Investing in a good hammock

There is some debate about where and how hammocks came into being, although it seems likely that hammocks arrived in Mexico from the Caribbean, long before the Spanish landed on the shores of present-day Veracruz.

Mexican hammocks are woven in a variety of colors and patterns, although not all hammocks are created equal: there are certain features which need to be considered closely if you are going to procure a hammock that will last you and be comfortable to lie in.

The wide-weave nylon hammocks will be the least expensive, possibly around $300-$500 pesos; cotton and other natural fibers (where available) with a tight weave will be more expensive, starting from $800-$1,000 pesos or more.

Tips to help you buy your Mexican hammock

When you invest in a decent hammock, you’ll take home a hanging bed that will be a real pleasure to use, and provide years of restful service. Generally speaking, the higher the price, the better the quality—although as with all trades in Mexico, price is subject to negotiation.

Here are some tips to help as you choose a hammock to invest in:

Choosing your material

Hammocks are woven in a variety of materials, but only nylon and cotton are widely available. Other traditional materials that may be used for hammock-making include hemp and sansevieria.

Nylon hammocks are the least comfortable, especially in the heat, but if you live in a damp climate they will be the longest-wearing; the key then is to ensure you buy a closely-woven nylon hammock (see weave, below).

Cotton is the most comfortable material that is widely available, and if you really want a hammock made from a natural fiber like sanseveria, you’ll likely have to order it locally: check online for traders and options—some shops might ship their products to you if you can’t attend the store locally.

Check the weave and the thickness of the material

Most hammocks are twisted and folded when they are hung on display for sale.  It’s essential when considering a purchase to take the hammock down, untwist it, and stretch the material out to check the weave.

Cheaper hammocks have a wide weave and are made from thinner threads.  Whichever material you choose, if you choose a wide weave, the hammock will not be comfortable for anything other than brief periods of rest.

When you compare hammocks, choose the one with the tightest weave for the most comfort: the “gaps” between the fibers should be narrow.  A tightly-woven hammock will provide excellent body support and enable you to rest for hours on your hanging bed.

Check the workmanship

Check the ends of the weaves; ensure that the fibers are woven well, and that the ends are elegantly finished without any loose ends or strands hanging out.  Ensure that the materials are in good condition and not worn, damaged, or frayed.

Choose your merchant

Good quality hammocks are available for purchase across Mexico, although if you’re determined to get something quite special, you’ll need to visit a specialist hammock merchant in Mérida or purchase online.

Some online purchase options

• General search for hammocks on Google
• Hammocks advertised on Amazon Mexico
• Hammocks advertised on Mercado Libre

Ambulant vendors

You might come across ambulant vendors offering hammocks for sale, but be sure to check the material used as well as the weave and thickness of the threads especially as ambulant vendors tend to carry the cheaper versions instead of the more expensive varieties, although some vendors do offer the higher quality and more expensive ones too.

The Guelaguetza has its roots in the cult to Centeōtl, the goddess of maize, and is the heart of numerous cultural activities and festivities celebrating Oaxaca’s traditions and pride in a scene of color, music, and history.

Guelaguetza is a Zapoteca word meaning “active cooperation”; it is a gift that evokes reciprocity expressed by music, dance, and songs. The festival, which takes place annually on the two Mondays following July 16th, is part of the Fiestas de los Lunes del Cerro (Monday Festivities on the Hill) in Oaxaca City—a tradition that has been celebrated for more than 500 years. This is a unique festival with significant historical and cultural roots. The contribution of indigenous culture and traditions is so important during the Lunes del Cerro celebrations, that they have come to be known simply as the Guelaguetza.

The entire city of Oaxaca participates in this event which today, due to Spanish influence, also reflects Christian values centered around Corpus Christi of the Temple of Carmen Alto, built by the Carmelita nuns on the Bella Vista hill. However, Guelaguetza retains many of the Zapoteca traditions such as being held in July – to coincide with a date on the Zapoteca calendar dedicated to the Centeōtl, the goddess of maize – and the eight-day celebrations are still called the “Octava.”

During the celebrations, groups representing each of the seven traditional regions: Central Valleys, Juarez Sierra, the Glens, Tuxtepec, the Mixteca, and the Coast and the Tehuantepec Isthmus, congregate in the city of Oaxaca. Each delegation exhibits its cultural heritage with dance, music, and local songs. The traditional gala costumes are also a reflection of their culture and respect for the ceremony.

One of the most noticeable features of the Guelaguetza is the public’s participation. At the end of the performance, each performing group distributes typical items from their region among the spectators. This offering is also called the Guelaguetza, and is a way for the artists to involve everyone who attends in the joy and meaning of the ceremony – through active cooperation – and in so doing, they also act out one of the most revered values of their indigenous ancestors.

Owing to the enormous enthusiasm from both locals and visitors during the Guelaguetza celebrations, several folkloric shows have been added to support the event. Among them is a parade that is staged by each delegation the Saturdays before the Monday Guelaguetza. Known as the Calenda, the parade is led by a marmota—a huge castle covered in cloth, the “giants,” and “Chinas Oaxaqueñas,” who are local women carrying colorful baskets accompanied by their musical bands.

On the same Saturday as the Calenda parade, a woman is chosen to represent Centéolt, who will preside over the celebrations. This is not a beauty contest; instead the woman with the most knowledge of her people’s traditions is chosen.

A wide variety of other events also take place in Oaxaca during the two weeks of the Guelaguetza festival, including concerts, conferences, and exhibits of local arts and handicrafts, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to get a feel for the culture and region of Oaxaca as well as acquire unique, hand-made artworks from local artisans. Since 1997 the country’s Mezcal fair has also been held in the city of Oaxaca during the weeks of the Guelaguetza celebrations.

The festival itself is celebrated on the Cerro del Fortin. A special auditorium built in the 1970s is in place specifically for this celebration. (Other events are held here at other times of the year.)  This outdoor auditorium, which also offers spectacular views over the city, has seating for about 11,000 spectators.  There are two shows on each Monday of the Guelaguetza: one at 9 a.m. and another at 5 p.m.

The auditorium has recently had a tarp-roof added to protect both spectators and performers from the hot sun.  Nonetheless, taking sunscreen and a sunhat is advisable, as well as a pair of binoculars or theater glasses if you are situated further back or want to see the detail of the costumes.  Ambulant vendors pass-by selling refreshments—take some cash (small bills) with you for purchases.

