Take a day away from the beaches of Puerto Vallarta and enjoy a glimpse into colonial Mexican history! Scenic countryside, the charm of a traditional town, a rich history, and welcoming locals make San Sebastián del Oeste an excellent day trip and tour for Puerto Vallarta vacationers. Also, you’ll get to try Raicilla, an agave spirit that is produced in this region of Jalisco.
On your day trip tour to San Sebastian del Oeste, the best things to do in town are:
- A local distillery to sample tequila & raicilla
- A local organic coffee roaster
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- A clamato & shrimp michelada on the plaza
- A beautiful look-out spot
About This ‘Pueblo Mágico’
This pueblo isn’t far from Puerto Vallarta but feels like a world away. You go from sea level to 4855.64ft (1,480m) altitude with a 1.5-hour drive! Enjoy the scenic mountain highway that goes from tropical greenery to pine trees and agave plantations. Arrive to San Sebastian del Oeste, a small town hidden in the Sierra Madre that was first settled in 1605. The once remote 17th-century mining town reached its peak of prosperity in the 1700s with over 30,000 inhabitants in the area. The pueblo’s population fluctuated wildly as gold and silver were mined intermittently between the 1600s and the 1930s, and currently has only 600 residents that maintain its true colonial heritage.
Since the mines have shut down, San Sebastian is now known for cultivating coffee and agave in its lush mountainsides while maintaining its charming cobblestone plaza, traditional architecture, 18th-century church, and historic haciendas, recently earning this community the title of Pueblo Magico from the federal government. There is also a lookout called Cerro de la Bufa, although it can be hard to get to if you do not have an offroad vehicle.
This Pueblo Mágico (“Magical Town” in English) is picturesque and the pace is slow. One of the best things to do in San Sebastian is to simply take in the view of the centuries-old building against a backdrop of mountains and breathe in the mountain air while sipping on a local coffee at a café patio or on one of the benches lining the central plaza.
Day Trip Tours & Excursions
While you can rent a car and drive yourself, we highly recommended taking one of the guided day-trip tours. Rather than worrying about navigating and driving, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. A bilingual tour guide will direct you to the town’s highlights and you’ll stop at a raicilla & tequila distillery and a local coffee farm. Several Puerto Vallarta tour companies offer day trip tour to San Sebastian del Oeste, and below are the most highly rated ones:
How to Get to San Sebastian
Rent a car, hire a private driver for the day, or book a day-trip tour. The 1.5-hour drive is very scenic, and halfway there is the impressive “El Progreso” arch bridge that crosses over the deep San Sebastián Gorge.
When you reach the bridge, there are 2 great places to stop at:
- Panaderia Carmens: Family-owned bakery that sells delicious homemade pastries with a lovely ambiance.
- Hacienda Don Lalin: Right after you cross the bridge you’ll see the tequila distillery on the right side of the road, offering a chance to taste the local agave spirit, Raicilla.
Things to do in San Sebastain
- Get lost as you walk through the charming cobblestone streets of the town.
- Stop at the small family-run coffee plantation, Cafetalera La Quinta, where you can walk among the coffee plants and buy bags of their freshly ground coffee and other local delicacies. You’ll even find colorful green macaws who say “HOLA!”
- Walk into the XVIII century church, the Parroquia of San Sebastián Mártir.
- Check out the XIX century cemetery, Camposanto Viejo, where many notorious locals rest in peace.
- La Bufa: This is an amazing viewpoint that’s 2,411 meters above sea level, but it is quite difficult to reach. If you are up for the challenge to get to the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Sierra Madre mountains and Banderas Bay. The best way to get there is by booking a tour or using a specialized off-road vehicle (ATV or side-by-side).
Best Restaurants in San Sebastian
- Fonda Eva Maria – Family-owned restaurant with typical dishes from the region. Our favorite dishes are the barbacoa tacos and the mixed plate.
- El Fortin – A cafe right by the square with few outside tables. They have some homemade candies, fruit preserves, and other great souvenirs.
- Jardin Nebulosa – Superb food, location, ambiance, decor, and service. Regional farm-to-table ingredients with a fantastic menu. A true gem. Remember to make a reservation for what is sure to be one of the most magical dining experiences of your life!
- Villa Nogal – Overlooking the Sierra Madre mountains, this restaurant is complemented by a beautiful garden and terrace. Delicious food including fondue, ribs, spaetzle, and more.
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