Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara is a vibrant city in western Mexico, known for its rich Mexican culture, tequila, and mariachi music. It's a great destination for travelers looking to experience the country's traditional arts, architecture, and delicious cuisine.
Trip to Guadalajara, Mexico
Day 1: Arrival in Guadalajara
Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel where you can check in and freshen up before exploring the surrounding areas. You can begin your trip by taking a walk around the historic district to get a feel for the authentic Mexican culture. The Centro Histórico is a must- see and contains many buildings dating back to the 18th century. A great place to visit is the Palacio de Gobierno, the Guadalajara Cathedral or the Teatro Degollado. In the evening, you can relax and explore the local cuisine or check out one of the many bars to get a taste of the vibrant nightlife.
Day 2: Discover Jalisco’s History and Culture
Today you can explore the rich history and culture of Jalisco by visiting the Cabañas Cultural Institute, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The institute features 23 murals, four of which were painted by Jose Clemente Orozco, a critically acclaimed Mexican artist. After the visit, you can visit the world-renowned Hospicio Cabañas, which is considered one of the most spectacular colonial buildings in the region. The hospice now functions as a cultural museum, showcasing its unique architectural design and it is now a World Heritage Site.
Day 3: Discover Tlaquepaque
Today you can visit Tlaquepaque, known for its brilliant local ceramics, wood carvings and silver work. You may choose to hire a guide who would help you to navigate specific areas or throughout the day as there is a lot of things to see. You can take walk in the pedestrian streets, admiring the colonial architecture, visit the small galleries and take a coffee break at one of the garden terraces at El Parian, to also see the dancing and mariachi shows. A great place to take home souvenirs made by local artisans.
Day 4: The Magic Town of Tequila
On day four of your trip, you will visit the magical town of Tequila, also known as the birthplace of the iconic Mexican spirit. Enjoy a tequila tour through one of the many distilleries, where you can learn everything about the production process and sample a variety of tequilas. After the tour, head over to the National Tequila Museum, to learn about the history of the drink and its significance to the history of the region.
Day 5: Visit the “Basilica de Zapopan”
Take the day to visit Zapopan, a satellite city located outside of Guadalajara. Start your day with a visit to the Basilica of Zapopan, an important sixteenth century religious site that houses a revered statue of the Virgin of Zapopan. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Mexican visit without some shopping, so you can also visit the local street markets, which feature a variety of handicrafts and souvenirs.
Day 6: Explore the Bosque de la Primavera
Today, you can experience a nature excursion and leave the bustle of the city behind. Explore the Bosque de la Primavera, a 30,000-acre protected forest located to the west of Guadalajara. Here you can hike, bike or horseback ride through the scenic landscape, taking in the protected species and rare plants. Then you can visit the Los Colomos park, a beautiful urban oasis with gardens and fountains, with a variety of outdoor activities to include like archery, mountain climbing and bird-watching, among others.
Day 7: Explore the Food Scene and Departure
On your final day, you can explore the food scene of Guadalajara. You can find amazing dining options from informal Street foods to upscale restaurants. Try a variety of local specialties such as pozole, birria, tortas ahogadas, tequila or raicilla. If you have some time left, in the area you can buy regional food souvenirs like tequila or jarritos. Finally, you will be transferred back to the airport to proceed with your departure.
