Guide To Guadalajara

About Guadalajara

A little less than 250 miles northwest of Mexico's capital stands Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco. With 5 million inhabitants, it's less than a quarter of the size of Mexico City, but nevertheless Guadalajara is an important city; colorful and vibrant, and is also one of Mexico's colonial gems.

Guadalajara is often described as the most Mexican of all cities; partly because the culture here is traditionally Mexican in so many ways, and also because several products firmly associated with Mexico were started here.

Mariachis are the traditional Mexican musicians with their black velvet dress, and unmistakable large Mariachi hats. Where their name derived from is a bit of mystery; various theories abound, but it was in Guadalajara that Mariachis first appeared. Mariachis play melodies and sing traditional Mexican folk songs, usually in plazas, at parties, restaurants, weddings, birthday celebrations, and so on. The original 'orthodox' Mariachis play only stringed instruments and sing only traditional Jalisco folk music. Today, many Mariachi groups also incorporate a trumpet in their music, (an English import, which actually sounds really great when properly combined with the strings) and sing a variety of Mexican folk songs from across the country's regions.

Another great Mexican product, and one of its greatest exports - Tequila - also began life in Guadalajara. Tequila is made from the Blue Maguey plant (connect to the Mexican Bar on Mexperience for more information about Tequila.) and not surprisingly, Guadalajara is still one of the main Tequila producing areas in Mexico today.

Guadalajara also gave Mexico its famous wide-rimmed hat (the famous Mexican Sombrero), introduced the Mexican Hat Dance, and pioneered Charreadas - today more commonly known as the Rodeo. Many of the big images associated with Mexico were given to the nation by one city - Guadalajara.

Guadalajara, like many cities of its size, offers all of the benefits that come with being a large, cosmopolitan city, but without the nuisances and stresses that are often part and parcel of a huge megalopolis - often a capital city - and the distinction between Mexico City and Guadalajara is an example of this.

Guadalajara has all the amenities you would want from a large city in Mexico: Colonial center, great art and culture, good shopping, great restaurants serving a huge variety and choice of delicious food, excellent choice of accommodation options, and a vibrant nightlife - without the pollution, severe traffic headaches and other associated side-effects of Mexico City. In fact, if you want big-city life, but don't want to visit Mexico City, then Guadalajara can offer you a worthwhile alternative.

If you're on the Pacific Coast, especially in Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo - Guadalajara can make a convenient and very worthwhile visit which will enable you to experience inland Mexico and one its great cities.

Just south of Guadalajara is Chapala, and its large lake (Lake Chapala) which is Mexico's largest natural lake. This area has been adopted by many expatriate retirees, from the USA and Canada especially. They have come here looking for a slower pace of life, good facilities, nice people and excellent food. The area is pleasant and makes a nice side trip from Guadalajara, being just over 20 miles south of the city.

As one of Mexico's Major Cities, Guadalajara has a lot to offer you when you make a visit here.    If you're on a tour of Colonial Cities, you should include Guadalajara, especially given that it is relatively close to other colonial attractions such as Morelia, Zacatecas and Aguascalientes. As a city attraction, you'll find that Guadalajara will give you some great experiences; whether you chose to come for a day or two, or get to know the city and its surrounds better and stay for a week; you won't be left disappointed.

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Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Guadalajara's colonial center has five main Plazas, the main one in the middle of the city hosts the city's amazing twin-tower Cathedral, with the other four plazas surrounding it in all directions. There are several historical buildings that center around the five plazas, and Calzada Independencia, which is the main road that runs north-south through the city.

The two main Plazas are the Plaza de las Armas (the most attractive) and Plaza Tapatía. The Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) is the seat of Government here, at times in Mexico's history, like Queretaro, served as the nation's capital when Mexico City was under siege.

North of the Cathedral is one of Guadalajara's big landmarks: Rotunda de los Hombres Ilustres - (Monument to the Illustrious Men) which include a writer, a composer, a poet, and an architect, among others.

On the north side of the Plaza de los Laureles (directly in front of the Cathedral) is the Presidencia Municipal (City Hall).

Other attractions in Guadalajara's Colonial Center include Palacio de la Justicia (Palace of Justice, or State Court House), Instituto Cultural de la Cabañas, on Plaza Tapatía which is one Guadalajara's greatest colonial buildings. Plaza de los Mariachis offers you the opportunity to eat and drink while Mariachis play and serenade you (for a small fee per song, of course.)

Look up Guadalajara in the mainstream Guidebooks for more information about these museums, or consult the local Tourist Information Office (see Practical Information).

