25.01.2021.
Mascota is a small town located between Puerto Vallarta (1,5h) and Guadalajara (3h) in the mountains of Sierra Madre. The climate is colder here considering nearby Vallarta, which means mornings are freezing even around 9h. Evenings are not so cold though, afternoons can be pretty sunny and comfortable.
One of the mexican magic towns, Mascota owes this title due to its historical importance. The name itself would mean „pet“ (even when looking for the bus schedule on Internet, it says Pet) in Spanish. Actually, it pulls its roots from Teco (“Amaxacotlán Mazacotla“) meaning the place of deer and snakes.
Far away from touristic sights, this peaceful town is the place to know the local lifestyle to its fullest. How do I describe the real Mexico? It’s cheerful (music says the best), relaxing and tropical indeed (fruit sweets are here typical mexican product). There’s not much fabulous street art permeating mexican towns, but streets are so colourful.
Easy climb with the picturesque mountain view
It was the first thing I did when I came to Mascota. The view is indeed impressive offering traces of Astecz art, only 15 minutes from the centre of the town.
Plaza Principal- the charming heart of Mascota
Plaza Principal is a peaceful square, surrounded by the colourful arches and beautiful church.
Special recommendation I owe to ice cream shop Matatena which prepares ice creams from the real fruits with some toppings. It’s noticeable that the price is very affordable comparing to the touristic seaside towns. Here we have to consider the difference between nieve (classical ice cream balls) and helado (ice cream made in front of you with real fruits).
From Plaza Principal you can take an easy walk to the river. Watching a Mexical rural lifestyle is astonishing as the straw bales in the shape of triangle really suprised me.
Shops with clothes represent the life stood in time, fashion here looks like from the ’70-s.
Unfinished temple de la Preciosa Sangre
What a beautiful place this is. Taking photo shots here is the perfect opportunity in the embrace of flowers. The gorgeous dress of one Mexican lady made me wonder- what kind of photoshot is that?
El Pedregal Rock Museum in Mascota
El Pedregal Rock Museum or Museum of rocks covers a facinating collection of rocks, in all sizes, shapes and colours. Unfortunately, it was closed during my visit, but don’t miss the charming facade. You can also find nearby Museo Archeologico of Mascota.
Discover the surroundings of Mascota & other magical towns in Jalisco
Jalisco is home to the most magic towns in Mexico, take the chance to see few. Navidad, Talpa de Allende, Talalpa, San Sebastian del Oeste, Atenguillo, Mixtlán and Guachinango are some of them.
Talpa de Allende is the only one I visited and the cultural centre of the region. Hosting the University in the outskirts, Talpa de Allende truly deserves your attention. Beautiful church dominates in the town with its ancient facade.
This colourful town is the only one that can be reached by bus from the other places. Otherwise, the tour is a good option. Regarding this, I tried to contact Magitours in Mascota which were our neighbours but no luck. The office was closed, wpp not in use.
Many shops with the traditional fruit sweets just burst at its square. Magic can be felt here where the mountain views play their songs.
Yerbabuena is only 3 km away from Mascota, where the little lake plays the main role. Fantastic church fits in perfectly, but it’s not the only one to admire.
Juanacatlan lake and the town of the same name is what I would actually recommend to visit beyond Mascota. Lake itself is the crater of a dead volcano.
Where to stay
Hotel Posada Santa Rita– is a cozy place with the garden, only 160m from the main square;
Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel- charming place with the garden, lovely hosts and fantastic italian food. This was the place where I was volunteering.
Encanto de la Sierra Hotel– this 4 star hotel has a charming garden and continental breakfast;
La Casona de Esmaralda– beautiful place with the large garden in the centre of Mascota;
Dona Francisca Hotel Boutique– charming hotel in Talpa de Allende;
Final thoughts
Mascota offers complete peace and one different view of Mexico. You will not even find classical supermarkets here like Walmart. I’ll write in my next post about my volunteering here.
What a wonderful post & photos of Mascota. Looks like a lovely destination to visit in Mexico. We are always on the look out for unique out of the ordinary travel destinations. Thanks for the inspiration and great photos as well. 🙂
Thanks so much, glad you like it.