If you cannot make the July festival, Guelaguetza costumes and dancing can be enjoyed year-round in Oaxaca.  The Casa de Cantera restaurant is open seven days from 2 p.m. to late with tables arranged around a stage; from 8:30 p.m. every evening, a Guelaguetza dance spectacle is presented for all diners.  On Friday nights, the Camino Real hotel also features a dinner and Guelaguetza show.

Further details about this year’s events and celebrations can be found here

In an era long past, when the Sanborns downtown was one of the few establishments — aside from hotels — with decent air conditioning, and a place to duck in out of the midday heat, the vendors of cloth hats, stuffed turtles (now a definite no-no), embroidered linen clothes, bathing suits, silverware, and ornaments cut from coconuts were part of the attraction of being somewhere more or less exotic.

Vendors with a smattering of English—starting out with “where are you from?”—would ply their language skills to advantage, perhaps explaining why the price being asked for the same obsidian stone set in silver was twice what it had been offered for the previous day by a rival hawker of jewelry. “Ah señor, this stone was in the ground for many more years, this is the real obsidian.” An added touch to this could be that the seller knew the other vendor — his cousin perhaps — who wouldn’t think twice about fobbing-off on unsuspecting tourists an inferior quality product.

Nowadays, instead of people milling through the markets, it’s more common to see people walking past without so much as a glance at the wares, even pretending not to hear the invitation so look “sin compromiso,” no obligation to buy.

The explanation isn’t that far away. And it’s not so much the sneaking suspicion that many of the Mexico theme T-shirts and caps, tequila glasses, and mugs might have been made in China.

The reason often lies right next door in one of the modern malls that crop up with some regularity. Clothing stores with permanent end-of-season sales, stands selling “all natural” ice cream, fast-food courts, Starbucks coffee shops, and the inevitable multi-hall cinemas.

Tourists and locals alike can be found here, browsing the racks, surfing the web on the free WiFi, or texting on their smartphones, waiting for the next movie to start.

The idea of buying something quaint just because you are on holiday remains, but the malls would appear to be taking natural customers from the street markets.

And while the vendors with portable goods continue to traipse along the beaches, offering sunbathers anything from wooden sculptures to coconut oil and hair braiding, could the traditional street market could end up being a casualty of the times, an anachronism, a thing of the past?

A good place to scout and buy handicrafts is across Mexico’s rural towns and villages, where local people, known as artesanos, make their living by creating the art works.  Mexican handicrafts range from common trinkets to masterful works of fine art—and everything in-between.   The types of handicrafts which predominate in each region usually reflect the natural materials available locally:  woods, metals, textiles, leathers, yarns and clay are the most common.

Some states run government-sponsored “artisan markets” in the state’s capital city, where tourists and locals may find arts and handicrafts that are created in the state’s rural villages conveniently mustered in one place.  The markets also provide an organized commercial outlet for artisans who otherwise do not have the resources to market their art.

In principal tourist locations like Mexico City, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, Oaxaca and Puerto Vallarta, you can find artisan markets which bring handicrafts together from the entire region and/or the country—and many other towns and cities have artisan markets that set-up near the town center at least once a week.

Another significant outlet for handicrafts in Mexico is the Feria Maestros del Arte, an annual event which brings together the best artisans from all over Mexico.

Principal handicrafts available for purchase in Mexico

Masks: Hand-crafted masks made in Mexico are created using wood or papier-mâché.  Mask-making in Mexico dates back to pre-Hispanic times and, although some are sold for rituals and festivals, most are intended as fine wall-mounted ornaments.  The finest wooden masks may be sought in Tocuaro.

Bags: Made principally from leather or textile, the bags come in a range of styles, and colors, and often feature unique, intricate, design-work on the outside.  You can find bags at most markets in towns and cities across Mexico.

Silver: Mexico’s colonial wealth, particularly in the country’s heartland, was built upon the rich lodes of silver buried in the mountains.  Even today, Mexico is one of the world’s top silver-producing countries.  You can find silver jewelry and other artworks made using silver everywhere in Mexico, although the colonial city of Taxco is the most renowned location to acquire it.  When you visit Taxco to buy silver, it’s worth scouting the small alleyways and streets away from the center of town to find the best offers.

Copper: Copper is mined, smelted, and worked in Mexico and incorporated into a number of crafts including plates, ornaments, bowls and jugs.  This highly attractive metal is also worked into some of the finest examples of hand-made Mexican furniture. At Santa Clara del Cobre, a small village near Pátzcuaro, you can watch as artisans beat the copper by hand using age-old traditional techniques as well as choose hand-made copper wares from a wide range on display in local shops and markets in the village.

Wood: Whether natural or lacquered, you’ll find an enormous selection of woodcraft in Mexico.  Most are made from pinewood; some of the most beautiful furniture made in Mexico is created using fine mahogany woods from licensed forests in southern Mexico.  Lacquered box chests, trays, and even trunks are hand-crafted using scented woods grown around the village of Olinala, in Guerrero state.  The naturally-scented wood is sourced from the fragrant Aloe tree, although as demand for this wood has outstripped supply, many examples of the items you see in markets are made from pinewood and later scented using natural essences.

Alebrijes: An impressively-attractive Mexican craft work creates what are called Alebrijes: figurines depicting animals or other mythical creatures.  There are two broad categories of Alebrije: small and large.  The small ones are hand-carved from pieces of wood and beautifully painted in bright colors; the large ones are made by sculpting metal wires, covering the structure in papier-mâché, and finally the art work is beautifully and painstakingly hand-painted; the latter type are quite expensive, but each is a unique work of fine art.

Gourds: The hard shells from certain types of squash fruits have been used in Mexico for centuries to create bowls, cups, and other small storage vessels.   The most common gourds are sourced from the fruit of the Jicara trees.  The most widely employed gourd decoration technique involves coating the gourd with layers of paste or paint, and allowing each layer to harden before applying the next one.  The final layer is hand-painted with the artisan’s own unique design and finally sealed with an oil varnish to protect the work.

