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The third annual lantern festival in San Sebastian del Oeste [and the temptation of cool mountain air] inspired us to abandon the sandy beaches and ocean waves; in exchange for an afternoon in the lush Sierra Madre mountains, which loom behind Puerto Vallarta. We giddily anticipated the possibility of wearing a long sleeve shirt for the afternoon. We had no exact plans...just the vague idea of loafing around town until the festival began. At five o'clock, we waited in the main plaza with a small handful of other people, doubting anything was actually going to take place. Ever so slowly the participants began to arrive with their paper lanterns in hand, hung delicately on a hanger or folded neatly in a bag. Some practiced their fanning technique for filling the lantern with hot air, others relaxed along the plaza benches entertained by small children running around wildly. Excitement roared among the crowd each time a lantern lifted off; everyone gawking at the distance traveled, cheering and hooting if engulfed in flames.
The sun began to fade behind the tall mountains; leaving it's mark on the day, the final reminder of our incredible adventure. As we drove back home spiraling down the mountain road, a promise was made...we will be making a paper lantern and participating in next year's lantern festival!
The sun began to fade behind the tall mountains; leaving it's mark on the day, the final reminder of our incredible adventure. As we drove back home spiraling down the mountain road, a promise was made...we will be making a paper lantern and participating in next year's lantern festival!
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San Sebastian del Oeste 4-1-1
Best Reasons To Visit
Cool mountain air, sleepy colonial village with friendly locals [& lots of charm], lush green scenery, local coffee & only an hour and a half from Vallarta.
What To Do
Meander around aimlessly looking at the historic architecture, sip coffee or a 'michelada' in the main plaza, take a taxi [& a short 10 minute hike] to 'Sierra de La Bufa' for a view which extends out to the Pacific Ocean. Or do absolutely nothing; enjoying the sounds of nature, as time seems to slows down & melt around you.
How To Arrive
By Car
Drive the 200 north towards the airport. After you pass Home Depot, turn right towards Las Palmas. Turn left at the small town of La Estancia; following the signs to San Sebastian del Oeste.
By Bus
Take a red ATM bus to La Estancia [the small village just outside of San Sebastian]. This Vallarta Info map shows were to get on the bus in Vallarta. From Estancia, hitchhike or hire a taxi for the drive into San Sebastian.
Cool mountain air, sleepy colonial village with friendly locals [& lots of charm], lush green scenery, local coffee & only an hour and a half from Vallarta.
What To Do
Meander around aimlessly looking at the historic architecture, sip coffee or a 'michelada' in the main plaza, take a taxi [& a short 10 minute hike] to 'Sierra de La Bufa' for a view which extends out to the Pacific Ocean. Or do absolutely nothing; enjoying the sounds of nature, as time seems to slows down & melt around you.
How To Arrive
By Car
Drive the 200 north towards the airport. After you pass Home Depot, turn right towards Las Palmas. Turn left at the small town of La Estancia; following the signs to San Sebastian del Oeste.
By Bus
Take a red ATM bus to La Estancia [the small village just outside of San Sebastian]. This Vallarta Info map shows were to get on the bus in Vallarta. From Estancia, hitchhike or hire a taxi for the drive into San Sebastian.
