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The capital city of the historic state Jalisco and the
second biggest city in Mexico, Guadalajara has a lot to offer tourists
looking to explore authentic Mexican culture. Guadalajara is the birthplace
of mariachis, home to Latin America 's largest mercado and host to
many beautiful churches and relics. This city is rich in colonial history,
eclectic art, great food, and numerous shopping destinations.
History
Modern day Guadalajara was founded February 14, 1542 by a group of Spanish settlers led by Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, a corrupt senior officer of Cortés. Gúzman, who was running from Spanish authorities for his abuse of power while in charge of Mexico City , sought to found a new city after his hometown in Spain , Guadalajara (Arabic for shallow river ). Many years later, Guadalajara played a key role in the Mexican Revolution when it was taken by Miguel Hidalgo and his compatriots on November 11, 1810. Although Hidalgo was caught and beheaded by the Spanish authorities soon after, the movement that he started went on to claim Mexico 's independence and form the new republic. Miguel Hidalgo's presence can be felt throughout Guadalajara in murals painted by José Clemente Orozco and a large statue present in the Plaza de Indepencia.
Art and Culture
Guadalajara is a city speckled with beautiful churches.
The trademark twin spires of the cathedral in El Centro have become
the most recognizable landmark of the city. Inside this beautiful cathedral
you can find traditional Catholic relic displays, dozens of altars,
several 18 th and 19 th century paintings, and several side chapel
areas for prayer. In the Basílica de Zapopan in the neighboring
city of Zapopan , some of the most revered religious relics in Mexico
are housed. These include the Virgen de Zapopan, a small corn paste
statue believed to bring relief from natural disasters, and a beautiful
statue depicting the moment, in 1531, when Juan Diego dropped roses
from his serape to reveal the Virgen de Guadalupe's image.
The city of Guadalajara is rich in art. On any given day in El Centro 's La Plaza de Los Mariachis, dozens of mariachi bands can be found. In the Museo Regional de Guadalajara, cattycorner from the main cathedral, you can find many paintings by colonial and contemporary Jalisco artists in addition to an informative exhibit on the history of Guadalajara . Just across the street from the museum is a park with dozens of statues depicting many important people in the history of Jalisco. A short walk through the Plaza de Indepencia and past the Teatro Degollado is Instituto Cultural Cabañas, which houses a display of Orozco murals including Man in Flames . Close by the cathedral in the Palacio de Gobierno are more Orozco murals including what may be his most famous depicting Hidalgo leading the Mexican Revolution with torch in hand. Two other noteworthy museums are the Museo de Artes Populares de Jalisco, which houses antique instruments, mirrors, furniture, and a few paintings, and Casa Museo López, which in addition to having colonial paintings, statues, and furniture also hosts contemporary art exhibits from time to time. Both of these museums are within half a block of the intersection of San Felipe and Calle Liceo, three blocks north of the cathedral.
Tourist Activities
Just across the street north of the main cathedral tour buses sell tickets for tours of the city. There are many pedestrian malls in El Centro including the streets of Pedro Moreno and Moreles. An absolute must see is El Mercado de San Juan de Dios, also known as Mercado Libertad. This mercado is touted as the largest in Latin America . It is three stories tall and a city block in size with small aisles and abundant merchandise. There are also dozens of places to eat a meal ranging from carry out stands to sit down restaurants; if you are feeling adventurous you will be rewarded with some good food.
Some neighboring cities of Guadalajara , such as Tlaquepaque , Tequila and Puerto Vallarta , are also great places to do shopping and sight seeing and catch some rays.
The Guadalajara suburb of Tlaquepaque is a beautiful town and great place to spend a day shopping, eating and partying. The town has many small shops open during the day selling some nicer items such as handmade glassware and pottery. During the night the flower-filled central square comes alive, teeming with vendors selling small items and delicious food. Many of these food items are cheap, but be careful in choosing; if you have an easily upset stomach you may want to stay clear. In the center of Tlaquepaque next to the central square is El Parián. With 34 restaurants and bars all located under one roof, El Parián is said to be the world's biggest cantina. In the center of El Parián is a large courtyard with a grandstand where mariachi bands often play. About four blocks to the west of Tlaquepaque 's central square on Calle Indepencia is Hacienda Tlaquepaque, a great dance club. At times there are long lines to get in, but it is well worth the wait, and the club is usually packed with people dancing to the sounds of the house band.
