There are only a few places left in Mexico that still keeps such important elements as rich history, a mineral mining, rich in nature and vast wildlife. San Sebastian del Oeste is one of these.

It´s located in the mountains of souther Jalisco 43 Kilometers(about 27 miles_) away from Mascota town and 47 kilometers (29 miles) from Puerto Vallarta. In order to arrive to this town you have to drive the brand new highway (45 minutes if you come from Puerto Vallarta or 30 minutes from Mascota town ) plus another 15 minutes of dirt road (wich is in good conditions) going across creeks, forrest, hills with spectacular views. On your way you will find fems, rivet trees, oaktrees, pine and orchids, it´s still possible to find in the surrounding areas wildlife that includes deer, pumas, coyote, dove.

San Sebastian del Oeste lies in a valley surrounded by mountains and forests. The town still keeps it´s original layout from the time of the colony, it´s design hasn´t changed significantly since 1744.

Due to the rich mineral deposits found in of southern Jalisco, San Sebastian del Oeste was founded on January 20th,1605. The gold, silver and copper mines attracted lots of people. In 1608 the church was built in honor of San Sebastian and the place reached the category of "real minero" (royal mining). At a certain point there was a coin production in town.

The growth of the "Colony" lasted until the end on the 19th century, work in the mines atracted alot of people from different regions, who settled in the colony. Merchandise circulation was constant, the richness of the region is reflected in the account statements that were periodically taken to the "Audiencia" (government treasure) in Guadalajara.

The end of San Sebastian´s growth arrived in 1888, when the miners went on strike, no agreement was reached and the closure of the mines was requested by the owners. Little by little the town was left alone. Today, San Sebastian´s actual Population is around 600 people.

San Sebastian del Oeste Web site