Situated 28 miles southwest of Guadalajara, the town of Chapala comes from Chapalac, the name of…read morethe last chief of the Nahuatl-speaking indigenous people of the region and name for the lake. There's a great boardwalk/malecón for strolling along the water. Feeling like a beach town even though the water is not swim able, everyone enjoys getting their photo taken at the Chapala sign which my partner, his family, our friends and I did today. The handicraft market sells all sorts of clothes, hats, toys, shoes, food, souvenirs and textiles. Lakeside restaurants offer a wide range of Mexican food at good range of prices. A pleasantly clean location where tourists and locals spend lots of time especialy on weekends for shopping, eating or people watching. The Voladores from Oaxaca have a permanent pole from which they perform their ritual flight. This place is an absolute must see as the scenery is a nice step away from the hustle and bustle.

This is probably the most visited place in Chapala - and perhaps the entire lake. Parking is…read moresometimes challenging to find - and those offering to help you expect a tip. There are several sets of letters that people like to take photos of themselves in front of, a pier, and a market eager for customers.

Huanusco is a place unburdened by the passing of time. The calles, the comida, the vaqueros are the…read moresame that they were in 1960, and it adds a sepia-toned sheen to a charming and wonderful pueblo of roughly 1,800 people. Sure, there is a new hospital and school, and many residents have migrated to the United States, but the newer younger population emboldened by the Route 54 that bisects the town, drive an energy to the local tiendas and populace that deserve to be celebrated. There is beauty around each corner; and be ready with a buenos dias, because everybody you meet - literally everybody - will greet you with a smile and a tip of the cowboy hat.

Born in Jiquilpan, Lazaro Cardenas was a significant figure in Mexican history. Not only did he…read morenationalize the oil industry (thus creating Pemex) but he was also the President of Mexico from 1934 to 1940. He left behind a significant legacy that also included welfare programs for the needy, redistribution of land to the poor, and women's rights. Jiquilpan has celebrated his legacy with this monument which is comprised of a large statue of the General himself, a flagpole, and a lamp (which supposedly has an eternal flame, but idk about that!). It's a nice space in the middle of town to walk through and a great homage to one of JIquilpan's many notable people.

Great service! Waiter even spoke English. Omelette was light and delicious. Chilaquiles was…read morefilling. Nice view in the downtown area; breathtaking.

This is a really special place for me. I spent 1 year living in the building that overlooks the…read morefountain and think it was one of the coolest experiences of my life. While downtown may have some churches, museums and big market with a bunch of Chinese knock offs, the Minerva is where López Mateos meets Av. Vallarta; and in my book this is the heart of the city. If I wanted to know what was important in Guadalajara I would put my head out the window and see what was happening in the Minerva. Parties, protests, the Pan American games and that barely scratches the surface of all the events that take place around that big fountain. I love looking at old photos of the Minerva, before there were a ton of cars. More people used the area as a park and would hang out on what is now the landscaped ring around the fountain. Still, to this day, tourists come from all over the world, ride the tapatio tour bus and take in the beauty that you find in the oddest places of Guadalajara, like a traffic circle. Sundays are dedicated to the Via Recreactiva and the long boarders are always putting on a show right there. I mean the whole stretch of more than 25 km of streets closed to automobiles starts in the Minerva. They have created a spectacular sense of community that few cities can duplicate. The Jalisco en Vivo concert series, while I thought was a huge waste of taxpayer's pesos, packs over 50,000 people way down Av. Vallarta for a pretty cool event. I got to see Marc Anthony, Jenny Rivera (RIP), Bellanova and a ton of really important entertainers from my patio. I think the highlight of my year in the Minerva was the Mexican national soccer team's first round victory against the French in the 2010 world cup. The place went nuts. Tens of thousands of fans congregated in the glorieta to celebrate and jump up and down on top of police vehicles. They even show the games on a big screen in the circle and fans post up hours before hand. Grab a bike or a skateboard and get with it this Sunday. This place really is the best of the best in the 'perla tapatia'.

Fantastic landmark located in the center of the glorieta, celebrating the Roman goddess of wisdom…read more She is not only a beauty, but one the most magnificent landmarks of GDL. My best advice is to come on a Sunday, when the streets are closed off to auto traffic, walk around the circle, and take in the magnificence of the statue.

A perfect place to enjoy Great Art and an Awesome location in the city.... The architecture was…read morepleasing to the eye and the makes you feel super at home!!! I'm glad this place is so well perseved and open to the public... The staff arw very nice and price to enter extremely cheap... If your in the area this is a must stop!!!!

A major art museum in Guadalajara, this is a must see. But don't get too excited. Although a world…read moreheritage site, this is not an awe-inspiring museum unless you're a fan of 1930s modernist murals. The main gallery is interesting and reveals a key part of Mexico's history and politics through art. The museum includes several lesser exhibits ranging from modern artists of Mexico to a history of the building. On Tuesdays the museum is free. Time budget: unless you're studying this period of art, budget about an hour for the museum. Misc: (1) If you have a purse or backpack, you will be asked to check it. (2) Normal price for entry is $80 pesos. (3) Restrooms are available without charge in the museum.

Jardin Hildalgo is the heartbeat of Tlaquepaque. The park has a lot of vendors, shops, of course a…read moregazebo but there's so much more. There are young couples sharing an ice cream, there are older couples sharing the latest gossip. There are young kids scaring away the pigeons. It's just full of life. We sent two nights here watching life go by and it what one of our favorite memories of our entire trip. There are plenty of benches in shade or in the sunlight depending on your preference. On the second night, I heard the familiar sounds of, "La Dame", "La Jara", and "El Borocho". There were several tables setup to play La Loteria. About 10-12 people were playing and if that isn't quintessential Mexican, then I don't know what is. Templo San Juan is nearby and while it is being remodeled, it is still a beautiful church. Pope John Paul II has a statue in front of Templo San Juan, and it welcomes visitors from all over the world. Some of favorite vendors were the coconut and tuna vendor, the churros of Tlaquepaque, and the bookseller near the Tempo of San Juan. When you're in Tlaquepaque, take some time to watch life go by a Jardin Hildalgo, just make sure to put away your phone first.