Tequila

Tequila is Mexico’s national drink and one of the icons synonymous with the country.  The ‘Tequila’ marque is now protected world-wide and production of the drink is tightly regulated: only a handful of Mexican states have production rights, and the best Tequilas emanate from Blue Agave grown in the rich volcanic soils situated in the state of Jalisco.  Tequila is made by harvesting the hearts (known in Spanish as piñas) of the Blue Agave (ah-gah-veh) plant, slowly baking them in large ovens, and then pressing the pulp into a sweet liquid that is passed through a prescribed distillation process.  Afterwards, the Tequila is transferred into specially-prepared wood barrels and left to age.  The precise process, barrel type and aging time determines the Tequila’s classification, and strict labeling regulations enable buyers to know what type they are paying for.  The highest quality Tequilas are made from 100% agave, whereas less expensive varieties use a mixture of agave and sugar cane.  Tequila can be enjoyed straight or mixed into a variety of cocktails, the most of popular of which is the Margarita.   You can find tequila cocktail recipes on the Mexican Bar here on Mexperience.

Mezcal

Mezcal is distilled using a similar production process to tequila but the tastes and nuances of the final blend are distinct.  Mezcal, once a semi-obscure cousin to tequila, has recently gained widespread popularity and so the Mexican government acted to regulate its production, helping to improve the quality of mass-produced varieties and thus giving confidence to the wider market.  As with Tequila, Mezcal is produced by baking the hearts (piñas) of the agave; but unlike Tequila, which is made exclusively from Blue Agave, Mezcal may be produced from nearly 30 different varieties of agave.  Most Mezcal is produced using the espadín agave, although distillers also blend different varieties of the plant with the intention of creating unique flavors.  The drink undergoes an aging process and, like Tequila, an aged Mezcal feels more robust and often smoother on the palate than the younger alternatives.  The best Mezcal —like the best Tequila— is made from 100% agave; and like Tequila, less expensive varieties use cane sugars and contain other flavorings.  Mezcal has a distinctively smoky flavor which for many is an acquired taste.  Purists assert that Mezcal doesn’t lend itself to being mixed in cocktails, although there are plenty of Mezcal cocktail recipes to try out.  Traditionally, Mezcal is taken straight with a pinch of sal de gusano: a condiment made by grinding together dried larvae, chiles, and salt.  Mezcal may also contain a ‘worm’ (larvae) at the base of the bottle—this is a ploy concerned only with the product’s marketing and does not alter the taste.  Tequila never has a ‘worm’ in the bottle.

Pulque

Pulque is an ancient beverage dating back to Mesoamerican times.  Like chocolate in that era it was an élite beverage employed in ritualistic ceremonies and was later used by indigenous tribes as a form of medicinal tonic.  While Pulque is also made from the agave succulent (distinct agave and maguey varieties exist), in any case the plant is not baked and distilled; instead, the plant’s sap is fermented.  The sap is extracted by cutting a cavity into the heart of the agave, and the sweet liquid that comes out is called aguamiel (honey water).  Once extracted, the sap is fermented to create a milky-colored and viscous beverage which creates a slight foam when it’s poured.  Its taste is often likened to fermented oatmeal with a yeast undertone.  Pulque can be taken straight, but is more often served as a long drink —termed ‘curado‘ in Spanish— prepared by blending the fermented sap with any combination of fruit pulps, nuts and spices, or sweeteners.  Connoisseurs assert that the blend should only be taken fresh and that you should ask the vendor whether the batch you are being served was prepared today.  Pulque is a low-alcohol beverage (typically 2-6%), whereas Tequila and Mezcal distillations typically contain around 40% alcohol.  Beware: notwithstanding its low alcohol content, Pulque can creep-up on you, and a long afternoon whiled away taking this ancient beverage with your companions can leave your head clear and your legs confused when you eventually stand-up to walk.

Marianne Carlson founded an art festival that seeks to raise awareness for genuine Mexican art and the Master Artisans who bring it into being. Feria Maestros del Arte, now in its fifteenth year, has become an important stage for genuine Mexican art.

Mexican art has a long and rich history that stretches back to pre-Hispanic times, with artists applying techniques and styles to their works which have been handed-down through countless generations: these are the works which retain and reflect an authenticity that only hand-made original art can convey.

Marianne and her team scout all of Mexico seeking the best art and artisans, and invite them to Feria Maestros del Arte. The artists have their expenses covered by the organization, and are not charged any fees for attendance, so they keep every peso in income from the sales they make at the fair.

