Cave 29 km northwest of San Sebastián del Oeste
An old silver mine in the forest just east of town where you can walk into the tunnels; bring a good headlamp.
Silver made San Sebastián del Oeste. From the 17th century onward the town became one of the main mining centers of western New Spain, with more than 25 mines working the surrounding mountains and a population that is said to have reached 20,000. Mina Santa Gertrudis, a short way east of town, is the easiest of those old mines to visit.
The mine is reached through thick forest, and inside you can walk into the old tunnels and imagine the work of the miners who hauled ore out by hand and by mule. Visitors describe the tunnels as dark and damp, with bats and insects, so it is not for everyone, but for many it is the most vivid way to understand where the town's grand houses and haciendas came from.
Access arrangements have varied over time: some visitors have found the entrance open and unattended, while others recommend asking in town for someone to take you. Either way, go with a good light, sturdy shoes, and preferably a local guide.
What to see and do
Walk into the old tunnels of a colonial-era silver mine.
Hike through the forest on the way to the entrance.
Learn about San Sebastián's mining history from a local guide.
Combine it with a visit to the historic haciendas around town.
Getting there
The mine is roughly 2 to 4 km east of the town center depending on the route, a few minutes by car followed by a walk through the forest, or a longer hike from town. Access by car can be difficult, so ask in town about a guide or a ride. Bring a headlamp, water and closed shoes.
29 km northwest of San Sebastián del Oeste
Directions from San Sebastián del Oeste on Google Maps
Distances are in a straight line; the road is usually longer.
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Weather mild
Mina Santa Gertrudis shares the climate of San Sebastián del Oeste, 29 km away. The best months to visit are Mar, Apr, May, Nov.
Make San Sebastián del Oeste your base
Mina Santa Gertrudis is an easy trip from San Sebastián del Oeste, a Pueblo Mágico with places to stay, food, and more to see.
More around San Sebastián del Oeste
-
Real Alto
· Town · 26 km away
An old mining hamlet on the road to La Bufa, with a 17th–18th-century church and a carved wooden altarpiece. -
Cerro de la Bufa
· Mountain · 27 km away
The peak above San Sebastián, over 2,400 m high: on clear days you look down on the clouds and out to Banderas Bay. -
Los Reyes
· Town · 28 km away
A colorful village northeast of town and start of a hike past Hacienda La Victoria to La Escondida, a cave with basalt columns. -
Cascada La Hermita
· Waterfall · 34 km away
A forest waterfall west of town; the easy trail starts behind the chapel in the village of La Estancia, but signage is scarce.
Location from OpenStreetMap. Written by Puebloteca.