Guadalajara

Trip preparation

Guadalajara is the capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco with a population over 1,600,000 inhabitants. It is the second largest city in Mexico and is located in western Mexico, about 70 miles north of Mexico City.Guadalajara has some of the most important culture, industry and economy of the country. It is famous for its traditions, its cultural attractions, wonderful nature and gastronomy.

Language

The official language spoken by the majority of the inhabitants in Guadalajara is Spanish.

Currency

Mexico’s currency is the Mexican Peso.

Best travel time

The climate in Guadalajara is rather warm yet humid. In summer, between May and October, it can also rain nevertheless it stays quite warm. In the spring the weather is dry and warm and from February to March it can get windy. In autumn and winter it does not rain much therefore it is sunny with some cold northern winds. The last time it snowed in Guadalajara was in 1997.

Visa requirements

No Visa is required.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations other than the standard vaccinations are not needed.

Traditions and Culture

Customs / Culture / Traditions The name Guadalajara comes from Arabic meaning "Valley of Stone." The founder of Guadalajara “Juan de Oñate” named the town in honor of the conqueror “Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán”.Guadalajara played an important part in the War of Independence. In the city Guadalajara, the priest “Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla” announced the abolition of slavery.Today, Guadalajara is the second largest city in the country, the World capital of Tequila, the World Capital of “Mariachi” and the Mexican Capital of Culture. Guadalajara's economy is also the strongest in the country.

Religion

Guadalajara is considered as the second most important Archdiocese in Mexico: “the Archdiocese of Guadalajara”.In addition, Guadalajara is a Mexican city with many different religions, because it is home to many churches of different religions.

By bus

There are numerous public transport services for the city of Guadalajara. In Guadalajara there are 48 electric trains operating for the transport of citizens and tourists. There are also “pre-trains” which are a type of buses, the trolleybus of Guadalajara- a system of electric buses which circulate in a certain part of Guadalajara, a “Macrobús” which has been operating since 2009, and Mexican railways.

By plane

Guadalajara Airport “Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport” also known as “Guadalajara International Airport” (MMGL) is located about 16 kilometers from the city.

Experience and enjoy

Lifestyle / Sights In Guadalajara there are many monuments worth seeing such as historical buildings and works of art. The city has a lot of green areas like parks or gardens, representing recreational areas. Some places worth visiting are: -The Cathedral of Guadalajara -Plaza de los Laureles which is the Town Hall. -Parque Agua Azul is a blue Water Park which is ideal for a relaxing walk -The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a Catholic church -Excursions in and around Guadalajara for example a trip to Rio Santiago Canyon -Santiago de Tequila where you can find the Mexican national drink “Tequila” which is named after this town “Santiago de Tequila”, which is about 50 miles northwest of Guadalajara. There you can visit several distilleries.

Events

In tourist offices you can find leaflets marked with "Seeing and hearing", which provides information for what’s going on in each month. Every night there is life music in the streets, especially in “Plazuela de los Mariachis”. The mariachi musicians are very typical in Guadalajara.

Food

A specialty of the typical regional food is “Birria” a dish which consists of goat meat prepared in a spicy sauce.The Mercado Libertad is probably the largest market in Mexico in which you can go shopping and on the first floor you can also eat very good local food.