Gateway to other Backroads
Mascota was founded in 1875. This colonial town with cobble stone streets is located at just 61 mi or 98 kl from PV. The population is about 7,908.The elevation is 4,428 ft or 1,350 mts. It’s been designated by the government as a Pueblo Magico or historic colonial town. Getting there is easy via paved road, just 2.5 hours by car or 3 hours by bus from PV. This active farming and agricultural town has an average temperature of 73 F or 23 C. It’s famous the for Corrinchis Lake, Molcajete extinct volcano, petroglyphs, Arcological Museum and Francisco Pena’s House of Stones plus the oldest man in town 100 Years young, Don Pablo Guerra, hammock and fish net maker. We highly recommend visiting the smaller really off the Beaten Track nearby towns of Yerba Buena, Santa Rosa, Navidad and one of Cimarron Chico’s “Raicilla” Mexican moonshine stills. For Tourism Information in Mascota, contact Elvia Margarita, call 388-386-1679 or TurismoMascota@gmail.com
SPECIAL TIP… if traveling to Mascota. Before you cross the long Main Bridge, just before San Sebastian, stop at Panadoria Carmen’s Bakery Their open 7 am-3 pm weekdays (closed on Tuesdays) On Fri, Sat. and Sun. 6 am-noon. They have great freshly made muffins of all flavors plus coffee or hot chocolate. The relaxed garden atmosphere is just a few feet to the spectacular bridge. Try their unique Mexican Caviar. If you have a group, best to call ahead to order your muffins, since they often sell out. Ask for Carmen or Jesus Call 322-132-0620
Getting There is easy by Public Transportation (See Bus Tips)
Don Pablo still working at 100 years young!
The master raicilla maker taking a break!
Don’t drink to much at one time, just relax!
Victor,the local blacksmith at work!
The “Stone Museum” is amazing!
Meet “Nick” Ex President of the County!
“Raicilla” Mexican Moonshine home made still!
Francisco Pena the Stone House Maker. Speaks English!
Come climb the church tower and ring the big bell heard 8 miles away. Earplugs are mandatory!
John rings the “call to action” bell for church goers as Margaret stands in amazement.
Luis Fabian Ramos Hernandez is a quick stop horseshoe repair shop!
Where to Stay
Meson de San Jose is located on Hidalgo 135 just one cobble stone street from the Plaza, bus stop, and several restaurants. It’s our home in Mascota. The open air inter courtyard is surrounded by 7 rooms, plus another 7 rooms on the second floor balcony with views of the church tower. We enjoy listening to the tolling bells that tell you the time. The colonial furniture, friendly staff, and 18th century key to the rooms, makes it a special and relaxing place to stay. The owner is Lorena Perez Chavez.The manager is Blanca Osoria Garcia. Double rooms are $39-40 US. Call from the USA at +52-388-386-1501.
Room 14 our favorite!
All rooms face the Inner Courtyard
Blanca and Fernanda are waiting for you!
One of their largest rooms with private terrace!
Where to Eat
Casa de Mi Abolita is located on the square at Ramon Corona and Zaragozs Aves., close to the main Bus Stop and just one block from the Main Plaza and Meson San Jose. They serve a great Mexican buffet style breakfast for $110 pesos and buffet lunch or dinner for $120 pesos. They have a full bar and can accommodate private groups. Breakfast is from 8 am- 1 pm. lunch and dinner from 1:30 pm to 7 pm. After 7 pm they offer an a la cart menu and accept pesos, $US and credit cards. You won’t believe all the selections on their buffet, plus they always have a daily featured special. “Tuchy” the manager/owner, speaks English and personally attends to you. She also prepares some of her grandmother’s secret recipes. Call 388-386-1975.
Over 15 main entrees daily. Can’t wait to go back!
“Tuchy” has a great buffet waiting for you!
