Guadalajara, Mexico

What to do in Guadalajara, Mexico

City Tour

Get to know the city with a guided tour to downtown, the Degollado Theatre, Liberation Plaza, Government Palace, the cathedral, the village of San Pedro, and Tlaquepaque with time for craft shopping.

Old Guadalajara Tour

Journey through old Indian villages that have become part of the city. The tour includes visits to convents, historic churches and cemeteries, an antique hospital, and interesting old homes. Bring lots of film!.

Ajijic/Lake Chapala Tour

This once sleepy fishing village on Lake Chapala has a long and noble Indian history, and is noted for the traditional handicrafts of its artist colony. The village church and the little chapel were built in the 1500s. The shady plaza is the center of many fiestas and is always busy with vendors and families.

Tlaquepaque Shopping Tour

Known as an arts and crafts center of significant renown, it offers one of the country's greatest shopping experiences. You'll find an appealing combination of shops set in restored Colonial mansions and affordable, high-quality crafts and fine art.

Zapopan Shrine Tour

Visit the main attraction of this old native village, the Basílica de Zapopan, built in 1730 as a shrine for the statue of Nuestra Señora de Zapopan. During the year, the statue is carried to churches throughout Jalisco before it is returned to its home in October amid an elaborate procession.

Tequila Distilleries Tour

Visit the distilleries that produce the signature Mexican liquor. A 20-minute bus ride from Guadalajara takes you through acres covered with the blue-green maguey plant that is the source of tequila's distinct flavor. The distilleries offer tours and free tastings.

Fiesta Night

Tour historic Guadalajara and wind up at Las Nueve Esquinas (The Nine Corners) neighborhood for dinner at La Feria surrounded by mariachis and folk dancers.

Liberation Square

Attend a 20-minute flag ceremony at Liberation Square and then take a pleasant stroll through the main plaza, finishing up the evening with dinner accompanied by Mexican music.

Cathedral

The defining symbol of the city in the heart of downtown, this architectural collage was first dedicated in 1616 and is a mixture of Gothic, Baroque, and Neo-Classical styles. The interior holds 11 altars, a 200-year-old organ, the relics of several saints, and various Spanish art treasures from the 16th through 18th centuries.

Plaza Tapatia

This mile-long pedestrian plaza quickly became the center of attention in the Historic District. Stroll between some of Guadalajara's most historic and beautiful buildings, with many cafés and shops along the way.

Shopping

El Baratillo is one of the world's largest flea markets, and the fun sometimes lies in the search rather than the transaction. Mercado Libertad is a central market on a site that has been a market plaza since the 16th century. Reputedly the largest in Latin America, where you can browse for many of the traditional local arts and crafts.

Barranca de Oblatos

Visit a 2,000-foot-deep gorge with hiking trails that lead you to the Cola de Caballo (Horsetail) waterfall. For the best vantage point, head to the top of Parque Mirador.

Instituto Cultural Cabañas

Once an orphanage, this grand structure with over 20 courtyards is now a cultural center. Murals by José Clemente Orozco decorate the interior of the main chapel. Every Wednesday at 8:30pm there is a performance by the Institute's Ballet Folklórico.

Teatro Degollado

Named for a famous local patriot, this theatre is known for its superior acoustics and its ornate interior. The Neo-Classical opera house was built in the 1800s in the Plaza de la Liberación. Red and gold balconies adorn the inside, and the ceiling of the dome boasts an artist's rendition of Dante's Divine Comedy. There are a wide variety of performances by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco and the University of Guadalajara's Ballet, among others.

Plaza de los Mariachis

For the most authentic Mexican music, spend some time in this picturesque plaza. The quaint cafés provide a comfortable vantagepoint for watching the strolling mariachis, who play late into the night.

Golf

At the Atlas Country Club, your green fees entitle you to a round, a caddy, a light lunch with drinks, and transportation to and from major hotels. Las Cañadas has 27 challenging holes 9 miles north of the city, and 4 miles south is the Santa Anita course.

Lake Chapala

This is Mexico's largest natural lake and the many towns that dot its shores are home to many ex-patriate Americans and Canadians. In the rolling green hills that surround the lake, you can visit the pre-Colonial fishing village of Ajijic and shop for some of the world famous local handicrafts.

Day Trip to Morelia

This city is the capital of the state of Michoacan, considered by many to be a microcosm of Mexico. An afternoon stroll through the parks and plazas is a relaxing pastime.

Day Trip to Patzcuaro

This beautiful city is nestled next to one of the world's highest lakes, Lake Patzcuaro. The Museo Reginal de Artes Populares has a rich collection of traditional pottery and crafts from the area and is built over part of an ancient pyramid. .

Day Trip to Mazamitla

This rustic and enchanting Colonial town is every Guadalajaran's favorite weekend escape. Situated high in the mountains, the temperature is cool all-year. Horseback riding is a delightful way to spend an afternoon exploring the forests and beautiful scenery.

Huichol Art Museum

The attraction here is the collection of amazing bead work and other native art by Jalisco's Huichol Indians.

Archaeological Museum of Western Mexico

This is a fine museum with artifacts from Jalisco, Nayarit, and Colima states.

Clemente Orozco Museum

Visit the late artist's workshop, which contains a large collection of his paintings and frescoes.

Jalisciense Art Institute

Display for sale of contemporary handicrafts, utilizing everything from tin, to blown glass and textiles.

Huentitan Nature Park

This enormous park has an excellent zoo with over 1,500 animals and over 230 species. There's also a planetarium and science institute with interesting displays. Kid's love the Selva Mágica (Magic Jungle) amusement park with rides, and seal and dolphin shows.

Agua Azul Park

This large park within the city has carnival rides, acres of trees, grass, and flowers, and a big swimming pool. Other popular attractions include the aviary, butterfly habitat, orchid hothouse, and the many shows at the amphitheater.

Charreadas

These Mexican rodeos are an exuberant social affair and in addition to bull-riding and castle-wrangling, there are also shows of traditionally costumed cowboys performing impressive riding skills.