javier is a beautiful town in the mountains 30 km west of Loreto, with cobblestoned streets and a 300-year-old Spanish mission. Along the road, you will have stunning views back towards the sea.

Mulege is the next town north, a picturesque town with an old mission and prison, set next to a river and oasis of palm trees.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Loreto (Baja California)


text:
Lorne

Lorne is a town in the Great Ocean Road region of Victoria, Australia.

Get in
Lorne is approximately two hours from Melbourne along the Great Ocean Rd, one of the great scenic drives of Australia. Rugged coastlines and many beaches and surf breaks make the trip just as enjoyable as the destination, but holiday makers fill the town to bursting every summer. It began as a logging town, but Lorne's crystal clear waters and amazing views make it a great place to stop despite the increasing gentrification and development of what was once a quaint town.

See

 * Teddy's Lookout. If you don’t go bushwalking at Lorne you can drive to this lookout. Head up William St or Bay St then turn left along George St. Drive carefully because the roads are steep.

Do

 * Lorne Pier- Go fishing in the specially-built bays or just check to see if the end is still there.
 * Walk the beach- From one end to the other it is approximately 3 km long.
 * Lorne Cinema- Open on major holidays, some weekends and through the busy summer season, the cinema is an unrestored piece of History. You will have to choose between upstairs and downstairs with the inevitable social ramifications that this choice carries with it.
 * Forest Park- The back roads around Lorne are a treasure trove of forested parks and walks, many with BBQ facilities.
 * Cafes- 'The Arab' (formerly known as the Wild Colonial Club) was a Victorian icon in the 1960s and 70s, but has been made into a motorbike cafe and has lost most of its charm. Next door is 'The Indian' which is owned by the same developer, but a better bet is probably 'Moons' several doors down, or Cafe Chaos a short walk away.
 * Out at the Pier 'Sammy', who is a local restaurateur, runs 'The Pier Seafood Restaurant' which has a stunning view out across the bay. A great place for a beer or wine. If you are brave the locals drink at the fisherman's club next to the pier, from which a shuttle bus runs in peak season.
 * Public toilets are located along the beach with the cleanest being on the bend as you drive towards the town. The architect copied the design of the house opposite to the great dismay of the residents.

Eat
Arab - Food is well priced and great quality

Drink
The Lorne Hotel has a great beer garden but is overpriced with a schooner costing $4.50 and the food in the $25-35 range.

title: Lorne


text:
Lorsch

Lorsch is a city in the state of Hesse in Germany.

Understand
Lorsch is a small town, with a picturesque town square (Marktplatz) and a historic cloister which is a UNESCO site. The town is in the Bergstraße region even though it is a few kilometers west of the Bergstraße, the region's namesake road.

By train
Germany's regional train system is extensive, including a stop in Lorsch. About a 15-minute train ride from Mannheim. Bensheim is served by the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN) public transportation network. If you purchase a VRN day pass to Lorsch from some other town on the Bergstraße south of Zwingenberg, then that ticket would also be valid to visit Zwingenberg, Bensheim and Heppenheim which all have an Altstadt. You may need to change trains in Bensheim to reach Lorsch.

See

There are several very beautiful half-timbered houses at Marktplatz and along Bahnhofstraße

Buy
There is a small retail district on Bahnhofstraße near the Marktplatz.

Eat
The Marktplatz has cafes and ice-cream parlours (Eiscafe).

Go next

 * Bensheim
 * Worms

title: Lorsch


text:
Lorton

Lorton is a community in Fairfax County, Virginia. This article also covers the nearby areas of Fort Belvoir and Mason Neck.

By car

 * I-95.svg Interstate 95 (I-95) Lorton is accessed from exits #161 ("US 1 Mt Vernon Ft Belvoir") through #166A&B ("VA-286 Fairfax Pkwy") along I-95. There are three exits from I-95 into town with exit 163 ("VA-642 Lorton") as the primary exit to Lorton.
 * US 1.svg Richmond Highway goes north towards Mount Vernon and south towards Woodbridge. It intersects and is accessible from I-95 from exit #161, south of town.
 * Ellipse_sign_642.svg Lorton Road Serves as a primary east-west road across Lorton, connecting US-1 in the east and OX Rd (VA-Hwy 123) in the west. It crosses I-95 at exit 163.

