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Magical town between mountains

Located in the bowels of the Sierra Madre Occidental is San Sebastián del Oeste, Magical Town of Jalisco. From the dense fog and behind the smell of mountains, wet earth and charcoal in the brazier, the first traces of its mountain architecture are revealed, which, stained with red tiles on its gabled roofs, little by little reveals its white facades with terracotta colored stripes.

With a mining past, the town still maintains the trade. It is possible to find among its businesses, goldsmiths and jewelers who are passionate about silver who make unique pieces accompanied by opal and obsidian, carved religiously so that travelers who purchase them can take a piece of San Sebastián del Oeste, Jalisco, and show it off in the eyes. of the world.

History and admirable beauty in every corner

In the center of town and next to the public square, stands out a small church built in the 18th century. It is the parish of San Sebastián Mártir, patron saint of the town. Inside, a striking aquamarine color contrasts with the quarry pillars and their vaults colored in light blue and pastel pink, a combination that, far from seeming daring, contrasts with the uniform exteriors of their houses.

If you have time, explore its streets and contemplate the balconies of its houses adorned with bougainvillea, take a walk across its stone bridge and inhale the aroma of its pines, oaks and capomos while breathing pure mountain air.

If you pay attention, high in the sky you will see the hawks flying over towards the forest and at night you will probably hear the howls of the coyotes, because in San Sebastián del Oeste, the fauna is part of the environment.

From Puerto Vallarta it will take you about an hour and a half (68 km), if you are located in the Riviera Nayarit, the road will be 2 hours 15 minutes (110 km) and from Guadalajara it will be 4 hours 15 minutes (270 km) , all by car. Being nestled in the mountains, the humid climate predominates and its average annual temperature is 19 °C, which makes it an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.

One of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico
The beaches of Puerto Vallarta are the main reason that attracts visitors from all over the world. However, its picturesque historic center, its boardwalk full of art with magnificent views of Banderas Bay and its Romantic Zone make this city a unique and unforgettable destination.

Located on the Pacific coast, 330 kilometers from Guadalajara (capital of the state of Jalisco), Puerto Vallarta has the Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, which connects it with the main cities of the country and also with important foreign cities. In this way, it has become one of the main tourist destinations in Mexico.

And it is not for less, since the offer of hotels in Puerto Vallarta is varied, with both low-cost and highly sophisticated options. In addition, there is the enormous number of activities by the sea with something fun for each visitor: diving, snorkeling, bungee jumping, parasailing, kayaking, sport fishing, swimming with dolphins, whale watching in season, jet sky, boat rides, flyboard , windsurfing and surfing, among others.

The Sierra Madre Occidental, behind the beautiful city, serves as a green and leafy backdrop with some waterfalls and the El Jorullo Hanging Bridge, where outdoor activities related to adventure sports and nature multiply the already Yes, a long list of attractions: exciting zip lines, ATV rides, horseback riding or mountain bike tours, abseiling and quiet walks to appreciate the landscape and discover the birds that live in the trees.

Gourmet City Tour
On the other hand, Puerto Vallarta is considered a “gourmet city” for the large number of restaurants that have renowned chefs behind their stoves and for the delicious creativity that they bring to their dishes. So that, after having fun with some of the sea or mountain activities, you can recover your strength with gastronomic proposals of the highest level. And, later, extend the evening with the lively nightlife of the city.

Puerto Vallarta, which was originally called Las Peñas, was founded in 1851. But its tourist development took place in the 1980s with the construction of the Marina Vallarta. Since then, it has not stopped growing and captivating its visitors who want to return again and again.

If you are planning a getaway to Puerto Vallarta, the best season to visit is between the months of April and June, avoiding the rainy season. However, between the months of December to March it is possible to enjoy whale watching in this area of ​​the Pacific.

 

Have you ever heard of the “Mexican Switzerland”? It is nothing less than the Magical Town of Mazamitla, Jalisco, nestled between the cold forests and majestic waterfalls of the Sierra del Tigre natural corridor.

The common denominator of Mazamitla is its cozy cabins distributed throughout the hills of the forest. Some of them are chalet-style, a favorite with couples looking for a romantic weekend. But, there are also the traditional ones, with capacity for up to 20 guests. Most of the hotels and cabins in Mazamitla are located a few kilometers from the town center, although there are also cheap inns in the Main Square.

A walk through the center of Mazamitla means discovering small cobblestone streets, surrounded by white-painted adobe houses, double-pitched tile roofs and flower-covered balconies. All are guarded by the Parroquia de San Cristóbal, with an eclectic style and Chinese influence. There are also the portals, to sit down and taste the typical dish of Mazamitla, “the boat”, a broth prepared with beef, chicken and pork, which you can complement with canned fruit as a dessert.

A block and a half from the church, there is a gastronomic and handicraft market. Take the opportunity to buy burnt milk sweets, textiles and souvenirs woven with dry pine branches. Within the same market there is an archaeological museum with pieces of pottery and carved stone that were made by the first settlers of this mountain region.

But if you are wondering what else to do in Mazamitla, in addition to walking through the center, this Magical Town is characterized by the gathering of natural wonders open to the public, such as the El Salto Waterfall or the Enchanted Garden. To get there, you can do it by mountain bike, on horseback or through a day trip offered by hotels, some of which include cheese making and canned fruit.

