Visitors to Puerto Vallarta wanting to look beyond the beaches to get first-hand experiences of the state of Jalisco’s cultural wealth can take trips to nearby indigenous Huichol communities in the Sierra Madre Occidental.

Hand-embroidered clothing, arts and crafts with rich colors and impressive shapes, a philosophy that expresses a deep respect for nature, dances, craftwork, music, pre-Hispanic traditions, and strong community organization are just some of the discoveries made when visiting Huichol communities.

The Wixárika myth holds that the gods came from the sea and climbed into the mountains to build the towns and that the world has a sacred dimension the mara'akame or shaman can reach.

In the mountains, visit the municipalities of Mezquitic and Bolaños in the north of Jalisco. These regions were occupied by the Huichol before the Spanish conquest, and centuries later they still preserve their individual customs and language. Closer to Vallarta is San Sebastián, a town filled with Colonial charm.

The Huichol’s colorful traditions and craftwork are living examples of Mexican culture and can be found and admired both in Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Jalisco.