Jalisco attractions

Designed by architect Jacobo Gálvez during Mexico’s theatrical heyday, the neoclassical Degollado Theater (Teatro Degollado) remains one of downtown Guadalajara’s most popular concert halls, tourist attractions, and landmarks. While the facade is fronted by a marble relief of Apollo and the nine muses—as well as 16 magisterial Corinthian columns—the gilded interior is even more opulent.

Lush tropical foliage, hummingbird-watching hot spots, and orchid sanctuaries are just three of the attractions you’ll find at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico de Vallarta). A rich and diverse array of flora and fauna—mostly native—dominates the 20-acre (8-hectare) expanse of jungle. Follow jungle paths, wander curated gardens, and marvel at the koi pond as part of a scenic Puerto Vallarta day trip.

With spindly, cross-topped spires and intricate stonework, the 20th-century Templo Expiatorio del Santísimo Sacramento is one of Mexico’s most striking examples of neo-Gothic architecture. Stick around for the march of 12 miniature Apostles when the German church clock strikes the hour and admire the impressive stained-glass windows both inside and out.

The country’s second-largest metropolis and capital of the Mexican state of Jalisco, Guadalajara retains a vibrant historical center (centro histórico) filled with colonial plazas, churches, and stately buildings. This downtown area includes some of the city’s top tourist attractions, such as the Palacio del Gobierno, Teatro Degollado, and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas.

Home to some of Mexico’s most impressive José Clemente Orozco murals, the 19th-century Hospicio Cabañas Cultural Institute (Instituto Cultural Cabañas) is a former orphanage-turned-arts center. This UNESCO-recognized building is also notable for its imposing neoclassical architecture, among the best of its kind in Mexico.

Pay homage to distinguished artists, writers, and politicians from Jalisco at Guadalajara’s neoclassical Rotunda of the Illustrious Jaliscans (Rotonda de Los Jaliscienses Ilustres). Close to 100 urns are contained within the rotunda, which is encircled by leafy trees and 22 bronze statues depicting other famous Jalisco-born figures.

Centered on an ornate art nouveau bandstand, threaded with leafy walkways, and backed by the 19th-century Palacio de Gobierno, Guadalajara Plaza de Armas is the historic downtown’s oldest public square. Here, admire the neighboring 16th-century cathedral, people-watch from wrought-iron benches, and catch a free musical performance after dark.

For an authentic and lively Puerto Vallarta beach experience, Los Muertos Beach (Playa Los Muertos) can’t be beat. Located just south of Olas Altas Beach in the Romantic Zone, this gay-friendly stretch of sand fronts a pier and is lined with bars and restaurants. Locals and families also love this beach and its diverse crowd.

Escape the humidity of Puerto Vallarta or Boca de Tomatlán in charming El Tuito, a laidback, traditional town in the Jalisco mountains. Although overlooked by many travelers, here you can get an insight into local life, sample regional produce—such as panela cheese and raicilla (an agave spirit)—and relax in the main plaza.

The 18th-century Governor’s Palace in downtown Guadalajara is an essential destination for visitors interested in the politics and history of one of Mexico’s most important cities. While appealing from the outside—the imposing baroque building is decorated with a number of carved gargoyles—the draw of the building for most travelers comes from the José Clemente Orozco murals which decorate the interior.

Three decades worth of award-winning, contemporary Mexican ceramics are housed at the Pantaleón Panduro Museum in the town of Tlaquepaque. Almost every one of the country’s most prolific pottery-producing regions—from Oaxaca to Puebla—is represented. Quality is a guaranteed too: practically every piece at the Pantaleón Panduro Museum was once a winning entry of the prestigious National Ceramics Prize.

A dusty town tucked into the volcanic valleys northwest of Guadalajara, Tequila is the birthplace of the eponymous drink and has been producing Mexico’s national beverage since the 16th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is surrounded by Jalisco’s blue-agave plantations, which produce some 50 million gallons of the spirit each year.

Once home to Hollywood superstars Liz Taylor and Richard Burton, Gringo Gulch is now a sleepy Puerto Vallarta neighborhood which spills down the hillside above the Cuale River. Characterized by red-roofed, whitewashed "Vallarta-style" mansions—including Casa Kimberly, Taylor’s one-time villa—Gringo Gulch has some of the best views over downtown Puerto Vallarta, as well as a distinctly colorful past.

Sail into the calm Bay of Banderas for a warm Mexican welcome in Puerto Vallarta, a former fishing community turned vacation destination. A popular stopping point on ships bound for the Caribbean, Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port—which has the capacity for three liners at any one time—is the gateway to Puerto Vallarta and the coast of Jalisco.

