At Hacienda Buenaventura we know that tradition doesn’t live only within our stone arches: it’s also a short drive from here, in the towns that gave this part of Mexico its character. Puerto Vallarta is lucky enough to be close to some of the country’s most beloved Magical Towns — cobblestone streets, centuries-old mines, mountain coffee farms, and even another beach different from ours. Here we share the 3 we recommend most, how long it really takes to reach each one, and why they deserve a spot on your next Mexican getaway.
Why leave the hacienda, even just for a day?
Because the best family stories aren’t always born by the pool. Sometimes they’re born in a village square eating an elote, in a mine that has been telling its story for centuries, or in front of an 18th-century church nobody expected to photograph on an "all-inclusive" trip. These three Magical Towns are each different — one on the coast and two in the mountains — so you can choose the one that best fits your family based on how much time you have that day.
1. Sayulita — the quick escape to another shore
Time from Puerto Vallarta: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Sayulita is the ideal plan when you want to see another coastline without losing the whole day. This Magical Town in Nayarit has streets full of art and craftsmanship, fish tacos that are remembered months later, and waves perfect for little ones trying surfing for the first time. You leave after breakfast and are back in time for dinner at Sabores de México.
Best for: families with young children, those with half a day free, those who want beach and town in the same outing.
2. Mascota — history, mountain coffee, and an emerald lagoon
Time from Puerto Vallarta: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours on mountain roads.
Mascota surprises because almost no one talks about it, which makes it even more special. There you’ll find Laguna de Juanacatlán — known as "the emerald of the sierra" —, an Archaeological Museum with pieces nearly 3,000 years old, and a village pozole that alone is worth the trip. The mountain climate, cooler than the coast, is a welcome break midway through your vacation.
Best for: families looking for a full day of nature and tradition, those who want to pair it with San Sebastián del Oeste in the same outing.
3. San Sebastián del Oeste — the mining town time forgot
Time from Puerto Vallarta: approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours on mountain roads.
It was a colonial-era mining settlement, and you can still feel it on every corner: its streets and houses have kept their 18th-century architecture almost intact. It’s one of the calmest Magical Towns in Jalisco, perfect for a slow walk, a visit to the Santa Gertrudis Mine, and sitting down for a regional coffee while the kids run around the plaza.
Best for: families looking for history and calm, those who want to pair it with Mascota on the same mountain route.
Hacienda tip: if you have a full free day, many families combine San Sebastián del Oeste and Mascota in the same route, since they’re close to each other. If you only have half a day, Sayulita is the most practical option.
Back home: the hacienda awaits
After a day of village life, mountains, or mountain coffee, there’s nothing like returning to our location among tropical gardens and stone arches, taking a moment in the temazcal at Piedra Viva Spa, and closing the night with a traditional dinner at Sabores de México. In the end, that’s the magic of Puerto Vallarta: you can have both sierra and hacienda, history and Mexican hospitality, all in the same family trip.
If you haven’t planned your next getaway yet, check out our current offers — including the Day Pass for those who want to experience the hacienda for a day — and the amenities we’ve designed to make every day of your stay feel like home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Magical Towns can I visit from Puerto Vallarta?
From Puerto Vallarta you can visit Sayulita (45 minutes to 1 hour), Mascota (2.5 to 3 hours), and San Sebastián del Oeste (1.5 to 2.5 hours), all reachable as day trips from Hacienda Buenaventura.
Which Magical Town is best if I only have half a day?
Sayulita is the best option if you have half a day free, since it’s less than an hour away and combines beach, art, and gastronomy in a single outing.
Can Mascota and San Sebastián del Oeste be visited on the same day?
Yes, both towns are close to each other in the Jalisco sierra, so many families combine them into a single full-day route from Puerto Vallarta.
Is there a temazcal at Hacienda Buenaventura after a mountain excursion?
Yes, Piedra Viva Spa offers a traditional outdoor Mexican temazcal, ideal for relaxing after a day of driving and exploring.
Does Hacienda Buenaventura offer a Day Pass for non-guests?
Yes, the hotel offers a Day Pass available for experiencing the all-inclusive Mexican hacienda experience without needing to stay overnight.