San Sebastian del Oeste
Rediscover Colonial Mexico
Tucked away in the hills of the Sierra Madre lies the historic town of San Sebastián del
Oeste. Founded over 400 years ago as the mining capital of New Spain, this
picturesque town is a living example of colonial México.
Just a short distance from the busy beaches of Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastián is
nestled amongst the pines trees, 4600 feet up in the Sierra.
An upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Sebastián is a secluded paradise
that has been preserved through the centuries.
Come and discover for yourself what makes this magical town one of México’s finest.
A Brief History of San Sebastián
With the arrival of Francisco Cortes and his Spanish conquistadors, mining first began
in the area in 1524. It eventually became so fruitful with gold, silver lead, and zinc, that
the town of San Sebastián del Oeste was founded in 1605. The town would grow to be
one of the principal mining centers for New Spain.
Necessary for the smelting process of precious metals, salt was imported by mule from
the small costal town of Las Peñas, now known as Puerto Vallarta. The silver and gold
would then be transported to Guadalajara, Mexico City, and eventually Veracruz,
where it would be shipped out to Spain once a year.
The prosperity of the mines continued, and by 1785, there were over 30 mines. At
one point, San Sebastián was even the provincial capital of Jalisco (now Guadalajara).
The town became a city in 1812, and by 1830, it claimed more than 20,000
inhabitants.
San Sebastián, circa 1880
The growth and prosperity of San Sebastián would come to cease with the revolution
of 1910, and by 1921, the last mine was finally abandoned. The town became
dormant for decades and has only recently started to reawaken. Although there is one
active mine in the area again, agriculture and stockbreeding are now the principal
activities, with tourism starting to make an impact.
Although the present population of 600 is merely a shadow of the city San Sebastián
once was, the town retains its colonial heritage in the well preserved buildings that are
as much as 250 years old. Those that are lucky enough to visit San Sebastián del
Oeste today are connected with a distant time. Come and wander its picturesque
cobble-stoned streets and passageways, and discover for yourself the town that time
forgot.
Tucked away in the hills of the Sierra Madre lies the historic town of San Sebastián del
Oeste. Founded over 400 years ago as the mining capital of New Spain, this
picturesque town is a living example of colonial México.
Just a short distance from the busy beaches of Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastián is
nestled amongst the pines trees, 4600 feet up in the Sierra.
An upcoming UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Sebastián is a secluded paradise
that has been preserved through the centuries.
Come and discover for yourself what makes this magical town one of México’s finest.
A Brief History of San Sebastián
With the arrival of Francisco Cortes and his Spanish conquistadors, mining first began
in the area in 1524. It eventually became so fruitful with gold, silver lead, and zinc, that
the town of San Sebastián del Oeste was founded in 1605. The town would grow to be
one of the principal mining centers for New Spain.
Necessary for the smelting process of precious metals, salt was imported by mule from
the small costal town of Las Peñas, now known as Puerto Vallarta. The silver and gold
would then be transported to Guadalajara, Mexico City, and eventually Veracruz,
where it would be shipped out to Spain once a year.
The prosperity of the mines continued, and by 1785, there were over 30 mines. At
one point, San Sebastián was even the provincial capital of Jalisco (now Guadalajara).
The town became a city in 1812, and by 1830, it claimed more than 20,000
inhabitants.
San Sebastián, circa 1880
The growth and prosperity of San Sebastián would come to cease with the revolution
of 1910, and by 1921, the last mine was finally abandoned. The town became
dormant for decades and has only recently started to reawaken. Although there is one
active mine in the area again, agriculture and stockbreeding are now the principal
activities, with tourism starting to make an impact.
Although the present population of 600 is merely a shadow of the city San Sebastián
once was, the town retains its colonial heritage in the well preserved buildings that are
as much as 250 years old. Those that are lucky enough to visit San Sebastián del
Oeste today are connected with a distant time. Come and wander its picturesque
cobble-stoned streets and passageways, and discover for yourself the town that time
forgot.
Superior Tours offers day tours and overnight tours to San Sebastian
A private tour for your group via comfortable tour Van with A/C. Duration: 7 hours.
Cost 280US in total (1-10 persons) Lunch and entrance to the Hacienda/Museum not
included, but can be arranged with at least 48 hours advance notice.
