San Juan de los Lagos is a little town located 2 hours northeast of central Guadalajara and about…read morean hour and 10 mins south of Aguascalientes. San Juan de los Lagos is primarily known for two things. It's Cathedral, baroque, Basilica of of Our Lady of San Juan de lod Lagos, which houses a sacred image of the Virgin. This image, according to legend, was used to bring back to life an acrobat who had died during a performance. The Cathedral is religious pilgrimage site second only to the Cathedral Virgen in Mexico City. We were so fortunate to arrive about 10 minutes before the procession started across the the plaza. We watched dancers followed by drums playing and the relic being carefully carried into the Basilica. The Basicila itself is stunning. For a Thursday morning mass at 10:00 am every pew was full. The singing and the chanting was something that I haven't experience in Mexico before and rivals the great Gothic cathedrals in Europe. San Juan de los lagos is also known for its sweets. Its primarily known for its caramel. Caramel is sold by tubs by every vendor on every street. There are many different varieties of caramel. Some caramel has tequila, others have been wine soaked, and still others are spicy. You'll be presented with many small wooden taster spoons. Don't forget about the different candies as well. Here are some tips: 1. The moment you arrive into town, you will be flagged down by guys on scooters. It can be daunting. Don't fret. They will escort you through the street, make note of the speed bumps and escort you to a parking area. Parking is very scarce in the center so they are helping you get to a parking spot. 2. Make sure you drop a pin on your map with your phone to remember where you parked your car, otherwise its going to hard to remember where you parked. 3. You will be approached by sellers selling religious relics like crucifixes, crosses, and rosaries. If you don't want any, just say no thank you, or no gracias. I made the mistake of saying that I purchased my in Rome at the Vatican, which was considered an insult. Why it is true that I did buy a rosary in Rome at the Vatican, the locals here take their pilgramage site very seriously and uniquely. Don't be like me, just say ' no gracias ' 4. Can you take caramel back with you to the United States? Yes. It your checked bag and make sure when the officer asks you if you have something to declare that you mention the caramel or you're taking chance to be caught. San Juan de los Lagos is a great day trip for those staying in Guadalajara or Aguascalientes. It's beauitiful and the its people are very nice. Make sure to add it your itinerary next time you're in Jalisco, Mexico.

Beautiful plaza and Church... And Mucho, tiny shops, and…read morelots of people walking around, trying to sell things. If you're in to tchotchke and maybe some souvenirs, this is a good place to be. How do I it's a decent drive from Tampa if you are in that area. Green countryside during the time we drove.