By train
Lorton is the northern terminus of the Amtrak Auto Train which carries passengers and automobiles between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, effectively serving as a car-rail link from the Washington, D.C. Metro Area to Orlando. is located on 8006 Lorton Rd. The station, which opened in 2000, features a large waiting area with high glass walls, a small gift shop, snack bar, and a children's playground. There is one long low level platform designed for Auto Train boarding and 6 vehicle ramps for boarding vehicles onto the 20+ autoracks that are on the Auto Train. Lorton is also served by Virginia Railway Express (VRE) which has runs commuter trains from Washington, D.C and Fredericksburg. Confusingly, VRE does not share station with Amtrak but uses the, located on 8990 Lorton Station Blvd, about a mile north.

By bus
The Lorton (VRE) Station at 8990 Lorton Station Blvd also serves as a park & ride and central bus station for:
 * 171 Richmond Highway (US 1)
 * 305 Newington - Silverbrook Rd
 * 371 Lorton - Franconia-Springfield Metro
 * 372 Lorton - Alban Rd
 * 373 Lorton - Fullerton Rd
 * 494 Lorton - Springfield - Tysons
 * 373 Lorton - Fullerton Rd
 * 494 Lorton - Springfield - Tysons

See
Historic landmarks include:

Buy
Gunston Plaza Shopping Center is the largest shopping center in the vicinity. The plaza includes a medical clinic, space for several business offices, grocery, restaurants, gymnasium, a senior citizen's center, and a number of shops and the post office.

Eat
It's a little known fact that Lorton is the headquarter city for Five Guys, a nationally-recognized hamburger/hotdog chain with locations all over America.
 * Gennaro's Restaurant, 8170 Silverbrook Road, Phone: 703-690-7901.
 * Hong Kong Cafe, 9441 Lorton Market Street, Phone: (703) 372-1577.
 * Polo Grill Restaurant & Tap Room, 7784 Gunston Plaza. Phone (703) 550-0002. CLOSED. Now International House of Pancakes.

Drink

 * Skinifatz Restaurant & Nightclub, 10712 Richmond Highway. Phone: (703) 550-9252.

Sleep

 * Boneyard Inn, 5941 Kentia Trail. Phone: (703) 550-9022.
 * Hunter Motel & Restaurant, 8100 Loisdale Road. Phone: (703) 339-5400.
 * Hunter Motel & Restaurant, 8100 Loisdale Road. Phone: (703) 339-5400.

Go next

 * Clifton
 * Fairfax
 * Falls Church
 * Herndon
 * Vienna

title: Lorton


text:
Los Alamitos

Los Alamitos is a city of 11,000 people (2019) in Orange County in Southern California.

title: Los Alamitos


text:
Los Alamos

Los Alamos is a small town in northern New Mexico, about an hour northwest of Santa Fe. Its claim to fame is the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), where Oppenheimer and other physicists created the world's first atomic bomb during World War II. Many of Los Alamos's 12,000 residents work at the laboratory. White Rock, with about 6,000, is a part of Los Alamos, but is separated from the main town by LANL. Nearly all of LANL is closed to the public, but the town has a couple of museums which are good places to learn about the history of the town.

By car
From US 285 north of Santa Fe, take NM 502 west, which leads directly to the town. This is a very scenic drive, with photo opportunities from the Clinton P. Anderson Scenic Overlook outside of town. From NM 502 a side road, NM 4, leads to White Rock and Bandelier National Monument.

You can rent a car or passenger van from Hertz elsewhere and return it in Los Alamos, or rent it in Los Alamos and return it elsewhere, without paying a drop-off fee (if you rent by calling the Los Alamos office, +1 505 662-8907). Residents and visitors alike find this convenient and inexpensive for getting to and from airports. The Los Alamos office is inside the tiny main building at the Los Alamos County airport on NM 502 just east of town.

