About Guadalajara
Located 335 miles northwest of Mexico City, Guadalajara is the proud state capital of Jalisco and the second most populated city in Mexico. Blessed with excellent temperatures ranging from 52º to 79º F, Guadalajara ranks among Mexico’s three most important cities and it is home to some of the nation’s most important cultural symbols (mariachi, tequila, and Mexican rodeos).
Among its main draws is the magnificent architecture of its historic and religious buildings, in particular that of the Hospicio Cabañas, which houses murals of artist Jose Clemente Orozco and was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and surrounding natural areas, such as El Bosque de la Primavera (the Spring Forest), often referred to as the city’s lungs. In addition, there’s the Parque Metropolitano, where you can do camping and ecotourism outings, as well as all kinds of sports activities.
Guadalajara also stands out for its warm hospitality, well earning its reputation as the Pearl of the West.
In the downtown historic center, you can visit the cathedral, known for its emblematic towers. Behind the cathedral lies the Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theater), a monumental 19th-century building and one of the city’s main cultural arts venues.
Near Guadalajara is Zapopan, the most important religious center in Mexico’s western region. Or you can visit nearby Tonala, the pottery capital of Jalisco and the only city in the nation where more than 10 traditional techniques are used to make various crafts. Also relatively close is the magical Lake Chapala, and the picturesque town of Tequila, where Mexico’s most famous drink is produced. Tlaquepaque, Tonala, Colotlan and Sayula are some of the closest towns to Guadalajara were you can find a wide variety of crafts. Among the most popular items are: hand-blown glass products, ceramics, pottery, huaraches (a type of sandal), serapes, shawls, rugs, rustic furniture, embroidered goods, gold and silver jewelry, and wool blankets.
In Guadalajara, you’ll always find a vibrant nightlife in the various bars and restaurants, where you can also enjoy dinning and the traditional sounds of mariachi music.
Without a doubt, Guadalajara's mix of modernity and tradition makes it one of the most beautiful and prominent cities in México.
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Life in Guadalajara
Guadalajara is a very traditional city. It is considered the most stereotypical Mexican city, because its contribution to Mexican culture. Although Guadalajara has kept many of the rural traditions of Jalisco, it is also a modern and industrial city that offers a high quality of life.
Traditional markets still exist in Guadalajara, but there are also many supermarkets like those commonly found in the United States such as; Wal-Mart, Sam’s Club, COSTCO among others. There are also the Mexican supermarket versions like; Comercial Mexicana, Soriana, and Bodega Ahorrera to name a few. All have various locations throughout the city. OXXO and 7 ELEVEN are convenience stores that can be found on almost every corner.
Whatever your taste, you will find a dining experience to satisfy it. From gourmet Mexican dishes to authentic French food to exotic Lebanese, eating in this city is an endless culinary adventure. Popular chains such as Tony Roma’s, Chili’s, and Hard Rock Cafe are located in most malls. Craving fast food? McDonalds, Burger King, Carls Junior, Wendy’s, Pizza Hut, Whataburger and Subway have numerous locations throughout the city.
Finding a domestic or international bank is always easy thanks to the enormous number of branches in Guadalajara. Banks such as Banamex, Bancomer, Santander, HSBC-Mexico, Bank of America-Mexico, among others, have locations inside supermarkets and are open 7 days a week. ATMs are also very accessible, found everywhere from pharmacies to movie theatres. Guadalajara’s infrastructure is comparable to any major American city.
The Metropolitan Zone of Guadalajara has several commercial centers. The city is the national leader in development and investment in commercial stores.
Guadalajara’s cultural wealth has an important role in the tourism sector. Many important cultural events of the country are hosted here. Guadalajara is a main destination for people who visit Mexico.
Post Office and Telephones
Telephone To make phone calls, follow the chart below:
| To Mexico from the U.S. | (direct): 011 52 (city code) + (local number) |
| To U.S. from Mexico | (direct): 01-(area code)-(prefix)-(4-digits) |
Post Office
For about $.60, you can mail a letter to the U.S., but it will take1-3 weeks to arrive. If you are mailing anything important, be sure to take it directly to the post office.
Fedex and UPS are also an option.
Newspapers
There is various such as:
El Informador
El Occidental
Mural
There is an English monthly newspaper in Guadalajara calledGuadalajara Colony Reporter .
Religion
About 97% of Mexicans are Roman Catholic. The Church is a large part of their culture, and since the Catholic understanding is that marriage is forever, you will see a relatively low divorce rate, and a more traditional role for the wife and the husband.
Sights
Downtown:
Plaza de la Liberación
At this large Plaza you can watch a military ceremony at the end of the day when the soldiers do their famous retiring of the colors. There are horse drawn carriages that will take you for a short ride for a reasonable price.
Museo Regional
At this museum in the historic center of Guadalajara you can learn all about the history of Mexico. Find the Calle Liceo, 60 at Hidalgo. Closed Mondays.
Palacio de Gobierno
Check out the immense murals of famous José Clemente Orozco, and then climb on the roof (legally, of course) for a birds-eye view of the city.
