November 2nd, 2024
Terraza Zaza, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Calz. Circunvalacion Orientte. No. 57, Ciudad Granja, 45010 Zapopan, Jal., Mexico
Activities
Fun things ahead! Keep an eye out for more info on all the cool activities we’ve got lined up in Guadalajara.
Here’s a sneak peek of what we’re planning—you can totally join in or go off and do your own thing:
A trip to Tequila (yes, the place where that drink comes from!)
Exploring the artsy vibes of Tlaquepaque
Celebrating Día de los Muertos in style
Full details will drop before October 15! Stay tuned!
>> About the city
The security
The money
Chapalita, the neighbourhood
>> Where to stay
>> Where to eat
>> What to do
>> Day of the dead
Shopping malls
Nightlife
Phone and internet service
Transportation
About the city
TIME
Guadalajara is two hours behind with the province of Quebec.
Guadalajara is 1 hour ahead of British Colombia.
THE CITY
Guadalajara, located in western Mexico, is one of the most important cities in the country. Founded in 1542, it is the second largest city in Mexico, with a population of approximately 1.5 million.
ZAPOPAN – Don’t get confused if you see this name, we will be moving and staying mainly in the municipality of Zapopan, part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area.
ECONOMY
Economically, Guadalajara is a major industrial and commercial center, often referred to as Mexico’s “Silicon Valley” due to its leading role in the technology and software industry. It is home to many national and international companies, as well as renowned universities that fuel the high-tech sector.
SECURITY
When it comes to safety, Guadalajara is generally considered relatively safe for visitors, but as with any major city, it is advisable to remain vigilant and take the usual precautions. The city center is safe, although it is advisable to be careful in the evening, after 9 p.m.
The city offers a multitude of attractions and activities for visitors. Highlights include the historic center with its magnificent colonial architecture, the Guadalajara Cathedral, the Cabañas Hospice (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the San Juan de Dios Market, one of the largest Latin American markets.
THE CLIMATE
Guadalajara generally enjoys pleasant weather in the fall. Temperatures are generally mild, with highs often reaching 25-30 degrees Celsius and lows rarely falling below 10 degrees Celsius. The days are sunny and the rains are less frequent than in summer. It’s a great time to explore the city and enjoy its outdoor attractions.
TOWNS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA
Nearby Guadalajara are several picturesque towns that are also worth a visit.
Tlaquepaque, small city famous for its traditional crafts, offers visitors a rich cultural experience with its cobblestone streets, its restaurants, art galleries and local craft shops.
Tequila, this small city of the origin of Mexico’s iconic drink, is a must-see for tequila and mezcal lovers. Tequila distilleries offer guided tours to learn about the process of making this iconic drink, and tastings to taste different varieties.
Chapala, (not to be confused with ‘Chapalita’) The small city of Chapala is located on the shore of Mexico’s largest natural lake. Lake Chapala, offers a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy lake views, stroll the boardwalk, sample local cuisine, and participate in various water activities.
The historic center is located in the Central Zone of Guadalajara. It is the oldest part of the city, with colonial buildings from the early 19th century.
The city has an urban forest also called Colomos Forest, with a beautiful Japanese garden. The forest is located in the northwest part of Guadalajara.
PRONUNCIATION
But, how do you pronounce ‘Guadalajara’?
It’s pronounced like this: “GWAH-də-lə-HAR-ə”.
Or in a simpler way: “Gwah-dah-lah-rah”.
Where to stay?
We suggest you stay in the ‘Chapalita’ neighborhood where Luis’ parents live. This is the neighborhood where Luis grew up. It is a residential area, which has become commercial with a variety of cafes, restaurants, pharmacy, bank and supermarket.
This is the area where we suggest you stay, we will stay in this area as well.
The roundabout in the image is called Glorieta Chapalita, it’s a good landmark.
Here is a map of the area, and the services around it
AirBnB
Check out available locations in the Chapalita neighborhood see these choices of places from AirBnB
Hotels in the area
The area offers a couple of hotels close by to where we will be staying for all kinds of needs. Here are some good options.
CASA IXAYA Guest house – Price range $ (Starting at 55$ CAD)
Expedia / Website
SUITES INTERNATIONAL – Price Range $ (Starting at 70$ CAD)
equipped with small kitchen
Website / Facebook
HOTEL ONE – Chic Price Range $ (Starting at 85$ CAD)
Website /
CLARUM – Boutique Hotel, Price range $$(starting at 95$ CAD)
Website / Facebook
HOTEL RIU – Price Range $$ (Starting at 80$)
Room prices / Website
PLAZA EJECUTIVO – Price Range $$ (Starting at 125$ CAD)
Website / Facebook
HOTEL INDIGO – Price range $$$ (Starting at 175$)
Website /
For more information visit Expedia website to know more about the neighborhood. Also we suggest to check Expedia and Trivago to find deals on these hotels.
Where to eat?
In Chapalita
Restaurants, cafes and bars in the neighborhood, for lunch, brunch, dinner or to have a quiet drink.
Restaurants
Madelina – coffee and breakfast place with great ambiance
Facebook /
El Tango – Great ambiance and delicious brunch and lunch, with local food.
Facebook / Trip Advisor
Campomar – Seafood, we suggest the octopus, fish tacos and shrimp, in fact, everything is good!!
Facebook – TripAdvisor
Dolores – Regional cuisine – Beautiful atmosphere, good menu with delicious local dishes.
