San Juan de los Lagos Travel Guide

Explore the charming town of San Juan de los Lagos in Jalisco, Mexico with our comprehensive travel guide. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, we've got you covered!


San Juan de los Lagos, located in the state of Jalisco on the Pacific coast of Mexico, is a small town with a big heart. A popular pilgrimage site due to its religious significance, it is also a hidden gem for those seeking cultural immersion and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to San Juan de los Lagos.

Introduction to San Juan de los Lagos

San Juan de los Lagos is a quaint town that serves as an important religious destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The town is named after its patron saint, Saint John of the Lakes, and draws crowds during the annual Feast of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos. Pilgrims flock to the town to pay their respects to the Reliquary, a small statue of the Virgin Mary, housed in the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos.

Beyond its religious significance, San Juan de los Lagos offers visitors a rich cultural experience through its museums and historical sites, natural landscapes, and delicious food and drink.

List of Places to Visit in San Juan de los Lagos

  • Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos: The centerpiece of the town, this impressive sandstone basilica houses the Reliquary and serves as a symbol of San Juan de los Lagos’ religious significance.
  • Regional Museum of Los Altos: Located in a beautiful colonial-style mansion, this museum provides visitors with a historical perspective of the region and its people.
  • San Juan de los Lagos Historic Center: Take a stroll through the colorful streets of the town’s historic center and take in the beautiful colonial architecture.
  • El Cerro de Las Tres Cruces: A popular spot for hiking and biking, this lookout point offers stunning views of the town and surrounding area.
  • La Zanja Canyon: Known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic beauty, La Zanja Canyon is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

San Juan de los Lagos has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its museums and historical sites. Here are some of the must-visit cultural attractions in San Juan de los Lagos:

  • Regional Museum of Los Altos: As mentioned earlier, this beautiful museum provides visitors with a historical perspective of the region and its people.
  • San Juan de los Lagos Historic Center: The colonial-style architecture of the town’s historic center is a reminder of San Juan de los Lagos’ past.
  • San Juan Diego Chapel: Dedicated to Saint Juan Diego, this chapel serves as a testament to the town’s religious history.

Natural Attractions of San Juan de los Lagos: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

For those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic views, San Juan de los Lagos offers a variety of natural attractions. From waterfalls to hiking trails, here are some of the top natural attractions in San Juan de los Lagos:

  • La Zanja Canyon: This beautiful canyon is perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking, and camping.
  • El Cerro de Las Tres Cruces: This lookout point offers stunning views of the town and surrounding area, making it a popular spot for hiking and biking.
  • El Chorro Waterfall: This picturesque waterfall is a great spot for a refreshing dip in the clear water.

Hiking/Biking Routes of San Juan de los Lagos

San Juan de los Lagos is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the popular routes:

  • El Cerro de Las Tres Cruces: This lookout point offers stunning views of the town and surrounding area, making it a popular spot for hiking and biking.
  • La Zanja Canyon: This beautiful canyon is perfect for hiking and camping.
  • San Jose de Gracia: A charming town nestled in the mountains, San Jose de Gracia offers picturesque trails for hiking and biking.

Best Things to Do in San Juan de los Lagos: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to experience in San Juan de los Lagos:

  • Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos: The centerpiece of the town, the Basilica houses the Reliquary, a small statue of the Virgin Mary.
  • Explore the town’s historic center: Take a stroll through the colorful streets of the town’s historic center and take in the beautiful colonial architecture.
  • Go on a hiking or biking tour: Explore the natural beauty and landscapes of San Juan de los Lagos with a guided tour.
  • Try the local cuisine: Sample the delicious food and drink offerings of the town, including tequila and birria.

Week-Long Itinerary for San Juan de los Lagos

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for experiencing the best of San Juan de los Lagos:

Day Activities
1 Arrival and check-in to hotel. Explore the town’s historic center.
2 Visit the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos and the Regional Museum of Los Altos.
3 Go on a hiking or biking tour of El Cerro de Las Tres Cruces or La Zanja Canyon.
4 Visit the San Juan Diego Chapel and explore the town’s markets.
5 Visit the El Chorro Waterfall and take a dip in the clear water.
6 Take a day trip to the nearby town of San Jose de Gracia and go on a hiking or biking tour.
7 Enjoy the local cuisine and souvenirs before departing.

