Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Looking for an escape from the heat? Not far from Puerto Vallarta, the Western Mountain Region of Jalisco (Sierra Occidental) offers activities for all tastes and preferences, from enjoying the natural surroundings to visiting museums and archaeological sites.

San Sebastian del Oeste

Situated 4,500 feet above sea level in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Sebastian's cool climate and historic appeal have made it one of Mexico's last great getaways. During the summer season, this "Magic Town" offers all kinds of great things to enjoy. You can revel in outdoor activities like ATV rentals, horseback riding, and hikes to the viewpoint "La Bufa," as well as specially priced packages that include food and lodging.

Don't miss Hacienda Jalisco, the coffee plantation "Quinta Doña Mary," the historic town center, the museum, and the chance to sample the varied cuisines of the region. And these are just some of the things to enjoy during your visit to the Magic Town of San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco.

Mascota

The Mascota Municipal Tourism Office invites you to see the cultural side of the "La Esmeralda de la Sierra" (The Emerald of the Sierra), by visiting some of the over 30 thousand petroglyphs registered in the town while you journey down the archaeological trail "El Refugio." City Hall and the Museum of Archaeology offer free guided tours on this beautiful walk.

Mascota also offers wonderful museums, including the Archaeological Museum, which has four showrooms that display over 600 pieces of pottery, stone and bone and the El Pedregal Museum which features interesting and unique rock formations and carvings.

The Raul Rodriguez Museum has a special room dedicated to actress Esther Fernández, a star of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema who hailed from Mascota, and other exhibits in honor of St. Jose Maria Robles and religious art.

The Yerbabuena Community Museum displays religious-themed antiques, objects of archaeological and historical events of the municipality. And the Mill Museum is the only restored flour mill in the region. For more information, please contact the Municipal Tourism Department at (388) 386-0052 / 386-0325 or email leticia.arellano(at)hotmail.com.