Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Sebastian's remote location and historic appeal have made it one of Mexico's last great getaways. Even though this little mountain enclave [elevation 4500 ft.] is not very far from Puerto Vallarta, this half-forgotten former mining town is a world away from typical resorts and ordinary tourist attractions.
Our San Sebastian Land Expedition begins with a 90-minute drive by air-conditioned mini van from Puerto Vallarta to the 17th century mining town of San Sebastián. As the road weaves through the mountains, you'll enjoy fantastic scenery and typical scenes of rural Mexican life, making the journey both breathtaking and relaxing.
The road from Puerto Vallarta comes in on the west side of this historic mining town. Originally settled in 1605, San Sebastián reached its peak of prosperity in the 1700s, when over 30,000 people populated the area. Over the years, the town's population fluctuated wildly as gold and silver were mined intermittently between the 1600's and the 1930's.
Today, although the "gold fever" has subsided and the people afflicted by it have long since departed, this beautiful mountain village of 600 residents retains its colonial heritage as an outstanding example of the traditional ways of living and working in a remote Mexican village. Nowadays, in addition to the traditional corn and cattle, local folks also cultivate coffee and agave on the mountainside.
It is a joy to wander around in this very peaceful town, which has changed so little in hundreds of years. With a quaint cobblestone plaza lined by dignified white buildings, a classic Porfirian bandstand, an 18th century church dedicated to San Sebastián and the many 18th century Haciendas, San Sebastián is a living museum untouched by time, and an experience that is difficult to surpass. Spaces are limited, so make your reservations TODAY!