Explore the magic of Jalisco with a route through the Magic Towns of Talpa de Allende, San Sebastián del Oeste, and Mascota. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, and where to enjoy the delicious local cuisine.
Looking for a unique getaway in Jalisco? I invite you to explore one of the most charming routes in the region, visiting three Magic Towns that capture the essence of Mexico’s culture, history, and nature: Talpa de Allende, San Sebastián del Oeste, and Mascota. In this blog, I’ll guide you through a complete itinerary with recommendations for must-see places, accommodation options, and the best restaurants to enjoy the local cuisine. Get ready to discover the magic of Jalisco!
Complete Route: From Guadalajara to the Magic Towns
Here’s how I recommend doing this route: start in Talpa de Allende to try its delicious traditional guava rolls. From there, I suggest heading to the furthest Magic Town, San Sebastián del Oeste, and then, on your way back to Guadalajara, stop by Mascota. I was amazed by the beautiful landscapes that this road trip offers, as you'll be surrounded by the characteristic forests of Jalisco throughout the journey.
Route: Guadalajara - Talpa de Allende - San Sebastián del Oeste - Mascota - Guadalajara
Day 1: Guadalajara to Talpa de Allende
Distance: 195 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Route: From Guadalajara, take Federal Highway 70 towards Puerto Vallarta. Follow the signs to Ameca and then continue to Talpa de Allende.
Day 2: Talpa de Allende to San Sebastián del Oeste
Distance: 75 km
Travel Time: 2 hours
Route: From Talpa de Allende, take the road to Mascota and follow the signs to San Sebastián del Oeste.
Day 3: San Sebastián del Oeste to Mascota
Distance: 34 km
Travel Time: 1 hour
Route: Return via the road that connects San Sebastián with Mascota.
Day 4: Mascota to Guadalajara
Distance: 190 km
Travel Time: 4 hours
Route: Take Federal Highway 70 back to Guadalajara.
Talpa de Allende: Faith and Tradition in the Sierra
Places I recommend visiting:
Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary: This is the spiritual heart of Talpa, visited by thousands of pilgrims each year. The devotion surrounding the Virgin of Talpa dates back to the 16th century.
Calzada de las Reinas: A pedestrian walkway leading to the Basilica, surrounded by lush trees and statues representing various Marian advocations.
Cerro de la Cruz: Offers stunning panoramic views of Talpa and is a perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Activities you can do:
In Talpa de Allende, I highly recommend visiting the Callejón de los Murales. It’s a great place to admire street art and take lots of photos on this colorful tour. It’s also fun to try to decipher and guess the story behind each mural.
I also recommend visiting one of the houses that produce guava rolls and artisanal sweets. It’s fascinating to learn about the process of making these delicious Mexican candies.
In the central plaza, in front of the Basilica entrance, you’ll find a tourism kiosk where you can purchase guided tours and various activity options. This area is also popular for ecotourism activities, and if you visit during the right season, you can explore the maple forests. This is a unique experience, as many people are unaware that Jalisco has a maple tree forest.
Recommended Accommodation:
Hotel Providencia: This hotel offers a comfortable stay in the center of Talpa, ideal for exploring the town on foot.
Recommended Restaurants:
Restaurante El Patio: Here you can try traditional dishes such as pozole and enchiladas, accompanied by handmade tortillas.
Fun Fact: Talpa de Allende is known for its guava candy, a treat you must try during your visit.
San Sebastián del Oeste: A Colonial Treasure
Places to Visit:
Parish of San Sebastián: A historic church dating back to the 17th century, with colonial architecture that will transport you to another era.
Doña Conchita Encarnación Museum: A museum that chronicles the mining history of San Sebastián del Oeste, one of the main centers of silver extraction in New Spain.
Hacienda Jalisco: An old hacienda converted into a museum that reflects life during the mining boom.
Cerro de la Bufa and its viewpoint: I recommend taking this tour with a guide, as the road to the top can be a bit risky for small cars. Additionally, local guides know the area better and can show you places you might not find on your own. We took this tour with Malibri Turismo, and it was a great choice. Our guide was Ricardo, who has extensive knowledge of his homeland, San Sebastián del Oeste. I recommend arriving and enjoying a coffee from the small food businesses near the summit. It’s the best coffee I’ve ever had—don’t miss it!
Recommended Accommodation:
Hotel Boutique Mansión Real: A hotel full of colonial charm, perfect for enjoying the tranquility and history of San Sebastián.
Recommended Restaurants:
Restaurante Montebello: Famous for its traditional Mexican food and homemade jams. Perfect for a relaxed meal in a rustic setting.
Fun Fact: San Sebastián del Oeste was one of the main mining centers during the colonial era, and you can still visit abandoned mines and walk along the old mining routes.
Mascota: The Emerald of the Sierra
Places to Visit:
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores: An iconic church with a stunning cantera facade, located in the heart of Mascota.
Museo Arqueológico: Houses pre-Hispanic artifacts found in the region, showcasing Mascota's ancient history.
La Laguna de Juanacatlán: This beautiful lake surrounded by mountains is perfect for outdoor activities such as boating and picnicking.
Recommended Accommodation:
Sierra Lago Resort & Spa: A luxurious resort situated in a spectacular natural setting, ideal for those looking to relax amidst nature.
Recommended Restaurants:
El Tapanco: It offers a culinary experience with typical dishes from Mascota, such as birria and golden tacos, all prepared with fresh local ingredients.
Interesting Fact: Mascota is known for its artisanal cheese production and traditional sweets like cajeta empanadas—be sure not to leave without trying them!
This route through Jalisco's Magic Towns is perfect for those seeking a blend of history, culture, nature, and spirituality. Each town offers its own charm, with unique activities and places that will make you fall in love with Jalisco's richness.
Ready to embark on this experience? Plan your trip today and discover the magic of Jalisco! Don’t forget to share your adventure with me using the hashtag #Elviajedemivida and follow my blog for more travel recommendations.
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey through destinations, and I encourage you to continue exploring our beautiful country and planning the next trip of your life.
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