Jalisco has practically given Mexico its identity as birthplace to Charros, Mariachi and… Tequila!
Discover everything this marvelous destination has to offer.  

Hay Jalisco No te Rajes!
Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Guadalajara, tienes el alma de provinciana…

You may have heard the songs; essential tunes in Mexican restaurants and Mariachi celebrations. And it’s easy to understand why Jalisco – and Guadalajara, its capital – have been immortalized in music.

The state of Jalisco is located in central western Mexico and occupies four percent of the country, expanding its diverse terrain all the way west to the Pacific Ocean. A Jalisco vacation is sure to satisfy the soul; from the hills of Tequila to the cosmopolitan richness of Guadalajara to the spiritual awakening of San Juan de los Lagos to the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. It’s it all here! 

GUADALAJARA
Guadalajara is Mexico’s second largest city and the country’s center for technology and industry.  It’s rich in culture and tradition. A beautiful city, with architectural styles ranging from the baroque to the modern to the French and Spanish influenced colonial architecture, a product of Guadalajara’s initial settlement. The historic downtown district including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Degollado Theater and several buildings in the Lafayette neighborhood are perfect examples of neoclassical design. With many pedestrian-only streets it’s easy to enjoy the city’s charm and discover its energy; especially the plaza with its mariachi groups performing tourist’s requests. 

Guadalajara continues to grow by leaps and bounds; Torrena will be the tallest building in Latin America and the Guggenheim foundation has approved construction of the sixth Guggenheim museum in the world.  When it comes to shopping there is Plaza Galerias, one of the largest shopping centers in Latin America; and an abundance of malls and top designer name boutiques. Tlaquepaque is one of the most picturesque shopping districts you can find. 

EVENTS
The 2011 Pan-American Games are coming here. Other major cultural festivals include the Guadalajara Municipal Book Fair, Guadalajara Contemporary Dance Festival, and the Guadalajara International Film Festival.  

THE MARIACHI FESTIVAL
As birthplace to Mariachi it’s only fitting that each September practitioners and lovers of mariachi music from all over the world gather for the prestigious Festival de Mariachi y Charreria. Here you’ll see groups from Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, even Africa; proving just how far Mariachi music has traveled. The Festival also delivers the biggest names in the genre.  Vicente and Alejandro Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, and Mariachi Vargas, the granddaddies of the genre, can usually be found here during this time.  In 2009 Guadalajara even entered the Guinness Book of World Records when it had the greatest number of mariachi ever gathered playing the same songs for 10 minutes. Part of the Festival includes a charreria competition.

Charreada (similar to rodeo) is a national sport in Mexico and during the Festival you can enjoy the many facets of this discipline. 

TEQUILA
Jalisco is the center of the Mexican tequila industry, and the town of Tequila gave the famous spirit its name. Several tequila factories provide guided tours of Tequila and surrounding towns. Tequila Express is one of the best.  You start with a train ride through the blue agave fields, visit the Herradura distillery and witness the tequila making process followed lunch and a show; all the while sipping tequila from the minute you step into the train! 

LAKE CHAPALA
Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake, a tranquil setting of spectacular beauty. You can enjoy multiple activities and excellent restaurants serving great seafood.  

SAN JUAN DE LOS LAGOS
A truly unique experience is a visit to San Juan de Los Lagos.  The small town appears to be a movie set.  It has a town square that comes alive every night with food vendors, live music and fireworks.  But the main attraction is the Basilica San Juan de Los Lagos, Mexico’s second most visited cathedral. The town has a population just over 50,000 but more than 4 million pilgrims visit the Basilica each year. The faithful make their pilgrimage walking, on horseback, and many on their knees. Hotel reservations are limited so if you plan to stay overnight reserve early. 

PUERTO VALLARTA
At the western end of Jalisco you’ll find Puerto Vallarta an idyllic resort town with great beaches and top notch hotels.  

AIRPORT
Guadalajara International Airport is the third busiest after Mexico City and Cancún and serves most U.S carriers offering flights to the rest of Mexico, major American cities, Central and South America, and connections to Europe.

Mariachi, Charros and…Tequila! 
Foe more information:
www.visitmexico.com

Additional information provided by Gustavo Rivas and Mexico Tourism