Guadalajara is the capital city of the central state of Jalisco in Mexico. It's also the second largest city in the country and considered a colonial city, although much of its architecture dates from the independence period.
Despite having a far more relaxed feel than Mexico City the centre can still seem a bit stuffy and dusty, especially during rush hour when the sun is out. However, it is still a lovely city and contains many nice areas for walking, not just in the city centre.
Guadalajara is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is in the central region of Jalisco in the Western-Pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,495,189 it is Mexico's fourth most populous municipality.
The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area includes seven adjacent municipalities with a reported population of 4,328,584 in 2009, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in Mexico, behind Mexico City.The municipality is the second most densely populated in Mexico, the first being Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl in the State of Mexico.It is a strong business and economic center in the Bajio region.
Guadalajara is the 10th largest city in Latin America in population, urban area and gross domestic product. The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara, the name of which came from the Andalusian Arabic meaning river or valley of stones.
The city's economy is based on services and industry, especially information technology, with a large number of international firms having regional offices and manufacturing facilities in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, and several domestic IT companies headquartered in the city.
Other, more traditional industries, such as shoes, textiles and food processing are also important contributing factors.
Guadalajara is a cultural center of Mexico, considered by most to be the home of mariachi music and host to a number of large-scale cultural events such as the Guadalajara International Film Festival, the Guadalajara International Book Fair, and globally renowned cultural events which draw international crowds.
It is home to the C.D. Guadalajara, one of the most popular football clubs in Mexico. This city was named the American Capital of Culture for 2005. Guadalajara hosted the 2011 Pan American Games.
The city has hosted important international events, such as the first Cumbre Iberoamericana in 1991, the Third Summit of Heads of State and Governments from Latin America, the Caribbean and the European Union in 2004, the Encuentro Internacional de Promotores y Gestores Culturales in 2005, and the 2011 Pan American Games.
It was named the American Capital of Culture in 2005, Ciudad Educadora (Educator City) in 2006 and the first Smart City in Mexico due to its use of technology in development.
In its 2007 survey entitled Cities of the Future, FDi magazine ranked Guadalajara highest among major Mexican cities and designated Guadalajara as having the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city, behind Chicago. The magazine also ranked it as the most business-friendly Latin American city in 2007.
The historic downtown of Guadalajara is the oldest section of the city, where it was founded and where the oldest buildings are. It centers on Paseo Morelos/Paseo Hospicio from the Plaza de Armas, where the seats of ecclesiastical and secular power are, east toward the Plaza de Mariachis and the Hospicio Cabanas. The Plaza de Armas is a rectangular plaza with gardens, ironwork benches and an ironwork kiosk which was made in Paris in the 19th century.
Within Guadalajara's historic downtown, there are many squares and public parks: Parque Morelos, Plaza de los Mariachis, Plaza Fundadores, Plaza Tapatia, Plaza del Agave, Parque Revolucion, Jardin del Santuario, Plaza de Armas, Plaza de la Liberacion, Plaza Guadalajara and the Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres, the last four of which surround the cathedral to form a Latin Cross.
Construction began on the Metropolitan Cathedral in 1558 and the church was consecrated in 1616. Its two towers were built in the 19th century after an earthquake destroyed the originals. They are considered one of the city's symbols. The architecture is a mix of Gothic, Baroque, Moorish and Neoclassical. The interior has three naves and eleven side altars, covered by a roof supported by 30 Doric columns.
Guadalajara has the third-largest economy and industrial infrastructure in Mexico and contributes 37% of the state of Jalisco's total gross production. Its economic base is strong and well diversified, mainly based on commerce and services, although the manufacturing sector plays a defining role.
It is ranked in the top ten in Latin America in gross domestic product and the third highest ranking in Mexico. In its 2007 survey entitled Cities of the Future, FDi magazine ranked Guadalajara highest among major Mexican cities and designated Guadalajara as having the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city behind Chicago. FDI ranked it as the most business-friendly Latin American city in 2007.
The city's economy has two main sectors. Commerce and tourism employ most: about 60% of the population. The other is industry, which has been the engine of economic growth and the basis of Guadalajara's economic importance nationally even though it employs only about a third of the population.
Industries here produce products such as food and beverages, toys, textiles, auto parts, electronic equipment, pharmaceuticals, footwear, furniture and steel products.Two of the major industries have been textiles and shoes, which are still dynamic and growing.Sixty percent of manufactured products are sold domestically, while forty percent are exported, mostly to the United States.
This makes Guadalajara's economic fortunes dependent on those of the U.S., both as a source of investment and as a market for its goods.
However, it is the electronics and information technology sectors that have nicknamed the city the Silicon Valley of Mexico. Guadalajara is the main producer of software, electronic and digital components in Mexico. Telecom and computer equipment from Guadalajara accounts for about a quarter of Mexico's electronics exports.
Companies such as General Electric, IBM, Intel Corporation, Freescale Semiconductor, Hitachi Ltd., Hewlett-Packard, Siemens, Flextronics, Oracle, TCS, Cognizant Technology Solutions and Jabil Circuit have facilities in the city or its suburbs.This phenomenon began after the passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
International firms started building facilities in Mexico, especially Guadalajara, displacing Mexican firms, especially in information technology. One of the problems this has created is that when there are economic downturns, these international firms scale back.
In 2007, fDi magazine stated that Guadalajara has the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city, behind only Chicago.The same research noted Guadalajara as a city of the future due to its youthful population, low unemployment and large number of recent foreign investment deals; it was found to be the third most business-friendly city in North America.
The city has to compete with China, especially for electronics industries which rely on high volume and low wages. This has caused the move toward high-mix, mid-volume and value-added services, such as automotives. However, its traditional advantage of proximity to the U.S. market is one reason Guadalajara stays competitive.
Mexico ranked third in 2009 in Latin America for the export of information technology services, behind Brazil and Argentina. This kind of service is mostly related to online and telephone technical support. The major challenge this sector has is the lack of university graduates who speak English.
Most of the economy revolves around commerce, employing 60% of the population.This activity has mainly focused on the purchase and sale of the following products: food and beverages, textiles, electronic appliances, tobacco, cosmetics, sport articles, construction materials and others. Guadalajara's commercial activity is second only to Mexico City.
Globalization and neoliberal reforms have affected the form and distribution of commerce in Guadalajara since the early 1990s. This has led to tensions between traditional markets, such as the Mercardo Libertad, and retailers such as department stores and supermarkets.
Local governments in the metropolitan area used to invest in and heavily regulate traditional markets but this is no longer the case. To attract private corporate investment, regulatory control eased and most commercial developments now are controlled by private concerns.
The city is the national leader in the development and investment of shopping malls. Many shopping centers have been built, such as Plaza Galerias, one of the largest shopping centers in Latin America, and Andares. Galerías Guadalajara covers 160,000 m2 (1,722,225.67 sq ft) and has 220 stores.
It contains the two largest movie theaters in Latin America, both with IMAX screens. It hosts art exhibits and fashion shows, and has an area for cultural workshops. Anchor stores includes Liverpool and Sears and specialty stores such as Hugo Boss, Max Mara and Lacoste.Best Buy opened its first Guadalajara store here. Its has an additional private entrance on the top floor of the adjacent parking lot.
Another Best Buy store was inaugurated in Ciudadela Lifestyle Center mall, which was the chain's third largest in the world, according to the company.
Andares is another important commercial center in Zapopan. This $530 million mixed-use complex opened in 2008, designed by renowned Mexican Sordo Madaleno architecture firm features luxury residences and a high-level mall anchored by two large department stores, Liverpool and El Palacio de Hierro. The 133,000 m2 (1,400,000+ sq ft) mall offers hundreds of stores, a big food court located on the second floor and several restaurants at the Paseo Andares.
A large segment of the commercial sector caters to tourists and other visitors. Recreational tourism is mainly concentrated in the historic downtown.In addition to being a cultural and recreational attraction and thanks to its privileged geographical location, the city serves as an axis to nearby popular beach destinations such as Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Mazatlan.
Other types of visitors include those who travel to attend seminars, conventions and other events in fields such as academic, entertainment, sports and business. The best-known venue for this purposes is the Expo Guadalajara, a large convention center surrounded by several hotels. It was built in 1987, and it is considered the most important convention center in Mexico.
Most of Guadalajara's economic growth since 1990 has been tied with foreign investment. International firms have invested here to take advantage of the relatively cheap but educated and highly productive labor, establishing manufacturing plants that re-export their products to the United States, as well as provide goods for the internal Mexican market.
