When you think of taking a vacation to Mexico, then you are probably imagining the beautiful beaches, sunshine, thrilling nightlife, and the resort towns in Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun. However, there are other great towns that feature throughout Mexico that are worth visiting when you are staying at one of these vacation destinations. If you want to see the “Real Mexico” then you should head to a Pueblo Magico.
Pueblos Magicos
Pueblos Magicos are those town deemed by Mexico’s Secretariat of Tourism to be of cultural and historical importance as part of Mexico’s patrimony. Pueblos Magicos are chosen for being among the most magical, traditional and beautiful places that you can visit in Mexico. If you really want to learn about the nation of Mexico, then visiting its Pueblos Magicos will give you a sense of the cultural significance of this thriving latin country.
The Pueblos Magicos program was launched in 2001 to promote tourism throughout Mexico on both a national and international scale. The Pueblos Magicos program features eighty three towns in Mexico’s thirty one states. A few of the places featured are Tapalpa, Tequila, San Sebastian del Oeste, which are three towns located in Jalisco, within reach from Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
San Sebastian Near Puerto Vallarta
San Sebastian del Oeste is the closest Pueblo Magico to visit when taking a vacation in Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit. San Sebastian del Oeste can be reached in about an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta, and you can go there early in the morning and spend the entire day. This charming, quaint town in Mexico was founded in 1605, and at one time had over 20,000 residents, because it was a mining town with twenty-five mines. Currently, there are only 600 residents, but its history is still alive for all those to see when you visit this town.
Tourists will marvel and be amazed at the beautiful architecture of this mining town. In the central plaza you can see the Church of Saint Sebastian and the Hacienda de Esperanza de la Galera, then head over to the la Quinta Marian. These three buildings are made of cut stone and adobe materials that are breathtaking. The residents honor their culture and heritage, and that is why San Sebastian is one of the best Pueblos Magicos to visit. You will feel the magic just walking through the town.
