Mascota is a small town of just under 9,000 residents in the mountainous central region of Jalisco, Mexico. It is a relaxing colonial town that makes an enjoyable weekend trip from Puerto Vallarta. Mascota is one of Mexico's designated Pueblos Mágicos.
Understand
[edit]Get in
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Map of Mascota
The nearest airport with commercial passenger flights is Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR IATA), which is served by all major Mexican domestic carriers and a large number of North American international carriers, including Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, and United, among others.
By bus
[edit]Autotransportes Talpa Mascota (ATM) provides at least five buses per day from (Lucerna 128 esquina Havre, Col. Versalles) in Puerto Vallarta to Mascota. The 2 hour and 15 minute ride will cost about M$150. The first bus in the morning departs at 07:00, which would give you plenty of time to explore the town if you wanted to catch an afternoon bus to make it back to Puerto Vallarta for dinner. ATM operates less frequent buses from Guadalajara.
- 1 Paradera Mascota, C. Ramón Corona 77, Centro. Bus stop on a central town square where taxis are usually waiting for arriving passengers.
Get around
[edit]See
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- 1 Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores (Church of Our Lady of Sorrows), Ponciano Arriaga 31, Centro. Beautiful neoclassical church from the 18th century (construction began in 1759). Unusual architectural features include the bell tower with its 3-tiered design topped by a pyramid. The interior is bright and stretches out along a high central nave with period paintings and Sculptures.
- 2 Templo Inconcluso de La Preciosa Sangre (Church of the Holy Blood (or Christ's Precious Blood)), Libertad 30, Centro. Fascinating 19th century church that was never completed, giving it the feel and appearance of an archaeological ruin even though it was never abandoned...just not finished.
- 3 Museo Arquelogico de Mascota (Mascota Archaeology Museum), Allende, Centro. Regional history and archaeology Museum featuring a number of murals depicting historical events as well as glass cases holding ceramics, jewelry, and other relics recovered from archaeological digs in the region.
Do
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- Rio Mascota - the Mascota River runs along the western edge of the town. It is a tributary of the Rio Ameca. The river is a scenic area where locals hike, swim, and enjoy the natural scenery. There are thermal springs along the river.
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]- 1 Cafe Napoles, Av. Hidalgo 105, Centro, ☏ +52 388 386 0051. Tu-Su 08:00 - 22:00, closed M. Traditional hacienda style restaurant serving traditional Mexican cuisine. Specializes in coffee, though locals swear by the homemade cookies. M$200.
- 2 La Casa de mi Abuelita, C. Ramón Corona 102, Col Centro, ☏ +52 388 386 1975. Daily 08:00 - 22:30. Traditional Mexican restaurant located on the town square. Lunch is served via buffet. Homemade quality. M$130 (buffet).
- 3 , Prof. Juan Díaz de Sandi 28, Col Centro, ☏ +52 388 386 0469. Daily 07:00 - 23:00. Traditional courtyard restaurant serving Mexican cuisine, from tacos to pozole. A bar area also serves pizza. M$200.
- 4 El Tapanco, C. Francisco I. Madero 53, Centro, ☏ +52 388 386 1126. Th-M 14:00 - 22:00, closed Tu-W. Italy meets Argentina in the pages of El Tapanco's menu where pizzas and range-fed beef coexist like twin brothers. The contemporary dining rooms is clean and comfortable and service efficient. M$200.
Drink
[edit]Sleep
[edit]- 1 Copa de Oro, C. Ramón Corona 75, Col Centro, ☏ +52 388 386 0016. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Cozy colonial-style hotel next to main plaza. Clean, comfortable rooms. Small pets allowed. M$1400.
- 2 Posada Corona, Calle Ramon Corona 72, Centro, ☏ +52 388 386 0250. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Moderate hotel with spacious rooms. Central downtown location. M$500.
- 3 Casa Angeles, Av. Hidalgo 35, Centro, ☏ +52 388 113 4580. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Upscale boutique hotel in a renovated colonial era mansion. Updated plumbing and electrical with air conditioning in all rooms and ceiling fans. SkyTV satellite service available. Rooms have upscale linens and toiletries. No children under 12 allowed. M$1800.
- 4 Posada Santa Rita, Calz. Independencia 17, Centro, ☏ +52 388 386 2189. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. Small hotel with 8 guest rooms. Moderately priced, 3 block walk to downtown area. Spacious rooms. M$1400.
- 5 Encanto de la Sierra, C. Francisco I. Madero 45, La Consti, ☏ +52 388 688 0330. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. New, modern hotel with traditional look and feel, including rooms surrounding a central courtyard. Very clean and comfortable with good water pressure, air conditioning, and satellite TV service. Continental breakfast served. M$1600.