There are a billion reasons to visit San Sebastin del Oeste more often...but for some strange reason, we only make it there once a year. We threw the dogs in the back of the car and started our two hour drive up the mountain road towards San Sebastian. A huge storm had swept through the bay the night before; creating a dozen or so big rock slides across the highway, so it was a slow {& sketchy} ride up.
Upon arrival, time eludes you and the picturesque pueblo steals your heart. The air is cool and your body automatically slows down into a more relaxed mode.
Upon arrival, time eludes you and the picturesque pueblo steals your heart. The air is cool and your body automatically slows down into a more relaxed mode.
The pueblo hosts a lantern festival each September. This year's event brought more people and more enthusiasm. The children chanted words of encouragement to the participants as they anxiously awaited their lanterns to fill with hot air and take flight. The crowd applauded on lift off and the children chased the lanterns down the cobblestone road until they lifted far off the ground.
Just like the last time we drove down the mountain back into the steamy jungle, we promised ourselves that we will return sooner.
San Sebastian del Oeste 4-1-1
What To Do
Enjoy the cool mountain air! 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.
Places to Stay
Hotel del Puente: One block off the main plaza
Mansion Real Hotel: Swanky hotel one block behind the main plaza
Los Arcos de Sol: Hotel and Mexican restaurant on the main plaza.
La Galerita: A peaceful five minute walk from the center of town.
Places to Eat
Italian Restaurant: Located a block or two off the main plaza. People rave about this place.
El Fortin: My favorite place to sip coffee, drink a margarita and people watch in the plaza.
Los Arcos: Mexican food with a patio perched up above street level for a good view of the plaza.
Comedor La Lupita: Nestled along the bridge into town.
Tienda: A larger tienda with lots of veggies and your basic needs is located up a set of stairs on your left as you walk from the main plaza to the bridge.
What To Do
Enjoy the cool mountain air! 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.
Places to Stay
Hotel del Puente: One block off the main plaza
Mansion Real Hotel: Swanky hotel one block behind the main plaza
Los Arcos de Sol: Hotel and Mexican restaurant on the main plaza.
La Galerita: A peaceful five minute walk from the center of town.
Places to Eat
Italian Restaurant: Located a block or two off the main plaza. People rave about this place.
El Fortin: My favorite place to sip coffee, drink a margarita and people watch in the plaza.
Los Arcos: Mexican food with a patio perched up above street level for a good view of the plaza.
Comedor La Lupita: Nestled along the bridge into town.
Tienda: A larger tienda with lots of veggies and your basic needs is located up a set of stairs on your left as you walk from the main plaza to the bridge.