Crossing LANL property (e.g. when entering town from the west) requires passing a security checkpoint; but under most conditions require no more than slowing down or a brief stop.

By bus
Los Alamos is served by public commuter bus and commercial shuttle from several other cities in northern New Mexico.

New Mexico Park & Ride has direct bus service to Los Alamos from both Espanola and Santa Fe. This is popular with commuters and occasional travelers alike. The Los Alamos terminus is a bus shelter on Central Avenue between 19th St and 20th St. It is in front of Mesa Public Library and a skate park and tot lot, in sight of the Reel Deal movie theater, and one block from the Aquatic Center. The nearest public toilets are in the library lobby. The Santa Fe bus can be used to make connections via Santa Fe to the Albuquerque airport (ABQ) using the Rail Runner train or the Sandia Shuttle Express. Connections can also be made in Pojoaque with shuttle services that run between Albuquerque and Taos.

By appointment, Roadrunner Shuttle and Charter (+1 505 424-3367) will take you from Santa Fe (airport SAF or downtown), Lamy (Amtrak train station) or Albuquerque airport to Los Alamos. Some Los Alamos bed-and-breakfasts may also be available to pick you up.

By bike
If you don't want to make the 2000-foot climb from the Rio Grande up the "big hill", you can hitch a ride on the commuter coach buses that serve Los Alamos. They have front racks and luggage compartments.

By horse
Horse friendly trails abound in and around Los Alamos. Travel through Santa Clara Pueblo requires a permit; the permit is easy to obtain but must be obtained in advance. Travel through Valles Caldera also requires advance permission, and may be iffy to obtain. Travel around Valles Caldera, via its rim, is largely feasible although the first segment of a consolidated rim trail is now read for use.

By plane
Los Alamos has a municipal airport, with daily service to Albuquerque via Boutique Air. The single runway is adequate for a large commercial jet, and its approach is extremely scenic: cross the Rio Grande Valley to perch on top of a narrow mesa with canyons on either side. Hertz rental car agency operates out of the airport terminal. Atomic Transit bus stops at the airport entrance on East Drive.

The Santa Fe airport, 40 minutes away by car, has very limited commercial service. Albuquerque (, 2 hours away by car) is served by most major airlines and is the airport of choice for most travelers to and from Los Alamos.

Get around
The downtown area is compact, and the museums and most restaurants are within easy walking distance of the main hotels and many of the B&Bs. Public transportation by Atomic City Transit is free and includes both fixed routes and an on-demand service.

Many Los Alamos residents bicycle to work and around town. Cycling is feasible for visitors as well, but be aware that the town is at an elevation of about 7320 feet (2231 meters) and quite hilly. Puffing up the hills before you've acclimated to the altitude can be a surprisingly exhausting experience.

Road cycling is popular here, and some competitive road bicycle racers come here to train. Popular routes include NM 502 between Los Alamos and Pojoaque, and Camp May Road up to Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. White Rock is nearly a thousand feet lower and about 10 miles (16 km) away by road; riding to it on a bike can be a thrill, but oh, that hill coming back! From White Rock you can take a bus back to townsite: Atomic City Transit buses are equipped with bike racks.

Los Alamos County has an extensive trails network that is open to mountain bikes. The network is especially well developed around townsite, and connects to trails in Santa Fe National Forest and Pajarito Mountain Ski Area. In summer and fall the ski area offers lift-served mountain biking: ride the lift up and bike down easy sideslope trails or bomb down very challenging trails designed specifically for mountain biking. The ski area also has a mountain biking terrain park.

See

 * The downtown area contains a number of artifacts of the early days of the "Manhattan Project" to build the bomb, and the even earlier days "when Los Alamos was a ranch school" (the title, incidentally, of an interesting little booklet on the history of the town that is available in local bookstores). Start at pretty Fuller Lodge, one of the old ranch-school buildings and a local landmark, and work your way out.

