Puerto Vallarta is all about the ocean, but Jalisco is so much more than its coast. Less than three hours from the bay await mountains covered in blue agave, centuries-old silver mines, and towns that seem frozen in time. If you have a free day during your stay, a trip to Tequila or San Sebastián del Oeste — or both — is the perfect way to discover the Jalisco you won't find on beach postcards.
Tequila: the town that gave Mexico its name around the world
Just under three hours by road, the town of Tequila is the heart of Mexico's most famous spirit. Its blue agave fields are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and touring them — whether by car, aboard the iconic Tequila Express, or on an organized tour — is one of those postcard moments that justifies the trip on its own.
In town, you can visit traditional distilleries to see the full process up close: from harvesting the agave to distillation, ending with a guided tasting where you'll learn to properly tell a blanco, a reposado, and an añejo apart. Afterward, the historic center invites you to stroll among colorful buildings, try local street food, and take a bottle home straight from the source.
San Sebastián del Oeste: silver mines in the clouds
If Tequila is agave and open plains, San Sebastián del Oeste is mountain and mist. A little over an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta, this Magical Town sits over 1,500 meters above sea level in the heart of the Sierra Madre, with a noticeably cooler climate than the coast.
Founded in the 17th century around silver mining, San Sebastián preserves cobblestone streets, tile-and-adobe buildings, and a pace of life that contrasts completely with the bay. It's worth visiting one of the old mines, trying coffee grown in the surrounding mountains, and wandering unhurried through its main plaza.
Can you visit both in one day?
It's possible, but it's worth planning carefully: Tequila and San Sebastián del Oeste lie in different directions from Puerto Vallarta, so combining them into a single day means leaving very early and accepting that time in each town will be limited. Our honest recommendation: if your stay allows it, dedicate a full day to each. If you only have one day available, choose based on what you're after — tequila flavor and tradition, or mountains and mining history.
How we organize it from Hacienda Buenaventura
Hacienda Buenaventura Hotel & Mexican Charm is designed for guests who want to experience Mexico beyond the beach. Our concierge team can coordinate your excursion — transportation, guided tour, and timing — so all you have to do is enjoy the ride. And when you get back, the hotel's Mexican night is the perfect way to close out the day: music, cuisine, and that same spirit you experienced in the mountains or among the agave.
Traveler's tip: book your excursion a few days in advance, especially during high season, and confirm departure times with the hotel concierge to make the most of the full day.
travel guide
Frequently asked questions
The drive takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Most organized tours leave very early to make the most of the full day.
The drive takes about an hour and a half to two hours, making it ideal for a half-day excursion or for combining with Tequila on a longer trip.
It's possible, though it takes a long, well-planned day, since both destinations are in different directions from Puerto Vallarta. Many travelers prefer to dedicate a full day to each town to enjoy them at a relaxed pace.
You can tour the blue agave fields (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit traditional distilleries to see how tequila is made, sample different varieties, and walk through the town's historic center.
It's a Magical Town of mining origin, set in the Sierra Madre at over 1,500 meters above sea level. It preserves colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a cool climate very different from the coast, along with a history tied to 18th-century silver mines.