Guadalajara is filled with so much cultural significance. It is the second largest city in Mexico located in the state of Jalisco. It is the home to two of my favorite things, tequila and Mariachi. The best combo ever, just add the tacos. You will have quite a lovely time.

There is so much to do, from walking around in the historical center, to tasting the cuisine, listening to the music, watching the Chivas futbol, tequila tours, shopping, visiting marketplaces to capturing cultural and historical sights.  

The best way to start your adventure in Guadalajara is by exploring the Centro Historico.  It is an open square shaped by various plazas, shopping, restaurants, museums, cultural and historical institutions, including the Guadalajara Catedral. As you stroll, enjoy the views, observe the people, have a meal and a drink. Embrace the culture as it captures vibrancy, spiciness and calamity.

You will discover not only the historical cathedral, but other churches alongside, with also the governor’s quarters, museums, and very hard-working Mexicans selling all kinds of material goods.  

Tequila

Go on a drinking tour in the town of Tequila, Jalisco. Enjoy the different flavors tequila can offer. Of course, always sip the drink. The town is surrounded by fields of agave. The town is known to make and distribute Tequila. You can see how it is made and taste it as well along in the distilleries and ranchos. Visit the Museo del Tequila and the Museo Los Abuelos and gather tequila historical knowledge. The views of the agave fields are just captivating with so much culture and hard work. 

Ajijic

Ajijic is such a cute, small and quaint town just west from the town of Chapala. It is 43km from Guadalajara. It is surrounded by Lake Chapala, mountains, small boutiques and beautiful poetic houses. The streets are a bit narrower and the roads appeared to be a little uneven. It is all part of the experience.

Enjoy a stroll through this bright town and support the locals. They have the cutest, most picturesque and cosmopolitan town. Yet they relish in so much culture, tradition and hard work.

Chapala

Just a few blocks away from Ajijic, there lies the town of Chapala. Located on the north shore of Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. The main square in Chapala radiates with blush green trees, bright flowers and plants and so much liveliness among the locals and tourist.

This town cultivates ambiance, the love for music and a good drink. It is bright and friendly. You can rent a boat and have day filled with food and drinks and enjoying the lake scenery. If you are looking for a place to hang out, have a drink, enjoy the music, and a have little fun, this is the place. They have various stands selling good drinks, fresh fruit and material goods. Definitely, visit this town.

This town may be underrated but it is the best kept secret. There are several wonderful things you can explore. All you need is an open heart, and embrace this town. There is so much more deeper culture, business yet easiness at the same time. Everyone is very much welcoming. 

I definitely encourage Uber as the best means of transportation. It can be quite hard to navigate the city, especially if it is unfamiliar and chaotic. Also, check out Goats on the Road blogpost. The author explores 21 things to do in Guadalajara and dives into the best food locations and deeper history knowledge.

If you are exploring other towns in Mexico, check out my blogposts about Mexico City. It is a must town to delve into. It is filled with so much abundance, culture and love.  Yet, they are both very different from one another.