Do

 * Santa Fe National Forest lies west and north of the town and offers many recreation opportunities such as hiking and exploring four-wheel drive roads. The reference book below gives more details. SFNF trails connecting to the Los Alamos trails network include:
 * Trail 287, Quemazon Trail
 * Trail 280, Pajarito Canyon Trail
 * Trail 279, Cabra Loop Trail
 * Trail 285, Guaje Ridge Trail
 * Trail 69, Mitchell Trail
 * For a small town, Los Alamos attracts some very good musical groups, particularly in the classical genre. The Los Alamos Concert Association runs a subscription series of concerts by internationally-known classical performers. The professional Santa Fe Desert Chorale and non-professional but very good Sangre de Cristo Chorale and Coro de Camara perform choral music. Popular concerts occur frequently in the main community shopping center, and there are "coffeehouses" on several Friday nights a year at Fuller Lodge; inquire locally for details.
 * Fly. Take lessons from a private instructor or take a ride with a charter pilot operating out of the tiny but Air Force One capable Los Alamos airport.
 * Tune in to KRSN AM1490 to listen to interviews with local movers and shakers and Topper Time, hosted by LAHS students. Check their website for a calendar of who's on and to see what time your flavor in music plays.
 * Trail 69, Mitchell Trail
 * For a small town, Los Alamos attracts some very good musical groups, particularly in the classical genre. The Los Alamos Concert Association runs a subscription series of concerts by internationally-known classical performers. The professional Santa Fe Desert Chorale and non-professional but very good Sangre de Cristo Chorale and Coro de Camara perform choral music. Popular concerts occur frequently in the main community shopping center, and there are "coffeehouses" on several Friday nights a year at Fuller Lodge; inquire locally for details.
 * Fly. Take lessons from a private instructor or take a ride with a charter pilot operating out of the tiny but Air Force One capable Los Alamos airport.
 * Tune in to KRSN AM1490 to listen to interviews with local movers and shakers and Topper Time, hosted by LAHS students. Check their website for a calendar of who's on and to see what time your flavor in music plays.
 * For a small town, Los Alamos attracts some very good musical groups, particularly in the classical genre. The Los Alamos Concert Association runs a subscription series of concerts by internationally-known classical performers. The professional Santa Fe Desert Chorale and non-professional but very good Sangre de Cristo Chorale and Coro de Camara perform choral music. Popular concerts occur frequently in the main community shopping center, and there are "coffeehouses" on several Friday nights a year at Fuller Lodge; inquire locally for details.
 * Fly. Take lessons from a private instructor or take a ride with a charter pilot operating out of the tiny but Air Force One capable Los Alamos airport.
 * Tune in to KRSN AM1490 to listen to interviews with local movers and shakers and Topper Time, hosted by LAHS students. Check their website for a calendar of who's on and to see what time your flavor in music plays.
 * Tune in to KRSN AM1490 to listen to interviews with local movers and shakers and Topper Time, hosted by LAHS students. Check their website for a calendar of who's on and to see what time your flavor in music plays.
 * Tune in to KRSN AM1490 to listen to interviews with local movers and shakers and Topper Time, hosted by LAHS students. Check their website for a calendar of who's on and to see what time your flavor in music plays.

Clubs and organizations
There are a surprising number of club and organizations in Los Alamos, something for everyone. Here are just a few to connect with (in no particular order).

 * Los Alamos Online Visitor Guide is maintained by the Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce and includes maps, area information, an events calendar, and a searchable business directory.

Eat
As with many communities in New Mexico, it makes sense to categorize restaurants as "New Mexican" (specializing in enchiladas, stuffed sopaipillas, etc., with the usual "red or green?" choice of chile—red is usually hotter, green more flavorful, but inquire) or otherwise. Most restaurants cater to the community more than to the tourist, and consequently, many are closed on Sunday and some even on Saturday. Check on open days and hours before deciding where to eat.

Drink
Los Alamos contains more churches than bars, which is a probably sufficient commentary on the night life. Some of the restaurants occasionally offer live entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Sleep
Accommodations can be hard to find during the second week of October, when Albuquerque, 90 miles away, hosts the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. If you're visiting at that time and planning to stay in a hotel or B&B, reserve well in advance.

