Cruising wouldn’t be cruising without some side trips inland, as there is so much to see of this beautiful country. Thanks to Tannika and Mathieu’s wheels (Genevieve), we were able to mosey up to a little gem called San Sebastián del Oeste, which is tucked up in the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta. We enjoyed the scenery on the drive up, as well as all the topes (speed bumps), which forced us to slow down and have a look around.
Made a quick stop at El Progreso Bridge that spans the Rio de San Sebastián for some photos, time on a swing, and a look at the panaceria. Then to the destination itself, where we were greeted by an inordinate number of military personnel (all of whom looked about 16 years old). Apparently, it is not unusual for little towns like this to be visited by the military; they come by now and again and generally hang out for a few days to make sure everything is copacetic. They were all very professional and friendly. Needless to say, we felt very safe.
We wandered the streets of this very well-kept Colonial town, which is graced with lovely galleries, restaurants and hotels, a main square, and of course, a beautiful church. We had a little lunch then set off on a couple of hikes – one to an old silver mine and the other up a dirt road to a mirador (lookout) from which we could see the entire town and beyond.
This would prove to be our last adventure with T/M before they hit the road to other Mexican gems. Hopefully, we’ll hook up with them again somewhere along the coast – either on the mainland or up in the Sea!
Thanks, Mathieu, for the fantastic drone vids (except S/V Danika missed the cut?)!!
- Genevieve
- El Progreso Bridge
- A lovely view point (PC Rand)
- Looking down the river valley
- A beautiful little panaceria
- Welcome to San Sebastian! (PC Rand)
- The lay of the land
- Feeling safe
- One of many quaint little abodes
- A one horse town (PC Tannika)
- The church
- Colors of Mexico
- A curved bridge
- Signs to other small villages (PC Tannika)
- Huh? (PC Tannika)
- In case you need a mani on your way to the mine
- Very good signage (PC Tannika)
- Entrance to the mine
- Inside the mine (this would never happen in the U.S.)
- Wanderer (PC Tannika)
- To the lookout (PC Tannika)
- Moonrise over San Sebastian
- Here comes Genevieve with the drone
- Happy T/M
- Capt. Rand having a look
- T up high
- Mathieu taking it in
- Seeing T/M and Genevieve off in La Cruz
- ‘Til next time!