​Guadalajara is the closest city to the Magical Town of Mazamitla. If you travel by car, drive along the old highway to Colima until you find the junction to Morelia, take the detour to the capital of Michoacán. This road will take you to the deviation to Mazamitla. The journey time is approximately two and a half hours.

Cultural Significance

Another name that this area receives is that of Teuchitlán, because it is close to the municipal seat of the same name. It is a settlement located in the Jalisco municipality of Teuchitlán that is characterized by its peculiar architectural style: staggered conical bases and circular patios that also include a Ball Court and several terraces and buildings. According to specialists, the architectural pattern of Teuchitlán is made up of a central pyramid, an elevated circular patio that surrounds the pyramid, a circular sidewalk that surrounds the patio, between eight and twelve rectangular platforms on the sidewalk and underground funerary crypts under some of them. platforms. Chronology: 100 a. C. to 450 AD C. for its apogee, with reoccupations during the Late Classic and the Postclassic.

Access: The town of Teuchitlán can be reached from Guadalajara, taking federal highway No. 15 Guadalajara – Nogales, to the west of the city. At the intersection with federal highway No. 70, take the road to Tala, to later take state highway No. 27 that leads to Teuchitlán. The site is located one kilometer northeast of the town of Teuchitlán. You enter through Hilarión Romero Gil street, then through Zaragoza and, finally, through Benito Juárez. The visitor can arrive at the site by means of public transportation; however, you will have to walk to the entrance of the site.

Services available in the area: It has a parking lot, a restroom area and the Phil C. Weigand Interpretive Center, which depend on the Secretary of Culture of the State of Jalisco.

Hours: Thursday to Sunday from 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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An experience for a lifetime

The Magical Town of Tequila is located in the state of Jalisco, one hour by land from Guadalajara. If you want to enjoy a good shot of tequila, one of the country’s iconic drinks, this is the perfect place to do it. Here the best volumes of this drink of the gods are produced, a characteristic symbol of Mexico worldwide.

Visiting the main square is a must, it is a peaceful place where you can relax while enjoying ice cream or a classic jarrito of tequila. It is surrounded by restaurants, canteens and shops that offer typical sweets. On weekends you can find a musical group entertaining the day. Do not forget to enter the Church of Santiago Apóstol, a baroque-style building adorned with beautiful stained glass windows.

It’s time for another trip
There is no doubt that to get to know the Magical Towns of Mexico in depth, you have to walk through them and get lost in their streets. Tequila in Jalisco is no exception. Take a walk through the historic center and enter its tequila-themed stores. Take advantage of your visit and enter the Temple of the Immaculate and the Chapel of Calvary.

A stop at the Municipal Palace is not to be missed, there you will find paintings by local artists that describe the emergence of tequila. To fully delve into the production of this drink, we recommend you visit the National Tequila Museum.

Choose a route, not a routine
In your agenda, dedicate at least half a day to take tours in one of the tequila factories of this magical town. In many of them you can taste the tequila in its first process, that is, before being distilled.

If you are wondering what is the best season to visit Tequila, it is from February to November to enjoy days without rain.

 

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Lake Chapala, the largest in Mexico

Lake Chapala, the largest lake in Mexico, is located less than an hour from Guadalajara and is a must-see within the state of Jalisco. The towns that are around this beautiful lagoon form the Ribera de Chapala. Here we leave you the 10 best things to do in Chapala!

1. Watch the sunset
For nothing in the world do not miss the sunset, you can see it from the boardwalk of any town in the Ribera, although we recommend you see it from the town of Chapala or Ajijic.

2. Tour the Ajijic boardwalk
Walking down any of the cobblestone streets that lead to the lake, there is the Ajijic boardwalk, it is quite long and incredibly beautiful.

3. Take a photo in the letters of Chapala
Do not forget to take a photo in the colorful letters of Chapala, they are right at the beginning of the boardwalk in front of the Parish of San Francisco de Asís.

4. Walk along the Chapala pier
A great attraction in Chapala is the pier, where you can walk to the lighthouse or take a fun boat ride.

5. See the ritual of the Voladores de Papantla
Right between the boardwalk of Chapala and the handicraft market you will find the Voladores de Papantla, a show that you cannot miss.

6. Know the wooden pier of Jocotepec
On the rustic wooden pier of Jocotepec, there is nothing left to do but enjoy the tranquility of the town and contemplate the beauty of Lake Chapala.

7. Visit the picturesque town of Ajijic
In the magical town of Ajijic, the houses have beautiful facades, spectacular murals, and even trees and posts that have become a work of art.

8. Connect with nature
This wonderful destination in Mexico is ideal to escape from routine, get in touch with nature and completely relax.

9. Enjoy the good weather and the rich gastronomy
In any of the boardwalks you will see vendors of all kinds of snacks, do not forget to try the traditional carafe ice cream, snow pencils, tuba, charales enchiladas and a good Jocotepec birria.

10. Tour the boardwalk of Chapala
Something very characteristic of the town of Chapala is its long and beautiful boardwalk, which is full of palm trees and pots with flowers of all colors.

 

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