A media report in early October 2013 stated that five major Indian IT,information technology companies have established offices in Guadalajara, while several other Indian IT companies continue to explore the option of expanding to Mexico.
Due to the competitiveness in the Indian IT sector, companies are expanding internationally and Mexico offers an affordable opportunity for Indian companies to better position themselves to enter the United States market. The trend emerged after 2006 and the Mexican government offers incentives to foreign companies.
Exports from the city went from 3.92 billion USD in 1995 to 14.3 billion in 2003.[38] From 1990 to 2000, socio-economic indicators show that quality of life improved overall; however, there is still a large gap between the rich and the poor, and the rich have benefited from the globalization and privatization of the economy more than the poor.
International investment has affected the labor market in the metro area and that of the rural towns and villages that surround it. Guadalajara is the distribution center for the region and its demands have led to a shifting of employment, from traditional agriculture and crafts to manufacturing and commerce in urban centers. This has led to mass migration from the rural areas to the metropolitan area.
Guadalajara was selected as Smart City in 2013 by IEEE, the world's largest professional association for the advancement of technology.
Several cities invest in the areas of research to design pilot projects and as an example, in early March in 2013 was the first Cluster Smart Cities in the world, composed Dublin, Ireland; San Jose, California; Cardiff, Wales, and Guadalajara, Jalisco, whose objective is the exchange of information and experiences that can be applied in principle to issues of agribusiness and health sciences.
The Secretariat of Communications and Transportation also reported that Guadalajara, Jalisco was chosen as the official venue for the first Digital Creative City of Mexico and Latin America, what will be the spearhead for our country to consolidate the potential in this area.
The Cluster Smart Cities unprecedented in the world, will focus on what each of these cities is making in innovation and the creation of an alliance to attract technology. The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology ( SICyT ) of Jalisco, said the combination of talent development investments allow Jalisco enter the knowledge economy .
From 25 to 28 October 2015, the city was the headquarters of the first conference about the initiative of Smart Cities.
Guadalajara is the cultural center of western Mexico and the second most important cultural center in the country.It is nicknamed the Pearl of the West. While it is a modern city, it has kept many of the rural traditions of Jalisco, such as mariachi and a strong sense of Catholicism.
Cultural tourism is one of the most important economic activities, especially in the historic center.Guadalajara is a center of learning with six universities, two culinary institutes and a thriving art scene.Guadalajara has twenty two museums, which include the Regional Museum of Jalisco, the Wax Museum, the Trompo Magico children's museum and the Museum of Anthropology.
The Hospicio Cabanas in the historic center is a World Heritage Site.For these attributes and others, the city was named an American Capital of Culture in 2005.
This city has been the cradle and dwelling of distinguished poets, writers, painters, actors, film directors and representatives of the arts, etc., such as José Clemente Orozco, Dr. Atl, Roberto Montenegro, Alejandro Zohn, Luis Barragán, Carlos Orozco Romero, Federico Fabregat, Raul Anguiano, Juan Soriano, Javier Campos Cabello, Martha Pacheco, Alejandro Colunga, José Fors, Juan Kraeppellin, Davis Birks, Carlos Vargas Pons, Jis, Trino, Erandini, Enrique Oroz, Rubén Méndez, Mauricio Toussaint, Scott Neri, Paula Santiago, Edgar Cobian, L. Felipe Manzano, and the artist formerly known as Mevna; the freeplay guitarist and music composer for the movies El Mariachi and The Legend of Zorro, Paco Rentería; important exponents of literature such as Juan Rulfo, Francisco Rojas, Agustín Yanez, Elias Nandino, Idella Purnell, Jorge Souza, among others; classic repertoire composers like Gonzalo Curiel, Jose Pablo Moncayo, Antonio Navarro, Ricardo Zohn, Carlos Sánchez-Gutierrez and Gabriel Pareyon; film directors like Felipe Cazals, Jaime Humberto Hermosillo, Erik Stahl, Guillermo del Toro; and actors like Katy Jurado, Enrique Alvarez Felix, and Gael Garcia Bernal.
The cuisine is a mix of pre-Hispanic and Spanish influences, like the rest of Mexico, but dishes have their own flavors and are made with local techniques.
One of the main distinguishing dishes is birria. This is goat or lamb meat cooked in a spicy sauce seasoned with chili peppers, ginger, cumin, black pepper, oregano and cloves.The traditional way of preparing birria is to pit roast the meat and spices wrapped in maguey leaves.It is served in bowls with minced onion, limes and tortillas.
Another dish that is strongly associated with Guadalajara is tortas ahogadas, literally drowned tortas - sub sandwiches. This sandwich is an oblong or bolillo bun made denser in Guadalajara than in the rest of the country filled with pork and other ingredients. Then the sandwich is covered in a red tomato/chili pepper sauce.
Other dishes that are popular include pozole, a soup prepared with hominy, chicken or pork and various condiments and pipián, which is a sauce prepared with peanuts, squash and sesame seed. Bionico is a popular local dessert.
The city hosts the Feria Internacional Gastronomia or International Gastronomy Fair each year in September showcasing Mexican and international cuisines. A large number of restaurants, bars, bakeries and cafes participate as well as producers of beer, wine and tequila.
The bread or bolillos mentioned above are usually called birotes in Guadalajara. They are a crusty dense baguette style bread like that associated with Italy or France and are very different from the soft bolillos found in most of the rest of Mexico.
Jericallas are a typical Guadalajara dessert that is similar to flan, that was created to give children proper nutrients while being delicious. It is made with eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon, and baked in the oven where it is broiled to the point that a burnt layer is produced. The burnt layer at the surface is what makes this dessert special and delicious.
One of the drinks that is popular in Guadalajara is Tejuino, a refreshing drink that contains a corn fermented base with sugarcane, lime, salt, and chili powder.
Mariachi music is strongly associated with Guadalajara both in Mexico and abroad even though the musical style originated in the nearby town of Cocula, Jalisco. The connection between the city and mariachi began in 1907 when an eight-piece mariachi band and four dancers from the city performed on stage at the president's residence for both Porfirio Díaz and the Secretary of State of the United States.
This made the music a symbol of west Mexico, and after the migration of many people from the Guadalajara area to Mexico City,mostly settling near Plaza Garibaldi, it then became a symbol of Mexican identity as well Guadalajara hosts the Festival of Mariachi and Charreria, which began in 1994.
It attracts people in the fields of art, culture and politics from Mexico and abroad. Regularly the best mariachis in Mexico participate, such as Mariachi Vargas, Mariachi de America and Mariachi los Camperos de Nati Cano. Mariachi bands from all over the world participate, coming from countries such as Venezuela, Cuba, Belgium, Chile, France, Australia, Slovak Republic, Canada and the United States.
The events of this festival take place in venues all over the metropolitan area, and include a parade with floats.In August 2009, 542 mariachi musicians played together for a little over ten minutes to break the world record for largest mariachi group.
The musicians played various songs ending with two classic Mexican songs Cielito Lindo and Guadalajara. The feat was performed during the XVI Encuentro Internacional del Mariachi y la Charreria. The prior record was 520 musicians in 2007 in San Antonio, Texas.
In the historic center of the city is the Plaza de los Mariachis, named such as many groups play there. The plaza was renovated for the 2011 Pan American Games in anticipation of the crowds visiting. Over 750 mariachi musicians play traditional melodies on the plaza, and along with the restaurants and other businesses, the plaza supports more than 830 families.
A recent innovation has been the fusion of mariachi melodies and instruments with rock and roll performed by rock musicians in the Guadalajara area. An album collecting a number of these melodies was produced called "Mariachi Rock-O." There are plans to take these bands on tour in Mexico, the United States and Europe.
The city is home to a renowned symphony orchestra. The Orquesta Filarmónica de Jalisco (Jalisco Philarmonic Orchestra) was founded by Jose Rolon in 1915. It held concerts from that time until 1924, when state funding was lost. However, the musicians kept playing to keep the orchestra alive. This eventually caught the attention of authorities and funding was restated in 1939.
Private funding started in the 1940s and in 1950, an organization called Conciertos Guadalajara A. C. was formed to continue fundraising for the orchestra.
In 1971, the orchestra became affiliated with the Department of Fine Arts of the State of Jalisco. The current name was adopted in 1988, as it became the orchestra for the state, not just the city of Guadalajara although it remains based here.
