IWPP4 GUADALAJARA

What to do in Guadalajara

This page provides information about Guadalajara. We will update it continuously, so don't hesitate to come back!

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Guadalajara

Guadalajara is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Jalisco. It is located in the central region in the Western Pacific area of Mexico. It is the 10th largest city in Latin America and the second most populous metropolitan area in Mexico. The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara, which means "river/valley of stones". Guadalajara is the cultural center of Mexico, considered to be the home of mariachi music and host to a number of large-scale cultural events, such as the Guadalajara International Film Festival.

You can read more about the city under this link

You can find a guide on what to do in Guadalajara here

What to see in Guadalajara

Hospicio Cabañas

Built at the beginning of the 19th century to provide care and shelter for the disadvantaged (orphans, seniors, handicapped). This large complex which incorporates several unusual features designed specifically to meet the needs of its occupants, was unique for its time. It is also notable for the harmonious relationship between the open and built spaces, the simplicity of its design and its size. In the early 20th century, the chapel was decorated with a superb series of murals now considered some of the masterpieces of Mexican art. They are the work of Jose Clemente Orozco, one of the greatest Mexican muralists of the period.

Libertad or San Juan de Dios Mercado

One of the largest roofed markets in Mexico. Covering around 40,000 sq. meters, you can find crafts of different materials like ceramic, silver, blown glass, leather, palm leaf crafts, etc. There you can find handcrafted articles like embroidered clothes, typical outfits, "jorongos", overcoats, blankets, sweaters, "guayaberas" leather coats and bags. Visitors will also find arts & crafts from all around the country: Chinconcuac, Saltillo, Santa Clara del Cobre, Taxco, Paracho, etc. On the second floor, there are small restaurants with assorted Mexican "antojitos". There are approximately 2,800 stands in the market every day and it is open all year long.

Catedral de Guadalajara

Guadalajara's cathedral is the city's most beloved and conspicuous landmark with distinctive neo-Gothic towers built after an earthquake toppled the originals in the mid-19th century. Begun in 1588 and consecrated in 1618, the building is almost as old as the city itself. Time your visit right and you will see light filter through the stained-glass renderings of The Last Supper and hear a working pipe organ rumble sweetly from the rafters.

Teatro Degollado

Construction on the noble neoclassical Teatro Degollado, home of the Guadalajara Philharmonic, was begun in 1856 and completed 30 years later. Over the Grecian columns on its front is a frieze depicting Apollo and the Nine Muses. The five-tiered interior is swathed in red velvet and 23-karat gold leaf and crowned by a Gerardo Suarez mural based on the fourth canto of Dante's Divine Comedy.

Museo de las Artes

Housed in a French renaissance building that formaearly served as the admin buildings for the University of Guadalajara. The highlight is the Paraninfo (auditorium), whose stage backdrop and dome feature large, powerful murals by Orozco. The rest of the space is given over to well-curated temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary Mexican art.

Mobility in Guadalajara

There are many options to move around in the city. There is a variety of apps that you can use.

Taxi - if you want to move around by car or share a ride, we recommend using these transportation apps: Cabify, Uber, Easy Taxi.

Bike - you can also bike! As a Government initiative, the city implemented a bicycle program called "MIBICI". You can take a temporary subscription for 1, 3 or 7 days (1 day subscription about 6€) and get unlimited travel bike travel of less than 30 mins.

Urban electric trains and Macrobus - if you prefer using public transport, Guadalajara has a light train and rapid transit system, SITEUR, with 3 lines that cross Guadalajara but also serve the municipalities of Zapopan and Tlaquepaque. You can also take the bus system, Macrobus Express, which has 12 stations.

Food and local dishes

Guadalajara is known for its rich culinary traditions that offer a delightful mix of flavors and ingredients.

Guadalajara, often referred to as the "Land of Tequila and Mariachi," boasts a diverse and delicious culinary scene that reflects the vibrant culture of the region.

Birria Tacos: This iconic Jaliscan dish is a slow-cooked stew, typically made with goat or beef, marinated in a flavorful adobo sauce. It's often served in a consommé and accompanied by fresh tortillas.
Tortas Ahogadas: These "drowned sandwiches" consist of birote (a type of bread) filled with shredded pork, carnitas, or other fillings, drenched in a spicy tomato sauce. They're a beloved street food in Guadalajara.
Pozole: A traditional Mexican soup made from hominy corn and typically served with a choice of meats (usually pork or chicken). It's garnished with shredded lettuce, radishes, onion, and a variety of condiments.
Tacos de Barbacoa: Guadalajara is renowned for its flavorful barbacoa, which is slow-cooked, seasoned meat (often lamb or goat) served in soft tortillas with various salsas and toppings.
Ceviche: Guadalajara's proximity to the Pacific Ocean ensures that you can enjoy fresh and tangy seafood ceviche, often served with crisp tostadas.

Guadalajara's culinary scene is a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with a unique regional twist. Exploring the city's street food stalls, markets, and family-owned restaurants is a delightful way to savor the authentic and diverse tastes of this Mexican gastronomic gem.

Visit the surroundings of Guadalajara after the workshop

If you plan to stay more days to visit Guadalajara after the IWPP4, the tour operator Aventurate por Jalisco offers participants 4 guided tour options to visit the surroundings of Guadalajara on Saturday, June 29:

Option 1: Tequila Tour with tasting and lunch
Option 2: Horseback Riding through the agave landscape
Option 3: One day among Charros Tour
Option 4: Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque Tour

Each tour includes transportation. You can find more details on each tour as well as prices in this PDF.

If you are interested, you can reserve a tour via email by contacting ventas@servicetourmexico.com. Please specify in your email that you are part of IWPP4 and indicate the option you want to book.

Visit Mexico after the Workshop

If you wish to visit Mexico, we recommend these must-see places in Mexico:

Chichen Itza: Located on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula, you can enjoy Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. Its attractions include pristine beaches, Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. From snorkeling in clear waters to exploring jungles, Quintana Roo offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences.

Mexico City (La Ciudad de México): The capital of Mexico is a dynamic and culturally rich metropolis, offering a multitude of attractions. Explore historic landmarks like Zócalo and Chapultepec Castle, marvel at pre-Columbian artifacts in the National Museum of Anthropology, savor street food delights at markets like Mercado de San Juan, stroll through colorful neighborhoods like Coyoacán, and experience the vibrant art scene in galleries and street murals.

Oaxaca: Oaxaca, a captivating region in southern Mexico, enchants travelers with its rich indigenous culture, stunning colonial architecture, and diverse landscapes. Explore ancient Zapotec ruins at Monte Albán, indulge in flavorful cuisine at local markets, immerse yourself in traditional arts and crafts, and unwind on pristine beaches along the Pacific coast.

Puebla: Puebla, located in central Mexico, offers a delicious blend of history, culture and culinary treats. Admire the intricate tiles of Talavera pottery, explore UNESCO-listed sites such as the historic center of Puebla and the Great Pyramid of Cholula, and savor the mouth-watering mole poblano.

Mexico's colonial region: Discover Mexico's colonial region, full of history and beauty. Walk around old streets in cities like Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, and Morelia. See beautiful old buildings and big churches and enjoy the old-style feeling of these places.