Guadalajara Travel Guide

Welcome to Guadalajara

Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest city with a metro area population of approximately 5 million. As the capital of Jalisco state, it is the birthplace of many things considered quintessentially Mexican -- mariachi music, tequila, the jarabe tapatio (Mexican hat dance), and charreada (Mexican rodeo). The city sits at about 1,566 meters above sea level, giving it a pleasant, spring-like climate for much of the year.

Despite being a major metropolitan center, Guadalajara often flies under the tourist radar compared to beach destinations or Mexico City. Visitors who make the trip find a city with a strong identity, excellent food, impressive architecture, and a thriving cultural scene.

Top Attractions

• Historic Center -- The Cathedral of Guadalajara, flanked by four plazas, forms the heart of the city. The Degollado Theater, a neoclassical beauty, hosts the Jalisco Philharmonic and ballet folklorico performances.
• Instituto Cultural Cabanas -- A UNESCO World Heritage site housing murals by Jose Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico's great muralists. The "Man of Fire" on the chapel dome is the centerpiece.
• Tlaquepaque -- A charming artisan district on the city's southeast edge, known for blown glass, pottery, papier-mache, and excellent restaurants around its pedestrian center
• Tonala -- A neighboring town famous for its enormous Thursday and Sunday tianguis (open-air markets) selling handcrafts

Tequila Country

The town of Tequila is about an hour northwest of Guadalajara, set in a landscape of blue agave fields that are a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape. Several options for visiting:

• Tequila tasting tours -- Visit distilleries like Jose Cuervo (La Rojena, the oldest active distillery in Latin America), Herradura, or smaller artisanal producers
• Jose Cuervo Express -- A tourist train from Guadalajara to Tequila with tastings on board
• Self-drive -- Rent a car and explore the agave fields and smaller distilleries at your own pace

Food and Drink

Jalisco's cuisine is hearty and flavorful:

• Birria -- A rich stew of meat (traditionally goat, now often beef) in a chili-and-spice broth, served with tortillas and consomme
• Torta ahogada -- A crusty birote bread roll stuffed with pork carnitas and "drowned" in a spicy tomato sauce
• Carne en su jugo -- Beef simmered in its own juices with bacon, beans, and cilantro
• Tejuino -- A fermented corn drink served cold with lime sorbet and salt
• Jericallas -- A custard dessert unique to Guadalajara

Getting There

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL) has extensive domestic connections and flights from several US cities. First-class buses from Mexico City take about 5-6 hours. The city is a major transport hub for western Mexico.

Getting Around

Guadalajara has light rail lines (Tren Ligero) and a bus rapid transit system (Macrobus). Uber and DiDi are widely available. The historic center is walkable, but the city is spread out and you will need transport between neighborhoods.

Best Time to Visit

October through May offers dry, comfortable weather. The Fiestas de Octubre is a month-long cultural festival. The International Mariachi Festival, typically held in late August or September, draws mariachi groups from around the world.

Where to Stay

• Budget -- Hostels in the centro or Chapultepec neighborhood, from $15-25 USD/night
• Mid-range -- Hotels in Chapultepec, Americana, or Providencia, from $50-100 USD/night
• Luxury -- High-end hotels in Providencia or the historic center, from $150+ USD/night

Plan Your Visit

Guadalajara is a natural addition to the Food Lovers Mexico 7-Day itinerary and combines well with a trip to Puerto Vallarta, about 4-5 hours by road.