A group tour by tour Van. Duration: 7 hours. Cost: 75US per person. Lunch included
at Hacienda Jalisco. This group tour includes an informative guided tour of the
Hacienda and the museum, museum fee and lunch. Your meal will be prepared by
Pablo, the chef at the Hacienda, using locally grown organic ingredients. (minimum
participants 4 persons, max. 10 per Van)
Dates (or days) of group tour: september 6th and 13th, click here for discounts:
A overnight tour 2 night/3 days "Highlights of Jalisco" Click here for more info
A private tour for your group via comfortable tour Van with A/C. Duration: 7 hours.
Cost 280US in total (1-10 persons) Lunch and entrance to the Hacienda/Museum not
included, but can be arranged with at least 48 hours advance notice.
A group tour by tour Van. Duration: 7 hours. Cost: 75US per person. Lunch included
at Hacienda Jalisco. This group tour includes an informative guided tour of the
Hacienda and the museum, museum fee and lunch. Your meal will be prepared by
Pablo, the chef at the Hacienda, using locally grown organic ingredients. (minimum
participants 4 persons, max. 10 per Van)
Dates (or days) of group tour: september 6th and 13th, click here for discounts:
A overnight tour 2 night/3 days "Highlights of Jalisco" Click here for more info
Once we pick you up at your hotel, condo or at the cruise ship terminal, we will head to
San Sebastian del Oeste where you will literally step back in time.
Once one of the most important mining towns from the 1600's, San Sebastian
is now a quiet mountain village, located 4800 ft above sea level and an hour and a
half away from Puerto Vallarta.
Nominated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, San Sebastian is truly an unspoiled
place to explore. Just over a century ago an estimated 30.000 people lived there.
Today, there are only about 600 people remaining. The mines are long closed but the
charm and beauty of the village is still there. While visiting San Sebastian, we will
explore the local coffee plantation, where you can see the whole process from the
trees to the roasting of the beans and sample the organically grown coffee. We will
visit the museum of Doña Conchita and learn the history of San Sebastian. A stroll
through the main plaza and a stop at the local church is also included in this tour.
Before we head back to Vallarta, we will visit the treasure of the area, the Hacienda
Jalisco .This former silver hacienda is now operating as a bed and breakfast with a
museum. It was a favorite hideaway for legendary director John Huston as well as his
friends, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Included is an informative guided tour of
the Hacienda and the museum* (see below in which tours this is included)
San Sebastian del Oeste where you will literally step back in time.
Once one of the most important mining towns from the 1600's, San Sebastian
is now a quiet mountain village, located 4800 ft above sea level and an hour and a
half away from Puerto Vallarta.
Nominated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, San Sebastian is truly an unspoiled
place to explore. Just over a century ago an estimated 30.000 people lived there.
Today, there are only about 600 people remaining. The mines are long closed but the
charm and beauty of the village is still there. While visiting San Sebastian, we will
explore the local coffee plantation, where you can see the whole process from the
trees to the roasting of the beans and sample the organically grown coffee. We will
visit the museum of Doña Conchita and learn the history of San Sebastian. A stroll
through the main plaza and a stop at the local church is also included in this tour.
Before we head back to Vallarta, we will visit the treasure of the area, the Hacienda
Jalisco .This former silver hacienda is now operating as a bed and breakfast with a
museum. It was a favorite hideaway for legendary director John Huston as well as his
friends, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Included is an informative guided tour of
the Hacienda and the museum* (see below in which tours this is included)
The following article is taken from www.sansebastianmexico.com
The bridge
Our guides explaining
the coffeeproduction
the coffeeproduction
Don Rafael showing his
coffee
coffee
The Coffeehacienda
Street in San Sebastian
Cobblestone streets
Inside the museum
"La Bufa" on the
background. The
highest point
background. The
highest point
Main square with Church
Interior of Church
"Downtown"
Hacienda Jalisco
Guest Comment We were so happy that somebody recommended you on Cruise Critics. Our tour to San Sebastian was wonderful with just the 5 of us. I had never seen a coffee plantation before! We will certainly share with our friends the benefits of taking a "Superior" San Sebastian tour. John Dawson, Vancouver, BC |
| Did you know that Superior Tours Vallarta is the only travel agent in Puerto Vallarta that gives you the opportunity to have lunch at Hacienda Jalisco? |
Toño, the Raicilla maker
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