San Sebastian del Oeste: Coffee Farm, Silver Workshop & Walking Tour

Summary

Old mining town vibes, mules in the plaza and mountain air

You’ll wander San Sebastian del Oeste’s cobbled lanes with a local guide, peek inside a silversmith’s shop, sample fresh coffee at an organic farm, and share lunch in the village square. Expect slow rhythms, mountain air, and small moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — not traffic or city noise, but this soft clop of mule hooves somewhere behind us as we stepped onto the cobblestones of San Sebastian del Oeste. The air smelled like woodsmoke and something sweet, maybe from the bakery by the square (I never figured it out). Our guide, Jorge, waved at an old man selling oranges from his truck and then pointed up at the mountains. “That’s where the silver came from,” he said. It’s funny how people here talk about history like it just happened last week.

I didn’t expect to feel so far away from Puerto Vallarta after only two hours in the van. Everything slowed down — even my phone barely had a signal. We wandered through narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses, some with chipped paint and bougainvillea everywhere. Jorge led us into a tiny silversmith workshop; I tried hammering a coin (pretty badly) while he explained how this town was once packed with miners and their families. There were only a few locals around today, mostly chatting outside or carrying baskets home for lunch.

Lunch was at this family place right off the main square — beans, tortillas, chicken in some sauce I can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Spanish). After that we walked to an organic coffee farm on the edge of town. The smell inside was unreal — like chocolate and earth mixed together. I still think about that first sip: strong but smooth, nothing like what I drink back home. On our way back to the van, clouds started rolling over the mountains and everything felt quieter than before… kind of peaceful in a way you don’t get often.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore San Sebastian del Oeste village

• Depart from Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta
• Travel through Sierra Madre Mountains
• Arrive at San Sebastian del Oeste village
• Walking tour of 18th century church
• Visit silversmith workshop
• Tour organic coffee farm

Top questions

How far is San Sebastian del Oeste from Puerto Vallarta?

It’s about a two-hour drive through the Sierra Madre mountains from Puerto Vallarta.

Is lunch included on this San Sebastian tour?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your day trip experience.

What activities are part of the day trip to San Sebastian del Oeste?

The tour includes a walking tour of the village, visiting an 18th-century church, exploring a silversmith workshop, and stopping at an organic coffee farm.

Are there pickup options for this tour?

This day trip can depart from either Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta; check-in time and location must be confirmed with Vallarta Adventures.

Is this San Sebastian tour suitable for everyone?

It’s suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

No, this tour is not available to cruise ship passengers.

What should I bring for this day trip?

Comfortable walking shoes and a light sweater are recommended due to changing mountain weather.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout the trip, a professional local guide who leads you through San Sebastian del Oeste’s historic corners and workshops, plus lunch in town before heading back down through the mountains.