Lodging
There are curiously few hotels and motels in town, given the number of travelers (mainly professional) who pass through the area. There are also several bed and breakfasts in Los Alamos and one or two in White Rock.

Camping

 * There is a tiny RV park at East Gate on NM 502 just east of town and the municipal airport; perched on the tip of a mesa, this RV park has stunning views. There is a large RV park 20 minutes away, on US 84/285 in Pojoaque; it has hookups and is within easy walking distance of several restaurants.
 * There is a tiny RV park at East Gate on NM 502 just east of town and the municipal airport; perched on the tip of a mesa, this RV park has stunning views. There is a large RV park 20 minutes away, on US 84/285 in Pojoaque; it has hookups and is within easy walking distance of several restaurants.
 * There is a tiny RV park at East Gate on NM 502 just east of town and the municipal airport; perched on the tip of a mesa, this RV park has stunning views. There is a large RV park 20 minutes away, on US 84/285 in Pojoaque; it has hookups and is within easy walking distance of several restaurants.
 * There is a tiny RV park at East Gate on NM 502 just east of town and the municipal airport; perched on the tip of a mesa, this RV park has stunning views. There is a large RV park 20 minutes away, on US 84/285 in Pojoaque; it has hookups and is within easy walking distance of several restaurants.

Stay safe
Violent crime is almost unknown in Los Alamos. The biggest lawbreaking threat to life and limb is drunk drivers. Northern New Mexico has an unfortunate and well-deserved reputation for DUI problems. Be alert when driving on the arterial roads after 10PM, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. Another driving hazard is wildlife. Mule deer can be seen around town all year long, day and night. Herds of elk come down from the Jemez Mountains during the winter and often congregate around the roads. If your car hits an elk at highway speed, the elk may lose, but you will most assuredly not win. Be careful driving after sundown during the winter months.

Believe it or not, one of the most important types of fatal accident sustained by townspeople is falling off a cliff—sometimes a cliff literally in the victim's back yard. The sheer canyon walls that give the area much of its natural beauty also pose traps for the unwary recreational hiker. If you're out enjoying the many hiking trails around town, stay on the trail when around a cliff unless you're doing roped climbing.

In most other regards, Los Alamos is an almost absurdly safe place. When pursuing outdoors activities, take the usual precautions, with maybe a little extra attention to fire safety; several of the disastrous forest fires the area experienced over the last 30 years resulted from poorly constructed campfires that were not well put out and thus smoldered, eventually starting up again and igniting tinder. If the national forest is closed to camping owing to fire hazard (as often happens in early summer) or forbids open fires (which can happen almost any time from May until August), please comply and seek your accommodations somewhere else. One final note: bubonic plague is endemic to northern New Mexico, and plague-bearing fleas and rodents have been trapped from within the city limits. As cautioned in the article on Bandelier National Monument, if you see a distressed or dead rodent or other small animal, leave it alone; buzzards are immune to plague, you are not.

Medical care

Los Alamos is served by two mobile large animal veterinarians, High Desert Equine (+1 505 455-1001, based 15 minutes east of town) and Oso Mobile Veterinary Services (+1 505 695-0052, based in town). The nearest large animal clinic is Valley Veterinary Clinic (+1 505 455-2228) on 85/284 just north of Pojoaque. The nearest colic surgery is Thal Equine south of Santa Fe.

For small animals there is Animal Clinic of Los Alamos and Ridgeview Veterinary Hospital, both on East Road (NM 502).