In the heart of downtown Guadalajara, Mariachi Plaza (Plaza de los Mariachis) is one of the most local spots to enjoy live mariachi music performances in the birthplace of the genre. Grab a beer at one of the streetside bars and listen from afar, or hire the musicians to play a few tableside tracks for an authentic experience.

Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Guadalajara for the peace and quiet of colorful Tlaquepaque. An arts and crafts town, known in Mexico for being one of the country’s foremost ceramics regions, Tlaquepaque has a timeless appeal, plenty of shopping options for all budgets, and several important ceramics museums. Charming and laidback by day, it comes alive with mariachi music and lively bars by night.

Home to the Virgin of Zapopan, the 17th-century baroque Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan (Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Zapopan) is one of Guadalajara’s most important churches. Take your cue from pilgrims across the country and come to admire the much-revered 16th-century wooden statue of the Virgin of Zapopan—when she’s in situ—or visit the on-site Huichol Art Museum.

Behind the white facade of an imposing neoclassical building in downtown Guadalajara, the University of Guadalajara Art Museum (MUSA) houses an impressive collection of artworks and murals by notable Mexican artists, as well as regularly rotating international exhibits. Highlights include two José Clemente Orozco murals—Man, Creator and Rebel and The People and Their False Leaders.

The jungle-clad Sierra Madre mountains stretch along Mexico’s western coast from Santa Cruz to Arizona. In this wilderness escape you can trek through the forest, discover off-the-beaten-path villages, and experience outdoor adventures such as ziplining and rappelling.

Summer's Ranch (Rancho Verano Distileria de Tequila) is a popular distillery in Jalisco, Mexico—a region known for its tequila. Here, you can learn about the traditional tequila-making process while touring the agave fields, exploring the distillery, and enjoying tastings of the handcrafted spirit. It's a must-visit destination for tequila enthusiasts and anyone interested in Mexican culture and craftsmanship.

Established in 1870, the family-run Casa Herradura hacienda sits on the outskirts of Amatitán, a village near Guadalajara in the heart of Mexico’s tequila country. Explore the vast Casa Herradura Distillery, a major player in the Mexican tequila scene; sample its wares; and take in the area’s natural beauty.

Though it’s not necessarily recommended, you could spend your entire Puerto Vallarta vacation in the Centro Histórico (Centro for short), the town’s cobblestoned historic center. From here, you’re a stone’s throw from the Malecón boardwalk and Zona Romántica—and can while away the time exploring art galleries and eateries that seem a world away from the modernized port area.

Take in the Mexican countryside in style with a ride on the elegant Jose Cuervo Express, which carries visitors through the agave fields of Jalisco. Old-school wood paneling and comfortable seats provide the perfect atmosphere for a guided tequila tasting tour, while the town of Tequila itself is full of the charm of a classic Mexican Magic Town (an official government designation).

Often considered one of the best and most beautiful golf destinations in Mexico, the Vista Vallarta Golf Club features two high-elevation courses designed by renowned golfers Jack Nicklaus and Tom Weiskopf respectively. Here, members and non-members can play a leisurely 18 holes surrounded by views of both Banderas Bay and Sierra Madre mountains before retiring to the on-site clubhouse, bar, or restaurant.

With almost 400 species across eight permanent exhibits—including Latin America’s largest reptile house—Guadalajara Zoo (Zoológico Guadalajara) is one of Mexico’s most diverse zoos. Highlights are white Bengal tigers, rare Mexican wolves, and endangered crocodiles, as well as sweeping views over the Barranca de Huentitán (Huentitán Canyon).

A replica of the Spanish ship Santa Maria—from Christopher Columbus’ first voyage across the Atlantic—the Marigalante lives in the port of Puerto Vallarta. These days the ship heads out to sea on family-friendly tours; pirate- and Mexican heritage–themed shows and activities take place both day and night.

Conveniently located in the Guadalajara historic center, Guadalajara Wax Museum is one of only three wax museums in Mexico. Opened in 1994, Guadalajara Wax Museum currently houses more than 160 wax replicas of fictional, political, and historic figures, as well as Mexican and international celebrities.

With sweeping vistas over the Oblatos-Huentitán Canyon and Santiago River, the Mirador Independencia Park (Parque Mirador Independencia) is one of Guadalajara’s most picturesque lookouts. Soak up the view from the checkered amphitheater or use the park as a starting point for hikes into the forested surrounds.