Which excursion for old Mexico?

[Laurie JJ]

We are going on a 7 night cruise next spring stopping in Cabo, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. There are two excursions that look similar and both interest my husband and I. In Puerto Vallarta there is a day trip to San Sebastián. The other is from Mazatlan and goes to Concordia and Coppola. Has anyone been to either of these towns?  Would one trip be better than the other. I would love to hear some input. Thanks!

[cathys75]

I also would love to hear reviews. I’m not interested in a boat trip, but seeing a lovely town would be fun. 

[Ine]

We have done both. The one to Concordia etc. was already a long time ago in 2008. It was a long but an interesting day. The drive to Concordia was not that special, we had a stop there, visited the church etc. but after that it was so much nicer. We had some free time in Coppola. A nice small town, we walked around and had a nice lunch there. Again it was a long day as far as I remember.

The one to San Sebastian is also very interesting. As we stay in Puerto Vallarta each winter, we do it by car. You might have a stop in a small Tequilla distillery before getting to San Sebastian. The drive itself is also nice, it takes less then 2 hours. San Sebastian was an old mining town, it has a very nice mexican plaza with of course a nice church. (see attached photo) Maybe you can visit the small museum and the small prison. San Sebastian is also famous for its coffee. We love to go there. Be aware since it is in a higher altitude it can be cooler than Vallarta. 

Difficult to tell which one is nicer, we like them both. 

Edited November 13, 2022 by Ine

[Laurie JJ]

Thanks Ine, for your response.  Your info is very helpful!  We are excited to go to one of these towns!  I'll try  to come back here after our cruise in May with a report on our choice and experience.

 

[canadjineh]

Hubby and I enjoyed a tour to San Sebastian del Oeste and the traditional tequila farm & distillery with a pleasant wander around the town, although it was very quiet and nothing exceptional - we took some interesting photos of buildings and the miners' statue.  We had a pleasant little lunch at the cantina in town, decent traditional Mexican food.  We weren't on a cruise on that trip, but got several 'free' tours etc. plus a great buffet breakfast (Mex & American) for going to a timeshare presentation in PV (which is an easy way for us to get a bunch of tours as we are not even tempted by timeshares and always warn the presenters ahead of time, lol.)   I would go to San Sebastian again, as it was a pleasant diversion from the beach and the tequila was quite good.  Not sure what sort of price the cruise may be charging for the shore excursion so you will have to weigh out what it's worth to you.

Edited November 14, 2022 by canadjineh
added a thought

[pppiglet]

We also did the San Sebastian tour when we stayed in Puerto Vallarta.  We really liked it.  I think it was in November and it was a bit overcast and drizzly but a great day. 

[KeepCalmBearOn]

I'd consider both Concordia and San Sebastian very similar. They are great, unspoiled representations of old colonial Mexico. If you appreciate history and antiquity, they are both nice. I lean more towards San Sebastian.