Photo taken by Stephen Boisvert

Guadalajara is the second largest city in Mexico and the capital of the state of Jalisco. Known as the City of Roses, it was founded on Valentine’s Day over 460 years ago.

Scattered throughout the towns in the countryside surrounding Guadalajara are many of the Mexico’s best tequila distilleries.

Most are within a short drive and can be reached on your own in a rent a car or via one of the many tours offered from the city.

Some of the best tours include the Sauza Tequila Distillery Tour, Tequila Express Tour and the Tlaquepaque and Tequila Distillery tour.

Sauza Tequila Distillery Tour

The Sauza tour takes you through the famous Sauza distillery. You can see how the agave plant is transformed into the tasty national drink of Mexico.

You can participate in the harvesting of an agave plant and then see how the plant is milled, fermented, distilled, aged and then bottled.

Once you finish the tour there are tasty, tangy tequila drinks waiting to be enjoyed.

You can also visit the Sauza Family Museum and see all the paintings, photos and tools displayed in what used to be the Sauza family home. Admission is inexpensive and worth it.

Tequila Express Tour

The Tequila Express is one trip not to miss. The train, La Leyenda (Legend) picks you up in Guadalajara and takes you to what is considered the breadbasket of tequila -  Amatitán and Casa Herradura.

The train leaves mid-morning and takes you through the countryside of Jalisco with beautiful mountain vistas and views of the fields of agave on the way to Amatitán.

Once at Casa Herradura,tours take you through the old and new factories, taste testing of tequila and a unique authentic fiesta with delicious local foods, folkloric dancing, mariachis and more.

Tlaquepaque and Tequila Distillery tour

The Tlaquepaque tour takes you to Hacienda Rio de Plata where tequila has been distilled since 1943 and is the oldest factory near Guadalajara.

Here you will see the distilling process and get to taste all the types from añejo to reposado to blanco. Following the tour, you are taken to downtown Tlaquepaque to listen to the sounds of mariachis and enjoy a wonderful meal in one of the more than dozen restaurants.

A visit to Guadalajara would not be complete without a tour to a tequila distillery. Any one of these three tours will give you the opportunity to see how one of Mexico’s largest industries works. Salud!

Photo taken by Thomassin Mickaël

If you’ve decided to take a trip all the way from New Zealand to sunny, lively Guadalajara, in Jalisco, Mexico, you definitely need a couple of key tips on what to do there. Like most tourist spots in Mexico, this city is sure to take you by storm and dazzle you right from the get-go. As a general rule, it’s always good to have at least a basic outline of what you plan to do when traveling abroad.

It is equally advisable to take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy, because you never know what pitfalls might unfortunately crop up while on vacation. Also, you’d be well advised to bookmark a good online currency converter, in order to get real time access to the fluctuations in currency exchange rates and figure out how much everything costs.

Once you’re all set up, though, all there’s left for you to do is enjoy everything Guadalajara has to offer—and there surely are lots of sights to experience in the Jalisco city. Find some of the most popular landmarks to explore featured below.

Visit Hospicio Cabanas

Photo taken by David Ortiz

Built in the late eighteenth century, the Hospicio Cabanas is perhaps the oldest and largest complex of buildings with a medical function in all of the Spanish-speaking area of the Americas. For one thing, its part Gothic, part Moorish appearance will surely delight and amaze tourists.

Once inside, you will be amazed by the wonderful, unusual and impressive murals on Biblical themes painted by Jose Clemente Orozco. The impressive building typifies the aesthetic style of the period during which it was built.

 Explore Zoologico Guadalajara

Photo taken by Juan Pablo Ortiz Arechiga

The Zoo in Guadalajara will definitely delight any New Zealanders coming to Mexico, but it is an especially suitable experience for families with children, be they very young or even up to teenagers. For one thing, the zoo hosts no fewer than two thousand animals.

The Zoo’s backdrop is spectacular, as the park sits in a beautiful ravine, with incredible natural features such as the baranca, or canyon. It provides a zoo experience unlike you may have seen before, either back home in New Zealand, or in other countries, such as the US.

