By Dave Kelly, author of Hiking Loreto
The Waicuri indigenous people were local hunter gatherers whose language and history are largely lost to the past. They were first encountered by the Spanish between 1535-1633 and were colorfully named by Cortez as “Los Danzantes” (“the dancers”). This name emerged from the reception the Waicuri allegedly gave Cortez and his men, “dancing and playing flutes made from cane.”
To add to this description, Italian Jesuit Padre Kino remarked in 1685: “The Waicuri have a very lively and friendly disposition, are of good stature, strength, and health, and very happy, laughing and jovial.”
Unfortunately, due to western diseases and colonization, these unique people and their equally distinct language no longer exist. While historically western explorers, religious scholars, and linguists have tried to resurrect the Waicuri language, only fragments of the original tongue have emerged from their efforts.
We named this hike Waicuri, in their honor.
The hike starts at Playa Juncalito, just south of Loreto. Waicuri has outstanding views of all the islands, the Sierra Giganta and Puerto Escondido. The first part of the hike is steep and loose while the rest of the hike is over talus and some loose rock, traversing several small summits. Good hiking shoes should be worn. Drive to the beach at Juncalito and park at the far end (East). Walk east on a good dirt road overlooking the sea. You will reach a ‘T’ at the end of the road, look for a trail continuing straight over a beautiful hand built stone wall (going left at the ‘T’ will get you down to the sea, going right will bring you to the shoreline of Puerto Escondido). Once over the stone wall, follow cairns steeply up several switchbacks to the top of the ridge. Follow cairns left (east) along the ridge over several more small summits, each with spectacular views. Feel free to do a dance in remembering these unique indigenous folks. The final summit overlooks the ‘North Window” of Puerto Escondido. Return the way you came.
This hike is now part of the Loreto National Park system, so a purchased park bracelet is required and available at the Marina office in Loreto.
This hike and many more are in the Hiking Loreto Guidebook, available at the Caballo Blanco bookstore in Loreto or online at HikingLoreto.com