Ceramics and Earthenware: Pottery in Mexico dates back to the pre-Columbia era, although it was not until the Europeans arrived that techniques like the potter’s wheel were introduced. Ceramics is the most practiced handicraft in Mexico and you’re spoiled for choice here when it comes to purchasing ceramics: from basic clay plates and bowls, through to practical and hard-wearing tableware and kitchen utensils for everyday use, to elaborately decorated works of art.  Regions tend to specialize in different materials, for example, Oaxaca is famous for its black clay, Puebla for its durable and very attractive Talavera.  The more elaborate pieces which are batch-made are often individually hand-painted making each one unique.

Paintings on Bark: You can find colorful designs painted onto what looks like brown paper; the material is called amate, and is made from tree bark.  The quality varies; most markets peddle run-of-the-mill examples of this art form; however, very fine works of art painted onto good quality amate are available if you look carefully.  Feel the paper and, in particular, pay attention to the fine detail of the paintwork.   More skillful works of art are painted onto better quality papers; the price will be higher too.

Textiles: Hand-made clothes may be found in markets across Mexico, often encompassing some type of colorful embroidery design woven or stitched into white fabric.  Look out for spectacular tablecloths too: the best ones emanate from the states of Michoacan and Oaxaca; if you buy elsewhere, ask the sellers you encounter where in Mexico the ones they are offering originate from.

Musical Instruments: If you’re looking for a classical guitar, violin, or cello you may find the instrument you’re looking for in Paracho, one of Patzcuaro’s Lakeside Villages.  Most of the classical guitars you buy in Mexico will emanate from here.

Hammocks: Although you can find hammocks in markets nation-wide, the Yucatan region, and specifically Merida, is the place to buy hammocks in Mexico.  Mexican hammocks are woven in a variety of colors and patterns, although not all hammocks are created equal: there are certain features which need to be considered closely if you are going to procure a hammock that will last you and be comfortable to lie in.  Here’s a guide about Buying Hammocks in Mexico

The value of any art work is, ultimately, in the eye of the beholder: how we perceive art, and how we respond in the presence of any art piece presented to us is a very personal matter.  Genuine art works you purchase in Mexico will carry a woven narrative that describes the elements which brought the work into being — for example, the materials employed, the artisan’s technique, the traditions, its history and symbolic meaning — and all these formed through the hands of an individual artist who acts as a conduit between the elements.  Art that means something to you personally is the kind of art you will never tire of enjoying.

When you’re purchasing art works in Mexico, it makes good sense to be forearmed with some knowledge about how to spot genuine Mexican art, so that you will take home something that embodies the elements of a true art piece and not a mass-produced reproduction masquerading as true Mexican art.

Ask questions that reveal provenance

When you’re in the market to purchase Mexican art works, ask questions about how the pieces you are offered came into being, and who the artist is. If the artist is not the seller, ask about how the seller is connected to the artist and listen carefully to the response you’re given. In some cases it could be a friend, fellow artisan, or family member.  True art has a narrative that leads back to the elements, described above, which made it so.  Imitations and mass-production faux art lacks this narrative.

Look for a signature

Check the piece for a signature, which is a form of branding in the Mexican art world. Note though, that the piece may not actually have been made by the person who signed it. Juana Gómez Ramírez, famous for her jaguars (pictured above), is the maestra in her family and even though she does not read or write she has her own signature. She may also sign the work of her brother, husband, and others in her family whose work meets her stringent requirements. This is a very common practice among families who work together, or in talleres (workshops) where there is a maestro teaching his techniques and designs to the apprentices.  The signature is only one part of the overall revision process and should not be taken in isolation, because, for example, there are unscrupulous artists out there who sign Juana’s name to their copies.

Buy from the source, if you can

If you purchase direct from the artist’s home, you can be pretty certain that the work will be genuinely theirs. If it’s not signed, ask them to sign it. If an artist will not sign the piece it could be because they don’t write or because they didn’t actually make it. When you purchase art works at Feria Maestros del Arte, you can be almost certain that the work being sold has been made by the artist represented. The Feria is very strict when selecting its artists and if an artisan is discovered not selling their own work, he or she is dropped from the program.

A note about pottery

When pottery is manufactured in bulk, a process known as slip-casting is used—to learn more about the tell-tale signs of slip-casting, read this article. The sought-after thin-walled pottery of Mata Ortiz is all hand-coiled; if a pot offered to you in her name has been slip-cast, it is not an original Mata Ortiz pot. Collectors of Mexican pottery might not purchase pots with colored pigment because those pigments are a fairly recent addition; earth tones were used centuries ago when the pottery was first made by the Paquimé Indians. Some artists stay true to the old way, some decide to add a contemporary feel with some additional color.

See Also: Buying Handicrafts in Mexico

Barranca del Cobre, Copper Canyon, is a region in the desert of northwest Mexico that hosts some of the most spectacular and stunning natural scenery in Mexico’s inland territory.

The area known as Copper Canyon is a series of twenty canyons, formed over the years by six rivers. The area is sometimes compared to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, although the Copper Canyon region is at least seven times the size, and has different topography, flora and fauna to the Grand Canyon.

The Copper Canyon is in Mexico’s wilderness. The Tarahumara people, descendants of the Aztecs, still live a simple life in these canyons, as they have done for centuries. Today, they also sell their crafts and food to visitors who take the Copper Canyon Train Ride.

You can see the Copper Canyon by hiking, biking, trekking, horseback, or four-wheeling; however, by far the most popular is to take the Copper Canyon Train Ride, which runs from Los Mochis to Chihuahua City and back again.

The Copper Canyon railway is a stunning piece of engineering achievement. Opened in 1961 after decades of construction, the railway was designed to connect the Pacific Ocean with Mexico’s central desert territory and Chihuahua. The route continues to be a major freight connection between Chihuahua and the Pacific coast.

The railway line is over 390 miles (650 km) in length, crosses 39 bridges (the longest bridge is over 500 meters long) and 86 tunnels (the longest over 1,500 meters long).

The track starts at sea level at Los Mochis, and will rise to an altitude of around 8,000 ft (2,500 m) before descending into Chihuahua City which lies at around 2,500 ft (800 m) altitude. The line crosses some of Mexico’s most rugged terrain; hugging the edge of mountains and crossing deep ravines on its bridges. The scenery it travels through is truly breathtaking.

The journey on the first-class express takes around thirteen hours if you ride straight through, although most people alight the train about half-way and stay at least one night in the heart of the canyons. It is a spectacular journey and well worth doing. You may buy your ticket in advance or buy a seat on the train on the morning that you intend to travel (subject to available space).