International soloists such as Paul Badura-Skoda, Claudio Arrau, Jorg Demus, Henryck Szeryng, Nicanor Zabaleta, Placido Domingo, Kurt Rydl and Alfred Brendel have performed with the organization. Today the orchestra is under the direction of Marco Parisotto.
The city is also host to several dance and ballet companies such as the Chamber Ballet of Jalisco, the Folkloric Ballet of the University of Guadalajara, and University of Guadalajara Contemporary Ballet.
Guadalajara is also known for several large cultural festivals. The International Film Festival of Guadalajara[85] is a yearly event which happens in March. It mostly focuses on Mexican and Latin American films; however films from all over the world are shown. The event is sponsored by the Universidad de Guadalajara, CONACULTA, the Instituto Mexicano de Cinematographía as well as the governments of the cities of Guadalajara and Zapopan.
The 2009 festival had over 200 films shown in more than 16 theatres and open-air forums, such as the inflatable screens set up in places such as Chapultepec, La Rambla Cataluna and La Minerva. In that year, the event gave out awards totaling 500,000 USD. The event attracts names such as Mexican director Guillermo del Toro, Greek director Constantin Costa-Gavras, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and U.S. actor Edward James Olmos.
The Guadalajara International Book Fair is the largest Spanish language book fair in the world held each year over nine days at the Expo Guadalajara.Over 300 publishing firms from 35 countries regularly attend, demonstrating the most recent productions in books, videos and new communications technologies.
The event awards prizes such as the Premio FIL for literature, the Premio de Literatura Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, also for literature, and the Reconocimento al Merito Editorial for publishing houses. There is an extensive exposition of books and other materials in Spanish, Portuguese and English, covering academia, culture, the arts and more for sale.
More than 350,000 people attend from Mexico and abroad.In 2009, Nobel prize winner Orhan Pamuk, German children's author Cornelia Funke and Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa participated with about 500 other authors present. Activities include book presentations, academic talks, forums, and events for children.
The Danza de los Tastoanes is an event hosted annually on July 25th at the Municipal President’s building, where the folklore dancers perform one of the oldest traditional dances and combat battle performance to honor the combats against the Spanish.
The Festival Cultural de Mayo (May Cultural Festival) began in 1988. In 2009, the event celebrated the 400th anniversary of relations between Mexico and Japan, with many performances and exhibitions relation to Japanese culture. The 2009 festival featured 358 artists in 118 activities. Each year a different country is "invited". Past guests have been Germany (2008), Mexico (2007), Spain (2006) and Austria (2005). France is the 2013 guest.
The Expo Ganadera is an event hosted annually in the month of October where people from all over the country attend to display the best examples of breed and their quality that is produced in Jalisco. The event also works to promote technological advances in agriculture. The event also has separate sections for the authentic Mexican cuisine, exhibitions of livestock, charreria and other competitions that display the Jalisco traditions.
Despite the Guadalajara area historically being an ethnically Caxcan region, the Nahua peoples form the majority of Guadalajara's indigenous population.There are several thousand indigenous language speakers in Guadalajara although the majority of the indigenous population is integrated within the general population and can speak Spanish.
The style of architecture prevalent in Europe during the founding of Guadalajara is paralleled in the city's colonial buildings. The Metropolitan Cathedral and Teatro Degollado are the purest examples of neoclassical architecture. The historical center hosts religious and civil colonial buildings, which are noted for their architectural and historical significance and are a rich mix of styles which are rooted in indigenous cultural contributions mainly from Ute origin, incorporated in the Mozarabic and castizo, and later in modern European influences mainly French and Italian and American specifically, from the United States.
The French-inspired Lafayette neighborhood has many fine examples of early 20th-century residences that were later converted into boutiques and restaurants.
Guadalajara's historical center has an excellent assortment of museums, theaters, galleries, libraries, auditoriums and concert halls, particular mention may be made to Hospicio Cabanas which dates from the 18th century, the Teatro Degollado considered the oldest opera house in Mexico, the Teatro Galerias and the Teatro Diana.
The Hospicio Cabanas, which is home to some of the paintings murals and easel by Jose Clemente Orozco, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Among the many structures of beauty is the International Headquarters Temple of La Luz del Mundo in Colonia Hermosa Provincia, which is the largest in Latin America.
During the Porfiriato the French style invaded the city because of the passion of former president Porfirio Díaz in the trends of French style, also Italian architects were responsible for shaping the Gothic structures that were built in the city. The passage of time reflected different trends from the baroque to churrigueresque, Gothic and neoclassical pure.
Even the architectural lines typical of the decades of the 40's, 50's and 60's the Art Deco and bold lines of postmodern architects of the time. Architectural styles found in the city include Baroque, Viceregal, Neoclassical, Modern, Eclectic, Art Deco and Neo-Gothic.
The modern architecture of Guadalajara has numerous figures of different architectural production from the neo-regionalism to the primitiveness of the 60's. Some of these architects are: Rafael Urzua, Luis Barragan, Ignacio Diaz Morales, Pedro Castellanos, Eric Coufal, Julio de la Pena, Eduardo Ibanez Valencia, Felix Aceves Ortega
Guadalajara is home to four professional football teams; Guadalajara, also known as Chivas, Atlas, C.D. Oro and Universidad de Guadalajara. Guadalajara is the second most successful and the second most followed club in the country,Atlas also plays in the Mexican Primera Division, due to their fine football game style of playing, they are known in the country as The Academy, hence they have provided Mexico's finest football players, among them: Rafael Marquez, Oswaldo Sanchez, Pavel Pardo, Andres Guardado, and Mexico national team's top scorer Jared Borgetti.
Atlas, also won several Championships on Amateur Tournaments, and first Football Championship of a Guadalajara Team back in 1951. Atlas fans are collectively called La Fiel the faithful by themselves; younger followers are gathered as Barra 51 ; La Barra 51 is a strong organized supporter group. His name recalls Atlas' the year of first championship in the Primera Division de Mexico in 1951. Estudiantes was associated with the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara A.C..
It played in the Primera Division, with home games in the Estadio 3 de Marzo (March 3 Stadium, for the University's 1935 date of founding). They've won also a single Championship back in 1994 as they defeated Santos. The team moved to Zacatecas and became the Mineros de Zacatecas in May 2014.
Starting in October 2014, Guadalajara rejoined the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico baseball tournament with the Charros de Jalisco franchise in play at the Athletic Stadium. Charreada, the Mexican form of rodeo and closely tied to mariachi music, is popular here.
The biggest place for Charreada competitions, the VFG Arena, is located near the Guadalajara Airport founded by singer Vicente Fernández. Every September 15, charros make a parade in the downtown streets to celebrate the Charro and Mariachi Day.
Guadalajara hosted the 2011 Pan American Games.Since winning the bid to host the Games, the city had been undergoing extensive renovations. The games brought in more than 5,000 athletes from approximately 42 countries from the Americas and the Caribbean. Sports included aquatics, football, racquetball and 27 more, with six others being considered.
COPAG the Organizing Committee for the Pan American Games Guadalajara 2011 had a total budget of $250 million USD with the aim of updating the city's sports and general infrastructure.
The center of the city was repaved and new hotels were constructed for the approximately 22,000 rooms that were needed in 2011. The new bus rapid transit (BRT) system, Macrobus, was launched in March and runs along Avenida Independencia.
The Pan-American village was built around the Bajio Zone. After the Games, the buildings will be used for housing. There are already 13 existing venues in Guadalajara that the games will use, including the Jalisco Stadium, UAG 3 de Marzo Stadium, and the UAG Gymnasium.
Eleven new sporting facilities were created for the event. Other works included a second terminal in the airport, a highway to Puerto Vallarta and a bypass for the southern part of the city.
Lorena Ochoa, a retired and former #1 female golfer, Formula One driver Sergio Perez who drives for Sahara Force India F1 Team and Javier Hernandez, a forward who currently plays for West Ham United and the Mexico national team were also born in the city.
Great And Important People Of Guadalajara
- Brenda Velez, ballerina
- Guillermo del Toro, filmmaker and writer
- Pedro Fernandez, singer, songwriter, actor
- Isabel Villasenor, artist
- Luis Barragan, architect
- Jorge Blanco Geerena, actor and singer
- Gael Garcia Bernal, actor
- Ximena Navarrete, actress, model, beauty queen (Miss Universe 2010)
- Alejandro Gonzalez Jr., boxer
- Maximino "Max" Linares Moreno, professional wrestler better known under the ring name "Rayo de Jalisco" ("Lightning from Jalisco")
- Rayo de Jalisco, Jr, professional wrestler.
