Guadalajara is the capital of the State of Jalisco. It is located on the West Side of Mexico and has a population of approximately four million inhabitants. The metropolitan zone is comprised by five municipalities: Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá and Tlajomulco.
Local Weather
The weather in the city is temperate and slightly humid, especially in the rainy season, from May through October, when the rainfall is abundant. Spring is the driest and warmest season, with temperatures up to 39ºC. Rainfalls followed by sunny days characterize summer. During autumn and winter the temperature decreases without reaching 0ºC. For most of the year Guadalajara has a mild climate.
Beaches
The Costa Alegre zone at the south of Jalisco dazzles with crystal clear waters and tranquil virgin beaches: Bahia de Tenacatita, La Manzanilla, Los Angeles Locos, and Boca de Iguanas, among others.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta has kilometer-long stretches of sandy golden beaches. Some beaches are small like coves that seem to be created just for two, others are very popular and with all kind of services, including quite comfortable palapa restaurants.
Flora and Fauna
Jalisco has an impressive variety of fauna. Some living species are: wolf, coyote, wild cat, badger, fox, deer, royal eagle, dove, several kinds of serpent, rabbit, hare, partridge, sparrow hawk, puma, jaguar, armadillo, squirrel, and raccoon.
Mountain Zone
Tapalpa - To describe this colorful land we must speak of woodland scenery, streams, lakes and waterfalls; of eco-tourism and convivial and soothing tranquility; of extreme sports and high quality services. Eko Park is an ecological park located in the heart of the Tapalpa mountain range. It is the ideal place to awaken the senses and connect them with nature, breathing pure air and witnessing its natural grandiosity.
Mazamitla - Located just 76 mi. from Guadalajara, this magic town will enchant you with its natural landmarks and its mild climate, with an annual average of 68ºF.
Lake Chapala
Chapala is the main lakeshore town, therefore the best place to start touring the zone. You will find in its peaceful streets a leisure harbor and a well of inspiration. In addition to the post-card lake view, you will find interesting places to visit such as the Craft market and the San Francisco de Asis church, two major representatives of the Chapala culture and architecture.
Cathedral of Guadalajara
With a mixed architecture of gothic, baroque, moorish, and neoclassic influences, this is a gallant building that has for centuries been the crowning glory of the Historical Center.
Degollado Theater
Elegant building with a neoclassic style built during the Porfirio Diaz epoch. It is currently the house of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco and the Folkloric Ballet of the University of Guadalajara, among others. It is a common setting for concerts, operas, ballets and other top quality artistic representations.
Instituto de las Artesanias Jaliscienses
Founded with the purpose of protecting, conserving and promoting the handicrafts of Jalisco. Here you can buy a wide selection of handicrafts such as pottery, blown glass, copper and papier mache articles, among others.
Plaza de Armas
Since the beginning of the twentieth century, this beautiful plaza has been the most representative meeting place of Guadalajara. You may sit in one of its comfortable benches and admire the Government Palace and the beautiful Art Nouveau French kiosk inaugurated on 1909.
Government Palace
An architectural work of the seventeenth century. It displays the impressive murals of Jose Clemente Orozco (1883-1949). Up in front it has an antique clock that still keeps a bullet hole shot by Francisco "Pancho" Villa.
Plaza Guadalajara
This plaza features a fountain evoking Guadalajara's nickname, "Perla de Occidente." Many nice cafes and restaurants populate the plaza and, underneath, there are some commercial establishments.
Municipal Palace
With a classic Jalisciense architectural style, this building was erected in 1952, of cantera stone. The interior has a mural depicting the foundation of the city by Gabriel Flores (1930-2993).
Journalism and Graphic Arts Museum
Headquarters of the first printing house of Guadalajara, which edited, in 1810, the first America's independent newspaper called "El Despertador Americano" (The American Awakening). Currently, it is known as "La Casa de los Perros" (The Dogs’ House) due to the two Pointer statues flanking the edifice. The exhibition includes printing- and graphic arts-related machinery and equipment.
Santa Monica Temple
One of the best examples of the colonial architecture and baroque style. It was built in 1730 and its splendid façade is garlanded with vegetable motives.
City Museum
Constructed in the seventeen century, it was a part of a Cappuccino convent. Its eight salons exhibit the urban, ethnographic and artistic history of the city from the sixteen to the twentieth century. It also houses a library and an auditorium.
Casa Museo Lopez Portillo
It was constructed in the nineteenth century and used to be the home of the illustrious Lopez Portillo family. The exhibition includes ornamental objects and a collection of antique Imperial, Louis XV, Louis XVI, and Victorian style furniture.
Jalisco Popular Arts Museum
The Jalisco artisans’ technique is exhibited in representative pieces of blown glass, pottery, leather, cantera stone and obsidian handcrafts.
Instituto Cultural Cabañas
Originally designed in the nineteenth century as an orphanage, currently appointed historical patrimony of humanity by UNESCO. A top cultural center and scenery to fine artistic activities. The masterpieces of muralist Jose Clemente Orozco are found in this majestic edifice.
San Juan de Dios Market
Officially called "Mercado Libertad" and declared artistic national patrimony. It was built in 1958 and is one of the largest markets in Latin America.
Plaza de la Liberacion
It renders homage to the leader of the Mexican Independence, Don Miguel Hidalgo, with his imposing bronze statue. This plaza is surrounded by some of the most important buildings of the city, such as the cathedral, the government palace and the Degollado Theater.
Expiatorio Temple
A precious example of neo-gothic architecture. Its construction was started in the last part of the nineteenth century and it is made of cantera stone.
The Arches Monument
Imposing architectural work of 1942 that welcomes visitors to the heart of the city.
Expo Guadalajara
Headquarter to first rate expositions and congresses. Its top quality installations are avant-garde. One of the main activities is the worldwide famous annual Book Fair.