Magic Town of mining tradition, with beautiful pre-Hispanic buildings and loaded with beautiful landscapes that invite tourists to enjoy an unforgettable vacation; We will help you achieve it with this comprehensive guide.
1. ¿Where is San Sebastián del Oeste located and how can I get there?
Population located in the State of Jalisco, to the west as its name indicates, nestled in the mountains of the Sierra Madre Occidental. In its limits it borders to the north and east with the state of Nayarit, to the south with the municipalities Puerto Vallarta and Mascota, and the west is shared between Puerto Vallarta and Nayarit. To get to San Sebastián from the state capital, you must take the Mexico 70 highway, a trip that lasts approximately 3 hours. The air option comes from Puerto Vallarta on daily flights that arrive at a small airstrip on the outskirts of San Sebastián. The views of the hills and forests that can be enjoyed on the flight are not wasted. There is also a picturesque overland route from Puerto Vallarta to San Sebastián, less than an hour away, you decide!
2. What is the history of the Town?
Inhabited by indigenous Tecos, it was colonized in 1524 by Francisco Cortes, but it was around 1530, as a result of the discovery of valuable mines, when Nuno de Guzmán took the reins of the town, called Real de San Sebastián in colonial times, when it became one of the most important mining centers at the time. San Sebastián had more than 20 thousand inhabitants, living in a prosperous and self-sustaining environment, a product of its gold and silver mines. Currently there are less than 6,000 inhabitants, which gives it an aura of a quiet town that still retains its airs of past grandeur.
3. What weather can I expect in San Sebastián?
Like the entire west of the state of Jalisco, the prevailing climate is humid. Located in a ruggedly mountainous area, San Sebastián is blessed with an average annual temperature of 19 ° C, so you'll have very little to complain about at any time of year. The minimum temperature is around 12 ° C and the maximum 26 ° C, with annual rainfall between 1,000 and 1,400 mm. There tends to be a bit drier climate in winter and spring. In conclusion, the climate of San Sebastián del Oeste is quite predictable and pleasant for tourists.
4. ¿What are the main attractions of this magical town?
San Sebastián has a great history and is mainly visited for the beauty and historical interest of its physical heritage, which comes from the colonial era. Among these testimonies we can mention the Temple of San Sebastián, the Hacienda Jalisco, as well as the Santa Gertrudis Mine and the La Terronera Mine, which are some of the more than 50 mining deposits that existed in the past. Another way to relive the mining past is by visiting the Doña Conchita Encarnación House Museum and the Parish Museum. Other places of interest are La Quinta, a farm where the region's coffee is still processed; the main square and the ancient pantheon.
5. ¿What is the Temple of San Sebastián like?
Called Iglesia de San Sebastián Mártir in honor of the town's patron, it was built by the Franciscan friars at the end of the 18th century, with a neoclassical style from the colonial era. Later, in 1897, its domes were renovated to give it a more modern style. Next to the temple there is a beautiful 19th century building called the San Sebastián portals, where a large number of businesses are located and where you can buy a souvenir as a souvenir of your visit to the town.
6. What is Hacienda Jalisco like?
Converted into a Hotel - Museum, the Jalisco hacienda is almost 200 years old. It was built to house and process the precious metals exploited in the mines before being sent to Spain. Despite being restored to make it a place suitable for tourism, it has the old charm of the absence of electricity, being illuminated with oil lamps and candles, as in colonial times. In the museum you can find documents and records of the former mining companies and their owners. Without a doubt, staying at this hacienda is taking a trip through a time tunnel.
7. ¿What can I find in the Doña Conchita Encarnación museum?
During the viceregal period and also later, members of Spanish families had the custom of marrying each other to preserve their roots. Conchita was the great-great-grandmother of a Spanish family and curiously, after several inter-family links, she became her own husband's wife, cousin and aunt. This story will be told more eloquently by Lupita, the daughter of Doña Conchita, who is currently the museum's manager and guide. Inside you can find all kinds of photographs, clothes and objects from various generations of this distinguished family. At the end of the visit, a photo with Lupita is required, which becomes part of her album, sending you a copy by post.
8. ¿What is the Santa Gertrudis mine like?
Approximately 30 minutes from San Sebastián on a walking tour through the mountain or half the time by ATV, we find the Santa Gertrudis mine, one of the few mining sites with access for tourists and the curious. It was one of the most productive mines in the town in the 19th century. The Hacienda Jalisco was the place of benefit of the minerals with precious metals exploited in this mine, where they were duly stored and guarded for their subsequent shipment to Spain.
9. What are the best hotels in San Sebastián del Oeste?
San Sebastián has hotels of all kinds and for all tastes. One option low cost It is the Posada Santa Rita, located just 300 meters from the Main Square, with a pleasant family atmosphere and all services up to date. Another central alternative is the Hotel Los Arcos del Sol. If you are looking for an option of greater elegance and comfort, Hacienda Matel is the best; full of history and tradition, with a first-class colonial structure and exceptional service, being the ideal place for demanding clients.
10. What are the best Restaurants?
El Fortín de San Sebastián Restaurant is a small and cozy cafe where you can taste typical Jalisco dishes with a homemade touch; Among the most requested are the meatloaf, the tortilla soup and the tamarind chicken. Another option is the Montebello Restaurant, with a picturesque atmosphere and live music; There you will be able to taste exquisite pizzas and pastas, among other dishes of Italian cuisine. El Galletero Mágico serves the best puff pastry bread in town and Los Arrayanes Restaurant is old and traditional in style, where you can enjoy a varied buffet and also a la carte food. El Paraíso de San Sebastián is a small local food place with first class service.
11. How are the festivals of San Sebastián Del Oeste?
The most important festival in the town is that of San Sebastián, in honor of the town's patron; It is celebrated on January 20 with charreadas, a fair and various shows by local groups that give life and color to the event. On August 15 is the feast of the Virgen de la Asunción and on October 7 the Virgen del Rosario is celebrated. On September 15 and 16, Independence is civically commemorated and the celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe takes place on December 12.
We hope we have helped you to know the past and history of San Sebastián del Oeste and we will be waiting for your comments and experiences about your wonderful vacations in this Magical Town.