Tlaquepaque

Just 7km southeast of Guadalajara's city center is Tlaquepaque - an old craft center and colonial village. See the Mexperience Guide to Tlaquepaque for full details.

Churches

Guadalajara is home to some of Mexico's most attractive colonial churches, in addition to the City's Cathedral. Some notable ones include Templo de la Merced, near the Cathedral, which was built around 1650; Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, which includes gold decoration and some nice murals in its dome; Templo de Aranzazu, which was completed around 1752.

Parque Agua Azul

This is Guadalajara's main park, and offers green serenity and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of Guadalajara's city life. There's a children's play area here as well as a train ride. The park also hosts an aviary and nearby is the city's Anthropology Museum. Open 10am to 6pm daily, except Mondays. There is a small admission fee.

Plaza del Sol Area

This area of the city hosts all of the city's fine restaurants, glossy shopping areas and malls, luxury hotels, and is the main commercial area in downtown Guadalajara.

Learn Spanish in Guadalajara

As "the most Mexican of cities", Guadalajara is an excellent venue for people who want to attend a Spanish School in Mexico. Take the opportunity to mix learning and pleasure when you visit this cosmopolitan city by attending one of the Spanish Schools here; there's no better way to learn Spanish than by becoming immersed in it at a language school in Mexico. Read our guide to Learning Spanish in Mexico for more details and to find a language school in Guadalajara.

Museums & Art

Museo Regional de Guadalajara - (Regional Museum of Guadalajara) is hosted by the a former seminary of San José, built in the 17th century. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit. The museum itself hosts a collection of work depicting the history of western Mexico, from pre-Columbian times, through to the Spanish invasion and conquest. The museum is open daily, except Mondays; it opens around 10am: get there before 2:45pm if you want to see all of the rooms.

Museo de Arqueología del Occidente de Mexico (Museum of Archaeology of Western Mexico) - Houses a selection of pre-Hispanic pottery.

Museo de la Ciudad - (City Museum) Covers the city's past, from its origins in Zacatecas (where Guadalajara was to be in the first place - but later moved... once again) to the invasion and conquest by the Spanish.

Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara (Guadalajara's University Art Museum) - Has a permanent collection from the University, and also hosts many major travelling exhibitions.

Lake Chapala & Environs

Because of the stunning scenery, great climate and attractive ambience at Lake Chapala and its picturesque lakeside towns of Ajijic, Jacotepec and (of course) Chapala, many foreigners, especially from the USA and Canada, decide to sell up and move to this great area for a complete change of lifestyle, to retire, or both.

When you visit here, it's not hard to see why they do. The climate is absolutely great all year round; the lake is wonderful and flanked by majestic mountains in the background, the people here are friendly and inviting, and the whole place is just over 20 miles away from Guadalajara, making the area accessible and convenient for amenities when you need them.

Chapala is the main commercial center, you can change money, buy things and generally get in touch with the world from here. If you want to stay in the area, then nearby Ajijic is the best place to find a hotel (The Mexperience Travel Center of hotels can help you in this respect - see below). Ajijic also has some good crafts shops in which to browse and buy.

Much of the area's prosperity derives from the expatriates living here - you're likely to see quite a few of them, and they're really friendly, so don't be shy if you want to meet and chat with them about the area. English is spoken in most places, and many of the local signs in commercial areas are also in English.

Being so close to Guadalajara, Lake Chapala is an excellent opportunity to leave the hustle and swing of the city and experience some of Mexico's most serene and attractive western rural life!

 

Health Spas

Good Health Spas are available in and around Guadalajara; For more information about Health Spas, and how to get access to a magnificent health experience in Mexico, connect to the Mexperience Section about Health Spas

Golf in Guadalajara

Not only is the climate in Guadalajara ideal for Golf, the sport is a major pastime with the locals here.

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Getting There & Around

Getting There

By Air - You can fly to Guadalajara from the US and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Monterrey.

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for Airlines

By Bus - You can travel to Guadalajara on a luxury bus from Mexico City - the trip takes around 7-8 hours. Luxury buses drop people off at the new bus station in Guadalajara, which is near Tlaquepaque about a 20 minute taxi ride away from the city center. Connect to the Travel Essentials section on Mexperience for information about traveling by Road (bus).

Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for National Buses

By Car - Driving to Guadalajara is very fast and efficient using the many high-speed roads that connect this region. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico's Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Getting Around

From the Airport - The airport is on the south side of Guadalajara, and it will take about 45 minutes for your taxi or ground transportation to get into the city center from there.

Taxis - Guadalajara's taxis are officially metered, but taxis here have been known not to use them. Either insist that the meter be activated (or find another taxi) or agree your price before you get in. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a better price! Another good reason to Learn Spanish.