The fair is unique. This is an art market where you’ll find a carefully curated collection of Mexican art works, crafted and sold in-person by the country’s finest living artisans, and where you can be assured that the art you purchase is hand-made in Mexico, and authentic in every sense.

Over 100 artisans will be present this year, offering an abundance of high quality and diverse art pieces for buyers to choose from, including:

Panama hats, the classic and timeless hat, made in Bécal, in the state of Campeche on Mexico’s Gulf coast

Handmade footwear, including fashionable ethnic shoes from Oaxaca

Kitchen utensils, including knives from the famous José Ojeda family

Wooden art works, including Alebrijes which are hand-carved wooden animals, individually painted and every one unique

Catrinas, skeleton dolls, hand-made in plaster and individually painted. They are one of the most traditional artwork displays for celebrations around Day of the Dead

An abundance of ceramics, including barro betus, barro canelo, barro bruñido, black ceramics, and high-fire ceramic

Unique Mexican jewelry, including silver Yalalag crosses, pieces made from recycled aluminum, cloth, and other materials

Woven art including beautiful rebozos, huipiles, blouses, and more

Straw art, including papier-mâché, hand-made paper amate, and hand-made hammocks using traditional materials

Furniture made of chuspata (a type of reed), and equipales (traditional Mexican furniture)

See Also: Tips for Spotting Genuine Mexican Artwork

Image above shows two artisan women from the San Mateo del Mar cooperative in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Spotting an opportunity to open an authentic colonial-style hotel in the area, Arturo Magana and his wife left Los Angeles in 2001, moved their family to Tlaquepaque, and opened the Quinta Don José with the intention to provide a local oasis, where guests enjoy a comfortable stay as well as a base to explore the locality.  It has since become known as one of the most welcoming and friendly hotels in the area.

This family-run boutique hotel is situated in the heart of Tlaquepaque’s historic district, close to the town’s principal attractions and amenities. Stepping-in from the colonial street to Quinta Don José feels like stepping into an authentic colonial Mexican home. The hotel’s staff treat guests with the kind of personal attention that makes you feel immediately relaxed and at home.  Every one of the 17 rooms are individually appointed, each with its own character, and perfectly in-keeping with authentic Mexican colonial style décor.

The central colonial courtyard is marked by a beautiful pool area and surrounding gardens, with seating flecked in nooks and crannies where you can find cool shade in the afternoon sun, or relax under soft lamplight while enjoying the tranquility of a warm evening.

The intimate and friendly bar is well stocked and offers an opportunity to mingle and socialize with other guests, or simply enjoy a quiet cocktail.  Arturo also opened an Italian-themed restaurant on the property—Tlaquepasta—which is well-regarded by locals and guests for its handmade pizzas and fresh pasta dishes.  The wonderful home-cooked breakfasts, which include freshly-baked breads and traditional Mexican favorites, can be taken at your leisure in the restaurant or in the central courtyard amidst the beautifully manicured gardens. The hotel welcomes families and is also pet friendly.

As your local hosts and experts about the region, the staff at La Quinta Don José can arrange trips and activities using known-good local guides and operators—including city tours of Guadalajara, trips to visit the agave-growing region around Tequila, nearby archaeology sites, as well as other nature/adventure activities.

A little less than 250 miles northwest of Mexico’s capital is Mexico’s second largest city, Guadalajara, situated in the state of Jalisco. With 5 million inhabitants, it’s less than a quarter of the size of Mexico City, but nevertheless, Guadalajara is an important city: colorful and vibrant, it’s also one of Mexico’s colonial treasures.

Guadalajara is often described as the “most Mexican of all Mexico’s cities”, partly because the culture here is traditionally Mexican in so many ways, and also because several products firmly associated with Mexico emanate from here.

Mariachis are the traditional Mexican musicians with their black velvet dress and unmistakable large Mariachi hats. Where their name derived from is a bit of mystery; various theories abound, but it was in Guadalajara that Mariachis first appeared. Mariachis play melodies and sing traditional Mexican folk songs, usually in plazas, at parties, restaurants, weddings, birthday celebrations, and the like. The original ‘orthodox’ Mariachis play only stringed instruments and sing only traditional folk music from the state of Jalisco. Today, many Mariachi groups also incorporate a trumpet in their music, (an English import, which actually sounds really great when properly combined with the strings) and sing a variety of Mexican folk songs from across the country’s regions.