High Season: If you plan to take the train journey between October and March, during the Easter Holidays or over Christmas/New Year, it’s essential to book your ticket in advance.

Seasons in the Copper Canyon: Seasonally, May and June tend to be the driest months in the canyons. July to November are months when the rains are most abundant and the canyons’ flora show-off their deepest greens.  Between December and May, the flora’s colors are in transition between the wet and dry seasons.  See Local Climate information later in this guide for details about the weather and best months to travel.

The First Class Express train makes several stops before its final destination. You can stay at any of the places the train stops, and spend a night or two there while you explore the local area; and perhaps take a horseback ride into the Canyons for a closer look. See Key Attractions below.

You may just take the train ride for the view and experience as part of your trip to Mexico, or you could spend a few days to a week in the region, using the train line as your main route through the canyons and stopping overnight to explore and discover the local areas.

Whatever way you choose to experience Mexico’s Copper Canyon, the most important piece of advice is to book in advance. This is not a place you can just arrive at and expect to find a hotel room and a train ticket—especially during the busy periods.

A journey through Copper Canyon is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take in Mexico. The train ride itself is remarkable, the scenery is amazing, and the whole experience will become a lifetime memory for you and those traveling with you. This guide will give you an insight into what the Copper Canyon can offer and, hopefully, entice you to take this wonderful journey one day soon.

See Also: Flight Options to Reach Copper Canyon

Key Attractions

About the Copper Canyon Train Journey

Class of Service

There are three classes of service on the Copper Canyon train:

• First Class
• Executive Class
• Standard Class

First Class

A luxury option for travelers, with more comfortable seats and panoramic windows to ensure you get the best views of the passing scenery through the mountains and canyons.  The first class train includes a dining car with a glass dome, a bar-terrace with lounge and stools, 96 reclining seats with central tables, luxury restrooms, and on-board waiters serving beverages and snacks, as well as a bar with a panoramic view.

Executive Class

An ideal option to enjoy a comfortable and relaxed family trip, with good views of the passing scenery as you travel.  Executive class ticket holders have access to the glass domed restaurant (subject to space), and the bar with the panoramic views. 240 reclining seats and access to luxury restrooms.  A snack and beverage service is available.

Tourist/Standard Class

Choose the tourist/standard service when you want to experience the train journey at the lowest price. Tourist class offers regular seats (256 in total), a standard restroom, and access to the domed restaurant, subject to space. Regular windows to see the landscape passing by.  A snack and beverage service is available.

The other consideration you will need to keep in mind is choosing where to start and end from.  There are three logical choices:

• Los Mochis (or El Fuerte) to Chihuahua City
• Chihuahua City to Los Mochis (or El Fuerte)
• Travel half-way and return your original start point

Most of the dramatic scenery of the canyon is situated between Los Mochis and Creel.  It’s a long journey from Creel to Chihuahua City and the scenery is not nearly as dramatic on this stretch.

Many organized tours start and end in Los Mochis/El Fuerte – they provide stay-overs and other activities at and around El Divisadero, and then return to Los Mochis. If subsequent travels from Los Mochis include going to Baja California, in addition to regional flights there is a regular ferry service (now upgraded to a faster Catamaran) from Topolobampo (near Los Mochis) to La Paz, which gets you to the Baja California peninsula.

Onward to Chihuahua City – Alternatively, you could re-board the train after a stay in/around Divisadero and then travel onward to Chihuahua City.

See Also: Flight Options to Reach Copper Canyon

Buying your copper canyon train tickets

We highly recommend consulting one of the many tour operators in the Copper Canyon region for purchasing your first-class tickets. Not only will the tour operators procure your tickets, but they can also arrange a complete tour package, including meals and lodging.

There are ticket windows at the Los Mochis or Chihuahua City train stations, but they should be used only if you wish to purchase an Economy ticket, which can only be bought on the date of travel from the station one hour prior to departure. First Class tickets, if any are available, may also be bought this way.

If you plan to make a stopover (see Making Stopovers, below) then your seat (First Class) will only be guaranteed for the first leg of your journey. When you re-board the train, you will need to take pot-luck on seating.

You cannot buy an “open” ticket. You must specify what dates and times you intend to travel, and you will be issued with tickets accordingly. The sale of tickets is tightly controlled to ensure safety and comfort for all passengers, so work out your itinerary and stick with it, unless you’re on a very flexible holiday, and you are happy to take your chances with ticket availability on the days you feel like traveling.

First Class tickets may be bought up to 30 days in advance from tour agents, via telephone or on the Internet. It’s best to use the services of an agency when booking your journey and buying tickets, as you will also need to have transport and accommodation arranged at both ends of the journey.

Making Stop-overs

Lots of people like to spend a few days—some up to 10 days— exploring the Copper Canyon region, by riding the train through it, and stopping off at various points en route, taking up lodging for the night and spending the next day or two exploring the land before boarding the train to the next stop.

Getting off the train and adventuring into the valleys is a great way to see the Copper Canyon, as you’ll experience a lot of features and attractions that are not accessible from the train. The other advantage is that you’ll get time to take in the scenery around you. If you see something you like, you can stop to absorb it, instead of watching it disappear into the distance!

Local activities include horseback riding, helicopter trips, and canyon hikes. An agency can discuss the options with you and make arrangements according to your preferences and budget.

Most tour operators make use of the train coupled with detailed trips into the canyon and using a tour operator is the best way to get the most out of your journey to the Copper Canyon. See Guided Tours, below.

Terminus West: Los Mochis

Los Mochis (meaning “Place of Turtles”) is situated on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, about 310 miles (500 km) northwest of Mazatlán. It is an important industrial port on the Pacific. From a tourist’s viewpoint, there’s little to see and do here: Its primary tourist functions are to provide a ferry to La Paz and act as the Western Terminus for the famous Copper Canyon Train Journey.

Station: El Fuerte

This might be your starting point on the train journey if you didn’t start at Los Mochis. We recommend you begin your journey in El Fuerte, after one or two night’s stay here so that you may enjoy this beautiful place.

El Fuerte means “The Fort”, although only a replica of the fort that once stood here exists now; you can find it at the summit of the Mirador (lookout), which you’ll get to by climbing the hill there.  The view is well worth the climb.

