Guadalajara Getaway: 4 Fun-Filled Days for Families”

Exploring Guadalajara: A vibrant and family-friendly adventure in Mexico's cultural heart.

19 July 2023

Guadalajara, Mexico offers a perfect family-friendly vacation with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant atmosphere, and diverse attractions. Discover the city's historical landmarks and museums to educate and entertain all family members. Explore the nearby countryside for outdoor adventures like horseback riding and hiking, or simply relax in the beautiful parks and plazas scattered throughout the city.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Historic Heartbeat

  • Start your day with a stroll through the enchanting streets of Tlaquepaque, known for its colorful handicrafts and mariachi music wafting through the air.
  • Wander into the mesmerizing Instituto Cultural Cabañas, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with breathtaking murals by Jose Clemente Orozco.
  • Indulge in some authentic Mexican street food at Tortas Ahogadas El Güero, where mouthwatering tortas (sandwiches) drenched in spicy salsa are a local favorite.
  • Quench your thirst at the hidden gem La Fuente Churrería, where you can dip freshly made churros into rich hot chocolate like a true connoisseur.
  • Wrap up your day at the Hospicio Cabañas, another UNESCO gem that houses impressive art exhibitions and offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop terrace.
Day 2

Marvels of Nature and Modern Art

  • Embark on a day trip to the awe-inspiring Barranca de Huentitán Canyon, where you can hike, zipline, or simply soak in the breathtaking natural beauty.
  • Visit the Instituto Cultural de Zapopan, a futuristic architectural wonder that houses contemporary art exhibitions and is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Treat your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of Guadalajara at Hueso, a trendy restaurant where the menu features mouthwatering farm-to-table creations amidst an Instagrammable bone-laden decor.
  • Discover the mesmerizing glass art at the Vidrio y Cristal Museum, where intricate masterpieces will leave you gawking in awe.
  • End your day with a relaxing boat ride on the tranquil Atemajac Lake, surrounded by lush greenery and an abundance of wildlife.
Day 3

Market Madness and Historic Charm

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant chaos of the Mercado Libertad, the largest indoor market in Latin America, where you can find everything from handcrafted souvenirs to tantalizing street food.
  • Discover the magical world of tequila at the Jose Cuervo Express, a train journey that takes you through the fields of blue agave, followed by a tour and tasting at the iconic Jose Cuervo distillery.
  • Indulge in mouthwatering birria, a traditional Jalisco dish, at Las 9 Esquinas, a hidden gem known for its unbeatable flavors and charming atmosphere.
  • Get lost in the enchanting streets of the neighborhood of San Pedro Tlaquepaque, where beautifully preserved colonial architecture houses boutique shops and art galleries.
  • Unwind at the Parque Agua Azul, an oasis in the heart of the city with lush gardens, sparkling fountains, and plenty of space for a picnic or leisurely stroll.
Day 4

Traditional Delights and Cultural Feasts

  • Start your day at the Mercado San Juan de Dios, where you can gorge on traditional Mexican breakfast delights like chilaquiles and pozole.
  • Explore the incredible architecture of the Guadalajara Cathedral, an iconic landmark that dominates the city's skyline.
  • Delve into the fascinating world of mariachi music at the Mariachi Museum, where you can learn about the history and significance of this cherished Mexican art form.
  • Sample the mouthwatering flavors of Guadalajara's most famous dish, the torta ahogada, at Tortas Toño, a local institution that serves up the perfect balance of bread, pork, and spicy sauce.
  • Conclude your trip with a visit to the enchanting Parque Metropolitano, where you can unwind amidst sprawling green spaces, pedal boats, and even catch a panoramic view of the city from atop its Ferris wheel.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Guadalajara, Mexico by plane is to fly into Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). There are numerous international and domestic airlines that offer direct flights to Guadalajara from major cities around the world.

Car

To reach Guadalajara, Mexico by car, you can take the highway system. If coming from Mexico City, you can take the Federal Highway 15D, also known as the Guadalajara-Tepic Highway, which provides a direct route to Guadalajara.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train service available to Guadalajara, Mexico.

Boat

Since Guadalajara is an inland city, there are no boat services available to get there.

Bus

To get to Guadalajara, Mexico by bus, you can take a long-distance bus to Central de Autobuses de Guadalajara, which is the main bus station in the city. Several bus companies operate routes to Guadalajara from various cities within Mexico and neighboring countries.

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