- Isaac Hernandez, ballet dancer, a lead principal with English National Ballet
- Ramon Corona, general and diplomat
- Jose Maria Vigil, writer
- Gloria Guinness, socialite and writer
- Pepe Guizar, composer
- Saul Alvarez, boxer
- Agustin Yanez, writer and politician
- Mariano Otero, governor and writer
- Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena, scientist and inventor
- Dr. Atl, artist and writer
- Javier Hernandez, football player
- Andres Guardado, football player
- Lorena Ochoa, golfer
- Vicente Fernandez, singer, actor, film producer
- Alejandro Fernandez, singer
- Ignacio Vallarta, jurist and governor
- Sergio Perez, F1 racing driver
- Fher Olvera, musician, songwriter
Guadalajara is divided into several districts. The main areas of interest to tourists are the Centro Historico and the Minerva - Chapultepec - Zona Rosa areas. These are located on an East-West axis centered on Av. Vallarta named Av. Juarez in the Centro Historico and stretch from the Plaza Tapatia/Plaza Mariachis on the East side to the Fuente Minerva/Arcos Vallarta on the West side.
Outside of the downtown area are three areas also of interest to the tourist: Tlaquepaque, Tonala - located SE of the centro and known for their handicraft shops and markets, and Zapopan - located NW of the centro and famous as a site of pilgrimage and for it's old-town charm. Conveniently the 275-diagonal bus route runs from Tlaquepaque through the centro to Zapopan, providing convenient access to all of these sites.
Sector Juarez -- southwest central Guadalajara, with plenty of shops and 2 malls (Centro Magno and Galerias, encompassing the Minerva and Chapultepec commercial zones.
Sector Hidalgo -- northwest central Guadalajara, a largely residential area encompassing the financial district and the country club.
Sector Libertad -- northeast central Guadalajara, a largely industrial zone. The southwest part of the sector is pretty close to the historic downtown, there is a traditional market Mercado San Juan de Dios and Plaza de los mariachis where you can find the traditional Mexican music.
Sector Reforma -- southeast central Guadalajara, also a mostly industrial zone. Parque Agua Azul, a large park with many trees, an auditorium, and a lake. On Saturday mornings there's a street market, the Tianguis Cultural, where you can buy alternative clothing and articles such as spiked belts, black trench coats, military uniforms, used books and trading cards for a fair price.
Centro Historico -- the historic downtown. Most of your time will probably be spent here. It is filled with colonial era buildings. It also boasts several important mural paintings by Jalisco-born José Clemente Orozco, one of Mexico's most important artists.
Zapopan -- is both a large municipal region comprising much of the western edge of metropolitan Guadalajara and the small old town center of Zapopan northwest of the Minerva-Chapultepec area. Zapopan the region comprises several shopping malls (Plaza Patria, Plaza Galerias, La Gran Plaza, among others), the Mercado del Mar (Sea Market) where you can eat fish and seafood for a reasonable price, as well as downtown Zapopan where you can find many bars and cantinas. South of the downtown there are rich neighbourhoods, night clubs such as White Lotus and Bossé, restaurants, three private universities (Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Tec de Monterrey and Universidad del Valle de Atemajac - UNIVA) and several shopping malls (Plaza Pabellon, Plaza del Sol). Zapopan actually is the largest municipality in the State and also has several parks (Los Colomos, Country Club) and a forest (La Primavera)
Tlaquepaque -- south and southeast Guadalajara, offers an old town Tlaquepaque area with a Mexican village setting. It has an important shopping district as it is a main arts and crafts center within Mexico. The old town offers many interesting restaurants, galleries, a regional ceramics museum and a "Premio Nacional de la Ceramica" (National Ceramics Awards) museum. There is a large variety of shops where you can buy local pottery and handicrafts, including indigenous huichol artesanship. "The Parian" is a square building in the heart of its downtown that houses a collection of 17 restaurant-bars and at the center has a traditional kiosk where mariachi groups and singers play for patrons. It's a great place to enjoy a cool drink on a hot day and listen to good music in a very Mexican setting. Tlaquepaque is about 30 minutes from Guadalajara's downtown and about 20 minutes from the airport. A private university, the ITESO, lies on southern Guadalajara.
Tonala -- eastern Guadalajara, where you can also buy handicrafts. Besides there is a huge park, the Parque Solidaridad.
The cofounders of Guadalajara were Dona Beatriz de Hernandez and Governor Cristobal de Onate. In Plaza de los Fundadores there is a monument in honour of both of them.
Guadalajara and Jalisco in general were the center of the Cristero Wars (1926-1929), a rebellion by catholic guerillas against the secularizing reforms of Plutarco Calles's presidency. One of the first armed conflicts of the rebellion took place in Gudalajara in the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe 3 August 1926, where a group of several hundred cristeros engaged in a shootout with federal troops. Guadalajara itself was attacked unsuccessfully by the Cristero armies in March of 1929.
In the 1950s Av Juarez was widened to create the arterial axis of Juarez-Vallarta which you see today. A famous part of that work was moving the central telephone exchange without disrupting service. Pictures of this feat of engineering can be seen in the City Museum.
In April 1992, the Reforma area was rocked by a huge explosion of gasoline, when a gasoline pipe line leaked into the sewers over a period of days until the fumes finally detonated. Some 200 were killed and several thousand injured. The explosion affected mostly the working class and industrial sector on the South side of the city.
In May 1993, Cardinal Ocampo of Guadalajara was killed at the Guadalajara airport. Though at the time the murder was thought to have been some sort of politically motivated assassination, subsequent investigations favour the theory that the cardinal was caught by mistake in drug related violence, his motorcade having been mistaken for that of a drug lord.
Cardinal Ocampo is buried beneath the high altar of the Guadalajara Cathedral, probably because his murder was initially feted as political martyrdom rather than as an accident.
Guadalajara is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. This growth has been driven in part by the booming electronic industry in the city's industrial outskirts. Other important and growing industries are pharmaceuticals, food processing, and fashion.
The University of Guadalajara, often referred to simply as U de G or OOO day HAY is Western Mexico's most important institution of higher learning, and Mexico's second most important after Mexico City's mammoth UNAM. The University also serves as a centre of cultural activity enjoyed by residents and tourists alike, such as the Ballet Folclorico and the Cineforo Universidad.
Guadalajara is home to three professional soccer teams, Estudiantes, Atlas, and the biggest, Club Deportivo Guadalajara, known popularly as Chivas.
According to Fifa.com, Chivas is Mexico's most popular team. The team has won 11 first division titles and holds the longest winning streak at the beginning of the season with 8 back to back wins.
Chivas is the only soccer team in Mexico to only have Mexican players while other teams have different players from different backgrounds. The team colours are red, white, and blue which mean Fraternity, Union, and Sports. The new stadium, Estadio Omnilife, opened up on July 30, 2010, holding a capacity of 49,850.
Founding of Guadalajara is celebrated on February 14 because it was founded on 14 February 1542.
Day of the Mariachi is celebrated the first week of September. A gathering of Mariachis from all over Mexico and even some parts of the world gather in Guadalajara usually at Teatro Degollado and the surrounding area to play. It is very unique and you won't witness something like this anywhere else.
Romeria de la Virgen de Zapopan is celebrated in Guadalajara on 12 October to honour the Guadalajara area's local Virgin Mary figure, la Virgen de Zapopan. On this day over one million people parade the famous statuette from the downtown cathedral to its home in the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan. This day is only celebrated in the Guadalajara area, and is one of the largest examples of a Romería outside Spain.
Libertador Miguel Hidalgo International Airport is located south of the city along the Guadalajara-Chapala Highway. Along with Mexico's main domestic carriers - AeroMexico, Volaris, Interjet and VivaAerobus - other major airlines, including Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, and United (has the largest number of flights to the US) also serve Guadalajara.
You can take a taxi from the airport to anywhere but many hotels offer airport pickups that can be cheaper. There is also a bus that stops at the bottom of Terminal 1 which goes to the Central Camionera Vieja close to the historic centre and costs MXN6. A taxi down to the Lake Chapala area around Ajijic or Chapala will cost about MXN380. At the airport always buy the taxi chit from the booth before exiting the terminal. Present the chit to the licensed driver.
