Guadalajara Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich and vibrant city of Guadalajara with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore must-visit attractions, outdoor adventures, local customs, and more.


Introduction to Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a culturally rich and vibrant city in Mexico’s Jalisco state. It is known for its mariachi music, tequila production, and beautiful colonial architecture. The city is surrounded by scenic mountains and offers a diverse range of attractions for both locals and tourists. This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Guadalajara.

List of Places to Visit in Guadalajara

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Guadalajara Cathedral - A stunning example of Spanish architecture, the Guadalajara Cathedral features a neoclassical façade and a gothic interior.
  • Hospicio Cabañas - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful building is known for its stunning frescoes painted by Jose Clemente Orozco.
  • Teatro Degollado - A beautiful theatre featuring neoclassical architecture and ornate interiors.
  • Museo Regional de Guadalajara - Discover the history and culture of the region with exhibits on pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial-era art, and traditional costumes.
  • Museo Huichol Wixárica - This museum showcases the art and traditions of the Huichol indigenous community.

Natural Attractions of Guadalajara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Barranca de Huentitán - This canyon offers amazing scenic views and is a popular spot for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • Parque Agua Azul - A beautiful park featuring a lake, playgrounds, and scenic paths for walking or jogging.
  • Bosque Los Colomos - A beautiful natural park featuring walking paths, fountains, and picnic spots.
  • El Salto Waterfall - A scenic waterfall located just outside of the city, offering a refreshing and scenic day trip.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Guadalajara

  • Cerro del Cuatro - A moderate 2-hour hike offering beautiful scenic views of the city.
  • Bosque La Primavera - A popular spot for mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding with various difficulty levels.
  • Piedra Grande Trail - A challenging 5-hour hike with stunning views of Lake Cajititlán.

Best Things to Do in Guadalajara: Activities and Tours

  • Explore Tlaquepaque and Tonala - These charming towns are located just outside of the city and offer traditional Mexican crafts, markets, and restaurants.
  • Tequila Tours - Visit a tequila distillery to learn about the production process and sample various tequilas.
  • Mariachi Music Shows - Experience the lively and vibrant music culture that Guadalajara is known for.
  • Hot Air Balloon Rides - Take a scenic hot air balloon ride over the city and surrounding areas.

Week-Long Itinerary for Guadalajara

Day Activities
1 Explore the historic center and visit the Guadalajara Cathedral, Teatro Degollado, and Plaza de Armas
2 Visit the Museo Regional de Guadalajara and indulge in some local cuisine
3 Take a day trip to Barranca de Huentitán and enjoy outdoor activities
4 Explore Tlaquepaque and Tonala, and shop for traditional Mexican crafts
5 Take a tequila tour and learn about the production process
6 Visit the Bosque La Primavera for outdoor activities and enjoy the beautiful scenery
7 Relax and enjoy a hot air balloon ride over the city and surrounding areas

Food and Drink Scene of Guadalajara

Must-Try Dishes

  • Birria - A traditional Mexican stew made with goat or beef, served with tortillas and lime.
  • Torta Ahogada - A sandwich filled with pork and beans, dunked in a spicy tomato sauce.
  • Pozole - A hearty soup made with hominy, pork, and spices.
  • Tacos al Pastor - Grilled pork tacos cooked with pineapple and served with fresh salsa.

Local Beverages

  • Tequila - A distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant and is the national liquor of Mexico.
  • Mezcal - A smoky spirit made from the agave plant, similar to tequila.
  • Pulque - A fermented drink made from the sap of the maguey plant, popular among the indigenous cultures of Mexico.

Where to Stay in Guadalajara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Hotel Morales - A beautiful and historic hotel located in the heart of the city.
  • Quinta Real Guadalajara - A luxurious hotel located in a restored 19th-century palace.
  • Hostel Hospedarte Centro - A budget-friendly hostel located in the historic center.
  • Casa Alebrijes Gay Hotel - A trendy and stylish guesthouse located in a historic building.

What to Buy in Guadalajara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Tequila - The most popular souvenir from Guadalajara, known worldwide for its quality and flavor.
  • Artisanal Crafts - Tlaquepaque and Tonala are famous for their handcrafted pottery, furniture, and other traditional Mexican crafts.
  • Sombrero - A traditional Mexican wide-brimmed hat made from straw or felt.

Local Culture and Customs of Guadalajara

  • Mariachi Music - Mariachi music is a traditional music genre from Guadalajara and is considered part of Mexican culture.
  • Religion - Guadalajara is a predominantly Catholic city with many church and religious festivals throughout the year.
  • Food and Drink - Food and drink are a big part of the city’s culture, and locals take great pride in the region’s traditional dishes and beverages.

Best Time to Visit Guadalajara

The best time to visit Guadalajara is from November to March when the weather is mild and dry, with lower chances of rain. The city’s climate is generally temperate all year round, making it a great destination to visit any time of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Guadalajara

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with the locals.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.
  • Experience the mariachi music culture.
  • Head out of the city to explore the surrounding natural areas.

Don’t:

  • Wear revealing clothing in public areas.
  • Be disrespectful of the local culture.
  • Ignore safety precautions, particularly at night.

Safety and Health

Safety in Guadalajara

Guadalajara is generally a safe city to visit, but it is important to take basic safety precautions such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of your surroundings. Be cautious when using public transportation, particularly at night.

Health in Guadalajara

Make sure to drink bottled water to avoid stomach issues. Be sure to take mosquito repellent and sunscreen and wear hats and sunglasses during the day to avoid getting sunburned.

Getting to Guadalajara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Guadalajara

  • Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport - Located about 45 minutes from the city center, this is the main international airport serving Guadalajara.

Bus Stations Near Guadalajara

  • Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara (CAG) - The main bus station in Guadalajara, located west of the city center.

Other Options

  • Uber - Uber is widely available in Guadalajara and is generally a safe and convenient option for transportation.
  • Taxis - Taxis in Guadalajara do not use meters, so it is important to negotiate a fare before getting into the taxi.

How to Get Around in Guadalajara

The best way to get around Guadalajara is by walking, particularly in the historic center, which is pedestrian-friendly. Taxis and ride-sharing apps such as Uber are also available, and public transportation options include buses and light rail.

Where to Go Next from Guadalajara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tequila - Take a day trip to the nearby town of Tequila to learn about the iconic Mexican spirit.
  • Puerto Vallarta - A popular beach town located on the Pacific Coast and about a 4-hour drive from Guadalajara.
  • Ajijic - A charming town located on Lake Chapala, about a 45-minute drive from Guadalajara.

Conclusion

Guadalajara is a culturally rich and vibrant city in Mexico’s Jalisco state, offering a diverse range of attractions for both locals and tourists. Whether you are interested in history, outdoor adventures, or food and drink, this city has something for everyone. With this comprehensive travel guide, you are well-equipped to explore all that Guadalajara has to offer.

Guadalajara Cathedral viewed from north side of Plaza de Guadalajara Guadalajara Cathedral viewed from north side of Plaza de Guadalajara Streets of Guadalajara Streets of Guadalajara Calle de Morelos Calle de Morelos The Pre-Tren The Pre-Tren Map of the Tren Ligero system Map of the Tren Ligero system Cabañas in the nighttime Cabañas in the nighttime This statue of Miguel de Hidalgo is in the Plaza de la Liberación. This statue of Miguel de Hidalgo is in the Plaza de la Liberación. Colomos Forest Colomos Forest Plaza Tapatia Plaza Tapatia Jalisco Stadium Jalisco Stadium Guachimontones Guachimontones