Sights

Mascota [1] spreads out along roughly north–south and east–west lines from the central plaza. The Presidencia Municipal occupies the north side of the plaza; facing it, streets on your right run east, converging on Avenida Justo Sierra, which at the edge of town becomes the Talpa–Guadalajara road. In the opposite direction, running from the south side of the plaza past the church, Avenida Hidalgo heads west toward San Sebastián and eventually Puerto Vallarta. The town church, dedicated to the Virgen de los Dolores (Virgin of Sorrows), was begun around 1780 and not finished until 100 years later. It replaced an earlier church built in 1649.

While you're in town, don't miss the Mascota Museum and Casa de Cultura [2].

Looking east from the plaza you’ll see the Cerro de la Cruz, site of Mascota’s biggest yearly party, rising at the edge of town. On May 3, the national Día de la Cruz (Day of the Cross), nearly everyone climbs the hill for a high Mass, followed by picnicking, mariachis, and evening bonfires.

Late afternoon is a good time to make the 20-minute climb to the summit, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and the sunset view. On the hilltop, look north across the green valley to see a road winding over a forested ridge. This ridge conceals Mascota’s gems—the picturesque hamlets of Yerbabuena [3], Cimarrón Chico [4], and Navidad [5].