El Fuerte was founded by Francisco de Ibarra, a Spanish conqueror back in 1564. The town was an important center in colonial times, and for some years it was the capital city of Sinaloa state.

The cobbled streets, colonial buildings (the plaza, palace, church) and colonial atmosphere make this one of the nicest towns on the train’s journey, and it’s well worth a stopover for a day.

Station: Bauhichivo

Bauhichivo isn’t a town, it’s a train depot. The place never existed before the train line was built. However, just 6 miles (10 km) from this stop is Cerocahui (pronounced “seh-roh-KAH-wee”), a small village with less than 1,000 inhabitants and three luxury hotels. Cerocauhui is the first village inside the canyon wilderness, and apart from being a quaint little place to see and explore (it’s an old colonial hamlet) it’s a great place from which to explore deeper into the canyon.

The hotels here offer spectacular views, and all of them arrange excursions into the canyons: Horseback rides that take you through stunning scenery, marvelous waterfalls and secluded areas of natural beauty. You can also arrange for excursions to Cerro Gallego, which surrenders spectacular views of Urique Canyon. Urique is an old silver mining town.

Station: Posada Barrancas and El Divisadero

These two stations have been grouped together, as they are less than 2.5 miles (4 km) apart. If you are just taking the train ride and not stopping en route, then this is your only chance to get out and see a spectacular view of the Copper Canyon, as the train stops long enough to get off and see the scenery standing still. This stop leaves you about 7,500 feet (2,400 m) above sea level, on par with Creel— and for this reason, the views are breathtaking.

If you buy a package tour across the region, it’s going to include a stop-over from here, as the hotels offer great views and horse-back excursions into the canyon, which are very popular and come highly recommended by all who have experienced them.

If you’re traveling from Los Mochis, you’ll arrive at Barrancas first. If you are traveling from Chihuahua, then you’ll stop first at Divisadero. This is where the train stops for 20-30 minutes, and the place where you’ll get the views described above.

The Tarahumara Indians will be here selling their fine handicrafts, wood carvings, pine baskets and dolls—and much more besides. Don’t miss the opportunity to buy something really unique and special from these people. Cash only, in Mexican pesos.

All of the main hotels at Barrancas & Divisadero have mini-buses that pick up guests from the train station.

A tour operator can advise you further on this location and make arrangements for transport and accommodation on your behalf.

Station: Creel

With a population of less than 4,000, Creel is a small town at a high elevation, at the heart of the Copper Canyon train journey. The town is surrounded by pine forests, and is, in fact, a lumber town; the town’s mill is still there today, and during the summer months, the sweet, natural aroma of pine fills the air around you.

Enjoy Awesome Nature Tours Near Creel

The town is worth a stop-over in order to be able to take advantage of the excursions available from here. They include a day trip to Cascada de Basaseachi (waterfalls), claimed to be the tallest falls in North America; Recohuata Hot Springs Excursion; and Batopilas—an old silver mining town about 87 miles (140 km) away from Creel, so an overnight stay will be required there. Many of these tours will be very long days and could involve hiking.

Creel will afford you the opportunity to do a bit of shopping at some of the craft shops there, as well as to replenish your cash supply at the ATM in town.

A tour operator can make arrangements for an excursion, transport and accommodation on your behalf.

Terminus East: Chihuahua City

Chihuahua (pronounced “chee-WAH-wah” – the ‘h’ is silent in Spanish) is Mexico’s largest state, and Chihuahua City, its capital, is Mexico’s most prosperous city.

Its wealth is built on mining, livestock, timber and more recently, the modern assembly plants known as maquiladoras. When you arrive here, you’ll see lots of men in boots and hats— this is Mexico’s cowboy country.

The historical center has some handsome colonial architecture, wide roads and fine colonial buildings, and its cathedral, completed in 1789, is admirable. Pancho Villa, the famous revolutionary, lived here; you can visit the house which is also a museum about the Mexican Revolution.

Discover Chihuahua and connect to hotels and local services there using the Mexperience guide to Chihuahua City.

Horse riding

Most of the hotels inside the Copper Canyon region can arrange for you to take a horse ride into parts of the canyon. Some of the hotels are actually ranches, and the horses are provided by the hotel itself. Regardless of your horseback riding experience, you’ll have the opportunity to experience this great region on horseback, an eco-friendly and exciting way to see the Copper Canyon wilderness! A tour operator can make arrangements for transport and accommodation on your behalf.

Helicopter Rides and Adventure Tours

Helicopter rides above the canyon wilderness are available from certain places.

Getting There & Around

By Air to Los Mochis – You can fly to Los Mochis from various airports in northern Mexico and from Mexico City, as well as a small number of US cities. Los Mochis Airport is about 12 miles north of the city; ground transportation and taxis are available into town; most tour operators arrange for you to be picked up from here and transferred directly to El Fuerte. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Ferry to/from Los Mochis – There is a ferry service that crosses the Sea of Cortez (also known as the Gulf of California) to and from La Paz to the port cities of Mazatlan and Los Mochis (Topolobambo). The ferry trip to/from Mazatlan takes 18 hours and does not run daily; sleeping cabins are available with advance bookings. The ferry to/from Los Mochis (Topolobambo) takes around 8 hours and does not sail daily either. A catamaran ferry service is available on some dates and routes which cuts down the journey time considerably. Check the Ferry’s web site at: http://www.ferrytmc.com/ for details of routes, schedules, prices and contact details.

By Air to Chihuahua – Chihuahua City’s airport is well served by all main airports in Mexico as well as a good number of cities in the USA. Ground transportation and taxis are available from the airport into the city center – which is about a 30-40 minute journey. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus to Los Mochis – Los Mochis is not as well served by buses as Chihuahua City, but you can get there by bus and then either take a short cab ride or a local bus connection to the train depot which is on the outskirts of town. Note: the train leaves early in the morning from Los Mochis so it’s advisable to arrive the day before.

By Bus to Chihuahua – Chihuahua is very well served by buses from all major routes in northern Mexico as well as from Mexico City. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Highway 15, which runs along the coast connecting the US border, from Los Mochis and then all the way down to Guadalajara is a fast, well maintained toll road. Chihuahua is well served by good roads from all four compass points. Try to do your driving during daylight hours and where possible, stay on the toll roads to speed your journey. Click the links for more information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads.