The nearby city of Tequila is the birthplace and namesake of the legendary libation. Tickets for the bus ride Tequila Express, museum and distillery tour and tequila tasting are available through Ticketmaster for around $80 with service charges included. Tickets can also be purchased at the Guadalajara Chamber of Commerce for $52. Tequila is located approximately 70 kilometers west of Guadalajara on Highway 15 and it is a beautiful bus or car ride with views of several agave plantations along the way.
If fun in the sun is what you are looking for, then a five hour drive from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta may fit the bill. This somewhat Americanized city has dozens of resorts with their own private beaches. However, I highly recommend staying at one of the smaller hotels just off of the beach in the old city. Puerto Vallarta has many good night and dance clubs and this beached port is a great place to take a significant other for a getaway.
Hotel la Rotonda
Liceo #130
Guadalajara , Jalisco 44100
Tel.: 01 (33) 3614 1017 & 1 800 9648 700 larotonda@hoteleselectos.com http://www.hoteleselectos.com/rotonda/rotonda.htm
This former mansion converted into a modern hotel is located just north of the Cathedral in El Centro. Hotel la Rotonda is a great place to stay with reasonable rates.
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JustSayGO Travel Show
Modern day Guadalajara was founded February 14, 1542 by a group of Spanish settlers led by Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, a corrupt senior officer of Cortés. Gúzman, who was running from Spanish authorities for his abuse of power while in charge of Mexico City , sought to found a new city after his hometown in Spain , Guadalajara (Arabic for shallow river ). Many years later, Guadalajara played a key role in the Mexican Revolution when it was taken by Miguel Hidalgo and his compatriots on November 11, 1810. Although Hidalgo was caught and beheaded by the Spanish authorities soon after, the movement that he started went on to claim Mexico 's independence and form the new republic. Miguel Hidalgo's presence can be felt throughout Guadalajara in murals painted by José Clemente Orozco and a large statue present in the Plaza de Indepencia.
The city of Guadalajara is rich in art. On any given day in El Centro 's La Plaza de Los Mariachis, dozens of mariachi bands can be found. In the Museo Regional de Guadalajara, cattycorner from the main cathedral, you can find many paintings by colonial and contemporary Jalisco artists in addition to an informative exhibit on the history of Guadalajara . Just across the street from the museum is a park with dozens of statues depicting many important people in the history of Jalisco. A short walk through the Plaza de Indepencia and past the Teatro Degollado is Instituto Cultural Cabañas, which houses a display of Orozco murals including Man in Flames . Close by the cathedral in the Palacio de Gobierno are more Orozco murals including what may be his most famous depicting Hidalgo leading the Mexican Revolution with torch in hand. Two other noteworthy museums are the Museo de Artes Populares de Jalisco, which houses antique instruments, mirrors, furniture, and a few paintings, and Casa Museo López, which in addition to having colonial paintings, statues, and furniture also hosts contemporary art exhibits from time to time. Both of these museums are within half a block of the intersection of San Felipe and Calle Liceo, three blocks north of the cathedral.
Just across the street north of the main cathedral tour buses sell tickets for tours of the city. There are many pedestrian malls in El Centro including the streets of Pedro Moreno and Moreles. An absolute must see is El Mercado de San Juan de Dios, also known as Mercado Libertad. This mercado is touted as the largest in Latin America . It is three stories tall and a city block in size with small aisles and abundant merchandise. There are also dozens of places to eat a meal ranging from carry out stands to sit down restaurants; if you are feeling adventurous you will be rewarded with some good food.
The Guadalajara suburb of Tlaquepaque is a beautiful town and great place to spend a day shopping, eating and partying. The town has many small shops open during the day selling some nicer items such as handmade glassware and pottery. During the night the flower-filled central square comes alive, teeming with vendors selling small items and delicious food. Many of these food items are cheap, but be careful in choosing; if you have an easily upset stomach you may want to stay clear. In the center of Tlaquepaque next to the central square is El Parián. With 34 restaurants and bars all located under one roof, El Parián is said to be the world's biggest cantina. In the center of El Parián is a large courtyard with a grandstand where mariachi bands often play. About four blocks to the west of Tlaquepaque 's central square on Calle Indepencia is Hacienda Tlaquepaque, a great dance club. At times there are long lines to get in, but it is well worth the wait, and the club is usually packed with people dancing to the sounds of the house band.
If fun in the sun is what you are looking for, then a five hour drive from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta may fit the bill. This somewhat Americanized city has dozens of resorts with their own private beaches. However, I highly recommend staying at one of the smaller hotels just off of the beach in the old city. Puerto Vallarta has many good night and dance clubs and this beached port is a great place to take a significant other for a getaway.