Cathedral
You can view this cathedral, originally built in 1558, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Take care not to visit before 2 p.m. on Sundays, when you will interrupt Mass.
Teatro Degollado
In this historic building you can sit in for some Ballet Folklorico.
Mercado Libertad
A great budget-friendly way to experience Mexican culture at its height! You will find this market, reputed the biggest covered market in the world, at Javier Mina and Independencia. Take some pictures to send home!
Zoológico Guadalajara
Get off at the bus stop marked “Independencia.” You may have to walk nearly 1.5 km from the stop, but this zoo is worth it! For 22 pesos, you can see many exotic birds and other animals.
Day Trips and Weekend Trips
Lago de Chapala & Chapala
Lago de Chapala is the country’s second biggest lake tucked away in a valley surrounded by mountains. Founded in 1510, the village of Chapala borders this lake, offering lively markets and a peaceful path near the lake.
Tequila
Since the 17th century, this city has been dedicated to the production of its namesake. There are 16 tequila distilleries in the town of Tequila, which is mostly touristy with many t-shirt and souvenir shops. You can tour either a Sauza or a Jose Cuervo factory.
Tonalá
This small artisan’s village is a shopper’s paradise! In the Plaza Principal you will find a Market (every Thursday and Sunday) that has local artisans selling goods. You will have a choice of rugs, glassware, dolls, baskets, and inexpensive silver works. There is a great view of Guadalajara if you walk north of the city.
Puerto Vallarta
The second-most visited resort in all of Mexico, attracting 2.2 million tourists per year, Puerto Vallarta has long-served as an unhurried refuge for people seeking more than just a beautiful beach. The sun-drenched colonial seaside town is both dramatic in setting and diverse in its appeal.
Mexico City
Is the capital and largest city in the country of Mexico. Mexico City is also the Federal District (Distrito Federal), seat of the federal government. The Federal District is considered a federal entity within Mexico and is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole. It is the most important political, cultural and financial center in the country. Mexico City is also considered an important financial center in Latin America.
Traditional Foods in Guadalajara
Birria, tortas ahogadas, and chilaquiles are some of the most traditional dishes in Guadalajara.
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
Tortas ahogadas
These are sandwiches on bolillo bread drowned in a savory chile and tomato sauce.
Pozole
A hearty soup of pork and hominy topped with fresh cabbage, radish, onion and cilantro.
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.
Buñuelos
This dessert is fried sticky sweet with a sugary syrup.
Useful Information
Metric System
| 0º F = -18ºC | 32º F = 0º C |
59º F = 15º C |
86º F = 30º C |
68º F = 20º C |
95º F = 35º C |
77º F = 25º C |
100º F = 38º C |
100 m = 328 ft. |
500 m = 1640 ft. |
1 km = .625 miles |
50 km = 31.25 miles |
1 hectare = 2.47 acres |
Mexican National Holidays
| Holidays | Description |
| January 1--Año Nuevo | (New Year's Day) is an official Mexican holiday. |
| January 6--Día de los Santos Reyes | this day is when Mexicans exchange Christmas presents in accordance with the arrival of the three gift-bearing wisemen to Jesus Christ. |
| February 5--Día de la Constitución | is an official holiday that commemorates Mexico's Constitution. |
| February 24--Flag Day | This Mexican national holiday honors the Mexican flag. |
| March 21--The Birthday of Benito Juárez | a famous Mexican president and national hero, is an official Mexican holiday. |
| April--Semana Santa | is the holy week that ends the 40-day Lent period. This week includes Good Friday and Easter Sunday. It is Mexican custom to break confetti-filled eggs over the heads of friends and family. |
| May 1--Primero de Mayo | is the Mexican national holiday that is equivalent to the U.S. Labor Day. |
| May 5--Cinco de Mayo | is the Mexican national holiday that honors the Mexican victory over the French army at Puebla de Los Angeles in 1862. |
| May 10--Mother's Day | Due to the importance of the mother in Mexican culture, Mother's Day is an especially significant holiday. |
| September 16--Mexican Independence Day | celebrates the day that Miguel Hidalgo delivered El Grito de Dolores, and announced the Mexican revolt against Spanish rule. |
| October 12--Día de la Raza | This day celebrates Columbus' arrival to the Americas, and the historical origins of the Mexican race. |
| November 1&2--Día de los Muertos | is an important Mexican holiday that merges Pre-Columbian beliefs and modern Catholicism. Europe's All Saints' Day and the Aztec worship of the dead contribute to these two days that honor Mexico's dead. |
| November 20-- Mexican Revolution Day | This official holiday celebrates the Mexican Revolution of 1910. |
| December 12--Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe | or the day the Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated with a feast honoring Mexico's patron saint. |
| December 25--Navidad | With the rest of the Christian world, Mexico celebrates Christmas day. |
Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara | School of Medicine
Av. Patria 1201, Lomas del Valle, 3a. Sección, Apartado Postal 1-440, C.P. 44100, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México
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