On this information we’ll share with you one of the best issues to do in Guadalajara, Mexico, also referred to as the Perla Tapatia. It’s the second largest metropolis in Mexico and probably the most stunning and cultural locations too.
Guadalajara is called the birthplace of mariachi, “tortas ahogadas”, and being the closest main metropolis to the city of Tequila and its well-known namesake drink.
On this 4 day itinerary we share one of the best issues to do in Guadalajara and the encircling cities within the state of Jalisco. I hope this text helps you intend a trip you gained’t overlook!
Is Guadalajara secure?
When visiting Guadalajara as a vacationer, as when visiting any massive metropolis, you will need to stay conscious of your environment and never flaunt costly clothes, jewellery or electronics. Generally we felt secure touring round Guadalajara and Jalisco with our digital camera typically saved securely in a bag.
When strolling round among the smaller neighborhoods in Guadalajara you’ll be able to simply end up a block of the principle street in a much less busy space, and if you’re not feeling snug, simply flip round and head again to a extra populated space.
Tips on how to get to Guadalajara?
There are a number of methods to get to Guadalajara, and all of it will depend on the place you come from and your finances.
- By airplane: There are a number of airways with day by day flights from each nationwide and worldwide locations to Guadalajara. Test flight costs here. From the airport it’s might be cheaper to seize an Uber quite than a taxi relying on the time of day.
- By automotive: If you happen to coming from close by cities in Mexico, you’ll be able to simply get to Guadalajara by automotive. If you don’t arrive by automotive to town, however you need to lease one to get round extra simply and comfortably, you’ll be able to lease one from the second you arrive. Renting a automotive in Guadalajara a wonderful choice if you will be visiting quite a bit small neighboring cities, or if you’re touring with a number of individuals and are on the lookout for the best solution to get round and that offers you essentially the most freedom.
- By bus: There are a number of bus traces that go to town, relying on the place you begin from, however the principle ones are: Future and ADO.
The place to remain in Guadalajara?
Guadalajara is a really touristy metropolis, so you will see resorts for each style and finances. We advocate staying close to the historic downtown Guadalajara as it’s straightforward to stroll to the principle sights and likewise straightforward to get a cab or tour to the go to the close by cities.
We stayed on the DoubleTree by Hilton and we beloved it! It’s a little bit pricier than different resorts across the space however its location was improbable and it has one of the best rooftop with the right panoramic view of the Cathedral.
Different low finances choices are hotel ONE, Hotel Casino Plaza, Hotel Morales, San Francisco Plaza Hotel, Hotel Dali Ejecutivo, and the Best Western Plus Gran Hotel Centro Historico.
Tips on how to transfer round Guadalajara?
As we talked about earlier than, Guadalajara is the second largest metropolis in Mexico. We advocate both strolling round downtown and utilizing Uber/taxis to go additional distances or you’ll be able to lease a automotive. We advocate strolling, as we did, as a result of it provides you a extra genuine perspective of town and yow will discover at all times hidden gems, particularly native meals spots.
When going additional distances in Guadalajara you will get an Uber or a taxi. If you happen to get a taxi on the road make certain to ask the speed earlier than you get in. I usually first look on Uber to get an estimated value after which supply the taxi one thing comparable.
One other excellent choice to maneuver across the metropolis is thru its public transport community. Essentially the most useful are the particular bus routes known as feeder traces. We didn’t lease a automotive, so we don’t know the way straightforward it’s to drive round and the way parking works within the metropolis, nevertheless we did see heavy visitors every afternoon in downtown Guadalajara.
Map with one of the best issues to do in Guadalajara and its surrounding cities
On this map we’ve got shared all of the stops and locations that we talked about on this information. Every day has a distinct coloration to make it simpler so that you can plan your journey. Get pleasure from!
Day 1: Go to the museums in Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque
Guadalajara has among the greatest museums in Mexico and no journey is full to this stunning metropolis with out visiting at the very least considered one of them. Among the museums we advocate visiting are the Hospicio Cabañas and the MUSA.
The Hospicio Cabañas is likely one of the most visited locations in Guadalajara. This constructing was constructed by the well-known architect Manuel Tolsá and it was once a shelter for a number of orphans for greater than a century. Right this moment, it’s the headquarters of the Cabañas Cultural Institute. Right here yow will discover a number of murals by Clemente de Orozco. Definitely the most effective locations to go to in Guadalajara.
The Hospicio Cabañas is open Tuesday by Sunday from 10AM to 6PM. It has an entrance price of $70 mexican pesos ($3.50 USD) for foreigners, $45 pesos for Mexicans and $20 pesos for college kids and academics. It’s free on Tuesdays.
The Museo de Artes Universidad de Guadalajara is an artwork museum from the College of Guadalajara. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6PM and it’s free to go to.
