Embark on a delightful two day - one night journey visiting the historic and bucolic pueblos of Mascota and Talpa de Allende in the mountains region of Jalisco.  

 

In 1525, the Spanish explorer Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura arrived to Mascota and claimed the native village of Amaxacotlán", (which means "place of deer and snakes) for the Spanish Crown.   Historically the town's main purpose was to support the mining communities that are located in the mountains surrounding Mascota.  In the 1700's Mascota was the second largest town in Jalisco behind Guadalajara.  Today Mascota is home to  approx 14,000 people.  The main economic driver of the region today is ranching and agriculture.  

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Talpa de Allende was founded in 1599.  Talpa is the destination of a popular pilgrimage route. In the center of Talpa is the church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario, which is the location of the tiny Virgen del Rosario statue, also called "La Chaparrita", meaning the short one, who many believe does miracles for the faithful.  October 7, is a high point celebrating the birthday of the Virgin de Rosario where thousands of people walk a pilgrimage to Talpa in the virgin's honor.  Another date she is visited is during Easter Week. Several hundreds of thousands attended the celebrations of "La Chaparrita" yearly.  The walk can be anywhere from a few kilometers to a hundred or more depending on the starting point. The most famous walk is the called "Ruta del Peregrino" (Pilgrim's Route). The Route is 117 km long, starting in the city of Ameca Jalisco and ending in Nuestra Señora del Rosario church. 

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On our tour our first stop will be a tequila distillery with a commanding vista over the deep river canyon cutting its way out of the mountains.  Here we will get the opportunity to learn the history of Tequila, Ricia, and Mescal.  We will even get to taste some of the products.  

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Our second stop will be in Mascota where we will get to enjoy an hour long walking tour of the historic plaza area of Mascota followed by an hour of free time to enjoy one of the traditional restaurants for lunch and time for shopping.  

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Our third stop will be at the hilltop chapple of "XXX>  This chapple has amazing views from it;s roof overlooking the valley that houses the Talpa.

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At the monumental entrance symbolizing the entrance to Talpa the transport may stop for photos.  

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After checking into the hotel and a quick 30 minutes to refresh, we will embark on a hour or so walking tour of the pueblo visiting the historic district, the main plaza, and the Church (Nuestra Señora del Rosario)

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During the tour the guide will have highlighted several restaurants as best options for dinner that evening.  You may join the guide on his selection or choose one of the others.  

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After dinner feel free to stroll the pueblo back to the hotel.  There are also one or two bars open and will be highlighted on the tour.

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The next morning breakfast is on your own.  A map and list of options will be proveded.  We will meet at 9 am for a walking tour through the city and up on to the old hillside neighborgoods visiting the hilltop church of XXX with views over the valley.  

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After checking out of the hotel 1:00 pm we will board our transport and visit the native maple forest of xxx.

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Departing Talpa we will travel back towards Mascota.  We will detour to visit the nearby pueblo of Yerba Buena where we will walk the paved path surrounding their two spring fed lakes and take in the beauty of the many fine weekend villas and traditional stone cottages.  

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For lunch we will visit a traditional pueblo of where we will spend up to an hour exploring and lunching in this very traditionally rural town of Las Palmas de Arriba or other depending on time. 

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We shall return to Puerto Vallarta approxamately 5 PM.  

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 ESSENTIALS

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• Walking Difficulty: Easy  

• Meet at 9:00AM in Central Puerto Vallarta - exact location will be in your email confirmation​.

• We will travel by air conditioned vehicle (size dependent on numbers on the tour)

• We will have included hotel rooms in Talpa de Allende.  

• Wear comfortable walking shoes

• Bring pesos and most merchants in Mascota and Talpa do not accept cards. 

• Bring water and a snack to start the day.  

• Bring a rain umbrella (rainy season June to October)  We do not cancel when it rains - we celebrate - It is approximately  5 degrees  cooler during a rainstorm.  We may consider a cancellation in the event of a hurricane.  

• Price is $159.00 USD per person  with advance reservation discount.  Regular price is $179USD payable to guide if space still available.   Taxes are not included in price.  Single supplement is $50.00USD. 

• Price does not include customary tip for the adventure leader.   

• All meals and snacks are seperate and responsibility of the traveler.  

• To reserve this Talpa de Allende and Mascota overnight trip, email us at info@puertovallartawalking.com 

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