Facebook / Tripadvisor
Fornino – Italian Restaurant, with a varied menu
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Carbon – Grill, steaks & local dishes
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Save – A wide variety of seafood, good service, great food
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Fuego Asador – Grill, Steaks, Burgers,
Facebook
Tacos Los alteños – Typical tacos, a variety of tacos and quesadillas, clean place. Try the Tacos al Pastor !
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Cafés
Cafe la Flor de Cordoba coffee shop – Glorieta Chapalita
Facebook / Tripadvisor
Café Chai Rosas
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Bars : You can enjoy a drink in any of the restaurants on the neighborhood.
Downtown
Restaurants, cafes and bars in downtown Guadalajara and surrounding areas.
Restaurants
Los Illustres – Good restaurant with a nice atmosphere – you can just have a drink too, we suggest you go to the second or third floor for their nice ambiance.
Facebook / TripAdvisor
La Chata – Local cuisine, Mexican bistro style cuisine
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Las Sombrillas – Charming mexican restaurant located right in front of the cathedral of Guadalajara
Facebook / Website
Zone Chapultepec
Casa Dolores – Beautiful modern Mexican restaurant
Facebook / TripAdvisor / Photos
Carbon Chapultepec – Mexican Grill, ideal for having a drink and eating
Facebook / Google Maps
Bananas – Rock bar – with local bands playing from time to time
Facebook /
Zone Chapultepec – Area with plenty of bars and restaurants, and a great nightlife
What to do?
Downtown
SHOE MALL
Galeria del calzado – A shoe shopping center, lots of stores, just shoe stores! !
Facebook / Site web
CENTRE VILLE
Instituto cultural Cabañas – Art museum, an important neoclassical building in Mexico. it has been included on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1997.
Facebook / TripAdvisor Organized tour in english
Teatro Degollado – Local Theatre with folkloric ballet, dance shows and other pieces
Facebook / TripAdvisor
San Juan de Dios Market – Fruit, vegetable and meat market; with street restaurants + a section of good quality and legal counterfeit clothing and running shoes copies of well-known brands
Corona Market – Fruit and vegetable market, with some crafts and street restaurants
Cabañas Museum – Former hospice converted into a museum, which includes frescoes by local painter Orozco
Degollado theatre – Theater with colonial architecture, with folk dance shows and other performances
Liberation plaza – Meeting point for Mexicans to take a walk and have an ice cream or a snack
Cathedral de Guadalajara – Symbol of Guadalajara, with colonial architecture
Palacio de gobierno (City Hall) – nice colonial building
Musée Regional de Guadalajara – Musée d’histoire de la ville
Iberoamerican Library
Templo Expiatorio Church – Beautiful church with Gothic architecture, located behind the University of Guadalajara
University of Guadalajara building – Art museum and former administrative office of the city’s largest university.
ZONA CHAPULTEPEC
Chapultepec Avenue (terraces, coffee shops, bars) Nice place to have a drink at night
Kamilos 333 Restaurant that serves their typical ‘Carne en su jugo’ (meat soup) and Mexican food
Facebook /
Marche de rue (Tianguis) – Market with small Mexican artisans and a wide variety of items (clothing, shoes, accessories and trinkets, open only Friday and Saturday
TripAdvisor / Google Maps
SOUTH
Galerias Santa Anita big shopping mall in the south part of the city
Punto Sur mall modern shopping mall with many restaurants
RESTO – Campomar Punto Sur
Bosque Los Colomos (La Fôret)
OUTSIDE THE CITY
Tlaquepaque – A nice typical place with lots of local artisan shops and Mexican restaurants
Chapala A nice typical town, surrounded by the biggest lake in all of Mexico
Acuario Michin – Local Acuarium
City of Tequila
Ville de Tequila
Téquila est le nom de la ville. La boisson est originaire de la région, il s’agit d’une appelation, comme Champagne, ou comme
Train à la ville de Téquila –
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Experience VIP Téquila – Visite à la ville de Tequila en voiture climatisé
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Foret urbaine Colomos – Grand parc urbain, localisé au milieu de la ville
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Facebook / TripAdvisor
Tlaquepaque
Restaurant Cielito Lindo
Instagram / TripAdvisor
El Parian – Bars & restaurants
Facebook / Trip Advisor
Galeria Sergio Bustamante
Photos / Trip Advisor
Day of the dead celebration
We will be doing a themed outing for the Day of the Dead. We will let you know the time and place once we all arrive in Guadalajara. Everyone is welcome to participate in this Mexican celebration.
What is the Day of the Dead?
November 2nd is for Mexicans the day of commemoration of all the faithful departed. The festivities generally begin on October 31st and continue during the first two days of November.
It is a Mexican tradition that is meant to be joyful. It is a celebration to celebrate our loved ones who have passed away. People visit cemeteries, bring flowers and say a prayer. Some people bring food, drink and even music.
Some Mexicans also make altars for their deceased at home. These consist of several levels, symbolizing the different places crossed by the soul of the deceased. Various offerings are placed there, the most common of which are the portrait of the deceased and his personal items, colored skulls, candles, cempasúchil flowers, a crucifix, colored paper cut outs, incense, water and food.
The deceased’s portrait (s) honors the altar’s upper part. The food and personal items are used to please the deceased and to remind him that he is loved and has not been forgotten. Remember that this is a happy celebration.
The ‘calaveras’ are sugar, chocolate or plastic skulls on which the deceased’s name is sometimes written and are used for decoration. The candles represent the path the deceased must follow to reach his altar. From November 1st to 2nd, families often clean and decorate the graves with flowers. The cross is placed on top of the altar, on one side of the image of the deceased.
For more information:
Trip Advisor 1 / Trip Advisor 2 / Wikipedia /