If you happen to go to MUSA, then we additionally advocate visiting the Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento, which is subsequent door and one thing you can’t miss in Guadalajara.
This outstanding neo-Gothic fashion church has a powerful facade that may take you again to Europe. We advocate going inside as it is vitally stunning too with its stained glass home windows that give it a spectacular view.
The place to eat breakfast in Guadalajara: La Chata. Nice service, serving scrumptious native dishes at reasonably priced costs.
After spending a while on the museums, head to Tlaquepaque for the remainder of your afternoon. This city is essentially the most picturesque locations within the Guadalajara metropolitan space with its effectively preserved colonial structure. The downtown strolling space is filled with handcrafted shops, eating places, and artwork galleries.
What to go to in Tlaquepaque: Jardín Hidalgo, Parroquia de San Pedro Tlaquepaque, El Parián.
The place to eat in Tlaquepaque: Casa Luna. Gorgeous restaurant with nice ambiance and scrumptious meals. A little bit dear in contrast with different eating places within the space, however price it for the intricate inside designs.
Subsequent to Tlaquepaque is the small city of Tonalá, one other good spot the place yow will discover stunning handicrafts. On Sundays there’s a road market of all these crafts that could be very worthwhile to take pleasure in a relaxed stroll. It is vitally massive market and you may absolutely discover one thing attention-grabbing to take residence as a memento.
Each cities are stunning with the principle distinction that Tlaquepaque is extra touristic and Tonalá provides your a extra genuine vibe. They’re each lower than half-hour away from downtown Guadalajara and you will get there by bus, taxi or Uber. The journey vis taxi/uber prices about $80 to $100 pesos.
Day 2: Day journey to Chapala Lake and Mazamitla
The Chapala lake is the most important in Mexico and it’s positively one of many high issues to do in Guadalajara. The lake is lower than an hour drive from Guadalajara and you may both take a day tour, personal tour or drive your self.
On the best way to the lake it’s best to drive alongside the Ribera de Chapala and go to its charming cities equivalent to Chapala, Ajijic, and Jocotepec. If you happen to solely have time to go to considered one of these cities earlier than heading to Mazamitla, make certain to decide on Ajijic. It is a colourful city with a lovely boardwalk alongside the lake.
The very best issues to do in Chapala Lake: Witness the “Voladores de Papantla”, the Dance of the Flyers, a present you can’t miss. Go to la Isla de los Alacranes, stroll alongside the boardwalk and across the downtown space of every city and pay a go to to the Parroquia de San Francisco.
What to eat in la Ribera de Chapala:
- Nieve de garrafa: A hand churned Mexican sorbet.
- Lapicitos de nieve
- Tuba: A candy wine comprised of coconut palm sap
- Charales enchilados: small, deep-fried fish with chilis and a splash of lime juice
- Birria de Jocotepec: Conventional goat stew
Tip: Keep to look at the sundown over the lake on the boardwalk in both Chapala or Ajijic.
After spending the morning alongside the ribera de Chapala hold driving for about an hour extra to the magic city of Mazamitla. When you have greater than a day, you’ll be able to simply spend two days having fun with the numerous actions this city has to supply, a favourite vacation spot for nature and journey lovers.
Issues to do in Mazamitla: Go to the principle sq. and the Parroquia de San Cristobal, hike to the Cascada el Salto and go to our favourite park in Mazamitla, Mundo Aventura Mazamitla. This park has every part you want from zipline, the longest hanging bridges, you’ll be able to lease ATVs, play paintball and go rappelling and mountaineering.
Day 3: Discover downtown Guadalajara and Zapopan
The metropolitan space of Guadalajara is split into a number of municipalities together with Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Zapopan, and Guadalajara Centro. Each has its personal identification as they have been as soon as particular person cities or small communities that with the passage of time and the expansion of town grew to become a part of the metropolis.
The principle monuments and historical past of town are within the downtown space. This will likely be your place to begin to go to one of the best sights in Guadalajara.
Issues to do in Zapopan: Very first thing within the morning seize a cab to Zapopan and go to the Basilica of Our Woman of Zapopan and stroll round that space. Then head to Colomos Park. The park is positioned on the bounds of Guadalajara and Zapopan, forming one of many lungs of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Space. On this park there are a number of sights from lakes with geese, a Japanese backyard, excursions, operating tracks, picnic space and a cultural heart.
In your manner again to Guadalajara cease by the Minerva Roundabout and the Arcos Vallarta. The “Fuente La Minerva” is likely one of the important symbols of Guadalajara. The fountain with the goddess Minerva within the heart is surrounded by agaves vegetation. Subsequent to the roundabout are the Arcos Vallarta, two neoclassical arches that have been in-built 1938 to have fun the doorway to town because of the development of the freeway that results in Mexico Metropolis.
