10 Jul 2024
La Yerbabuena is a charming, colonial village a 10 minutes drive from the main plaza of Mascota which is the main town of the municipality. Yerbabuena is the first stop along a route that takes you to about 5 colonial villages through the backroads of rural Jalisco. Yerbabuena is known as the "Beverly Hills" of the area for its large homes and wealthy weekenders from Guadalajara. The little main plaza features a central garden with the traditional bandstand surrounded by colorful gardens, lovely colonial buildings and the obligatory old church. There are 2 lagoons, one right off the little plaza that still has the "lavadero," the area where women would do the family washing back in the day. Follow the boardwalk along the lagoon up to the larger lake, just a 5 minute walk. This larger lake has a public boardwalk all around it, a lovely shady area with huge trees, and a gazebo with beautiful views of the lake and mountain backdrop. The town also features an energy "vortex" or as the locals call it, a centro de energía. For a small, voluntary donation you can experience this unique and peaceful place which has been cleverly blended with traditional Catholic faith articles so as not to offend traditional rural customs. There are 2 little restaurants in town, generally only open on weekends, and a couple of small local convenience stores. One of these serves a few specialty drinks like Frappuccino. There is a charming hotel next to the church on the plaza. Yerbabuena is absolutely worth a visit!