You may also rent a car from Airport, most major car rental companies such Avis, National Car Rental, Hertz and Eropcar have booths at the baggage claim area. There are also some local car rentals such Veico Car Rental located just outside the airport, they also have good cars and often lower prices.
The new main bus station is in the suburb of Tonala, which serves all routes further than 100km or so, generally those which leave the state of Jalisco. The old bus station just south of the centro is served by bus lines motoring to nearby pueblos like Tequila and Chapala.
Be warned that bus rides can sometimes be a bit jumpy and jittery because of the state of the roads, but the buses themselves are very comfortable. A taxi from the new bus station to the Centro Historico should cost around MXN60, or you can get a city bus which will cost MXN7 unless you get a TUR bus which costs MXN10, just ask for centro.
The Centro or downtown is mostly accessible by walking, assuming you are capable of bearing your own weight. Most attractions lie within an area of about 3/4 of a mile long by 1/4 mile wide. For longer trips, or to get in and out of the Centro, use the bus, subway, or a taxi. There are also horse drawn carriages or calandria, which is more expensive and mainly for tours of the center, for those who want to travel in a previous century's style.
Dozens of bus routes provide transportation around the city. As of November 2014, regular buses cost MXN6; there are also luxury buses Turquesa, Tur and Cardenal which cost MXN10. Look on the front window of the bus to see where it will go, and ask the driver if you're uncertain.
You can also try to purchase a route map the Guia Roja Red Vial Ciudad de Guadalajara is one option, or ask at any magazine stand or one of the tourism kiosk downtown for a book with bus routes, although as of early 2008 they are no longer being published and are therefore almost impossible to find. This means planning your route ahead, or asking the locals provided you know some Spanish.
Riding the bus also provides a good chance to see different parts of the city and get your bearings. Note that bus drivers will give you change within limits.
It can be hard to spot bus stops in Guadalajara, in theory there should be a signpost with a blue sign and a picture of bus as well as triangular markings on the road with the word Parada meaning stop. However these aren't always there or the markings having been removed with time. Look around and see where there's a crowd of people waiting, sometimes there are even seats, if not, the buses might stop at the corner or in front of traffic lights. If they drive past you, keep looking at them and try to see where they stop.
One particularly useful route for getting back and forth between the Centro Historico and the Zona Rosa - Minerva area is the Par Vial Route. Westbound it travels along Av Vallarta and Eastbound along Av Hidalgo. Just look up for the pair of electrical cables that it uses for power. In the Centro Historico you can catch it on Hidalgo up to the East side of the Plaza Liberación, where it makes the turn to head up to Independencia and back West.
There is also an open top double-decked tour bus or TuriBus that leaves from the Rotunda and will take you past all the main sites in Guadalajara, Tlaquepaque and Zapopan and will also allow you to ride it all day, getting on and off as you will.
Lastly there is a Macrobus route that runs in dedicated lanes along Independencia from Parque Mirador in the north to Fray Angelico in the south. The bus comes every 5-8 minutes. The cost is MXN$7 one way except for transfers from the subway at San Juan de Dios which are MXN$3.5. Please note that some of the buses are express and do not stop at all stations so pay attention or your bus back may not stop at the station you need.
Taxis are another option if you don't want to try to figure out the buses. You can either agree to a price with the cab driver or ask him to turn the meter on. Using the latter option, there is a risk that the driver won't the take the shortest possible route if he thinks you don't know it yourself. The meter will normally be a better price than the price the hotel will tell you to pay, if they hail.
As always, be sure to ask the fare before you get in. Cabs cost more at night or when they have to cross the outer ring of the city. Day-time fares should never exceed MXN100 within the city and almost always the price should be even under MXN50. At night-time, the prices are doubled. As a rule of thumb, during the daytime the fare is about MXN3-4 per kilometre and at night about MXN8-9, but if the driver is using a meter, there's also a starting price of around MXN5-10.
Fares to and from the airport are around MXN300-330. If arriving at the Guadalajara airport, a taxi monopoly provides the service from the airport. Pre-purchase your taxi ride at the booths outside of the arrival halls. You can take a normal taxi to the airport, though.
Uber is now available in Guadajalara as of 2015.
A simple subway network can be useful if you happen to want to travel along its currently limited path. There are two lines that join at the Western edge of the Centro Historico. One runs North-South beneath Avenida Federalismo to the edges of the city in both directions. The other runs East through the Centro Historico to the Eastern suburbs. Fares cost MXN6. The subway closes at 11pm.
A new bus service named 'Pre Tren' or Pre Train goes from the main Juarez subway station through the Zona Rosa to the west Outer Ring at a 50% discounted fare for subway card users and provide a good service with new, air-conditioned, red colored units. The service is better than the smaller camiones or bus service.
There is a public bike system called mibici.
The system works fairly well. The only thing to note is that you can't take a bike out after midnight.
Historico Sights
Guadalajara Cathedral Construction started in the 1560's and took about 50 years to complete. The current towers were replaced on 1854 by architect Manuel Gomez Ibarra after an earthquake destroyed the originals in 1818. While visiting the Cathedral a must see is the mural The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin by Bartolome Esteban Murillo. The cathedrals architecture is an eclectic mix of gothic, neoclassical and palladian architecture.
Plaza of the Crosses. Four Plazas shaped like a cross with the Cathedral at the center. Any of these offer a nice spot to walk through or rest in for a few minutes. Most have plenty of food vendors nearby.
Plaza Guadalajara west of (in front of) the cathedral has a circular fountain and an outdoor restaurant, under the fountain there is an underground comercial centre which offers all kinds of goods for sale including fruit, beverages and even jewellery.
Plaza de Armas south of the cathedral it offers one of the best views of the cathedral and the Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Office). It features a French Ironwork bandstand bought by former mexican president Porfirio Diaz during 1885 and four States on the corners of the place symbolizing the Four Seasons. The bandstand serves as the performing arena for marching bands but due to it's recent use for all kinds of political (soap-box) manifestations it's guarded by the police 24/7.
Plaza de la Liberacion east of (behind) the cathedral it features two large cup-shaped fountains and a gigantic sculpture of Miguel Hidalgo, the man who signed the Mexican Declaration of Independence in the current Palacio de Gobierno. It also serves as an atrium for the oldest surviving theatre in the city: "Teatro Degollado", and it's the usual spot for massive free concerts.
Rotonda de los Jalicienses Ilustres north of the cathedral it serves as a mausoleum for important men and women born in Jalisco, it's bright and busy atmosphere of the park around it contrasts with the serious aspect of the Mausoleum itself. On the southern side across the street from the cathedral is the bus stop for the previously mentioned TuriBus.
Palacio de Gobierno (Governor's Office)(east of the cathedral) This is the historical center of the government of the State of Jalisco. Today it is mostly visited for the murals painted there by Jose Clemente Orozco. The most famous of these is a huge portrait of Miguel Hidalgo in the vault of the old chambers of the state council.
Museo Regional de Guadalajara 60 Liceo St. Pleasant museum to spend a few hours in, especially on a hot day when you need some time out of the sun. It features a Mammoth skeleton found on the nearby Chapala Lake
Mercado Libertad, known by locals as Mercado San Juan de Dios because of the river that used to pass through the area, a very busy multi-storey enclosed market, with hundreds of vendors it is the largest in Latinamerica. The market also houses a very popular and very good food court featuring everything from seafood to local favorites like birria or goat stew and pozole or hominy and pork stew.
Great place to get souveneirs. Unfortunately it isn't the safest place in Mexico so make sure to always keep a look out for the purse snatchers.
Instituto Cultutal Cabanas, further east from Plaza de la Liberacion, it is a cultural and art center where the fresco paintings of Jose Clemente Orozco are exhibited and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Plaza de los Mariachis in a small triangular plaza in Guadalajara where you will find several mariachis band who will offer their services for a small fee. This is where the famous Mexican Hat Dance - Jarabe Tapatio was born. Mariachis will serenade you while you eat at one of the small cafes or restaurants at a regular charge per song.
El Panteon de Belen (Belen Cemetery) is an old cemetery that dates back to 1786. It has been converted into a museum that is full of folklore and is full of interesting haunted cemetery stories. There is also a night tour that many people are afraid to take.
Sights on the West side of downtown - Minerva - Chapultepec
Templo Expiatorio, Madero at Diaz de Leon - A finely detailed neo-gothic cathedral built over decades starting in the late 19th century. There is a mechanical clock in the bell tower that features a procession of the 12 Apostles at 9am, 12 noon and 6 pm. The interior of the church features a fine collection stained glass windows.