Another great Mexican product—and one of Mexico’s most successful exports: Tequila—also began life in Guadalajara. Tequila is made from the Blue Maguey plant and, not surprisingly, Guadalajara is still one of the main Tequila producing areas in Mexico today. Connect to the Mexican Bar on Mexperience for more information about Tequila.

Guadalajara also gave Mexico its famous wide-rimmed hat (the famous Mexican Sombrero), introduced the Mexican Hat Dance and pioneered Charreadas—today more commonly known as the Rodeo. Many of the key images associated with Mexico were bequeathed to the nation by one city—Guadalajara.

Guadalajara, like many cities of its size, offers all of the benefits that come with being a large, cosmopolitan city, but without the nuisances and stresses that are often part and parcel of a huge megalopolis. The distinction between Mexico City and Guadalajara is a case in point.

Guadalajara has all the amenities you would want from a large city in Mexico: Colonial center, great art and culture, good shopping, great restaurants serving a huge variety and choice of delicious food, excellent choice of accommodation options, and a vibrant nightlife— without the pollution, severe traffic headaches and other associated side-effects of Mexico City. In fact, if you want big-city life, but don’t want to visit Mexico City, then Guadalajara can offer you a worthwhile alternative.

If you’re on the Pacific Coast, especially in Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo,Guadalajara can make a convenient and very worthwhile visit which will enable you to experience inland Mexico and one of its great cities.

Just south of Guadalajara is Chapala, and its large lake, Lake Chapala, which is Mexico’s largest natural lake. This area has been adopted by expatriates who have come to Mexico to retire, mostly from the USA and Canada. They have come here looking for a slower pace of life, good facilities, nice people and excellent food. The area is pleasant and makes a nice side trip from Guadalajara, being just over 20 miles south of the city.

As one of Mexico’s major cities, Guadalajara has a lot to offer you when you make a visit here. If you’re on a tour of Colonial Cities, you should include Guadalajara, especially given that it is relatively close to other colonial attractions such as Morelia, Zacatecas and Aguascalientes.

As a city attraction, you’ll find that Guadalajara provides authentic and very worthwhile experiences of Mexico and Mexican culture; whether you chose to come for a day or two, or get to know the city and its surrounds better and stay for longer, you won’t be left disappointed.

Key Attractions

Colonial Center

Guadalajara’s colonial center has five main plazas, the main one in the middle of the city hosts the city’s amazing twin-tower cathedral, with the other four plazas surrounding it in all directions. There are several historical buildings that center around the five plazas, and Calzada Independencia, which is the main road that runs north-south through the city.

The two main plazas are the Plaza de las Armas (the most attractive) and Plaza Tapatía. The Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace) is the seat of Government here, at times in Mexico’s history, like Queretaro, served as the nation’s capital when Mexico City was under siege.

North of the cathedral is one of Guadalajara’s big landmarks: Rotunda de los Hombres Ilustres (Monument to the Illustrious Men), which include a writer, a composer, a poet and an architect, among others.

On the north side of the Plaza de los Laureles (directly in front of the cathedral) is the Presidencia Municipal (City Hall).

Other attractions in Guadalajara’s Colonial Center include Palacio de la Justicia (Palace of Justice, or State Court House) and Instituto Cultural de la Cabañas, which is one of Guadalajara’s greatest colonial buildings. Plaza de los Mariachis offers you the opportunity to eat and drink while Mariachis play and serenade you (for a small fee per song).

Tlaquepaque

Just 4 miles (7 km) southeast of Guadalajara’s city center is Tlaquepaque, an old craft center and colonial village.  Discover Tlaquepaque with Mexperience for full details about this colonial enclave.

Churches

Guadalajara is home to some of Mexico’s most attractive colonial churches, in addition to the city’s cathedral. Some notable ones include Templo de la Merced, near the cathedral, which was built around 1650; Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Carmen, which includes gold decoration and some nice murals in its dome; Templo de Aranzazu, which was completed around 1752.

Parque Agua Azul

This is Guadalajara’s main park and offers green serenity and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of Guadalajara’s city life. There’s a children’s play area here as well as a train ride. The park also features an aviary and nearby is the city’s Anthropology Museum. There is a small admission fee.

Plaza del Sol Area

This area of the city hosts all of the city’s fine restaurants, glossy shopping areas and malls, luxury hotels and is the main commercial area in downtown Guadalajara.

Learn Spanish in Guadalajara

As “the most Mexican of Mexico’s cities”, Guadalajara is an excellent venue for people who want to attend a Spanish School in Mexico. Take the opportunity to mix learning and pleasure when you visit this cosmopolitan city by attending one of the Spanish Schools here; there’s no better way to learn Spanish than by becoming immersed in it at a language school in Mexico.

