Guadalajara is known worldwide for its typical hometown hospitality, a wide variety of cultural and recreational attractions and delicious cuisine. Visitors to Guadalajara will find themselves in a city of attractive, tree-shaded avenues and fascinating buildings. It is a vibrant city where its attractions will keep you entertained for weeks. As you explore and discover its style, you will come to fully appreciate its beauty.
Description
The city of Guadalajara is the capital of the State of Jalisco and is the nation's second most populated and largest urban area. Portrayed as a "kind city", Guadalajara is also one of the three most important cities in the Mexican business world along with Mexico City and Monterrey. But most of all, it is known for its people. More than just a city, it represents Mexican culture with its folklore, the renowned Mariachi, handcrafts, tequila and the national sport, charreria.
Contemporary Guadalajara represents modern Mexico in the strength of its economic, industrial, commercial and service infrastructure. Together with the legacy of four and a half centuries of culture, it is endorsed by the richness of the religious and civil architecture and by the hard work of inhabitants.
Few cities can offer such a variety of interesting things to see and do, involving the visitors in a cultural and historical atmosphere. Start off with an enchanting tour of the city with a visit to the Historical Center and its magnificent buildings, such as the Instituto Cultural Cabanas declared "World Heritage Site" by the UNESCO.
The Metropolitan Area and surrounding towns represent one of the most important touristic regions in the country. From one moment to the next, you can travel from a contemporary setting to places that still maintain traces of their colonial past. There is also a great range of activities of interest to visitors. In just one region, you can appreciate many of the symbols of the Mexican spirit and culture: handcrafts, tequila, mariachi music and religious faith.
The exceptional climate, natural beauty and friendly charm of the inhabitants are some of the special characteristics that have made Guadalajara known as the "Pearl of the West".
Zapopan y Tlaquepaque
The municipality of Zapopan is right next door to Guadalajara and completely integrated into the Metropolitan Area. It is a rapidly growing city and a strong promoter of the arts and culture. Start your tour from the Historic City Center where you will find the sanctuary of the Virgin of Zapopan.
The city of Tlaquepaque is one of the most important centers for craft production in Latin America. It has an attractive Historic City Center with cobblestoned streets and colonial Mexican architecture. Its vocation as a flourishing center for crafts and folk art is evident as you stroll among the hundreds of galleries that promote the production of local crafts people. You will find yourself immersed in a truly creative environment.