Arcos Vallarta, Vallarta at Glorieta Minerva - A romanesque double arch which once signaled the western edge of the city. There are nice views to be had from the top and interesting murals to view on the way up.
Glorieta Minerva This glorieta (traffic circle) showcases a giant statue of the Roman goddess Minerva,one of the most important symbols of Guadalajara, surrounded by a fountain. It's sometimes shut down to traffic and opened to pedestrians when there's a major city celebration such as when the Chivas futbol team wins a major game.
Glorieta Chapalita, Guadalajara at Av. Las Rosas - Lovely neighborhood gathering place. On Sundays, local artists show off their creations while local residents show off dogs. Big celebrations here on national holidays.
Ninos Heroes Monument to six teenage military cadets who died defending Mexico City's military academy from U.S. forces during the Mexican–American War.
Sights downtown
Barranca de Oblatos, Northern terminus of Calz Independencia Norte. This is the forested gorge of the Río Lerma-Santiago. There are two locations with fine vistas of the gorge. At the Northern end of Calz Independencia is the Parque Mirador which not only offers vistas of the gorge, but hiking opportunities as well. Also the Guadalajara Zoo, East of Calz Independencia just past the Periferico, has wonderful vistas of gorge. You can reach both via buses #62A and #62D which run along Calz Independencia.
Zoologico - Guadalajara Zoo. The Guadalajara zoo is a modern zoological park worth visiting both for its collection of animals, its safari ride, and its views of the Barranca de Oblatos. Highlights include a safari ride, reptile house, nocturnal environment exhibit, a tropical forest simulated environment, and more.
Parque Agua Azul, East of Calz Independencia about 1.5 km South of the Centro. Open air concerts, a butterfly enclosure, an aviary and plenty of green to enjoy. This is a good place to take a break from the often dry, dusty and crowded environment of the city. The park houses a museum of paleontology and there is a museum of regional archeology just across Calz Independencia. The 1.5 km from the centro to the park is quite walkable, but it is also accessible via the 62A and 62D buses along the Calz Independencia.
Parque Mirador has beautiful views of Sierra Madre. It has pretty gardens and benches are scattered around the park which lets you sit and enjoy the different views the park has to offer.
El Parque Colomos has two beautiful gardens, a Japanese and a Cacti. This park is family friendly since it has goldfish ponds and that allows children to feed the fish. The park also offers horseback riding right in front of the entrance. This park is a beautiful place to take wedding pictures in or a special event.
Activities
Estadio Omnilife, Located in Zapopan, it is a difficult place to reach by public transport, but the most modern stadium currently in Mexico and Latin America. It is close to the Periférico Oriente, so taking a taxi is the best option. Alternatively, use any bus that will go around Periferico and you'll eventually get there, just ask the driver to let you know when you are there, since the stadium's visibility from Periferico is very limited.
This is the stadium where the most popular soccer team in the city and the whole country, Club Deportivo Guadalajara also known as Las Chivas plays since 2010. Chivas play here every other saturday at 19:00, unless otherwise specified. If you happen to be in Guadalajara on a saturday, you are most likely to find either a Chivas soccer game in this stadium, or an Atlas soccer game at Estadio Jalisco.
Big games to watch out for are Chivas vs. Atlas which can be held on both stadiums, depending on which one is the local team and Chivas vs. America the "superclasico nacional, due to these teams being the main rivals, sort of a derby, which are sure to have a sold-out stadium and intense atmosphere surrounding them. This stadium will also be serving the opening ceremony to the Juegos Panamericanos Guadalajara 2011, and many of its competitions.
Estadio Jalisco, Located in Colonia Independencia, it can be reached by taking any bus along the Calzada Independencia and asking for the Estadio Jalisco. You will almost definitely see it if you look out, it will be on your left as you come from the center. Here the soccer team Atlas plays. Chivas used to play on this stadium until 2010, when their new stadium Estadio Omnilife, listed above was finished. During the season there are league games every other Saturday. If Atlas is playing as a visitor, then you can look for a Chivas game at Estadio Omnilife.
There are also other games depending on any competitions that involve those clubs, e.g. the Copa Sudamericana, etc. A big game to watch out for is Atlas vs. Chivas, which has an incredible atmosphere, though most games will have an atmosphere worth experiencing. If you are of a nervous disposition, perhaps avoid the upper stands when there is a large crowd as it's known to shake when the crowds begin to jump.
Estadio 3 de Marzo, Another soccer stadium, located in the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara campus in the north of the city. Here the UAG soccer team (universally known as los Estudiantes) play, also in the Primera Liga along with the other Guadalajara teams, Atlas and Deportivo Guadalajara.
See a Bullfight, the Plaza de Toros or Bull ring is located right across the road from the Estadio Jalisco on Calzada Independencia. You might not be able to see it from the bus, as it's hidden behind some trees, so get off when you see the Estadio Jalisco and go in the opposite direction. Bullfights take place every Sunday at 4.30pm.
Feria Internacional del Libro International Book Fair, known by its Spanish initials as la FIL takes place every November in Guadalajara. Companies and delegations come from all over the world to exhibit their books and see books from other places. Every year a country or region is invited to present its books.
Festival Internacional de Cine or International Cinema Festival
Grito de Independencia Independece Yell Traditional Independence day 'grito' or 'yell'. Locals go to the main square and collectively shout when the clock strikes midnight. Generally the people shout 'Viva' and then 'México' or the name of an important Mexican person, for example 'Viva Hidalgo', etc.
Las Posadas or The Inns, Traditional Mexican christmas practice, recreating the passage of Joseph and Mary through Bethlehem, asking for shelter and being refused. Generally nowadays this is a celebration for family and friends, but if you know a Mexican, it's a great way to experience first hand Mexican culture. Regular appearances include Pinatas, Mariachi bands, Mexican beer, Tequila and much merriment.
Tianguis or Street Markets, Typical Mexican place to buy goods and cheaper than other locations. There are a number of them in Guadalajara.
Tianguis el Baratillo, Huge tianguis which meets northeast of the centre, contains everything from electronics to old coins to dog toys to animals to DVDs and many more things besides.
Tianguis Cultural, Every Saturday from 10:30am to 4:00pm in the Plaza Benito Juarez, immediately SW of the Parque Agua Azul at the corner of 16 de Septiembre and Av Washington. Free concerts, open air chess, artists at work and an open air market draw a young crowd to this weekly celebration of alternative culture.
Mercado Libertad, known universally as Mercado San Juan de Dios. Another large tianguis, great for collecting souveniers, also has cloth, food, clothes and traditional dresses.
Plaza Galerias, Guadalajara's biggest mall, located in the crossing of the Vallarta and Rafael Sanzio avenues. It houses Guadalajara's biggest multiplex cinema, with 20 THX projection rooms and 4 VIP rooms. Has multi-storey parking areas as well as more than 1 square kilometer of open parking space shared with a Wal-Mart and a Sam's Club. Served by the bus routes 25, 47 and 629.
Plaza Andares, Guadalajara's newest mall, located in the crossing of the Patria Avenue and Puerta de Hierro. It houses stores like DKNY, Cartier, Hugo Boss, Mont Blanc,Helmut Lang, Fendi, Alexander Mcqueen, Versace, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Valentino, Diesel, Cavalli, Calvin Klein, Channel and Dior among others.
Plaza del Sol, located near the crossing between the Lopez Mateos and Mariano Otero avenues. Guadalajara's second biggest mall, it has a multi-story car park and an open layout, with big, open spaces in the middle, surrounded by hallways. Served by the bus routes 357, 101, 24, 258, 626, 629, 645 and 701, as well as the Santa Anita busses that connect the nearby town of Santa Anita with the metropolitan area.
The Torrena Tower, measuring 336.5 m, is under construction next to Plaza del Sol, also next to Plaza Torrena, a smaller, underground mall that can be recognized by its white concrete dome located in the crossing of the López Mateos and Mariano Otero avenues.
Plaza Patria, enclosed by the Patria, Avila Camacho and Américas avenues. It's a two-story mall, not as big as Plaza del Sol or other malls, but with a sizeable assortment of stores, including fashion, electronics, convenience stores and a supermarket. Served by the bus routes 24, 25, 604, 622, 632, 634 and 701.
