San Sebastian del Oeste: A Magical Mountain Town Worth Exploring
If you want to take a break from the beach and surf and feel like exploring the mountains, valleys, rivers, and beautiful landscapes of Jalisco, I recommend you visit San Sebastian del Oeste.
It is a destination with a lot of charm and magic that catches travelers from the moment they arrive.
San Sebastian del Oeste is a town and municipality, founded on January 20, 1605.
The town was known as Real de San Sebastián, but since 1983, it has been called San Sebastian del Oeste.
It is a town made up of old haciendas and century-old houses that have aged gracefully along with the surrounding mines and fields, filled with a valuable legacy of tradition and history.
In its glorious past, it was a prosperous and self-sufficient silver mining town with more than four times the population it has today.
Getting to know San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco
When looking at a map, the town may seem hidden and inaccessible, but in reality, it is a place you definitely should not miss!
After traversing through one mountain after another, you will feel a real sense of arrival in this town in the heart of the Sierra Madre region.
By 1785 there were 10 gold and silver “processing” haciendas and almost 30 mines in the area, the town became a city in 1812 and reached its peak in 1830.
The mines ceased operations during the 1910 Mexican Revolution and foreign companies moved elsewhere. The last mine ceased operation in 1921.
In reality, it was the mines in the towns of the Sierra that created the need for Las Peñas, which would later become Puerto Vallarta, the original name derived from the rocks now known as Los Arcos de Mismaloya.
In 1851, the hamlet was the starting point of what would later become Puerto Vallarta, they would provide salt for the smelting process in the mines and were taken to the mining towns of the Sierra on muleback.
In the early 20th century the mines were closed and San Sebastian del Oeste lost its precious metal appeal, and the town entered a “time warp,” which is one of its main attractions.
Top things to do in San Sebastian del Oeste
On the outskirts of town, you can visit many old haciendas, some of which are now in ruins such as La Máquina, while others are meticulously restored to their former grandeur such as La Quinta, which proudly continues to produce organic coffee.
Other haciendas that have been beautifully restored are La Galera, La Hacienda San Jose with its unique and out-of-place palm tree in the mountains, and La Hacienda Jalisco.
The Pabellon Mexicano is a former store but has now been transformed into a boutique hotel on the southeast corner of the main plaza overlooking the church, dedicated to San Sebastian.
You may want to read: The Malecon Boardwalk of Puerto Vallarta: Art, Culture & Fun
Yet another road can take you to Los Reyes, a small village whose old-fashioned streets will remind you of what San Sebastian del Oeste used to be.
Hacienda Museo Jalisco
Nestled among pine forests and rolling hills, Hacienda Museo Jalisco offers rustic and tranquil accommodations.
Built 225 years ago, it was originally used to store treasures from the local mines before they were shipped to Spain.
The experience of staying here transports visitors back 150 years to colonial times.
Two large rooms display documents, letters, and objects that tell the story of the region’s history.
In addition, antiques, books, original maps, archeological artifacts, mining tools, and clothing can be admired in each room.
On the second floor, an impressive wrap-around balcony offers unparalleled views of the Sierra Madre mountain range, complemented by three beautifully restored and decorated rooms.
However, the highlight of this property is its history of having hosted numerous Hollywood stars.
Emblematic figures such as Peter O’Toole, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton enjoyed the hospitality of Hacienda Jalisco during the golden age of American cinema.
Hacienda Matel Hotel in San Sebastian del Oeste
Another recommended stop is the emblematic Hacienda Matel, located on Sendero al Nogalito number 2, in the heart of San Sebastian del Oeste and close to the center of town.
In contrast to the previous one, Hacienda Matel offers a less rustic and more stately atmosphere, with luxury finishes.
It features a kiosk next to a small square, a chapel, and a collection of antiques and furniture that capture the visitor’s attention.
Its 8 rooms are comfortably decorated and wrapped in a thematic atmosphere of the Mexican Revolution of 1910.
The hacienda also features a beautiful garden and an elegant restaurant offering Mexican cuisine.
In addition, it offers standard services such as Wi-Fi connection in common areas, daily maid service, a private Jacuzzi, luggage storage, cable TV, and private parking.
San Sebastian Church
It was built in the XVII century by Augustinian monks as the parish for priest Fray Servando Alonso Poca Sangre.
In the temple, you can see the image of the patron saint of the town. Its style is neoclassical with baroque decoration.
Another place of faith that you must visit is the Temple of Real del Alto, where you will find a beautiful neoclassical wooden altarpiece.
The main altar houses the image of the Santísima Virgen del Rosario del Real Alto.
La Bufa Hill
The panoramic view from La Bufa is truly breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see Puerto Vallarta and the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
To get there you will need a 4×4 vehicle and 45 minutes, but it is worth it.
Its privileged altitude, at almost 1500 meters above sea level, grants the municipality intangible treasures that are revealed as soon as the capricious clouds dissipate to show them.
How to get to San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco
You can reach San Sebastian del Oeste by air, via the small airstrip on the outskirts of town, which allows daily flights from Puerto Vallarta.
You will enjoy breathtaking views of the hills and forests of the Sierra Madre along the way.
If you’re not driving, you can also reach this colonial town from Puerto Vallarta by bus (ATM Red Line).
The trip takes approximately 2 hours and the ticket will cost about 8 USD each way.
Please note that you will have to get off in a small town called La Estancia and get a taxi to take you to San Sebastian.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, San Sebastian del Oeste is a hidden gem that offers travelers an enchanting blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re strolling through its charming cobblestone streets, savoring local delicacies, or simply soaking in the stunning mountain vistas, this magical town promises a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Its rich heritage and tranquil atmosphere make it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience the authentic heart of Mexico.
Add San Sebastián del Oeste to your travel itinerary, and you’ll discover why it’s truly worth exploring.