Tour the La Rojena – The Jose Cuervo Distillery

Photo taken by fatal.heart

Irrespective of whether you enjoy drinking tequila or not, a visit to La Rojena, the place where Jose Cuervo tequila is distilled, is definitely one you will enjoy. The tour of the distillery is very fairly priced, highly instructive and, to top it all off, at the end of the visit you receive free tequila samples that are sure to keep your spirits, so to speak, running high for the remainder of the day.

Discover the El Teatro Degollado

Photo by Thomassin Mickaël

If you choose to amble at leisure through Guadalajara’s historic district, there is no way you can pass by the beautiful Teatro Degollado and not walk in. This beautiful old theater has been recently renovated and the tour of the building will be well worth your time. Additionally, special events such as theater performances and concerts are not to be missed, if you can book tickets in due time.

On your next vacation to Guadalajara, where will you go?

Image of the Guadalajara Cathedral by tetrabrain

Guadalajara is a fantastic heritage site and a must on any Mexican vacation. Here’s a lowdown of some of the most exciting things to do on vacation in Mexico, along with the 5 top reasons for choosing a vacation in Guadalajara this year.

Guadalajara Culture is Very Rich

Any vacation in Guadalajara will soon become richly immersed in the city’s unique culture, dating back to the first Spanish arrivals – and to the Aztecs before that.

Culture lovers will be awestruck by the elaborate architecture of famous sites such as the majestic Hospicio Cabañas orphanage, the 18th century town hall and a wide range of beautiful churches and chapels.

Museums in Guadalajara include the 16th century Museo Regional de Guadalajara with its archaeological exhibits and military histories, and the exciting children’s museum, the ‘Magic Top’. Visitors can explore the lively Plaza Tapatia with its varied stalls and street performers, marvel at the Guadalajara expo centre or take in a show at the Degollado Theatre.

Guadalajara Hotels are Top Notch

A vacation to Guadalajara offers visitors a chance to experience the famous Mexican hospitality. The city features a varied selection of comfortable hotels, many of which feature an impressive array of modern luxuries. From shops and banks to Internet cafés, visitors to Guadalajara will be able to find everything they need to get the most out of their stay.

Speaking of comfort, Guadalajara also boasts a number of rejuvenating spas! Indulge yourself with a visit to My Ego Spa or the Piedra Viva suite, where you’ll be able to enjoy treatments such as facials, full body massage, steam baths and wraps.

Guadalajara Food is Delicious

Image by Ernesto Andrade

One of the top Mexico attractions has to be the delicious local cuisine, and Guadalajara is no exception. Visitors can enjoy spicy meat, fresh corn tortillas, burritos and enchiladas. Guadalajara boasts an excellent selection of restaurants, cafés and bars that serve these popular local dishes, and many more.

The Parque Chapalita is a great place to head for a mouth-watering snack. Grab at taco from Avenida Tepeyac, and then unwind in the park as you watch the local artists at work. Alternatively, visitors can head over to El Parian. Here, in the heart of the Tlaquepaque district, restaurants line the sides of a small ornate square, and talented mariachis wander from table to table as they perform for diners.

There are Many Things to do in Guadalajara

Mexico is famous for its sprawling jungles and dense wooded mountains. At Guadalajara, guests can experience the wonders of the great outdoors with a visit to Bosque La Primavera, or ‘Forest of the Spring’. Here you can revel in the glory of nature, with guided bird walks, excellent fishing opportunities and warm springs that form natural jacuzzis along the riverbed.

Alternatively, kids and grown-ups alike will delight in a trip to Guadalajara zoo, where over 2,000 animals are housed comfortably in a scenic ravine setting.

You can take a Trip to Tequila, Jalisco, the Birthplace of Tequila!

Then of course, there’s the tequila.

Visitors can hop aboard the Tequila Express, a train tour that runs 45 minutes out of Guadalajara to the small town of Tequila. This small, traditional settlement is home to a large number of distilleries, and was the first place in Mexico to be granted a license to distill the spirit of the same name.

Take a tour around the José Cuervo distillery at La Rojeña, the world’s oldest, and top selling producer of Tequila.

Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costillo International Airport (GDL) yikes, even the name sounds confusing! When arriving at an unfamiliar airport, it’s important to know airport information before arriving. Guadalajara is no exception.

I’ve listed 10 things you should know BEFORE you land in Guadalajara. These tips can make your Guadalajaran vacation as pleasant as possible from the minute you get there.

1.  The Guadalajara Airport is 13 Miles Southeast of Guadalajara

It’s always a safe (and easy!) practice when traveling to know your orientation in your visiting city. The airport, your hotel, and popular attractions are good locations to have in your mental map of Guadalajara.

And don’t worry, both domestic and international flights leave from the same place.

2. There are Many Options for Airport Transportation

Before landing, you should have decided what mode of transportation will get you from the airport to your first Guadalajara destination, most likely your hotel.

At the airport, you have a variety of car rental companies to chose from including Hertz, Europcar, Thrifty, and many other local agencies.

Authorized taxis are available for hire within the airport and prices are negotiated at the counter. These authorized taxis are the only ones admitted in the airport transit sytem.

If you want something even more economical, there is a bus (known locally asservicio colectivo) that goes from the arrivals terminal to Guadalajara’s historic center.

3.  The Guadalajara Airport has 14 Restaurants

These restaurants range from the quick grab-and-go of Burger King to the relaxed, sit-down feel of La Pausa.

A couple of these restaurants can accommodate your food and beverage need at any hour. The locations open 24/7 are El Quijote II and Fronteras Bar.

4.  You Can Get Free Wi-Fi

You can find free Wi-fi at the Guadalajara Airport. Starbucks and Wings both have free Wi-fi with a purchase.

So just grab a java or some wings, enter the code on the back of your receipt, and you got the world-wide web!

5.  There are a variety of Airport Amenities

It’s always good to arrive 3 hours before an international flight. This leaves you with just enough time to enjoy all the amenities of the Guadalajara airport.

Two words: Duty Free. Along with a few souvenir shops, this is where you can find the best perfumes, gifts, and fashion. What separates this duty-free from others is the extensive selection of Tequila.

If you want to de-stress before you start your vacation or before you head back home, there is a massage parlor that offers massages and spa treatments including manicures, pedicures, and facials.

American Express cardholders also have the luxury of visiting the VIP lounge with a full bar.

6.  There are several ATMs and Locations to Exchange Money

If Guadalajara is your first Mexican destination, you may not have any local currency. Not all tourist locations take US dollars. It’s always good to have some local currency with you. This can conveniently be done at the airport.

The Guadalajara airport has several ATM’s as well as a center for currency exchanges even though you may not get the best rates.

7.  The Terminal has a Tourist Agency

If you didn’t do all your planning and booking before leaving, it may be helpful to talk to a travel agent when you arrive.

American Tours can give you local information on  events, deals, and promotions. You may not want to book with them, but it’s smart to know what’s being offered.

8.  You can Add Convenience by Staying at an Airport Hotel

Take away some of the stress of traveling by conveniently spending your first or last night close to the airport.

Hotel Casagrande is a five-star hotel located in the airport and has several standard rooms and suites. The hotel has conference rooms, spa amenities, elegant dining area and restaurant, and a full-service concierge.

There is also a Hampton Inn 1 block north on highway 44.

9.  Luggage Issues Can be Avoided with Proper Planning

Many people want to know what the weight restrictions are for flying to Guadalajara. Contact your airline as policies vary.

It is wise to note that some airlines are charging for excess weight of carry-on.

Everyone knows what a pain customs can be.  Customs will ask you to declare if you have any of the following:

• More than $20,000 USD
• Live flowers, animals, or vegetables
• Firearms and/or cartridges
• Goods subject to taxes

10.  There are MANY Airlines Serving the Guadalajara Airport

The Guadalajara airport is the third busiest airport in Mexico. There’s only 2 terminals, but you have many airlines to chose from.  These include:

• Aeromexico
• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• American Eagle Inc.
• Continental Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Interjet
• Magnicharters
• VivaAerobus
• Volaris
• Copa Airlines

Ever had a great (or horrible!) experience in the Guadalajara airport? We want to hear about it!