Prime Issues to do in Historic Guadalajara
Go to the Cathedral and the Plaza de la Liberación
The principle factor to do in Guadalajara is to go to its stunning cathedral positioned on the Plaza de la Liberación. Its towers are within the Neo-Gothic fashion, though its façade is extra baroque and normally its construction could be very stunning. Don’t forget to take a photograph of the “Guadalajara, Guadalajara” signal on the Plaza de la liberación.
Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres
Subsequent to the Cathedral you will see this 17-column monument that homes the stays of varied characters from town who have been distinguished in several branches, equivalent to the humanities, politics, literature and extra. Proper subsequent to the Rotonda are a number of statues with a QR code so that you can be taught extra about every of this well-known figures and their vital position in Guadalajara’s historical past.
Plaza de Armas
This stunning sq. is on the opposite aspect of the Cathedral and it has a gazebo within the heart of the sq.. From our room on the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton we have been in a position to see your entire sq. and the aspect of the cathedral.
Palacio de Gobierno de Jalisco
Go contained in the Palacio de Gobierno de Jalisco and benefit from the two murals of José Clemente Orozco. This gorgeous constructing homes the Authorities workplaces. The Palacio is free to the general public and it’s open Monday to Friday from 9AM to 7PM.
Watch a present on the Teatro Degollado
In-built a neoclassical structure and with a number of Italian influences, this stunning theater is the headquarters of the Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco. Presently, as well as, a number of live shows and music and dance reveals are offered right here, so make certain to take a look at its calendar to expertise one of many reveals.
Mercado de San Juan de Dios
Get misplaced on the largest indoor market in Latin America, the Mercado de San Juan de Dios, proper exterior the market it’s the Plaza de los Mariachis, one of the best locations to listen to the mariachis singing.
That is the most important roofed market in Latin America, with its 3 flooring of stalls and amongst greater than 3,000 stalls you will see every part from batteries in your watch to scrumptious meals and every part in between.
Panteón de Belén
The historic Panteón de Belén cemetery has tons of of legends and it’s potential to go to it on a guided tour to be taught extra about them. The excursions are carried out a couple of days per week and in two shifts, morning and evening, essentially the most advisable are the evening excursions.
Stroll alongside the Dos Templos sq.
The Dos Templos sq. is flanked by two catholic church buildings, the Temple of Our Woman of Aranzazú, with a ornate Baroque façade, and the smaller Temple of San Francisco de Asís.
Benefit from the gorgeous views from the Barranca de Huentitán
The Barranca de Huentitán is a canyon with a depth of almost 3,500 toes. It’s a widespread place to go for a hike and benefit from the panoramic views of the canyon. This ravine can be the cite of many battles with the native communities in the course of the Spanish conquest and in the course of the Mexican Revolution and the Cristero riot.
End your day at Chapultepec, a neighborhood stuffed with full of life bars and scrumptious eating places.
What to eat in Guadalajara: tortas ahogadas, nieve de limón con tejuino, carnes en su jugo, jericallas, Cazuelas Voladores or Cazuelas de Tequila and tacos de barbacoa.
Day 4: Day journey to Tequila
Some of the visited locations in your entire state of Jalisco, is the magical city of Tequila, the place exactly one of many well-known drinks of Mexico, tequila, is created.
In case you are in Guadalajara in the course of the weekend then it’s essential to e book a seat on the Jose Cuervo Categorical. This practice takes you to Tequila from Guadalajara. This tour contains spherical journey transportation, snacks, a present, a plantation go to, and all of the tequila you’ll ever want, with a worth that displays that. If the value is a priority then you’ll be able to both drive, take the bus or take a day journey to this stunning metropolis.
Tequila is just one hour away from Guadalajara by bus and you may spend the entire day, studying concerning the course of of constructing and distributing tequila, having fun with the completely different distilleries, and consuming its scrumptious gastronomy. Make sure that to attempt the cantaritos “el güero” and palomas.
Tequila was declared an UNESCO world heritage website as a result of its distinctive panorama stuffed with agave fields. Additionally it is thought-about a magic city.
Should go locations in tequila: Museo del Tequila, take a tour to Sauza or Jose Cuervo and go to the lodge la cofradía for superb photographs with the rooms in form of barrels in the course of agave plantations. You aren’t in a position to go to the rooms however should you go to the restaurant you must undergo the lodge grounds and are in a position to take superb photographs.
Learn extra about our day trip to Tequila from Guadalajara with Jose Cuervo Express
Different day journeys you are able to do from Guadalajara:
- Guachimontones: It’s a spherical pyramid and the most important Late Formative to Traditional interval pre-Columbian archaeological website within the state of Jalisco.
- Tapalpa: It’s one other “Pueblo Mágico” and it is vitally just like Mazamitla. If you happen to go to Tapalapa make certain to go to the well-known waterfall known as “las piedrotas” and stroll round its painteresque downtown.
