Spotting an opportunity to open an authentic colonial-style hotel in the area, Arturo Magana and his wife left Los Angeles in 2001, moved their family to Tlaquepaque, and opened the Quinta Don José with the intention to provide a local oasis, where guests enjoy a comfortable stay as well as a base to explore the locality.  It has since become known as one of the most welcoming and friendly hotels in the area.

This family-run boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Tlaquepaque’s historic district, close to the town’s principal attractions and amenities. Stepping-in from the colonial street to Quinta Don José feels like stepping into an authentic colonial Mexican home. The hotel’s staff treat guests with the kind of personal attention that makes you feel immediately relaxed and at home.  Every one of the 17 rooms are individually appointed, each with its own character, and perfectly in-keeping with authentic Mexican colonial style décor.

The central colonial courtyard is marked by a beautiful pool area and surrounding gardens, with seating flecked in nooks and crannies where you can find cool shade in the afternoon sun, or relax under soft lamplight while enjoying the tranquility of a warm evening.

The intimate and friendly bar is well stocked and offers an opportunity to mingle and socialize with other guests, or simply enjoy a quiet cocktail.  Arturo also opened an Italian-themed restaurant on the property—Tlaquepasta—which is well-regarded by locals and guests for its handmade pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.  The wonderful home-cooked breakfasts, which include freshly-baked breads and traditional Mexican favorites, can be taken at your leisure in the restaurant or in the central courtyard amidst the beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel welcomes families and is also pet friendly.

As your local hosts and experts about the region, the staff at La Quinta Don José can arrange trips and activities using known-good local guides and operators—including city tours of Guadalajara, trips to visit the agave-growing region around Tequila, nearby archaeology sites, as well as other nature/adventure activities.

About six miles southeast of the center of Guadalajara city you’ll find the trendy and artistic neighborhood of Tlaquepaque (“Tla-Keh-Pa-Keh”).  A colonial town dating back to Hispanic times, today it has become the area’s boutique shopping district with trendy shops and restaurants lining colonial-style streets and alleyways, plazas, and gardens.  Tlaquepaque is increasingly becoming a popular base for visitors to the area, situated about half-way between the city’ international airport and the historic center of Guadalajara.

The town’s up-market arts and crafts center boutique shops and trendy restaurants line the picturesque colonial-style streets and alleyways, plazas, and gardens. The shops specialize in art and craft works from all over Mexico, with a particular emphasis on ceramics, bronze, sculpture, wooden furniture, papier-mâché, blown glass, and embroidered cloth.

Although the old town has now been absorbed into the expansive reach of the Guadalajara metro area, Tlaquepaque retains the traditional structure of a small Mexican community: a central plaza (Jardin Hidalgo), a parish church, central market, and old-style central neighborhoods which retain their original colonial character.

Its mansions and gentile style date back to the 19th century, when Tlaquepaque was one of the principal stops en route to Mexico City. It also holds an important place in Mexico’s history: The Plan de Iguala, which set forth the foundation for Mexican Independence from Spain, was signed at the house situated on the corner of Independencia and Contreras Medellin.

The look, feel, and atmosphere around Tlaquepaque is distinctly colonial; there are various pedestrian areas featuring a wide assortment of charming cafés and restaurants—some with outside tables where you can watch the world go by. Street performers provide curbside entertainment while musicians’ instruments fill the air with the warm sound of Mexican music.

This area fills up with lots of locals and visitors for Sunday lunch at one of the many fine restaurants here.

The nearby artisan village of Tonalá, also known for its ceramics and pottery, makes for an interesting day-trip from here or Guadalajara if you enjoy learning about and buying crafts.  You won’t find the elegant façades and the curated collections of art and crafts that are available in the stores in Tlaquepaque: this is a working craft village offering outlet prices, but you’ll need a keen eye and be able to negotiate in Spanish, to walk away with quality art at a decent price.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The colonial center begins at the Jardin Hidalgo, with its plaza, bandstand, gardens and church. Off here are several streets and alleyways that lead around the area of Tlaquepaque.

Museum in Tlaquepaque

The Museo Regional de la Ceramica (Regional Ceramics Museum) offers free admission and a glimpse into the different types and styles of ceramic crafted in Tlaquepaque. Like most museums in Mexico, it is closed on Mondays.

Great Restaurants

Many of the old colonial mansions have been converted into excellent cafes and restaurants. Sunday lunch is very popular here with locals and visitors alike; live bands can often be heard playing through the open windows and often a traveling minstrel will “do the rounds” at a restaurant offering to play traditional Mexican folk songs in return for a small charge per song.

Boutique Shopping

There are many boutiques selling arts and crafts in Tlaquepaque. Some sell exclusive designs while others will offer more common, but high quality, Mexican arts and crafts. This is not the place you will find many bargains, but you can be assured of the quality and authenticity of the goods.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The nearest airport to Tlaquepaque is also the main airport for flying into Guadalajara: Aeropuerto Internacional Libertador Miguel Hidalgo is 10 miles (16.5 km) south of Guadalajara. You can fly to Guadalajara from the US and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Monterrey. Using ground transportation, it will take about 45 minutes to get into the center of Guadalajara; or about 20 minutes if you are staying in Tlaquepaque. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Guadalajara on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes around 7-8 hours. Luxury buses drop passengers off at the new bus station in Guadalajara, which is actually near Tlaquepaque. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Guadalajara / Tlaquepaque 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.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico

Taxis – Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico

Buses – There are regular local buses from Guadalajara to Tlaquepaque and the journey takes around 20-30 minutes. Bus trips to local areas (within about 50 miles of Guadalajara) depart from the old bus station in Guadalajara, which is in the city center. You can take a local bus to nearby places including Lake Chapala (Chapala, Ajijic, Jacotepec). Connect to the Mexico Essentials section on Mexperience for information about traveling on Local Buses.

Tlaquepaque Essentials

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

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the central area of Tlaquepaque. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

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

Restaurants

Google: Restaurants in Tlaquepaque

What to Buy in Tlaquepaque

The shops here specialize in art and craft work from all over Mexico, with a particular emphasis on up-market ceramics, bronze sculpture, papier-mâché, blown glass and embroidered cloth. Some shops sell exclusive designs while others will offer more mainstream, but high quality, Mexican arts and crafts. This is not the place you will find bargains, but every collection is carefully curated by the store’s owner and so you can be assured of the quality and authenticity of the goods you are buying.

Local Climate

Tlaquepaque’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.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico