Jalisco boasts some amazing places to visit, ranging from colorful Pueblo Magicos, historical landmarks, outdoor activities and delectable cuisine. Here is our pick of the BEST PLACES to visit in Jalisco!
La Media Luna Hacienda stands out among others as being said to have inspired Juan Rulfo’s classic novel and offering beautiful surroundings like its waterfall. Find some time out of your daily schedule of work and online slot games through yoakimbridge.com to visit Jalisco.
1. Guadalajara
Guadalajara, Mexico’s gateway to tequila and mariachi music, offers big city Mexico with small-town charm. A vibrant food and design scene propelled by ambitious newcomers adding modern twists on regional classics has led the city’s food and design scene forward, as have numerous festivals honoring local crafts – not to mention in March alone!
Plaza de Armas is the main focus of city life in Jalisco City, hosting both its cathedral and government palace (Palacio de Gobierno). Also present here are many distinctive colonial structures such as Rotunda of Illustrious Jalisco Citizens (Rotunda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres) and Parroquia San Cristobal.
Bosque Colomos Park provides an ideal retreat from city bustle. This peaceful green space features a serene Japanese garden and running tracks as well as an educational cultural center offering classes in folk dancing, painting and drawing. Bosque de los Colomos is also popular among bird-watchers and picnickers looking for peace.
Tlaquepaque, once a bustling colonial village, now hosts an expansive crafts and craft center filled with handicrafts made by artisan makers from all over Mexico and artisan souvenirs from artisan makers from all over. Shop leather products and tourist trinkets on its multi-level complex or visit one of several galleries showcasing Mexican artists like Galeria Curro or Travesia Cuatro which showcase up-and-coming contemporary talent; then drop into some churches such as Templo de la Merced or Nuestra Seora de Aranzazu which boast gold decoration and lovely murals from their creators!
2. Tequila
Tequila is an idyllic town steeped in Mexican spirit and an UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of the nation’s oldest distilleries offering tasting tours. While you’re there, make sure to stop by the charming plaza with its colonial-style buildings adorned with colorful colonial-style balconies as well as La Capilla del Santo Cristo de la Salud Chapel known for its beautiful paintings and intricate stonework – it will all leave an indelible mark!
Casa Sauza Distillery provides visitors with an unforgettable experience, as they explore every step of making its iconic beverage – from planting agave seeds and fermenting fermentation, through to aging its final products – blanco, reposado and anejo varieties – in an informative yet interactive tour that’s suitable for all ages. Plus you get to try its finished products: blanco, reposado and anejo varieties!
Jose Cuervo La Rojena Distillery stands out among Mexico’s numerous distilleries as one of the oldest. Since 1795, they’ve been crafting this delicious beverage – most notably their Espolon line, made using smaller virgin oak barrels with lighter No. 2 char which produce fruitier sweeter notes while maintaining traditional anejo spice notes.
El Capitan and Tres Generaciones tequilas from this company are two popular options, using an elegant Hi/Lo blend of agave from both Highlands and Lowlands for optimal sipping quality when mixed with water. These wines produce full-bodied yet smooth tasting tequila that pairs beautifully when served ice cold or mixed with soda water for sipping pleasure.
3. San Sebastian del Oeste
San Sebastian del Oeste in Jalisco State, west Mexico, is one of Mexico’s Pueblo Magicos (magical towns), designated historic mining communities where time seems to stand still. Cobblestone streets lead you past still active haciendas as well as restaurants and shops where you’ll find local handicrafts, silver pieces that reflect its history, cigars and farms growing avocados and coffee – perfect spots for shopping or sightseeing!
At the center of El Zocalo lies its main square: home to a hacienda standing in one corner and used for horse and carriage stables; nearby are Franciscan friars’ church built to honor San Sebastian Martir and cemetery where many notable residents rest peacefully.
Car is the ideal way to explore this area, giving you more freedom of travel and stopping wherever desired. However, bring plenty of water as shaded trails may become hot. La Bufa viewpoint offers spectacular mountain views of Sierra Madre region; additionally Haraveri Botanical Garden features in-situ conservation projects of local flora that is sure to please all nature enthusiasts.
4. Mazamitla
Mazamitla, known as an entrance to Sierra del Tigre, features stunning natural landscapes, an array of outdoor activities, and friendly people. This hidden gem also serves as the gateway into this mountainous region with tranquil forests, waterfalls, green meadows and stunning mountain vistas.
Ecotourism enthusiasts find this town to be an idyllic eco-tourism spot, with numerous forest cabins offering panoramic views of surrounding natural environments. Adventure seekers also flock here – hiking, horseback riding, climbing and ATV tours all available here!
One of the main attractions in Mazamitla is Cascada El Salto, a breathtaking waterfall which flows into a small lake in a green valley. This amazing spectacle makes an excellent place for relaxation and meditation, or prayer services. To gain more insight into Mazamitla history, Parroquia de San Cristobal should also be visited.
El Tigre Canyon offers breathtaking views of Lake Chapala from one side and beyond, as well as famous pottery and wooden carvings produced in town shops and local workshops. Additionally, numerous restaurants and cafes provide relaxing environments to take in the scenery or grab something to eat during their visit.
5. Cascada El Salto del Nogal
Jalisco is at the core of Mexican life and home to many of its beloved traditions, from ranchera music and mariachis to tequila production and beyond. Furthermore, this region also serves as the site for many indigenous communities such as Huichol and Nahua cultures.
One of the must-visit destinations in Jalisco is Ajijic, a lakefront town that draws in expats in Mexico, retirees and travelers alike. Set on Lake Chapala – Mexico’s largest lake – the town enjoys subtropical temperatures in spring with breathtaking forested mountains all around it providing ample outdoor recreational activities and attractions.
Ajijic serves as an ideal home base to discover other hidden gems of Jalisco, such as Centro Cultural museum, Tobolandia water park, El Tepalo hiking area and Parroquia San Andres Apostol Church. A short drive away is beautiful Guadalajara for easy day trip or longer stays.
Tequila, famous for producing Tequila, is another must-see location in Jalisco. As a pueblo magico (magic village), this town features plenty of natural beauty, traditional Mexican culture, historic sites and historic tequila distilleries to visit if you are curious about learning the process for making its signature spirit.
6. San Juan de los Lagos
San Juan de los Lagos is known as one of Mexico’s “magical towns”, boasting abundant charm. Less than three hours away from Guadalajara, this picturesque sleepy town nestled among mountains and pine forests offers colourful wooden buildings and inviting plazas – its highlight being Parroquia de San Cristobal which showcases distinctive influences from Far Eastern architecture.
At the heart of San Juan de los Lagos stands the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos, an exquisite baroque structure which houses a shrine dedicated to Mary, brought here from Italy in the early 1500s and known for her miraculous powers ever since. Her image can also be found at Cihuapilli Museum nearby with priceless paintings and sculptures dedicated to Her presence.
Guadalajara boasts an engaging cultural scene, highlighted by the neoclassical Teatro Degollado with its exceptional acoustics, which plays host to both the Philharmonic Orchestra of Jalisco and Guadalajara City Ballet. Other attractions in Guadalajara include its historic cathedral with twin gold spires; nearby Palacio de Gobierno houses murals by Jose Clemente Orozco; as well as notable attractions like Guadalajara Cathedral; notable attractions also include cathedral with twin gold spires; neighboring Palacio de Gobierno showcases murals by Jose Clemente Orozco.