San Sebastián Del Oeste

San Sebastián Del Oeste combines a history shaped by mining with wooded trails and distinctive historic architecture. The settlement flourished during the colonial period. Casonas, former haciendas, and houses with tile roofs define the historic character of the town. If you are weighing culture against nature for your trip, you will find both here as different points of interest: historic buildings and collections, as well as trails to viewpoints and rest areas.

Mining history and historic buildings

Several places bring the history of mining to life. Hacienda Jalisco is a mining hacienda dating from 1885. Remains of mineral-processing equipment, along with paintings, furniture, other old objects, and documents, are preserved there. Mina Santa Gertrudis is another historic trace of mining: it is a silver mine more than 150 years old and 60 meters deep. El Pabellón Mexicano, meanwhile, is a 19th-century residential building. It includes a fort and a tunnel connecting the building with the temple and Hacienda Jalisco.

Other buildings tell stories of trade and infrastructure. Portal Morelos dates from the 19th century; it housed shops whose goods were mainly imported from France. Portal del Hueso, also known as Plaza de los Consistorios, was built in several phases during the 19th century. Everyday necessities were once sold there. Puente Recto was built in 1884 and measures 60 meters long, 6 meters wide, and 8 meters high. Puente Curvo, from the 19th century, is 10 meters long and has preserved almost all of its original structure. These specific differences give your exploration a range of historical themes rather than a single focus on mining.

Church, museum, and places of remembrance

The Parroquia de San Sebastián Mártir is located in the town center. The Templo de San Sebastián Mártir is a 17th-century religious building: its style is neoclassical, while its decoration is pictorial and Baroque. The Museo Parroquial is right next to the Parroquia. Founded in 2005, it houses archaeological and religious objects from the colonial period. If you are particularly interested in architecture and historical objects, you can include these centrally located sites in your stay.

Outside the town center is the Antiguo Panteón, built in 1856. The Panteón Antiguo includes five mausoleums with romantic designs. Other named attractions in San Sebastián Del Oeste include Hacienda Esperanza de la Galera, Rancho Ecoturístico Potrero de Mulas, and Casa Museo Doña Conchita. Casa Museo Doña Conchita, also known as Museo de Conchita Encarnación, is a private family home; its owners preserve a historical archive of San Sebastián Del Oeste. These differences can help you decide, when choosing a vacation rental, whether to focus your stay mainly on local history and culture or also on excursions in the surrounding area.

Festivals, trails, and regional drinks

The festivals include several occasions with different traditions. The Fiesta de San Sebastián is celebrated on January 20 with charreadas and a traditional fair. The Fiesta de la Virgen de la Asunción takes place on August 15, with processions and religious rites. The Mexican Independence celebrations include a Noche Mexicana on September 15 and a parade on September 16. San Sebastián Del Oeste was added to Mexico’s Pueblos Mágicos program on December 8, 2011.

The landscape also offers a different perspective on the town: San Sebastián Del Oeste is surrounded by the Sierra Madre Occidental. Cerro de la Bufa offers panoramic views of the Sierra and sunsets. Wooded trails lead to natural viewpoints and rest areas for visitors. Highway 70, between Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, is one route into San Sebastián Del Oeste. In the municipality of San Sebastián del Oeste, Raicilla, Atole, and fruit punch are local drinks; Raicilla Tesoro del Oeste is made at a local taberna. When planning your trip, you can choose among different focuses, from historic discoveries and forest trails to regional flavors.

Discover more destinations: San Pedro Tesistán, Puerto Vallarta, La Garita, Chapala, San Isidro Mazatepec, San Nicolás, San Nicolás de Ibarra, Etzatlán.

View the main travel overview: Jalisco.