Museums and Art in Guadalajara

Museo Regional de Guadalajara (Regional Museum of Guadalajara) – is hosted by the a former seminary of San José, built in the 17th century. The architecture alone makes it worth a visit. The museum itself hosts a collection of work depicting the history of western Mexico, from pre-Columbian times through to the Spanish invasion and conquest.

Museo de Arqueologia del Occidente de Mexico (Archaeology Museum of Western Mexico) – Houses a selection of pre-Hispanic pottery.

Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum) – Covers the city’s past, from its origins in Zacatecas (where Guadalajara was to be in the first place – but later moved… once again) to the invasion and conquest by the Spanish.

Museo de las Artes de la Universidad de Guadalajara (Guadalajara’s University Art Museum) – Has a permanent collection from the University and also hosts many major traveling exhibitions.

Lake Chapala, Ajijic, & Environs

Because of the stunning scenery, great climate and attractive ambiance at Lake Chapala and its picturesque lakeside towns of Ajijic, Jocotepec and (of course) Chapala, many foreigners, especially from the USA and Canada, decide to sell up and move to this great area for a complete change of lifestyle, to retire, or both.

When you visit here, it’s not hard to see why they do. The climate is absolutely great all year round; the lake is wonderful and flanked by majestic mountains in the background; the people here are friendly and inviting; and the whole place is just over 20 miles away from Guadalajara, making the area accessible and convenient for amenities when you need them.

Chapala is the main commercial center: You can change money, buy things and generally get in touch with the world from here. If you want to stay in the area, then nearby Ajijic is the best place to enjoy the lakeside, shop, relax and find comfortable accommodations. Ajijic has some good craft and curio shops in which to browse and buy.

Much of the area’s prosperity derives from the foreign residents living here; you’re likely to see quite a few of them, and they’re really friendly, so don’t be shy if you want to meet and chat with them about the area. English is spoken in most places, and many of the local signs in commercial areas are also in English.

Being so close to Guadalajara, Lake Chapala is an excellent opportunity to leave the hustle and swing of the city and experience some of Mexico’s most serene and attractive rural life.

Learn more: Guide to living and lifestyle in Lake Chapala

Golf in Guadalajara

The climate in Guadalajara ideal for golf, and the sport is a major pastime with the locals here; there are a number of fine golf courses in the city to choose from.

Getting There & Around

By Air – You can fly to Guadalajara from the US and other points in Mexico including Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and Monterrey. The airport is a 10 mile (16.5 km) drive south of Guadalajara, and it will take about 45 minutes for your taxi or ground transportation to get into the city center from there. 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 people off at the new bus station in Guadalajara, which is near Tlaquepaque, about a 15 minute taxi ride away from the city center. For detailed information about bus transportation read the Mexperience guide to Bus Travel in Mexico.

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

Car Rental – To explore Mexico independently, 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 – Guadalajara’s taxis are officially metered, but taxis here have been known not to use them. Either insist that the meter be activated (or find another taxi) or 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 in your negotiations with local taxi drivers. For detailed information, read the Mexperience guide to Taxi Travel in Mexico.

Buses – Bus trips to local areas (within about 50 miles of Guadalajara) depart from the old bus station, which is in the city center. You can take a local bus to nearby places including Lake Chapala (Chapala, Ajijic, Jacotepec). Long distance buses arrive and depart from the bus station near Tlaquepaque, about 15 minutes from the center of the city.

Guadalajara 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 are found throughout the city center in Guadalajara. During business hours, they and the local Casas de Cambio will buy traveler’s checks and cash from you as well. 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.

Internet Access: Internet cafes can be easily found in towns and cities across Mexico and WiFi is increasingly commonplace–from cafes, shops, hotels, and some cities even offer free WiFi in some defined public spaces.

Your Dress Choice: Guadalajara, like Mexico City, is a ‘conservative dress’ city. Beach clothes, high-cut shorts and sandals are best kept for the beach.

What to Buy in Guadalajara

For arts and crafts, Tonala and Tlaquepaque are the two top destinations for serious arts and crafts lovers. Guadalajara itself has a selection of shopping centers, markets and craft centers in which to browse and buy. Two recommended shopping destinations are the Centro Historico and the maze-like Mercado Libertad, which has a bit of everything from everywhere, but prepare to jostle elbows with other hard-core shoppers and to bargain with hard-driving vendors.

Local Climate

Guadalajara’s climate is spring-like all year-round. The winter months 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

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