Cerro de la Bufa

The Cerro de la Bufa is a unique landscape and likely the most famous of the peaks surrounding San Sebastián del Oestein Jalisco. Often veiled in clouds, it's one of the most accessible locations in the vast Sierra Madre Occidental and it's just a 30-minute drive from San Sebastián. The name is not translated with any certainty. A somewhat more famous Cerro de la Bufa in Zacatecas is thought to be so-named for its resemblance to a pig's bladder, bufa being the Aragonese word for just that. 

The overlook, high up in the mountains affords stunning panoramic views of the entire mountain range, well into neighboring Nayarit to the north. On a clear day, visitors may even see the distant Banderas Bay on the coast. A number of certified guides in and around San Sebastián will get you there, but the area is open to public. Often high above the clouds, it's a spectacular place to find yourself. 

Most tour operators will require you to make a 15-minute hike to the summit. For those in more established physical conditions, you may want to take your time. The nearby village of Real Alto provides some very limited services for those on their way back. It's also home to the very old church of the Virgen del Rosario. Spectacular all on its own, it's a colorful and friendly little church and locals will be happy to give you a spot to take it all in. 

Most visitors will take in the Cerro de la Bufa before or after a trip into the charming little town of San Sebastián, itself a popular day trip destination for those vacationing in Puerto Vallarta. It's less than two hours away although it's sometimes visible from here, high above. In any case, the Cerro remains one of the most important side-trips for those staying in or around San Sebastián. It's the sort of place that reaffirms faith, and makes any trip well worth remembering.