Buses - Bus trips to local areas (within about 50 miles of Guadalajara) depart from the old bus station, which is in the city center. You can take a local bus to nearby places including Lake Chapala (Chapala, Ajijic, Jacotepec). Connect to the Travel Essentials section on Mexperience for information about traveling on Local Buses.

Rent a Car - Guadalajara is very accessible by road, and there is plenty to see and do in the surrounding areas - including Colonial Cities, and great coastal attractions. Renting a car would be a smart option you're thinking about traveling around this region, as it will give you the freedom and flexibility to see more of the area and its surrounding attractions effectively.

See the Mexperience Travel Center for Car Rental in Guadalajara

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Local Events Calendar

Besides the big national holidays like Independence Day, Easter and Christmas (see Mexico Events Calendar) Guadalajara has some local festivals of its own:

Feria de Tonalá - Once Tonalá was Guadalajara before it moved to its current location. Today, Tonalá is a neighborhood of the city and the week before and week after Easter, it hosts an annual Handicrafts Fair, with the emphasis on ceramics.

Fiesta Internacional del Mariachi (International Mariachi Fair) - Scheduled to take place during the first two weeks in September. Mariachis from everywhere come to celebrate and play here.

Feria Internacional del Libro (International Book Fair) - The largest book fair in Latin America takes place annually in Guadalajara between the last week in November and the first week in December.

Fiestas de Octubre (October Parties) - These celebrations begin on the first Sunday in October and run right through to Hallowe'en. Street parades, parties, celebrations, food, Mariachis and tequila all feature heavily. Consult the local tourist office (see Practical Information, below) for details of this year's event calendar.

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Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the Communications in Mexico Page on Mexperience for full information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines are found throughout the city centre in Guadalajara. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler's cheques and cash from you as well.  Read about currency exchange in the Money Section on Mexperience.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical cover and/or travel assistance cover when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico - new ones open and old ones close all the time - but you won't have to look too hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Your Dress: Guadalajara, like Mexico City is a 'conservative dress' city. Don't bring beachwear, high-cut shorts, and sandals with you - you'll look like a round peg trying to jump into a square hole!

Safety: Although Guadalajara is a big city, crime is relatively low for its size. Like in all cities, take sensible precautions.

Local Tourist Office: Connect to the Mexperience Travel Center for details of the nearest Tourist Information office.

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Accommodation

• Find a Hotel in Guadalajara

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Restaurants

Hard Rock Cafe. Hamburgers, fast food. Av. Vallarta 2423 Local A-8. Tel: (33) 36164560

La Estancia Gaucha. Argentine. Niños Héroes 2860-A, Jardines del Bosque. Tel: (33) 31226565

La Fonda de San Miguel Arcángel. Mexican. Donato Guerra 25 Int. 13,Centro. Tel: (33) 36130809

Salute! Guadalajara. European, Mediterranean. Rubén Darío 1045. Tel: (33) 36429101

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When Night Falls

Guadalajara has a selection of good night spots to suit those looking for culture and those looking for a party!

Locally Hosted Parties - Check with yours and other Local Hotels about public parties they may be hosting during your stay. Traditional Mexican theme night parties are popular with the locals, and there's a chance you could join a really special night out - the real Mexican way, and certainly on the eve of September 16th - Mexico's Independence Day! Hosted parties usually include dinner, dancing, a show and / or live music (as well as authentic Mexican Mariachis) plus all drinks for a fixed fee and are always excellent value for money! Ask at your hotel to find out what is happening locally.

Nightclub Scene - Mexico's Cities do have lots of young people living in them, so just because they are steeped in history does not mean that you won't find an all-night club party happening somewhere in town! Some night clubs charge an all inclusive cover fee; some a smaller cover and drinks on top. Drinks are served all night - don't even consider going to a nightclub before 11pm. Nightclubs keep going all morning and most people will start to leave between 5 and 7 am.

Night Bars / Restaurants - There's a good variety of Late Night Entertainment in Guadalajara to keep you happy and entertained into the early hours.

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What to Buy in Alamos

The two areas of Tonala and Tlaquepaque in Guadalajara are well known shopping centers frequented by visitors here. Some people go to Guadalajara just to shop.

Guadalajara itself has a selection of shopping centers, markets and craft centers in which to browse and buy.

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Local Climate

Guadalajara's climate is spring-like all year-round. The winter months do become cooler in the mornings and evenings - so bring a sweater with you if you're traveling at these times. The warmest times are April, May and June. The rainy season runs from June through to September. Rains tend to come in the afternoon, are relatively short and fierce and leave the evenings dry and cooled off.

Live Weather Report:

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