Go next

 * Santa Fe is one of the world's great travel destinations and is only about 35 miles (55 km) away by road. It would be silly to make a vacation stop to see Los Alamos and not see Santa Fe.
 * Taos, another fine travel destination, is a little over an hour away. Retrace your path down NM 502, but before reaching Pojoaque, turn off on NM 30 to Española by way of Santa Clara Pueblo.  NM 30 leads you to NM 68 and eventually Taos via a beautiful drive along the Rio Grande.  Or, take the "high road" to Taos through a series of tiny Colonial Spanish mountain villages.
 * If traveling to Albuquerque on the way home from Los Alamos, consider forsaking the highway route (NM 502 to US 84/285 to I-25) in favor of the "back road" through the Jemez Mountains. Take NM 501 west out of Los Alamos and proceed past the Camp May road to a T intersection with NM 4.  Left leads back to Bandelier; instead turn right, climbing steeply and spectacularly into the mountains and through Valle Grande, the largest grass meadow of the Valles Caldera.  On emerging on the west side of the mountains, NM 4 connects with NM 44 (US highway 550) which leads back to the interstate close to Albuquerque.  This takes up to half an hour longer than the highway route but is worth it for the mountain scenery.  Be wary of radar traps, and skip it in winter after a snowstorm, as the road through the mountains may be temporarily impassable.

title: Los Alamos


text:
Los Altos

Los Altos is in Santa Clara County, in the South Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. The city means "The Heights" or "Foothills" in Spanish. It is mostly residential, but it does have several areas which could be considered 'business districts'.

Get in
If driving on El Camino Real, drive south on San Antonio Road, south on Los Altos Avenue, or south on Grant Road. If taking public transportation, VTA bus lines 40 and 52 go near downtown Los Altos. Interstate 280 provides easy access to Los Altos. If coming in from the north (San Francisco), then use 280 South. There is no method of entry from the west with the exception of Page Mill Road and Moody Road. If coming in from the south, use 87 North with connections to 280 North. If coming from the east, then 280 North is a simple method of entry.

Get around
Los Altos is a small enough town that there is no real "mass transit" option such as train, or light rail. Due to the residential nature of Los Altos, almost every single person uses cars. There is the occasional VTA bus, but it has never been the true method of transit. Los Altos hotspots such as Whole Foods are the greater majority of all bus transit.

See
Los Altos is mostly residential but there are some hotspots such as Loyola Corners, Downtown Los Altos, and the various borders between Los Altos and other close-by cities. Although not necessarily in the city, Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve (Rancho OSP) is a major distinction to see the mountains. The park is open daily from sunrise to sundown.

Do
Bicycling is popular, especially on the NE/SW route of Foothill Expressway. Peet's Coffee on State Street is a popular stop for bicyclists. A bicycle route from Los Altos Avenue to Arastradero road is a popular route to Stanford University that avoids much automobile traffic. During evenings in the summer, the Downtown Triangle shows a movie every evening, free of charge.

Buy
Los Altos has four main shopping areas, listed in order of size:
 * 1) the south side of El Camino Real
 * 2) the Downtown Triangle bordered on the Southwest by Foothill Expressway, on the North by Edith Drive, and on the East by San Antonio Road near its Southern terminus. This area is very suitable for walking and is much more peaceful and than similar downtowns in nearby Palo Alto and Mountain View, but still has plenty of foot traffic.
 * 3) Rancho Shopping Center at the intersection of Springer Road and Foothill, primarily Andronico's grocery store
 * 4) Loyola Corners at the Southern end of Miramonte Road has a variety of shops including a very popular high-end bicycle shop.

Eat
In the El Camino Corridor:

In the Downtown Triangle:

In the Rancho Shopping Center:

In Loyola Corners:

Stay safe
Dial 911 for all emergencies.

Violent crime in Los Altos is relatively rare. For hikers, there are some obvious guidelines that should be followed. Bring water, food and a first aid kit if you decide to go hiking in Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve. The city's police department is located near the city hall.

For fire and medical services, Los Altos contracts with the Santa Clara County Fire District and has two fire stations:

Publications
The Los Altos Town Crier is the city's official newspaper.

Go next
There are several neighboring cities that are very similar, such as:

 * Los Altos Hills
 * Palo Alto and Stanford
 * Mountain View
 * Sunnyvale
 * Cupertino
 * Los Gatos

title: Los Altos


text:
Los Altos Hills

Los Altos Hills is a town in Santa Clara County, California. Considered to be one of the "richest" towns in the United States, Los Altos Hills is known for its large homes. It is entirely residential and there is no business district within the town border. Los Altos Hills has no stores and restaurants, and no place for overnight stays except a youth summer camp.

