Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara

JaliscoMexico

Why You'll Love Guadalajara

Guadalajara is a vibrant city located in the western state of Jalisco, Mexico. Known as the cultural capital of Mexico, Guadalajara is rich in history, architecture, art, and music. The city offers visitors a perfect blend of traditions and modernity. Here, you'll find historic landmarks such as the Cathedral of Guadalajara, beautiful parks, and delicious restaurants offering traditional Mexican cuisine. Guadalajara is also famous for its mariachi music and tequila. Visitors can enjoy dancing to the mariachi music while sipping on the best tequila in the world. Moreover, the city is an excellent hub to explore other nearby attractions, such as the nearby town of Tequila, which is the birthplace of tequila, and Lake Chapala, which is the largest natural lake in Mexico.

Getting to Guadalajara

The Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport is 11 miles south of Guadalajara city center, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the city center by taxi or shuttle. Alternatively, visitors can take a direct bus from the airport to the city center. It takes around 40-50 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis are also widely available within the city.

The closest city to Guadalajara is Guadalajara, in Jalisco.

Travelling from Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport to Guadalajara

When to Visit

The best time to visit Guadalajara is from November to February when the weather is pleasant with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 80°F. However, the city is charming year-round with lively festivals at different times of the year, such as the International Mariachi Festival in September and the Tequila Festival in November.

Weather and Climate

Guadalajara has a semi-arid type of climate, with dry and hot summers and mild winters. From June to September, the temperature can get as high as 90°F. From November to February, the temperature ranges from 50°F to 80°F, with December and January being the coolest months. March to May is the spring season, with a pleasant temperature ranging from 60°F to 85°F.

Costs When Visiting

In Mexico, the currency is the Mexican peso.
Some sample costs when travelling around Guadalajara are:

Sample Accommodation Costs

Guadalajara offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. A budget traveler can find a hostel or guesthouse starting at $10 per night. Mid-range hotels charge around $50 per night, and luxury hotels and resorts charge upwards of $100 per night.

Sample Food Costs

The cost of food in Guadalajara varies depending on where you eat. A typical meal in a street stall can cost around $2-$3, while in a mid-range restaurant, it can cost around $15-$20. Fine dining restaurants can charge upwards of $50 per person. Groceries are affordable, with a gallon of milk costing around $2, and a pound of rice costing around $0.60.

Safety Rating

Guadalajara is generally a safe city for visitors, but like any other urban area, it has its share of crime. Visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, especially in tourist areas, and avoid walking alone at night. Women travelers can safely navigate the city alone or with other women travelers. Guadalajara is a tolerant city regarding LGBTQ and racial issues.

Local Population

Guadalajara is the second-largest city in Mexico, with a population of approximately 1.5 million people. The majority of the population speaks Spanish, with a small population speaking English. Guadalajara is predominantly a Catholic city and has a diverse population, including indigenous people, mestizos, and people of European descent.

Things to Do

There are numerous activities for tourists to do in Guadalajara, such as visiting the historic landmarks, including the Guadalajara Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the Degollado Theater. Visitors can also take a tour of the Jose Cuervo tequila distillery and sample the world-famous tequila. The city is also famous for its mariachi music, and visitors can enjoy it at the many restaurants and bars throughout the city. Finally, the Lake Chapala, the largest natural lake in Mexico, is located about 50 miles south of Guadalajara and offers visitors a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.