The city was founded in 1542. The name, Guadalajara comes from an Arab name “Wad-al hidjara", which means "River that runs between rocks". The center of the city is rich with historic buildings, plazas, and monuments in styles dating from the sixteenth century. Walking through “el Centro” is a delightful pastime: looking at the buildings, stopping for a snack at an outdoor restaurant, watching the friendly people, maybe browsing in some of the many shops or markets.
Restaurants abound, providing cuisine from around the world in addition to the rich and varied traditional food of Mexico.
There is something for every cultural taste in Guadalajara, from theaters, art galleries, museums, mariachi, ballet folkloric, cinemas showing the latest American and European films, to a fine modern zoo, bullfights, rodeos, and the ever-popular futbol (soccer). Churches of every denomination can be found here, as well as many non-Christian places of worship.
Ribera de Chapala - Lake Chapala
25 miles from Guadalajara lies Mexico’s largest lake, Lake Chapala. A number of picturesque communities spread along the northern shoreline of the lake, the most notable being Chapala itself. Contiguous with Chapala to the west are San Antonio Tlayacapan, Ajijic San Juan Cosolá, and at the westernmost end, Jocotopec. To the East are Poncitlán, Ocotlán, Jamay, and La Barca. The town of Zopotlán del Rey lies to the northwest. Each of these communities has its own unique charm and attractions: artisan markets, art galleries, golf courses, charming architecture and splendid scenery, not to mention a large variety of tempting cuisine. Click thumbnail for map.
Tlaquepaque
Although it has become almost engulfed by the city of Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque still retains its unique charm. From the baroque parish church, Parroquia de San Pedro, to the narrow streets lined with historic colonial houses, it cannot fail to charm any visitor. Tlaquepaque is the artisan center of Mexico with some of the finest glassware, ceramics, metalwork, papier mache, sculpture, and many other exquisite arts and crafts displayed in shops, galleries, and museums, all within easy walking distance of the central plaza. And to top it off , there are many excellent restaurants, oases of tranquility, fine food and entertainment. This is a destination no visitor to Jalisco should miss.
Tequila and Magdelena
Jalisco is the tequila center of the world, the place where tequila was first created, and the town of Tequila is its heart. It lies approximately 27 miles west of Guadalajara. Some of the most important tequila houses in Mexico are located in and around Tequila: Sauza, José Cuervo, and Orendain, among others. Guided tours of these establishments are provided daily, complete with demonstrations of the distilling process, and sampling. Other attractions include historic buildings and museums, blue agave fields where the cactus is cultivated for the distilleries, and the Tequila volcano, which last erupted 6,000 years ago.
Magdelena is a center for opal mining and a great place to purchase these beautiful gemstones.
Guachimontones
Considered as one of the most important archaeological regions of Mexico, the “Guachimontones” are located in Teuchitlán, just 1 1/2 hours from Guadalajara. The complex is believed to have been built around 300 B.C. and was abandoned around 900 A.D. “Guachimontón” means “closed place”, making reference to the cone-shaped constructions found in the area.
Tonalá
Located on the southern border of the Guadalajara metropolitan zone, Tonalá is an important artisan center. This where the artisans have their main workshops and outlets. You can obtain many kinds of crafts here at very low prices: wrought iron, ceramics—everything from tableware to gaily painted bathroom fixtures and tiles—hand-made furniture, hand-woven textiles, glassware, papier mâché, garden ornaments, carved wood, and many more. There is a massive street market (tianquis) in the center of town every Thursday and Sunday.
Zapopan
Zapopan, a large community in its own right, is an integral part of the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, located on the western side. The historic center of Zapopan, with its beautifully landscaped plazas lined with shops and restaurants, and the historic Basilica of Zapopan, is well worth a visit. Close by are several art museums, including the Huichol Museum, where you can view and buy examples of the traditional handicrafts of the Huichol people. Outside the city are a number of scenic sites including Dr. Atl Mirador Park with its spectacular waterfall, the Ixcatan Geysers, and the Primavera Woods. Plaza del Sol—billed as the largest shopping mall in Latin America—is also in Zapopan.
See Guadalajara & Lake Chapala with
Beatriz de la Garza
Tours & Sightseeing
Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco are rich in history and tradition. From the city itself, it is possible to take day trips to many fascinating places of cultural, scenic and historic interests. More than 1,500 meters (5,000ft.) above sea-level, Guadalajara has an ideal climate. The summers are pleasant with rain mostly at night, after the rain, there is a cool sunny season until around the end of March, when it becomes warmer, but never too hot.