Guided Tours and Excursions

Most people who travel to and through the Copper Canyon will use the services of a specialist agent or tour company; they are run by people who know the canyon intimately, and who have many local contacts that provide the necessary transport and accommodation services as well as a wealth of local knowledge and experience.

Getting the Most from Your Visit to Copper Canyon

Although it’s possible to arrange your train and hotels directly and visit the canyon independently, by using the services of a professional tour company, you are likely to get the most out of your visit here.

The canyon region really is vast and the local knowledge that specialist tour operators have will ensure that the limited time you have available will be well programmed through a tried-and-tested itinerary and local guidance given by experienced tour guides.

Practical Information

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch while you’re in Mexico.

Exchanging Currency: Plan your currency requirements carefully if you’re traveling in the Copper Canyon. Banks with ATM machines can be found in Los Mochis, Chihuahua City and Creel (inside the canyon area), but very few places besides. Read about currency exchange in Mexperience’s Money Section. Be sure to carry sufficient cash to cover the cost of buying things from people and places unlikely to accept cards or traveler’s checks in the Copper Canyon—in other words, everywhere except good quality hotels.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: You’ll find Internet cafes quite easily downtown in Chihuahua and Los Mochis. Inside the Copper Canyon, access to the internet is scarce; some of the hotels located inside the canyon may offer internet services.

What to buy in Copper Canyon

Don’t miss the opportunity to buy fine art and craft work from the local Tarahumara Indians in the canyon.

Their specialized works include pine baskets, dolls, violins, rugs and blankets, flutes, drums, pottery and traditional clothing and wood carvings.

Everything is unique and hand-made. Stock up with plenty of pesos in cash before you set out on your journey: traveler’s checks and plastic are no good for purchases made from the indigenous traders living in the canyon.

Remember to take cash with you — in Mexican Pesos — as the local artisan traders will not have credit card facilities and prefer local currency.

Local Climate

The climate in this region changes with the seasons and heavily influences the times when most people travel through the canyon.

Seasonally, May and June tend to be the driest months in the canyon. July to November are months when the rains are most abundant and the canyons’ flora show-off their deepest greens.  Between December and May, the flora’s colors are in transition between the wet and dry seasons.

March & April and October & November are the two busiest times at the canyon. This is because they are times of the year when the climate is at its most temperate.

During the high summer months, temperatures in Los Mochis and El Fuerte are hot and humid.  In the winter, some snow may fall in higher areas of the Canyons, although that does not impede tours and activities.

If you don’t want to be among the high number of visitors here, then you should travel July through September. This is the rainy season, but the rains will be monsoon-like: thunder, lighting, drenching downpours, and then it’s gone. They cool down the hot days perfectly. The other big advantage of these rainy months is that the abundance of water makes the canyon come alive—its flora become lush with hues of deep emerald green, and its rivers deep and gushing.

May and June are generally dry months: Water shortages are common, the land is arid, dry, dusty, and less inspiring. It’s best to avoid the area in these months, unless you have no other choice, or have been before and want to see the contrast.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

The state of Oaxaca (pronounced “wa-HAH-ka”) is one of Mexico’s richest states in terms of history, culture, archaeology, and ecology.

Oaxaca was home to Benito Juarez, originally a servant-boy to an affluent family, and the man who would become Mexico’s first president as well as one of Mexico’s most revered historical characters.

When the Spanish settled here during the 16th century, Oaxaca grew into a semi-prosperous colonial city; the most populous and important center in the south of Mexico. The city was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1854, and it wasn’t until the era of Porfirio Diaz that the city began to properly rebuild and start to grow again.

Oaxaca hosts some of Mexico’s most vibrant natural terrain. From tropical forests, to high mountains, lush arable valleys, breathtaking rugged Pacific coasts, and quiet coves offering tranquil beaches with soft sands.

Black clay pottery and textiles are famous handicrafts produced here. Both crafts are well-established locally, and Oaxaca pottery is especially well known and sought-after throughout Mexico, and world-wide.

Oaxaca exhibits features that give this distinct location a mature character interlaced with a unique vibrancy—reasons why it is so highly spoken of by the people who know it.

The eternal Mexico is embodied in Oaxaca: deep indigenous roots interweave with colonial flair, and the result is a cultural and historical vibrancy which is as emotive as it is unique.

Oaxaca City offers a blend of experiences and attractions, including an engaging historical colonial center with cobbled streets, striking architecture, quiet plazas, and a fine central square often filled with soft sounds created by local musicians serenading people as they rest under the shade of its trees, as well as those taking some time to enjoy fine coffee and quiet conversation at one of the local cafés.

Nearby, you’ll find an abundance of attractions (see below) – including El Tule – the 2,000-year-old living tree.

Monte Albán, and Mitla, two of Mexico’s outstanding archaeological parks, are also near here; you can discover them through Mexperience guides.

If you’re seeking to uncover the roots and the heart of Mexico, you’ll find them both in Oaxaca. This is a place to come when you’re hungry to explore the ‘undiscovered Mexico’, a region where friendly people, breath-taking architecture, a perfect climate, and delicious foods blend together to create an extraordinary cultural experience that is authentically Mexican.

People who come to Oaxaca tend to keep coming back. Every time they return, they see something new in what they already know—and know that they’ll find something brand-new to experience as well.

Ask any Mexican about Oaxaca and the first thing they’ll usually tell you is that it’s ‘the soul of Mexico’. It is true that Mexico’s roots and heart extend from here; but to understand why it’s called so, you’ll need to come and feel the atmosphere, smell the air, and absorb the culture.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Oaxaca city is a well preserved, charming and vibrant colonial city. The city center has been restored in recent times. The city is host to some of the most important colonial buildings in Mexico and these are protected by INAH, the government body responsible for securing the country’s heritage.

The center of town around the zocalo (Main Plaza) is completely closed off to traffic, and cafés and restaurants that surround the tree-lined square make a perfect setting for a relaxed drink or two while enjoying the warm sunshine and watching the world go by.

The city’s Cathedral, which was finished in the 18th century is just north of the zocalo and features some stunning stone carvings on its front facade.

The old Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) is on the south side of the zocalo and features some great architecture both inside and out. The seat of local government has moved out of the historic building to an out-of-town location. As a result the impressive palace is being converted into a museum and cultural center.

