Daytrip Destinations in the Puerto Vallarta Area

The charming town of Mascota is located approximately two hours outside of Puerto Vallarta, nestled in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range.  Mascota is a lovely little town with numerous cultural attractions, historical and archaeological sites, and beautiful architecture.  Be certain to visit the RaulRodriguez Pena Museum which features artists from the state of Jalisco and the exquisite gardens of the Templeof PreciosaSangre.

Continuing further north fromMascota, you will find former mining town of San Sebastian.  Once with a population of 40 000, San Sebastian is now home to just 400 locals, but remains of its colonial history are in abundance.  Visit the lovingly restored Hacienda Jalisco and Doña Conchita's museum to explore the town’s heritage.

Heading inland you will arrive at Talpa de Allende, famous not only for its silver but for its abundance of Chilte trees, the gum of which is used by locals to produce a vast array of handicrafts including hats, sandals and decorative items.

Traveling south from Puerto Vallarta to the most southern tip of BanderasBay, you will find the village of El Tuito, with its buildings that have all been painted using a mixture of local clays which produce a unique orange tint.  El Tuito is a wonderful shopping destination for the gourmand due to its abundance of small shops selling a wide range of local products like organic coffee, artisan cheeses and “raicilla”, a spirit unique to the region.

And if your idea of paradise is a vast, untouched beach, you must visit the unspoiled 9 kilometers of beachfront that is Mayto.  With only one 10 room hotel on the beach, Mayto is truly the epitome of “getting away from it all”.  Here you will find the University of Guadalajara’s turtle research center which is dedicated to preserving and protecting the species.  The beach in Mayto is truly one of the natural treasures of Jalisco.