Food and Drink Scene of San Juan de los Lagos

No trip to San Juan de los Lagos is complete without sampling the delicious local cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Birria: A savory stew made with goat or beef, birria is a staple of Jalisco cuisine.
  • Torta Ahogada: A local specialty, torta ahogada is a sandwich filled with meat and drowned in a spicy tomato sauce.
  • Enchiladas de Pipian: A traditional dish made with tortillas filled with chicken and topped with a chocolate and pumpkin seed sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Tequila: Jalisco is the home of tequila, and San Juan de los Lagos is no exception. Take a sip of this traditional Mexican drink at one of the local distilleries.
  • Churipo: Similar to posole, churipo is a hearty soup made with beef and corn.

Where to Stay in San Juan de los Lagos: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

San Juan de los Lagos offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the top options:

  • Hotel Posada Arcos: Located in the heart of the town’s historic center, this hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to local attractions.
  • Hotel Casa de Piedra: A charming boutique hotel with colonial-style architecture and modern amenities.
  • Hostal La Santísima Trinidad: A budget-friendly option located just a few blocks from the Basilica.

What to Buy in San Juan de los Lagos: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to bring back home from San Juan de los Lagos:

  • Reliquary replicas: Take home a miniature replica of the Reliquary, the small statue of the Virgin Mary housed in the Basilica.
  • Handwoven textiles: From blankets to scarves, San Juan de los Lagos is known for its beautiful handwoven textiles.
  • Tequila: Bring home a bottle of tequila from one of the local distilleries.

Local Culture and Customs of San Juan de los Lagos

San Juan de los Lagos is a traditional and religious town that values family and community. It is important to respect local customs and traditions, such as dressing appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites.

Best Time to Visit San Juan de los Lagos

The best time to visit San Juan de los Lagos is during the annual Feast of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, which takes place in January. This is the busiest time of year for the town, but it also offers a unique opportunity to witness the local culture and religious traditions. The weather in San Juan de los Lagos is mild year-round, with temperatures ranging from 60-80°F (15-27°C).

Do’s and Don’ts of San Juan de los Lagos

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting San Juan de los Lagos:

Do:

  • Dress appropriately when visiting churches and other religious sites.
  • Sample the local cuisine and drink tequila.
  • Explore the natural landscapes of the town through hiking and biking.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  • Forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellant when exploring the outdoors.

Safety and Health

San Juan de los Lagos is a safe town, but it is always important to take precautions when traveling. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind:

Safety in San Juan de los Lagos

  • Don’t walk around alone late at night.
  • Keep valuables hidden and secure.
  • Follow basic precautions when hiking and biking.

Health in San Juan de los Lagos

  • Drink bottled water to avoid stomach illnesses.
  • Protect yourself from the sun and insects when outdoors.
  • Seek medical attention if necessary at the San Juan de Dios Hospital.

Getting to San Juan de los Lagos: Transportation Options and Logistics

San Juan de los Lagos is located about 80 miles (130 km) from Guadalajara, the nearest major city. Here are some transportation options for getting to San Juan de los Lagos:

Airports Near San Juan de los Lagos

  • Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is the closest airport to San Juan de los Lagos, located about two hours away by car.

Bus Stations Near San Juan de los Lagos

  • San Juan de los Lagos has its own bus station with connections to Guadalajara and other nearby towns.

Other Options

  • Taxis and car rentals are available from Guadalajara and other nearby towns.

How to Get Around in San Juan de los Lagos

San Juan de los Lagos is a small town that can easily be explored on foot. Taxis and local buses are also available for transportation within the town and to nearby attractions.

Where to Go Next from San Juan de los Lagos: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider for your next adventure:

  • Guadalajara: Just two hours away by car, Guadalajara is a lively and colorful city with a rich cultural heritage.
  • Tequila: A short distance away from Guadalajara, the town of Tequila is the birthplace of Mexico’s beloved drink and offers tours of the local distilleries.
  • Lake Chapala: Located about one hour away from San Juan de los Lagos, Lake Chapala is the largest natural lake in Mexico and a popular spot for watersports and outdoor activities.

Conclusion

San Juan de los Lagos is a unique and charming town that offers visitors a rich cultural experience and breathtaking natural landscapes. From its impressive Basilica and historical sites to its beautiful canyons and waterfalls, San Juan de los Lagos is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin of San Juan de los Lagos