Centro Magno, located between Vallarta and López Cotilla avenues. It has a big, wide, closed space in the middle, surrounded mostly by restaurants, fashion, electronics and bazaar stores, with a cinema on the top floor. Served directly by the bus routes 629A and 629B, and by the nearby routes 626, 622, 24, 258 and 101.
Tlaquepaque's Old Town District displays a huge assortment of Mexican arts and crafts as well as decorative traditional and contemporary home furnishings. All product qualities ranging from the finest ceramic, glass, pewter, etc, to traditional pottery created by many of Mexico's Great Masters is on display and for sale. Tlaquepaque is chosen by many homeowners and decorators to furnish and decorate their homes, restaurants or hotels.
Plaza Mexico it is located seven blocks west of the Plaza Galeria del Calzado. Av. Mexico 3300, it is the city second most popular shopping mall that offers about 120 stores. It is open daily from 10-8.
Galeria del Calzado located in Av. Mexico Av. 3225 is an entire mall that contains over 60 shoe stores. This is a good store for anybody that is obsessed and dedicated with buying shoes. The prices and style vary. The store is opened from Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Local Dish Specialties
Birria, tortas ahogadas, and chilaquiles are some of the most traditional dishes in Guadalajara. The food court in the Mercado Libertad is good place to sample the variety of local specialties.
Birria Birria is a savory stew made of roast chiles, spices and traditionally goat, though you will usually be given other meat options like mutton or beef depending on the restaurant. For Birria, the restaurants in the Nueve Esquinas area (a few blocks South of Templo San Francisco) are quite popular (and quite good).
Tortas ahogadas these are subs on bolillo bread drowned in a savory chile and tomato sauce. Numerous restaurants in the Centro Historico specialize in these.
Pozole A hearty soup of pork and hominy topped with fresh cabbage, radish, onion and cilantro. There are some very good pozole stands in the food court of the Mercado Libertad.
Mollete A popular local breakfast food. A french style roll split and covered with refried beans then topped with ham or chorizo and cheese and toasted.
Tamales consists of a masa mix made of maseca which is corn based dough and in it contains mole which is red or green salsa and the choice of chicken or pork. Most people make tamales for holidays such as Christmas, the Day of the Dead, Mexican Independence Day, or New Years.
Enchiladas are a corn or flour tortilla rolled around and filled with meat, cheese, vegetables and/or potatoes and covered with chili pepper sauce. On top of the enchiladas it may have sour cream and cheese depending on what you may like on it.
Places To Eat
Birreria Las 9 Esquinas is located on Colon 384, corner of Galeana, Centro Historico, Guadalajara, Jalisco. It is well known for its lamb birria and barbacoa. The restaurant is in a plaza that is one of Guadalajara's oldest neighborhoods named, Nine Corners, for its intersecting streets.
La Rinconada, 86 Morelos on the Morelos pedestrian mall. Traditional Mexican fare served to the tourist crowd in a restored 19th century mansion. In the evenings you will be serenaded by strolling Mariachis here.
La Chata, Corona 126 South of Juarez. Very popular and very crowded. Traditional food the way mom used to make it, or so they say. Needless to say the prices are higher here than in other places serving the same fare, but prices are still pretty reasonable. You can view the menu on their website, but it's a bit annoying. You can have a good meal there for MXN100.
Fonda San Miguel, Donato Guerra No. 25, about 4 blocks W of the Cathedral. The restaurant is housed in an old convent, with most of the seating in the covered courtyard. It is quite picturesque. The fare is traditional Mexican, including standards like chicken in mole poblano, chiles en nogada, etc.
El Sacromonte, Av Pedro Moreno 1398 at Colonias. The food here is traditional Mexican served a little more artfully for a more well off clientele. Subdued old-style violin centered mariachis play here in the early afternoon.
TlaquePasta, Calle Reforma 139 in Tlaquepaque area of Guadalajara. Located within the Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel offers a nice combination of 1/2 Mexican menu and 1/2 Italian (only Italian menu in Tlaquepaque). Great tasting food, attractive setting, and reasonably priced.
El Parian, in the centre of Tlaquepaque, not one restaurant but several surrounding a square with a bandstand. A nice place to sit and have a drink or enjoy a meal. It has numerous mariachis who will play for you for a fee and also public performances from 9.30 at night. Beware that service is often very slow for this touristy but its a beautiful spot.
La Gran Vastaguera, KM 6.5 Highway OCOTLAN-LA BARCA. It’s the very best in Mexican and International food. At the restaurant you can enjoy a variety of appetizers, drinks, as well as meals including steak, seafood and chicken.
They ensure that each guest receives prompt, professional, friendly and courteous service. They also count with three cactus gardens and in your visit you will be able to learn a little about cactus in Mexico, since they have the 65% of these plants.
Tacos Providencia, located on Ave. Ruben Dario one block away from Ave. Manuel Acuna in Providencia neighborhood, is on of the finest taco shops in town. Is most famous for its tacos al pastor. The restaurant also includes quesadillas.
Tacos Fish La Paz, located on La Paz at Donato Guerra near the Centro Historico, is a very popular outdoor stand that serves fried fish tacos, shrimp, or crab tacos dorados. You order everything at the front of the stand and pay, and are then presented with a ticket that you use to receive your tacos and drinks. The stand includes access to a great salsa, hot sauce, and cold slaw bar. Very clean, with lots of small tables for sitting.
La Tomate Taqueria on Chapultepec 361, at the intersection Chapultepec and Calle Jose Guadalupe Zuno Hernandez (two blocks south of La Paz), Chapultepec/Colonia Americana. This very popular taqueria offers huge plates of al pastor or other types of meat with cheese and seven salsas served with house-made tortillas. It is very busy late at night due to the nearby bars. A medium platter is more than enough for one person, while a full order can feel 2-4. Vegetarian options available as well.
La Boca de Cielo on Morelos 1548 (Ramos Millan), Colonia Americana. Very popular local mariscos (seafood) restaurant open for lunch only (which means 12-6 pm in Mexico). Enjoy carnitas de atun (tuna) tacos, ceviche with apples and mangoes, and a house-made lemonade served with mint leaves and berries. There is often a waiting list at about 3 pm. Prices are very reasonable, and they accept credit cards.
Goa un sabor de la India is located on López Cotilla 1520-A in Colonia Americana just past Chapultepec. Indian restaurant with a lovely and exotic environment. The food is mainly from North India.
If you miss American fast food, then you're in luck. Guadalajara has 14 McDonald's outlets.
Bars And Clubs
Search out a bar with large collection of Tequilas and taste a greate blanca, reposada and anejo. If you ask for a tequila from Los Altos that is traditional, you will almost certainly get something good. Los Altos is the region NE of GDL where the best tequila is made and it brings up images of tradition, patriotism and individualism.
There are tons of places, in the centre of Zapopan, there are more than twelve bars near each other.
El Primer Piso. A lively and fun jazz bar, el Primer Piso is open Tuesday-Saturday night. Good music, good food and a red upholstered ceiling are trademarks. Pedro Moreno and Escorza.
Different types of bars are pretty easy to find. There are many more youth-oriented places, along with others, near the Teatro Degollado,Opera House. Nice area.
Americas, St Cuauhtemoc, guadalajara, mexico. We found a lot of bars/cafés/restaurants along Cuauhtemoc close to the suburb/area Americas
Los Famosos Equipales located on Juan Alvarez 710, Guadalajara, Mexico 44100 is a famous bar that offers snacks to accompany your drinks. One of its famous drinks is named Las Nalgas Alegres or Happy Buttocks, which is a pink-colored delicious, albeit strong concoction. A jukebox is playing music at all times which allows you to have a good time.
Anime Bar located on Avenue Chapultepec Sur, Guadalajara, Mexico 44650 is also a famous bar known for its lit up bottles on the shelves. The bar has low key lightning and plays contemporary music.
Ibiza Club is located on Avenida Mariano Otero 2407, Guadalajara, Mexico 44560. It specializes in electronic and dance music. This club usually attracts the youth because the music pumps up the energy for nonstop dancing.
Hard Rock Live is located on Av. Vallarta 2425, Local A-8, Guadalajara, Mexico 44160. It is a chain that is linked to Hard Rock Cafe. It is a venue designed for concerts with a capacity for up to 850 people. Local and international bands and soloists come here to perform songs and/or dance.
The people who don't come to sing or dance can sit down have a drink and enjoy the music. The Hard Rock live no longer exists, but there are a lot of clubs to go. Mala Noche, Old Jack's, El Muro or the more spicy Bandida's.
