The current condition of Federal Highway 70, which connects Guadalajara to the Sierra Occidental region of Jalisco, continues to pose a significant challenge to attracting tourism to the Pueblos Mágicos (Magical Towns) of Mascota, San Sebastián del Oeste, and Talpa de Allende, according to tourism directors from the region.
During the presentation of the Pueblos Mágicos Visitor Map, officials noted that while the state highway between Puerto Vallarta and Mascota is in good condition, the deterioration of the federal highway has complicated access from the Jalisco capital.
Juan Antonio Salcedo Segura, Director of Tourism for Mascota, explained that the route from Puerto Vallarta to Mascota offers an attractive and well-maintained journey.
However, he pointed out that Federal Highway 70 remains under repair, which has hindered the arrival of visitors from Guadalajara and other parts of the state.
The official indicated that the rehabilitation of this road is ongoing and represents one of the main challenges to strengthening tourism in the Sierra Occidental region.
According to tourism representatives, improving road connectivity is essential to increasing the number of visitors to the region’s Magical Towns.
Federal Highway 70 is damaged in several sections due to the deterioration of the asphalt and years of neglect.
Although rehabilitation work is currently underway, it is progressing slowly and has not yet covered all the most affected areas.
José Roberto Zepeda García, Director of Tourism for Talpa de Allende, pointed out that another significant challenge is the lack of awareness surrounding the Magical Town concept.
He explained that each destination has its own unique identity based on its history, traditions, culture, heritage, and natural environment, and therefore, they should not all be viewed through the same lens or tourism experience.
In the case of Talpa de Allende, he emphasized that, in addition to the religious tourism that makes it one of Mexico’s most important pilgrimage routes, the municipality also offers a wealth of natural, cultural, and scenic attractions.
Tourism representatives agreed that improved road infrastructure, coupled with increased regional promotion, would boost visitor arrivals and strengthen the economy of the municipalities in the Sierra Occidental region of Jalisco.
The strategy aims to showcase the region’s complementary offerings to Puerto Vallarta, combining beaches, mountains, traditions, gastronomy, culture, and nature within a single tourist corridor.
Source: vallartaenlinea