How beautiful is our world we live in with places like this one. Thanks for sharing it’s beauty
What a BEAUTIFUL location. The photos and colors are stunning. Makes me ready to book my ticket!
I can’t get over just how beautiful the architecture is! The landscape surrounding the temple just makes it look magical! To see some aztec art in person would be amazing.
I don’t know what I imagined Mascota to look like but it’s so beautiful. The architecture is just stunning. You’ve taken some wonderful photos, they really do showcase the beauty of this town, thank you!
This looks so beautiful! I loved in Reynosa for a time and have family in Monterey. I’ve seen the super touristy parts of Encinitas, Rosarita, and Tijuana while wanting to dive deeper into what life is truly like. This was a nice introduction. The architecture is beautiful!!
So colorful and Picturesque – I’m sure the music and food are outstanding too!
Mascota looks absolutely amazing! A gem of architecture and good food to add to our travelling list! Thank you so much for sharing these and the amazing pictures x
I loved reading this! The architecture and scenery all look phenomenal – Plaza Principal looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing!
I really enjoyed your photos – this looks like a beautiful area to visit! Thanks for sharing!
Such a gorgeous place, I loved your photos! Thanks for all of the travel advice too, I’ll have to visit the Mascota mountains one day
This sounds like such a cool town
Yes, Mascota does look magical! Reading your post makes me want to travel here when the pandemic ends. Thank you for sharing.
Mascota looks like a beautiful little town away from the partying. I had never heard of it before. Thanks.
I love all of the architecture there. I’ve been to Mexico as an excursion on cruises but never really SAW Mexico like I would like. Thank you for sharing your experience!
Wow! I love that it does not look so crowded (may just be your pictures) but it looks like you basically had the town to yourselves! It’s so rare especially since Mexico is such a touristy country. Would love to visit one day. Thanks for sharing x
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Little towns that are so full of character – thank you for introducing them to us (well to me at least,,,never heard of these!) I’ve saved Mascota, Yerbabuena on my Google Maps, as well as Juanacatlan, which I’ve traveled close by – to Tonala – but also didn’t know about it!
Thanks for sharing this – Mascota looks like a magical little place! Would love to visit Mexico one day and check out towns like this, away from the usual tourist hotspots.
That lake in particular looks lovely – there’s something almost alpine about it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Wow thank you for the beautiful words.. though the lake is the small one.
What a beautiful, beautiful place this is and I love your abundance of photographs alongside your happy, colorful writing! The best ice cream in Mexico looks divine and the history of this place is immersive and enchanting.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the rich feedback..
I had my wedding in Mexico. It’s a great location to visit. Sounds like there is a lot to do in Mascota. I will have to see it next time I go. Thanks for the tips.
Wow everything here looks so beautiful and vibrant. I think this would be my sort of place with the cooler temperatures! x
It looks amazing, especially with all those flowers blooming everywhere 😍 I really want to visit Mexico someday, I adore Mexican food and the culture amazes me. Sounds like the perfect holiday to me!
Thanks so much, love seeing flowers blooming..
Loved your post on Mascota. The photos are wonderful!!!
Gorgeous photos. When reading I feel how much I miss traveling. This looks like a wonderful place to visit.
Nice post. This place looks really beautiful and the places you visited are really cool. Your pictures looks nice as well.
Definitely glad to cheer up the vibes..
I haven’t been to Mascota before, but love how the town looks!! The views look amazing. It feels like a whole different world too. Glad you enjoyed your time out there!
Nancy ✨ mdrnminimalists.com
Thank, I’m glad you like it
Definitely it’s off the beaten path, amazing experience..
Such a gorgeous view in that first pic, lovely! It really does look like a beautiful painting 🙂 x
Wow I’m so glad you like it..
Wow, what a gorgeous place! I loved looking at all your photos xx
This looks like such a beautiful place! Reading this has brightened up my day! Thanks so much for sharing! X
Thanks, glad you like it
It sounds like you had such a great trip. Your photos are stunning and really show what real Mexico has to offer.
Thanks so much, just love it..
This does sound like a magical town