To see a French-style indoor theatre, go to the Teatro Macedonio Alcala, built in 1903. You’ll find it on Av. 5 de Mayo and Independencia. The theater has seating for over 1,300 people on five tiers, and features an impressive marble staircase.

One of Oaxaca’s most impressive-looking churches, and often seen in photographs promoting the city, is the Iglesia de Santo Domingo. The church was originally a Dominican Monastery; the internal decor is quite brilliant. In the evenings, the inside of the church is illuminated by soft candlelight.

To see Oaxaca’s oldest church, you’ll need to walk about 2 blocks southwest of the zocalo and find the Iglesia de San Juan de Dios. This is a simple church, built around 1521, and is very popular with the local people.

Museums and Art in Oaxaca

Oaxaca has many good museums, which is not surprising given the rich culture, history, and archaeology that Oaxaca has. A few of the main ones are listed here and you can get a complete listing from the local tourism office (see Practical Information).

Museo Regional de Oaxaca (Regional Museum of Oaxaca) – Among other historical treasures, this museum hosts artifacts from Monte Alban’s Tomb No. 7 which contained corpses, jewelry and gold.

Rufino Tamayo Museo de Arte Pre Hispanico (Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre Hispanic Art) – Rufino Tamayo (who was from Oaxaca) was also one of Mexico’s most famous artists and this museum is collection of great pre-Hispanic art collected over a period of around 20 years.

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Oaxaca (Museum of Oaxacan Contemporary Art) – Is situated on the picturesque street of Alacala, includes collections from Mexico’s most contemporary artists including Rufino Tamayo, Rodolfo Morales, Francisco Toledo, Rodolfo Nieto and others.

El Tule – Mexico’s Oldest Living Tree

There are buses every quarter of an hour from Oaxaca’s second-class bus station to Santa Maria del Tule – Home to Mexico’s (and one of the world’s) oldest living trees, celebrating 2000 years and still growing. You can read about El Tule and see a picture gallery here. The tree is situated just 14 km (8 miles) away from Oaxaca City and makes an easy morning or afternoon trip.

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Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to Oaxaca from the US and and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, and some other smaller regional airports in the south of Mexico. The airport is on Oaxaca’s south side and it takes around 20-30 minutes to travel the 4 miles into the city center using ground transportation. Taxis, or for a cheaper ride, combis (mini vans) can take you into the city center. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Oaxaca on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes around 6 hours on the highway that connects Oaxaca City to Mexico’s capital. Buses depart from Mexico City’s eastern bus station (Central de Autobuses Oriente) and are frequent and plentiful, although prebooking is advised during Mexican Holiday periods (see Busy times in Oaxaca, below). For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Oaxaca is very fast and efficient now with a high-speed toll road which leads directly to the colonial city from the nation’s capital. Take Highway 150 (Toll Road to Puebla) and keep going. The journey takes around 5 hours by car. See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico to learn what you need to know about car rental in Mexico and connect to the Mexperience Travel Center to reserve your Rental Car.

Taxis – Taxis in most of Mexico’s colonial towns and cities are not metered, so agree your price before you get in. Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Local Events Calendar

Major National Festivities are celebrated with vigor here, and Oaxaca becomes very busy during Easter Week, Guelaguetza (July) Day of Dead (November), and over Christmas.

Guelaguetza: One of the biggest and most important festivls in Mexico is the Guelaguetza, a festival of colorful folk dancing and music which takes place here in Oaxaca around in July each year. For more details read Guelaguezta, Oaxaca on our blog.

Book Ahead! If you plan to visit Oaxaca during one of the major festivals it’s advisable to book your transport and accommodations well in advance. Buses and flights book up and hotels sell out during the festive periods.

Oaxaca Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found downtown, with a row of banks and exchange houses on a road off the south side of the main plaza. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will exchange your foreign currency. Read about money and currency exchange in Mexperience’s Money Section.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Internet Access: Internet cafes are commonplace in Mexico – new ones open and old ones close all the time – but you won’t have to look hard to find one downtown and in the main tourist areas.

Busy Times in Oaxaca: During religious holidays (Christmas and Easter) and the Guelaguetza festival in July (see Local Events Calendar, above), Oaxaca becomes very busy as Mexicans go on holiday in the region and many Oaxaqueños return home to their families for the holidays. If your travel plans involve visiting this area during these times be sure to book ahead, especially your accommodation.

What to Buy in Oaxaca

Shopping for arts, crafts, textiles, pottery, and wood carvings in Oaxaca is a real treat. The selection is immense and the quality and value is unbeatable.

Everything you buy in Oaxaca will be made in the surrounding towns and villages by artisans and crafts people living there. There are several markets in Oaxaca itself, as well as a plethora of craft shops and ambulant vendors.

The main market in the city is the Central de Abastos— the big day is Saturday, although you’ll find activity there every day of the week.

The surrounding towns and villages also have their own markets, which specialize in a particular kind of product, e.g.: pottery, textiles, wood carving, cheese, local food, crafts, etc. Tours out to these markets can be arranged locally. Here are the locations, days and products:

Monday: Miahuatlan for bread, leather and mezcal.

Tuesday: Santa Ana del Valle for miscellaneous arts and crafts.

Wednesday: Etla for flowers, cheese and meats.

Thursday: Ejutla for textiles and mezcal.

Friday: Ocotlan for flowers, textiles, and pottery.

Saturday: Oaxaca at the Central de Abastos (see above).

Sunday: Tlacolula for rugs and ceramics; and Tlaxiaco for blankets and leather jackets.

Local Climate

Oaxaca enjoys year-round, warm and dry weather (hot and humid on/near the coasts). The climate is ideal for taking part in a variety of outdoor activities and for taking in the local culture, architecture, and scenery. Rains are seldom a feature here; when they do come they tend to be during the months of April thru November, but as with most monsoon areas, rains tend to be fierce and brief in the late afternoon, leaving the evenings dry and cooled off.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico

About six miles southeast of the center of Guadalajara city you’ll find the trendy and artistic neighborhood of Tlaquepaque (“Tla-Keh-Pa-Keh”).  A colonial town dating back to Hispanic times, today it has become the area’s boutique shopping district with trendy shops and restaurants lining colonial-style streets and alleyways, plazas, and gardens.  Tlaquepaque is increasingly becoming a popular base for visitors to the area, situated about half-way between the city’ international airport and the historic center of Guadalajara.

