Hotels and attractions in Guadalajara, Mexico

Guadalajara, Mexico Vacations – Get ready for a real adventure!

Guadalajara, Mexico vacations are full of fun, culture, art and great food! After one visit to this bustling and yet oh so charming city, you’ll be anxious to visit again and again

One of the many joys of traveling to Guadalajara is that this charming and active city is jam packed with so many fun and inspirational things to do and see!

Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and is located more towards the middle of Mexico on the Western side. You’ll also be happy to know that it is just a three hours by car (35 minutes in plane) from Puerto Vallarta (which makes a nice little extra weekend trip)!

While you are visiting Guadalajara, which might turn out to be one of your favorite of all Mexico locations, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of the many wonderful historical, cultural and sports attractions that this world famous city has to offer… in addition to its charm!

The city is very modern and yet surprisingly still preserves its past which is clearly evident when you step into the old downtown district known as el centro historico. While you are touring through downtown Guadalajara, you will soon realize that the attractions are very close together and easily make up a fun walking tour (so be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes).

The main attraction of downtown and a proud and shining emblem of the city is the Guadalajara Cathedral. The Cathedral construction began in the 1560′s and took over 50 years to complete! Any time you step inside you are sure to find people attending mass or many tourists looking on with insatiable curiosity at this marvelous structure.

Just a few steps away from the Cathedral is the Rotunda of Illustrious Men and Women of the state of Jalisco. The rotunda is dedicated to a few select, departed citizens of Jalisco who were honored for their outstanding contributions to society. One in particular was a famous muralist Jose Clemente Orozco, who sprinkled the city with some powerful and extraordinary murals.

The murals of Orozco can be viewed about 15 minutes away in the Cabañas Cultural Institute which once served as an orphanage when it was first built. The old chapel at the institute is home to some of Orozco’s masterpieces and the most famous may be his mural appropriately titled "Man of Fire." The institute was also added as a World Heritage site in 1997.

If you are in the mood for a good scare or interested in history then you may want to consider a stop by the Bethlehem Cemetery, El Panteon de Belen. When you visit this peaceful and beautiful attraction, you will truly feel like you’ve been transported back in time.  It is historically rich as it served as a cemetery during a particularly hard time of famine and disease in Guadalajara back in 1785. This old cemetery stopped serving as a "working" cemetery in October 1896. It has since been converted as an eerie attraction and museum for visitors and residents of Guadalajara to enjoy… and enjoy it they do!  Many residents believe this old graveyard to be haunted and in addition to regular day tours, night tours are also available. You may want to give it a go if you are feeling brave enough to walk around the old, crumbling tombs at night!

If you are a sports fan you will want to see at least one of Guadalajara’s most popular sports, soccer. There are 3 division one soccer teams and 2 stadiums and one of the most popular is Estadio Jalisco or Jalisco Stadium. Even if you are not a sports fan you will be able to appreciate the camaraderie and excitement of the soccer games.

The thrill of the game is being surrounding by the raving fans of Guadalajara and sitting with your beer and popcorn. When you hear the word "GOOOOL," you too will be jumping up and down with excitement (or not!) depending on what side your cheering for! The most popular team in Guadalajara will probably be Chivas, so be sure to catch one of their games. You won’t be disappointed!

After a long day of seeing museums, an old graveyard, beautiful colonial buildings and discovering you newfound love for soccer, the end to a perfect day is biting into a yummy torta ahogada, the all time favorite and famous "drowned sandwich" of Guadalajara!

Do not forget that Guadalajara is the capital of Jalisco, the state of all things Mexican, you’ve obviously enjoyed a margarita made with tequila, or maybe even tasted a straight tequila, well, this liquor is from the town of Tequila, 40 minutes from Guadalajara, you surely heard the Jarabe Tapatío, (watch an amateur video so you recognize the song) and seen the world famous Charro these are all part of the Jalisco heritage and are what best represents Mexico around the world.

Among the best hotels in Guadalajara you’ll find the Presidente Intercontinental, Fiesta Americana, Hilton Guadalajara, Crowne Plaza, Quinta Real, Clarum 101 (adults only),  Camino Real Guadalajara Expo & Holiday Inn Select

This wonderful city is definitely a jewel of Mexico and an absolute "must do," so make Guadalajara, Mexico vacations next on your list of places to see.

Hotel Guadalajara Mexico – San Francisco Plaza
San Francisco Plaza Hotel Guadalajara, Mexico -This hotel has received some very good reviews from travelers on budgets seeking comfortable, modest accomodations at a great price.   Read more…

Casa Tlaquepaque a Wonderful Hotel Boutique. – Tlaquepaque Mexico
A boutique hotel , that hosts the works of contemporary and traditional artists, in harmony with the comfort and glamour of its nine rooms. Tlaquepaque Mexico Bed & Breakfasts Guadalajara Jalisco.   Read more…

Hotel Guadalajara (Hotel Morales Review)
"Our Favorite Hotel in Guadalajara". Hotel Morales. Review by Paula. We found an excellent hotel in Guadalajara, Mexico called Hotel Morales. My husband and I loved pretty much everything about staying at this lovely hotel.  Read more…

San Miguel de Allende – A Beacon for the Tourism Potential
HVS Mexico City performs appraisals of hotels and resorts in markets across Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Please visit us at http://www.hvs.com/Offices/Mexico to learn more. … The popularity of Guadalajara has surged in recent years, attracting new businesses, residents.   Read more…

Please visit attractions in Guadalajara for more fun things to do in the city.