Mexico has a handful of places that, far from being large cities, popular and widely known destinations, are characterized by preserving the essence of their origins and some of the most deep-rooted traditions. To ensure that these towns continue to exist and maintain their essential spirit, the Mexican Ministry of Tourism created some time ago the “Magic Towns” program, which also aims to value these places and propose them as alternatives for tourists visiting these lands.
One of these places is San Sebastián del Oeste, located in the state of Jalisco, and it is a visit you should not miss when traveling to Puerto Vallarta. This magical town is just 90 minutes away from Puerto Vallarta and sits at an altitude of 1650 meters in the Sierra Madre.
A stroll through this small town takes you back in time to discover its past as a mining town, a period when about 20,000 people lived here. Today, only about 600 residents remain in San Sebastián del Oeste, so the change has been significant over time. Mineral production is now just a memory, and today only coffee and agave are cultivated here, the fruit from which the famous and iconic Mexican beverage, tequila, is made. What activities can you do in this town? What are its main attractions?
One of the recommended places to visit during an expedition to San Sebastián is the Hacienda La Quinta Mary, one of the many haciendas located around the town. This particular hacienda offers tourists the chance to experience and harvest the region’s typical fruits: lemons, guavas, peaches, oranges, guavas, and blackberries, among others.
Very close to San Sebastián, you can visit Cerro de La Bufa, where you can enjoy some of the best sunsets in the area from its summit. Don’t forget to bring your camera when you climb to the hilltop. While strolling through its streets, you can also visit the town church, named San Sebastián Mártir, and during this same walk, explore the portals dating back to the 19th century, which now house commercial shops.
Another recommended activity is a visit to the community of Los Reyes, located only 13 km from San Sebastián. This destination offers a fascinating opportunity to explore a set of basalt prisms found in the cave called La Escondida. Additionally, you can enjoy a pristine natural site with abundant vegetation, featuring avocado and banana trees.
To get there from Puerto Vallarta, you only need to travel 60 km along the new highway, 70, which connects Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara. A great time to visit is during one of the town festivals, such as the Feast of the Virgin of the Assumption, held every August 15.
If you want to enjoy a historic and cultural adventure like no other, don’t miss the expedition to San Sebastián, a town full of charm very close to Puerto Vallarta.
Portuguese Versión: Não perca a expedição a São Sebastião, uma aventura histórica e cultural sem igual
