From PV to the Mountains: 5 Pueblos Mágicos for Enjoying Winter in the Highlands

During winter, while Puerto Vallarta maintains its mild climate along the Pacific coast, one only needs to venture into the Jalisco highlands to discover a charming contrast: cool air, forested landscapes, and towns where December traditions are experienced differently. Just a few hours away by road, five Pueblos Mágicos (Magic Towns) offer the perfect getaway to enjoy the gentle chill, nature, and the festive spirit that distinguishes Jalisco.

SAN SEBASTIÁN DEL OESTE

San Sebastián del Oeste invites visitors to experience winter with calm and authenticity. Just over an hour from Puerto Vallarta, this Pueblo Mágico retains its original mining essence, with cobbled streets, historic manor houses, and an atmosphere that seems frozen in time. During the winter season, the cool weather and morning mist envelop the town in an intimate ambiance, ideal for enjoying quiet walks, freshly roasted high-altitude coffee, and visits to small, traditional eateries (fondas) where local flavors are deeply comforting.

MASCOTA

A little over two hours southeast of Puerto Vallarta, Mascota offers an authentic experience that combines historical heritage, typical gastronomy, and nature. In the winter season, the cool climate invites you to stroll through the downtown streets, enjoy local posadas (traditional Christmas parties), and sample traditional sweets. For those seeking contact with the natural environment, the Corrinchis Dam and the El Molcajete Volcano provide spectacular views and tranquil excursions, perfect for connecting with the calm that characterizes this Pueblo Mágico.

TALPA DE ALLENDE

Located high in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains, Talpa de Allende is a cozy little town where its cobbled streets and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa (one of the most important pilgrimage centers in western Mexico) take on a serene and traditional atmosphere. Very close to the town is the Maple Forest, a unique natural setting in Mexico that, although reaching its greatest splendor in autumn, maintains a silent and contemplative atmosphere in winter, ideal for walks among trees and mountainous landscapes.

MAZAMITLA

A bit further away, but ideal for an extended winter escape, Mazamitla is famous for its alpine setting and cold weather during this time of year. Surrounded by dense forests, this Pueblo Mágico offers cozy log cabins, lively town squares, and strong community traditions. In winter, the posadas, hot ponche (a traditional fruit punch), and local cuisine (such as the traditional Caldo de Bote, a stew of pulque with three meats and vegetables) create a warm, family atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the cool mountain air.

TAPALPA

Tapalpa is synonymous with relaxation among the mountains. Its traditional architecture, surrounded by vast pine and oak forests, makes it one of the favorite getaways during the winter. Here, cabins with fireplaces and nighttime bonfires set the pace for the season. In addition to its natural offerings, Tapalpa stands out for its cultural and gastronomic agenda, with events that fill its cobbled streets with life.

These five Pueblos Mágicos, all accessible from Puerto Vallarta, demonstrate that Jalisco offers multiple ways to experience winter. From the coast to the highlands, the state provides experiences that combine nature, tradition, and relaxation, ideal for those looking to celebrate the December season in cool weather amidst enchanting scenery.