Tlaquepaque

Introduction

You will find Tlaquepaque, also known as San Pedro Tlaquepaque, located within the Mexican state of Jalisco. This area encompasses both the local city and its surrounding municipality.

Before you go

Before you arrive in Guadalajara, familiarize yourself with the city's layout. While your time will likely be centered in the Centro Histórico—an area filled with colonial-era buildings and significant mural paintings—you can also explore diverse neighborhoods like the shopping-focused Sector Juárez or the industrial Sector Libertad, which houses a traditional market and the Plaza de los Mariachis. If you venture further out, Tlaquepaque offers a charming streetscape of old Mexico where you can browse local pottery and handicrafts, while Zapopan provides a mix of modern malls, active nightlife, and expansive nature.

To navigate between these areas, the 275-diagonal bus route provides convenient access from Tlaquepaque through the center to Zapopan. When exploring the city, remain aware of your surroundings in busy places like outdoor restaurants or bars to avoid common distractions used by thieves. Additionally, be mindful of local culture regarding sports; to avoid potential harassment from local fans, you should refrain from wearing Club América jerseys due to a fierce rivalry with the local club Chivas.

Getting there

You can arrive in the region by flying into the Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport, a modern and traveler-friendly hub located south of the city along the Guadalajara-Chapala Highway. The airport offers frequent flights to various Mexican destinations as well as a selection of flights from Canada and the United States.

If you prefer to travel by land, you can reach the area via several transportation methods:

• The Central de Autobuses Guadalajara in the Tlaquepaque suburb serves as a large regional hub for long-distance routes. From this station, you can access the MiTren subway to reach the Centro Histórico.
• For travel to nearby pueblos like Tequila, Mazamitla, Sayula, and Chapala, the Central Vieja station offers service on regional second-class bus lines.
• You can take a daily van from León with ample space for luggage or utilize carpooling services for travel from Puerto Vallarta.
• Drivers can reach the area via Federal Highway 15, which connects Guadalajara to Mexico City.

Getting around

You can explore the Centro by walking, as most attractions are located within a small area of the downtown district. For longer trips or to travel in and out of the city center, you can utilize the bus, subway, or taxis. While horse-drawn carriages known as calandrias are available, they are considered more touristy. If you prefer cycling, the city features a bike-sharing system with sturdy green bikes located at high-traffic areas like parks and transit stations. You can also choose to ride in an open-top double-decker TuriBus that travels past major sites including Tlaquepaque.

The public transportation network includes several options for navigating the city:

• Mi Tren (Tren Ligero) is a light-rail subway system with multiple lines, including one that runs diagonally across the city to reach the artisan shops of Tlaquepaque.
• Mi Macro is a modern bus rapid-transit system featuring articulated buses in dedicated lanes.
• The Guadalajara Trolley Bus (Mi Trole) provides a connection between the Centro Histórico and the Zona Rosa/Minerva area.
• Pre-Tren offers air-conditioned red units that provide service from the main subway station toward the west.
• Standard "Mi Transporte" buses, identified by their green or red colors, cover nearly every street.

Where to stay

To maximize your convenience while exploring the city center, you should choose accommodations within walking distance of your planned activities. For those seeking budget-friendly options, many inexpensive hotels are available in the city center, particularly around the old bus station (Antigua). In contrast, if you prefer a more upscale experience or specific amenities, several mid-range and luxury properties are located throughout the city.

• Centro Histórico: You can find boutique options with old-world charm, such as interior murals and arches, or colonial-style hotels situated near historic landmarks.
• Colonia Americana: This area offers a variety of hostels and charming bed and breakfasts, some featuring private rooms in decorated homes or suites in 1930s mansions. You can also find boutique hotels with modern amenities and rooftop terraces in this neighborhood.
• Minerva, Chapultepec, Zapopan, and West of Centro Histórico: These areas host luxury business hotels, high-rise properties with city views, and all-suite properties near the charming Minerva district.

Food & drink

Explore a vast culinary landscape ranging from bustling street stalls to upscale dining rooms. You can sample regional specialties like savory birria, hearty pozole, and "drowned" tortas ahogadas in the Centro Histórico. For a variety of local flavors, visit the food court at Mercado Libertad, where you can find diverse cooked meals including Chinese and Japanese dishes. If you prefer a more refined experience, several high-end restaurants offer international flavors and nouveau Mexican cuisine, with some locations even featuring elaborate jungle atmospheres or elegant dining rooms overlooking sculpture gardens.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and flavor, different neighborhoods offer distinct experiences:

• In the Centro Histórico, you can find traditional dishes like tamales, enchiladas, and molletes, as well as numerous Chinese buffet options.
• The Americana district features a mix of international cuisines, including Italian food, Japanese teppanyaki with koi ponds, and contemporary upscale dining.
• In Tlaquepaque, you can enjoy traditional regional cuisine in historic settings or visit a central square featuring a bandstand where mariachis perform.

What to see and do

Explore the historic heart of the city where you can wander through the Cross of Plazas, a collection of four squares arranged in a cross shape with the Cathedral at its center. Each plaza offers a place to rest and features nearby food vendors. Visit Plaza Guadalajara to see a circular fountain and explore an underground commercial center, or head to Plaza de Armas to view the Government Palace and a French ironwork bandstand. You can also visit Plaza de la Liberación, which serves as the courtyard for the oldest surviving theater in the city and features large cup-shaped fountains. Nearby, the Rotunda of Illustrious Jaliscans offers a peaceful monument of fluted columns amidst a busy atmosphere.

Immerse yourself in local culture and history through various museums and landmarks:

• The Cabañas Cultural Institute, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring fresco paintings by Jose Clemente Orozco.
• The City Museum, located in an 18th-century former convent that showcases Guadalajara's history across six exhibition halls.
• The Government Palace, where you can view murals by artist José Clemente Orozco.
• The Guadalajara Cathedral, known for its eclectic architecture and a notable mural by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo.
• The Belén Cemetery, an old site converted into a museum featuring stories of local culture and hauntings.
• The MUSA (Museum of the Arts University of Guadalajara), which features temporary exhibits and a lecture hall with a famous mural.

When to go

You can experience Tlaquepaque's semi-dry climate across different seasons, each offering distinct weather patterns. During the winter and spring, you will encounter dry conditions with very little rainfall.

If you visit during the summer months, you will experience the rainy season characterized by heavy rainfall that brings moisture to the region following the dry period. During the cooler months of the dry season, you may encounter occasional frost.

Day one, you can explore the vibrant atmosphere of Tlaquepaque and experience the local culture of Jalisco. You can spend your time wandering through the streets to appreciate the traditional Mexican spirit that defines this area.

Day two, you can travel toward Guadalajara or visit nearby destinations such as Zapopan. You might choose to explore different areas like Centro Histórico or find a plaza where you can listen to the music of Mariachis.

Day three, you can venture further beyond the city limits. You could head toward locations like Tequila, Mazamitla, Sayula, or Chapala to experience more of the region's diverse landscapes.

About this place

• Tlaquepaque