The town’s up-market arts and crafts center boutique shops and trendy restaurants line the picturesque colonial-style streets and alleyways, plazas, and gardens. The shops specialize in art and craft works from all over Mexico, with a particular emphasis on ceramics, bronze, sculpture, wooden furniture, papier-mâché, blown glass, and embroidered cloth.

Although the old town has now been absorbed into the expansive reach of the Guadalajara metro area, Tlaquepaque retains the traditional structure of a small Mexican community: a central plaza (Jardin Hidalgo), a parish church, central market, and old-style central neighborhoods which retain their original colonial character.

Its mansions and gentile style date back to the 19th century, when Tlaquepaque was one of the principal stops en route to Mexico City. It also holds an important place in Mexico’s history: The Plan de Iguala, which set forth the foundation for Mexican Independence from Spain, was signed at the house situated on the corner of Independencia and Contreras Medellin.

The look, feel, and atmosphere around Tlaquepaque is distinctly colonial; there are various pedestrian areas featuring a wide assortment of charming cafés and restaurants—some with outside tables where you can watch the world go by. Street performers provide curbside entertainment while musicians’ instruments fill the air with the warm sound of Mexican music.

This area fills up with lots of locals and visitors for Sunday lunch at one of the many fine restaurants here.

The nearby artisan village of Tonalá, also known for its ceramics and pottery, makes for an interesting day-trip from here or Guadalajara if you enjoy learning about and buying crafts.  You won’t find the elegant façades and the curated collections of art and crafts that are available in the stores in Tlaquepaque: this is a working craft village offering outlet prices, but you’ll need a keen eye and be able to negotiate in Spanish, to walk away with quality art at a decent price.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

The colonial center begins at the Jardin Hidalgo, with its plaza, bandstand, gardens and church. Off here are several streets and alleyways that lead around the area of Tlaquepaque.

Museum in Tlaquepaque

The Museo Regional de la Ceramica (Regional Ceramics Museum) offers free admission and a glimpse into the different types and styles of ceramic crafted in Tlaquepaque. Like most museums in Mexico, it is closed on Mondays.

Great Restaurants

Many of the old colonial mansions have been converted into excellent cafes and restaurants. Sunday lunch is very popular here with locals and visitors alike; live bands can often be heard playing through the open windows and often a traveling minstrel will “do the rounds” at a restaurant offering to play traditional Mexican folk songs in return for a small charge per song.

Boutique Shopping

There are many boutiques selling arts and crafts in Tlaquepaque. Some sell exclusive designs while others will offer more common, but high quality, Mexican arts and crafts. This is not the place you will find many bargains, but you can be assured of the quality and authenticity of the goods.

Getting There & Around

By Air – The nearest airport to Tlaquepaque is also the main airport for flying into Guadalajara: Aeropuerto Internacional Libertador Miguel Hidalgo is 10 miles (16.5 km) south of Guadalajara. You can fly to Guadalajara from the US and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta and Monterrey. Using ground transportation, it will take about 45 minutes to get into the center of Guadalajara; or about 20 minutes if you are staying in Tlaquepaque. For detailed information about flights and flying, see the Mexperience guide to Air Travel in Mexico.

By Bus – You can travel to Guadalajara on a luxury bus from Mexico City – the trip takes around 7-8 hours. Luxury buses drop passengers off at the new bus station in Guadalajara, which is actually near Tlaquepaque. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

By Car – Driving to Guadalajara / Tlaquepaque is very fast and efficient using the many high-speed roads that connect this region.  See additional information about Driving in Mexico and Mexico’s Toll Roads on Mexperience.

Car Rental – To explore Mexico’s colonial towns and cities, consider renting a car for your visit. Having your own car will give you more flexibility than using public transport options and, in some cases, offer you access to places which are otherwise difficult to visit without the use of a car. Read our guide to Car Rental in Mexico

Taxis – Taxi travel is very affordable in Mexico, in comparison to the USA, Canada and Europe, and so provides a viable means of public transportation in Mexico. Your hotel can arrange taxis for you; some post their rates on a board in the lobby; taxi hotel rates are usually higher than cabs you hail off the street. If you speak Spanish, you will have a distinct advantage and be able to negotiate a price with the driver. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico

Buses – There are regular local buses from Guadalajara to Tlaquepaque and the journey takes around 20-30 minutes. Bus trips to local areas (within about 50 miles of Guadalajara) depart from the old bus station in Guadalajara, which is in the city center. You can take a local bus to nearby places including Lake Chapala (Chapala, Ajijic, Jacotepec). Connect to the Mexico Essentials section on Mexperience for information about traveling on Local Buses.

Tlaquepaque Essentials

Telephone: Connect to the guide about Communications in Mexico on Mexperience for detailed information about keeping in touch and the latest table of national dialing codes.

Exchanging Currency: Banks with ATM machines can be found in the central area of Tlaquepaque. For detailed information about exchanging and managing your money, read the Mexperience guide to Money in Mexico.

Travel Insurance: We recommend that you are adequately covered with travel medical insurance and/or travel assistance insurance when you are visiting Mexico. Read the Mexperience guide to Travel Insurance in Mexico for full details and links to specialist insurance suppliers.

Restaurants

Google: Restaurants in Tlaquepaque

What to Buy in Tlaquepaque

The shops here specialize in art and craft work from all over Mexico, with a particular emphasis on up-market ceramics, bronze sculpture, papier-mâché, blown glass and embroidered cloth. Some shops sell exclusive designs while others will offer more mainstream, but high quality, Mexican arts and crafts. This is not the place you will find bargains, but every collection is carefully curated by the store’s owner and so you can be assured of the quality and authenticity of the goods you are buying.

Local Climate

Tlaquepaque’s climate is spring-like all year-round. The winter months do become cooler in the mornings and evenings, so bring a sweater with you if you’re traveling at these times. The warmest times are April, May and June. The rainy season runs from June through to September. Rains tend to come in the afternoon, are relatively short and fierce and leave the evenings dry and cooled off.

Weather & Climates in Mexico

Learn more about the weather and climates through the seasons and regions by connecting to the Mexperience guide about Weather and Climates in Mexico