Everything that you imagined Mexico would be can be found in Jalisco. Book a hotel in the birthplace of tequila and enjoy the musical styles of mariachi and ranchera, birria stew and jaripeo rodeo riding. This central state is dominated by Guadalajara, which is the historical heart of Jalisco with superb colonial architecture without the frenetic feel of the Mexican capital city. But there’s lots more to Jalisco than this city – the landscape includes evergreen forests, high altitude grasslands, great beaches, and enormous lakes with canyons carved through the vistas. The gorgeous bay of Puerto Vallarta and the lovely woodland of La Primavera are all great to see. Jalisco is packed full of places to see and things to do. All aboard the Tequila express!
Where to Stay in Jalisco
Guadalajara — The second largest city in Mexico is the essence of what it means to be Mexican, and Guadalajara has plenty of heritage that makes the locals well with pride. The famous twin spires of the cathedral are the most famous landmark, best seen from the capacious Plaza Guadalajara that faces the church. There are several more large town squares that give the town a great feel, with fountains, parties and great restaurants and hotels all on hand.
Puerto Vallarta — The famous sea horse sculpture of Puerto Vallarta is on the Malecon promenade along the seafront where Vallartans gather every evening to enjoy the glorious sunsets. The marina, beaches, cobblestone streets and seaside villages all have an authentic feel and the friendly locals will make you feel as welcome as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor did during their love affair here.
Lake Chapala — The largest freshwater lake in Mexico is 5,000 feet above sea level and supplies Guadalajara with all its water. In return, Guadalajarans spend many weekends boating and fishing in the lake from their waterside hotels. The vertiginous mountains that surround part of the lake offer some spectacular views here and the fringes of Chapala have some picturesque restaurants and bars.
Tequila— The birthplace of the eponymous drink is not far from Guadalajara and is a popular day trip on the Tequila Express. Officially named Santiago de Tequila – which means ‘place of tribute’ – there are three distilleries making mezcal from the blue agave plant which offer tours and tastings and a glimpse of the enormous agave fields that surround the town.
How to Make the Most of a Hotel in Jalisco
Strolling around Guadalajara will reward you with all sorts of fascinating sights. Some of the best colonial architecture in Mexico is here, with the cathedral, and the government palace on the Plaza de Armas. Spend a bit of time in the Rotondo de los Jalisciensese Ilustres, a monument to the great Jaliscans. At Chapala, you can see birds and wildlife as well as a wide variety of Mexican plants. Journey out into the Sierras and take a look at the forests around Tapalpa and Mazamital. With Vallarta’s marvellous malecon and the endless beaches along the Pacific coast, there’s plenty of places to take your breath away.
The Tequila Express is a must for anyone with a fondness for mescal, although be warned that you need to book about a month in advance. Spend time in Guadalajara going through the shops and restaurants, but head out to Puerto Vallarta for high-octane sports like bungee jumping, parasailing and scuba diving. With snorkelling, kayaking and sports fishing also on offer at Vallarta and Chapala, you won’t have time to get bored. The mountains are great places to get to grips with abseiling and hiking, and there are several golf courses around Chapala. Several of the smaller towns outside Guadalajara also have water parks. Ecotourism is also a great option – at Majahaus you’ll find a turtle sanctuary where visitors can even help newly hatched turtles make their way to the sea for the first time.
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