The heart of Jalisco - a state of jungle-covered mountains, a Pacific coastline, rolling agave fields and some of Mexico’s most quintessential traditions – Guadalajara is home to magnificent colonial architecture, a lively arts and crafts scene and delicious food. Said to be the birthplace of both tequila and mariachi music, it is one of the best places to experience
Mexico’s blend of history, tradition and warm hospitality.
The historic centre is a delight to wander and admire impressive sights like the Spanish Renaissance style cathedral, one of the oldest in the Americas, and the UNESCO World Heritage Hospicio Cabañas, a former orphanage and hospital complex now museum. As well as exploring, there is plenty of culture to soak up, it is an important element of the city, and the states, identity. You’ll often hear the sounds of mariachi floating across the city, performed in plazas, restaurants and cultural venues, while the arts scene waits to be discovered in the many museums, galleries, theatres, and cultural festivals.
Make sure to visit Guadalajara hungry – the food here is renowned! Regional specialities include delicious bites like torta ahogadas, birria, pozole, and carne en su jugo, while bustling local markets like Mercado San Juan de Dios (the largest indoor market in Latin America) offer lots of opportunities to try authentic local flavours. Just outside of the city you’ll find the heartlands of one of Mexico’s most famous exports, tequila. The town of
Tequila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestles among agave fields, and it the perfect place to learn about this famous spirit.