Café Napoles is located at Calle Zaragoza 78 and Calle Hidalgo close to Meson San Jose and 2 blocks from the Main Plaza and church. They serve Mexican, Italian food. pizza, and home made pastries plus any style of coffee. Breakfast is 8 am-1 pm, Lunch 1 pm-6 pm and dinner 6-10 pm. Luz Maria,the owner and her daughter Luz Guadalupe, speak English, and are always there to welcome you. They accept Pesos, $US, no credit cards. Call 388-386-0051.
Just 2 blocks from the Plaza and Church!
Luz and daughter make some tasty pizza!
Restaurant Navidad is a great place to mix with the locals. It’s located just 1/2 block from the Plaza on Juan Diaz de Sandi St. Their spacious dining room is open 8 am – 11 pm for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ask for Rafael,the manager or Maria Irma Pacheco Briseno, the owner. They accept Visa and MasterCard. Call 388-386-0469.
Taqueria La Plazazuelita A typical quick food stand located across from the bus terminal, offers some great made- to- order food like tacos, tortas, quesadillas and burritos plus all the fixings. It’s open from 6:30 am to 2 pm and only take pesos. Norma, Celia and Maria run the show and are always having fun. Call 388-386-0122 or 388-386-634.
Pan Navidad Bakery is located on Zaragoza 9 just a half block from the Bus Terminal. It’s open from 6 am-10 pm Monday to Saturday, closed Sundays. Pay in pesos only. Just follow your nose and you’ll find Guadalupe, Elisa and Carmen baking up your favorite pasties, cakes, and breads. Call 388-103-3360.
They use all natural ingredients!
The aroma will draw you in!
Things to Do
Magictours Mascota,located on Lopez Cotilla 89, is owned and managed by Jose Duenas Meda or “Chepe“. He offers tours of Mascota and nearby “off the beaten track towns” of Yerba Buena, Santa Rosa, Cimarron Chico, and Navidad. He has friends and relatives in almost every town which adds a special touch to your adventure. From 2010 -2013, he was Mayor of Mascota, so he’s well known and very knowledgeable on history of all these towns. Riding in his safari style vehicle with him as your guide. will be a special experience. Call 388-386-0303 or 388-101-7664. For more details visit Facebook Magitours Mascota.
“Chepe” Knows everyone and the history of every town!
Chepe’s safari van is ready to take you to the Backroads!!
The House of Stones Museum is located on Morales 64 just 2 blocks south of the Church and Main Plaza. Its open daily about 10 am – 7 pm. Francisco Pena, the 94 years young creator, has been collecting stones from the river for the last 10 years to decorate everything from tables and chairs to instruments and utensils. Francisco doesn’t sell his work and only charges 10 pesos per person to visit the museum. Call 388-386-0945. A must see. It’s awesome!
El Cierrolito La Cruz has the best views of the town and surrounding farmland. It’s located on the south end of Mascota. There’s about 400 steps to reach the top.
The Blacksmith, Victor Manual Pena, located on Tadeo Ortiz 29, is the person who restores and repairs the historic locks and keys or anything that’s of historical value.
Tortilleria El Parqacito is located on Calle Carranza between 5 de Febrero and Tadeo Ortiz. Open daily 6 am – 4 pm. They make about 450 kilos of tortillas per day. Ask for Angelica or Carlos. Call 388-386-1639.
Dona Chuy’s Taffy & Preserves Factory is located in Constitucion 21 between Lopez Cotilla and Francisco Madera. They combine all natural ingredients with mango, guayaba, peaches and figs to make everything for those with a sweet tooth. You can smell the aromas 2 blocks away. The Chuy family has had this factory for 4 generations. Open Mon.- Sat. 10 am – 6 pm and Sundays 10 am-2 pm. Pay in pesos only. Call 388-386-0377. Ask for Olivia and Eve Ochoa, who speak English or Suzi Garcia.
Pick your favorite tropical fruit sweet!
Suzi will sweeten you up and explain the secrets!