Accomodation
Many inexpensive hotels are available in the city center. If you plan to spend much time downtown, don't get a hotel farther away. It's much more convenient to be able to walk back than to need to find a bus back to a less central location e.g. the Minerva area.
Ibeurohotel, Av. Mariano Otero No. 3235, Fracc. Verde Valle, Guadalajara, Jal. checkin: 2 PM; checkout: 12 PM. This Hotel, offers the perfect accommodation for your conventions and business trips to the city. Its located just across the most important convention center of the city, Expo Guadalajara. It also offers spacious and roofed prívate parking lot, cafeteria, high speed wireless internet and safe deposit boxes MXN36.
Quinta Don Jose Boutique Hotel, Reforma # 139 Tlaquepaque area. Located in Tlaquepaque which along with Tonala, make up the arts and crafts district of Guadalajara. 15 rooms, bar, pool, small restaurant. Pet friendly.
Hostel Tequila Backpacker, Ave. Hidalgo 1160. checkin: 2 PM; checkout: 12 PM. By far the cleanest, chillest hostel in the city. If you´re sick of staying in grungy hostels, this is a good choice. Free breakfast, hot showers, super clean and a pool!!. Pay 6 nights, stay 7, student discount, etc. Highly recommended. 180.
Hostal Galeria, Morelos #1281 Near to Chapultepec Avenue. checkin: 2PM; checkout: noon. Located only 4 blocks from the bars, galeries, restaurants zone and 15 minutes walking to the Historic Center. The hostel has twin size beds in all the rooms, WiFi, hot showers, roof terrace, roof garden, free breakfast. The staff will help you in all your needs. MXN180.
Hotel Hamilton, Calle Madero 381. One of the only cheap hotels with a good, central location. Cheaper than a dorm room in many hostels. Wifi is poor but you can go to the Biblioteca LARVA down the street to work for free. The rooms vary in quality significantly, so ask to see several different ones first. MXN190 and up.
Hostel de Maria, Nueva Galicia # 924 Zona de las nueve esquinas. Cozy hostel walking distance from down town. MXN170 MXN160 with an HI card.
Hostel Guadalajara Centro, Maestranza # 147 on the corner of Lopez Cotilla. An excellent youth hostel, MXN125 with a HI card, MXN165 without.
Hotel la Calandria, Estadio # 100. Very clean and overall nice hotel. Located very close to the old bus station Central Camionera Vieja and a Wal-Mart, which is always helpful when you need to get this and that. MXN170 for a two person room, even cheaper for one person. Nice and highly recommended.
Around the old bus station at Central Camionera Vieja one can find very cheap hotels. Try to look around. A 20 minute walk around the area finds surprising results.
Hotel San Francisco Plaza, Two blocks East of the Plaza San Francisco. The hotel is centered on two covered courtyards. There are some awful rooms, so it's worth talking to the person you reserve with to see what it will cost to get something on one of the courtyards, on an upper floor, and away from the North side of the building where there is quite a bit of traffic. Rooms run about MXN500 a night. Breakfasts at the hotel restaurant are very good. Beatriz, the usual morning waitress, is a bundle of sunshine.
Posada del Marques , located 5 minutes from La Minerva, the glorious fountain-monument that symbolizes the city. All rooms equipped with American breakfast, Air-conditioning, Living room and Work area. Some of its facilities and services are Wi-Fi access, 24-hour front desk, Baggage storage, Safe deposit boxes, Business center and outdoor swimming pool.Several places of interest and tourist attractions.Rates MXN1,080
Casa Venezuela, On Venezuela street between La Paz and Guadalupe Zuno. Like staying in a museum of a tradition mexican home. Everything about the place is beautiful but there are only a few rooms so you have to schedule well in advance. Breakfast is as good. The location is the Colonia Americana.
It's on the outskirts of the actual centro but you can walk right in the heart of the hip area that has all of the bars, universities, and trendy restaurants. I think the rooms are USD70-100 a night. By far, our favorite place in GDL.
NH Guadalajara, Sao Paulo 2334, Col. Providencia. 44630 Guadalajara. Guadalajara, Jalisco. Located in one of the busiest districts of Guadalajara, this hotel offers 137 comfortable and relaxing rooms. Take advantage of the gym, the Nhube restaurant and the meeting rooms available on-site. From USD97.88.
Fiesta Americana Guadalajara, Aurelio Aceves 225. Large, modern, full-service hotel on a busy street in a mostly residential area. Has a decent nightclub on site that seems to draw a fair number of locals. Impressive atrium and comfortably open lobby bar.
Quinta Real, near Glorieta Ave. Mexico and Ave. Lopez Mateos, small hotel great for couples, great restaurants.
Villa Ganz located in Lopez Cotilla 1739 Col. Lafayette, Guadalajara 44140, Mexico is a 4 star hotel that offers a welcoming drink, access to the gymnasium, parking available and unlimited local calls.
Hotel de Mendoza located in Calle Venustiano Carranza 16 Centro Histórico, Guadalajara 44100, Mexico is a 2.5 star hotel that are close to Teatro Degollado, Hospicio Cabanas, and Plaza de Armas. Also nearby are Catedral Metropolitana and University of Guadalajara Assembly Hall. It has an outdoor pool and a health club. Ecotours and golfing are nearby. The hotel offer one restaurant, has 4 floors, one patio, one outdoor pool and 17 suites.
La Mansion del Sol located in Av Moctezuma 1596,Ciudad del Sol, Guadalajara 45050, Mexico is a 3.5 star hotel. Once you walk in you are greeted with fresh fruit and a glass of orange juice depending on the time of day. The hotel also includes a sauna, a steam room, and a fitness facility.
The good thing about this hotel is that tourists that don't speak Spanish can come to this hotel that offers translating services. A complimentary breakfast is served each morning and there is a bar/lounge inside the hotel.
Guadalajara is known to be one of the safest cities in Mexico. Nonetheless, the usual precautions should be taken as in any other large city. Crimes against tourists and foreign students are not very frequent and mostly take the form of purse snatching. Criminals usually work in teams and target travelers in busy places, such as outdoor restaurants.
Should anyone spill something on you, be alert to your surroundings and step away,accidental spills are a common method for distracting the victim.
Never carry illegal substances with you; Mexican police are very strict regarding these cases.
Emergency numbers in Guadalajara: Emergency (066); Air and Land Ambulance (52-33) 3616-9616; Green Angels or Road Assistance (52-33) 3668-1800 extension 31489; Municipal Anti Rabies Centre of Guadalajara (52-33) 3643-1917 or 3644-6206; Fire Fighters (52-33) 3619-5155 or 3619-0510; Guadalajara Amber Cross (52-33) 3605-0092; Mexican Red Cross 065 or (52-33) 3345-7777; Green Cross (52-33) 3614-5252 or 3613-1572; Municipal Police of Guadalajara (52-33) 3668-0800; and Safety for Tourists 01 800 36 32 200. You can also get in contact with the embassy or consulate of your country of origin.
Visiting places
Tequila - great for tequila tasting experience. Drive or take a bus. The bus costs about USD9-12 round trip and about 1.5 hrs each way. It is beautiful countryside. For a memorable weekend day trip, take the Tequila Express it's a fun atmosphere with tequila shots and roving mariachis crooning you all the way to Tequila.
The train leaves Saturday and Sunday mornings at 10am from the Guadalajara train station, returning the same evening. Jose Cuervo distillery has a packaged tour that will pick you from your hotel, take you to an agave farm, then to the distillery, show you around the distillery, give you samples, take you to their galleria and offer a free margarita and 10% off at a restaurant. The city is quaint and worth exploring.
Lake Chapala, the main regional vacation spot with picturesque towns like Chapala and Ajijic,the latter of which has a sizeable gringo expat community.
Guachimontones, a prehispanic (300 BCE - 900 CE) archaeological site near the town of Teuchitlan about an hour west of Guadalajara known for its unique circular stepped pyramids. This 100-plus acre complex was only discovered in the 1970s.
Mazamitla, a picturesque town in Los Altos south of Lake Chapala.
Tapalpa a great mountain town near Cd Guzman, offers hotel and cabana like rooms for a nice weekend retreat
San Juan de los Lagos, second most visited pilgrimage site in Mexico after La Basilica de Guadalupe in Mexico City.
Places further away include Puerto Vallarta, Bolanas an indigenous huichol community, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes and Colima.
Tourism Observer
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