The capital of the state of Jalisco, Mexico is Guadalajara. A city of culture, exquisite architecture, UNESCO heritage sites, gastronomy, software and information technology but most of all, people. Over 4 million warm and hospitable people in the metro area of the city who, more than any other feature in Guadalajara, make it a destination point in Mexico.
Behind only the capital of Mexico City, Guadalajara provides the country with a formidable “second city”, much like Chicago in the United States of America and Montreal in Canada. As a result, the American Capital of Culture in 2005 is in the eye of a tourism boom. The city will host the Pan-Am Games in 2011, with the Guggenheim foundation set to complete the construction of a record-tall structure in Latin America the year before. The museum will be a notable feather in a cap full of them.
If you need more reasons to visit glorious Guadalajara, read on.
Colonial, Baroque, Art Deco, Modern. From late 16th century cathedrals to the breathless promise of the new Guggenheim, Guadalajara is replete with eye candy. The 20th century master Luis Barrag?n Morfin, perhaps the best architect to ever come out of Mexico, is from the city. Check out the Metropolitan Cathedral, barrio of Jardines del Bosque and Puerta de Hierro quarter.
7. Cuisine
The transformation of former private estates, over half a century old, into supper clubs and restaurants have made the twin barrios of Colonia Americana and Vallarta the most popular in Guadalajara. Good food is everywhere in the city however. Try the tamales, enchiladas, pozole and savory, spicy meat stews.
6. Festivals
Guadalajara is a city that celebrates just about every facet of culture you can imagine. From the International Mariachi Fair in September to the Fiestas de Octubre in, when else, October, when the streets come alive with vendors, performers and food stalls, the city throws a great party. The most notable festival may be the Guadalajara International Film Festival however. The city is home to Pan’s Labyrinth director Guillermo del Toro and actor Gael Garc?a Bernal after all.
5. Futbol
By far the most popular sport in the city, Guadalajara has no less than three major clubs: UAG Tecos, CF Atlas and Club Deportivo Guadalajara. Deportivo has a national fanbase and plays out of the Estadio Jalisco, which it shares with CF Atlas. The stadium was a host to games in the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cup and can hold over 72,000 rowdy spectators.
4. Museums
Guadalajara and the state of Jalisco have a slew of excellent museums, from the Arts and Crafts Institute of Jalisco to the City Museum, Jose Parres Arias Archeological Museum of Western Mexico and Popular Arts Museum. In conjunction with several more, these museums provide a wonderful service, both in the preservation and cultivation of endemic Jalisco culture and the exposition of rare artifacts.
3. Parks and Wildlife Reserves
In terms of municipal parks in Guadalajara, it starts with Agua Azul. The superb city park has been a staple since the 19th century. Features include a beautiful amphitheater, butterfly and bird sanctuary and orchid house. Los Colomos Forest contains over 32,000 trees and marvelous recreation spaces. Morelos Park is beautiful, with fountains, grand, dramatic trees and memorials to famous political activists throughout Mexico’s history.
The lake of record in Mexico is Lago de Chapala, in metro Guadalajara. At 78.5 km wide and 20.5 km wide, it sits southeast of the city and draws scores of Guadalajara natives and visitors who want to escape from urban life for a few hours, or days even. People come for gorgeous landscapes, beaches, pristine little towns and excellent lake recreation.
1. Markets
Market lovers are in for a rare treat in Guadalajara. While Mexico is notable for mercado perfection, Guadalajara has it down to a veritable artform. In idyllic public squares and pedestrian streets, these markets sell whatever your heart desires. From the comestible delights at the Mercado de Abastos to the handicrafts at the historic Mercado Corona and the colossal Mercado Libertad, with over 2,800 stalls, Guadalajara markets are among the best in the world.
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Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Wow, those buildings look soooo beautiful!
yes, that’s really beutifull place to visit. I like the festival here.