Get in
Los Altos Hills is a difficult hard place to enter, much harder than any other 'cities' in the surrounding area. Fremont Road and Concepcion Road are the only roads that lead to the town's center.

 * If entering from the north, Fremont Road can be accessed by turning south off Page Mill Road.
 * Visitors from the west can take Arastradero Road off Interstate 280, turning right onto La Cresta Drive, left onto St Francis Road and finally right onto Fremont Road.
 * From the south, take El Monte Road off Interstate 280. It will become Elena Road after a short distance. Turn right onto Robleda Road and then left onto Purissima Road. You will reach Concepcion Road after about half a mile.
 * It is relatively easy to reach Los Altos Hills from the east as it is within walking distance from downtown Los Altos.

Get around
Los Altos Hills has no major roads, and the entire town is residential. There is no method of public transit such as buses, trains or light rails; most roads are not actually wide enough for such vehicles. However, some bus stations on El Monte Road are located fairly close to Los Altos Hills. See the VTA map for details.

See
Just to the west are the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Hiking and horseback riding are prevalent on local trails and in the nearby Rancho San Antonio County Park (see Cupertino for details). Biking is also very common due to the hilly landscapes. Los Altos Hills presents a challenge to any biker due to the steep grades.

Do
Along with hiking and the biking in Rancho San Antonio County Park and on local trails, geocaching is another popular activity in Los Altos Hills. Due to the steep hills, geocaching in both the town and the park is excellent for both sightseeing and exercise. Visitors planning to stay can stop at the at 26379 Fremont Rd to learn more about the town. Some community events, such as concerts and chess expos, are held at the town hall.

Buy
Los Altos Hills officially has no stores. However, meat and other animal products can be ordered from Hidden Villa (see § Sleep) and picked up there. Produce is also available community farm stands at various locations, although it is seasonal and may often be unavailable. Such farm stands also have a "book share" where visitors can take and leave books.

Eat and drink
Los Altos Hills has no bars or restaurants, but food and groceries are available within walking distance in downtown Los Altos.

Connect
Free public Wi-Fi access is available at the town hall.

Go next
There are several surrounding cities such as:

 * Los Altos
 * Palo Alto and Stanford
 * Mountain View
 * Sunnyvale
 * Cupertino

title: Los Altos Hills


text:
Los Andes

Los Andes is a town of 67,000 people (2013) about 80 km north of Santiago in Central Chile in the fertile Aconcagua valley. Beautiful nevados dot the horizon and the vineyards in the area make for scenic daytrips. Av. Chacabuco sees a lot of heavy traffic, as trucks heading for from Santiago to Argentina pass through here, but the noise is escaped in the parks and surroundings of this tranquil place.

Get in
It lies on the route between Santiago and Chile's primary border crossing with Argentina by way of the summit of the Uspallata Pass in the Andes mountain range.

By car from Santiago by the Aconcagua Highway RCH-5; or by the Los Libertadores R-57 highway. From Valparaíso by the RCH-60 International Route.

See

 * Monastery of the Descalza Carmelites (Carmelitas descalzas de los Andes): Place where Santa Teresa de Los Andes, First Saint of Chile, lived. 12 km south of the Andes is the sanctuary that is visited by more than 500,000 people a year.
 * Cerro Virgen del Valle: Hill that borders the east of the city. Its height is 1010 meters above sea level and at the top there is a statue of the "virgin of the valley" that is more than 100 years old.
 * Plaza de Armas de Los Andes: Main promenade of the city. Located in the center of the city (the center of the city is shaped like a checkerboard plane) it is the main point of reference; also where the main public services are located (banks, pharmacies, etc.)
 * Plaza de Armas de Los Andes: Main promenade of the city. Located in the center of the city (the center of the city is shaped like a checkerboard plane) it is the main point of reference; also where the main public services are located (banks, pharmacies, etc.)

Do

 * Hot springs
 * Horse riding
 * Canopy trekking
 * Mountaineering - Aconcagua Ascent

title: Los Andes