Hidden Villages of the Sierra Madre

This special new tour for our 2026 – 2027 season is for those of you who love the tranquil feel of traditional Mexican towns and villages; wander through the cobbled streets, enjoy the mountainous landscapes and tiled roofs, and learn about traditions passed from generation to generation.

On day one of this tour we explore the Pueblo Mágico (Magic Town) of San Sebastian del Oeste, including a stop to learn about coffee production in the area and a taste of the moreish ‘pan dulce’ (sweet pastries) from La Estancia. From San Sebastian we head to the seat of the municipality, Mascota; here visit the Templo Inconcluso – the ruins of a church initiated in 1896 but never finished due to historical conflicts, including the Mexican Revolution and the Cristero War. In Mascota we also learn about other local products and enjoy a traditional dinner and our first night’s accommodation.

Early on day 2 we head out to the more remote villages of the municipality of Mascota, including Yerbabuena, Cimarrón del Chico, and one of the highlights of the trip, the hidden village of Navidad. In this area we learn about the production of the region’s famous raicilla, and enjoy some of the most spectacular views in the state! 

After an overnight in Navidad and a peaceful morning with views over the tiled roofs of this special Magic Town, we head a little further into the hills to visit the community of Juanacatlan. Here we learn about more delicious local products, including ‘nieve de garrafa’, a traditional Mexican dessert, handcrafted using a manual freezing method with ice and salt; introduced during the colonial era and perfected using local ingredients.