10 Awesome Things To Do In Guadalajara, Mexico
Known as the land of tequila and mariachi, Guadalajara is a piece of Mexico rich in history and traditions. With an amazing combination of nature and city sites to experience, you will always find somewhere to enjoy yourself during your stay. Make sure to look into the festivities below to see which ones line up with your trip! There is nothing like a little Guadalajaran spirit to boost up those memories like never before. Trust me, I would know.
Stay at Hospedarte Chapultepec
I always start these posts off with where to stay. I find my experience much more settling when I have my bulky bags somewhere safe before I head off exploring. Hospedarte Chapultepec was my favorite place to stay while visiting Guadalajara. The staff is very accommodating, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants just outside your door to go check out. A great place to unwind during your time here.
La Barranca de Huentitan
A morning hike in Barranca de Huentitan is quite the way to kick start your day. Normally hikes mean going up, but in a barranca (river gorge), you are actually hiking down to the bottom! Before this became a hiking trail, this was actually a village where they provided electricity to the rest of the area.
Hiking down the railway, you will get to that abandoned village which lies in this deep river gorge. You can explore these empty houses with ease knowing there are security guards for your safety. It is interesting to walk through this village and think what life was like before it was abandoned. A village within the mountains, with only very small access means these people were self sufficient for the majority of their lives.
Mexico's first suspension bridge was built at the bottom of this gorge back in 1894. While it was rebuilt in 2013, they kept the original style of the bridge. A great place to relax before the hike back up to civilization.
Day Trip It To Chapala & Ajijic
Welcome to the largest freshwater lake in all of Mexico, Lake Chapala. The town of Chapala sits right on the edge of this lake, and has plenty of things for you to explore. A simple walk around town will get you to various things you can see and do, all while experiencing the beautiful sights of the lake.
Just outside Chapala is a town called Ajijic. Interestingly enough, this is a very popular spot for retirees from other countries to set as home base. With nice restaurants and very colorful homes and street art, Ajijic is a nice spot to go take a stroll around.
Hike Parque Mirador
Just outside the city limits is another hike you can take part in; Parque Mirador. The name of the park says it all with this beautiful lookout into the mountains surrounding Guadalajara.
Explore Guachimontones Archaelogical Site
Is it even possible to explore Mexico without seeing the architectural amazements of the ancient past? With its beautiful stepped pyramids, Guachimontones offers a glimpse into what life may have been like before Spanish invasions. This UNESCO Heritage site is located about an hour outside of Guadalajara near the town of Teuchitlán, and is definitely worth a visit.
Local Festivals
If there is anything I have learned about Mexico and its people, it is how much they love their festivals. Each month, there are always celebrations and festivals going on all around this beautiful country. Guadalajara is no exception to this. Be sure to check out this list of festivals to align your visit with something you would like to experience.
Lucha Libre
Mexico's professional wrestling events are truly a sight to see. The energy and vibe in the crowd is just as crazy as the stunts these wrestlers perform. With two sections of seating, one cheaper than the other, the "fights" between the two ticket levels are extremely comical.
Listening to the bantering between these two sections is a total comedy show. Feel free to get involved and see how much fun it is. Yelling about each others’ mothers, the “rich” section calling the “poor” section “Pobres niños” (poor kids). It is all in good fun, and at the end of the day, everyone leaves as friends.
Drink Tequila in Tequila
Take a trip to the birthplace of Tequila. Tequila isn't simply a drink that gets people going, it is rich in culture and history. The blue agave fields stretch throughout this entire region, and can be seen from any major highway on your way to this Puéblo Magico. A tour of various sites among the Ruta de Tequila will add to this experience greatly. Plan on spending the better part of a day in this amazing village
Tortas Ahogadas
Each part of Mexico is known for its signature food. The state of Jalisco is known for Tortas Ahogadas. A torta is a type of Mexican sandwich that you can order pretty much anywhere in the country, and fill it with anything you would like. A torta ahogada is one of these bad boys completely dipped in a tomato sauce, and is truly to die for. You can find these on every street corner all around Guadalajara, and should indulge in as many as your stomach can handle.
Explore Historical Center
The best way to get acclimated with Guadalajara is to explore its historical center. The past and present are beautifully interlaced within this area, and offer a great story of progression within the city. Be sure to check out the 3 story market of San Juan de Dios on your way through.
Final Thoughts
Guadalajara is a special place because of its variety. History meets modernity, all the while surrounded by spectacular nature. The people of Guadalajara are very friendly and welcoming, and I hope your experience will be as unforgettable as mine.
'Til next time,
Pete - A Traveling Teacher