Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, is a vibrant cultural hub known for its rich history, excellent cuisine, captivating art, and a plethora of cultural attractions. Living here for the past year, I’ve come to love how the city blends traditional charm with a modern, bustling energy—there’s always something new to discover.
Close by, there are terrific destinations such as Lake Chapala and the town of Tequila. I still remember my first trip to Tequila, where walking through the blue agave fields and sipping freshly distilled tequila felt like a true immersion into Jalisco’s heritage. If you want to pick up some beautiful arts and crafts, Tonalá and Tlaquepaque are a sure bet—I never leave Tlaquepaque without a new piece of pottery or blown glass to add to my collection. And if you want to relax in the mountains, Tapalpa is a perfect destination; it’s become my go-to spot for a peaceful weekend escape surrounded by nature.
If you like Tequila, this is the place to check out. Tequila is a Pueblo Magico approximately 1 1/4 hours from Guadalajara. It is renowned as the birthplace of the popular distilled spirit, tequila, which is made from the blue agave plant that grows abundantly in the region.
The town sits in the foothills of the Tequila Volcano, which provides rich volcanic soil ideal for agave cultivation.
What to do in Tequila
- Visit Museo Nacional De Tequila (National Tequila Museum): A quick visit to the historic museum is a must to learn the history and process behind tequila and how it evolved into an alcoholic drink. Located just past the main square in town. Entrance cost is 15 pesos. The museum is small but definitely worth it.
- Stroll around this lovely Magic town: Lovely historic buildings to see, snap pictures of the iconic “Tequila sign” and drink tequila from the many outdoor bars.
- Check out La Capilla (the oldest bar in Tequila): Try their famous Batanga cocktail. The Batanga is basically a cuba libre (rum, coke & lime) but substituting tequila for the rum.
- Do a Tequila Distillery Tour & Tasting (Some options):
- La Rojena (Jose Cuervo): Jose Cuervo is responsible for 33% of the world’s tequila production and one of the oldest tequila distilleries. Learn the history of tequila, see how it is produced and try multiple varieties of Tequila produced at Jose Cuervo.
- La Perserverancia (Sauza): One of the oldest tequila distilleries started in 1873. The distillery is in a lovely historic hacienda with beautiful gardens. They have a nice restaurant with lots of Mexican choices.
- La Cofradia: This beautiful distillery is about 1 mile outside of Tequila. There are extensive Blue Agave fields and an amazing restaurant. If you want to stay in Tequila overnight, stay in one of the Tequila barrel rooms at Matices de Barras which is co-located here.
How to get to Tequila
- Taxi/Uber: From the Centro to Tequila cost is approximately 1000 pesos. The drive is approximately 1 1/4 hours to Tequila from Guadalajara, If you do take a cab to Tequila, be sure to know how to arrange one for your return journey.
- Take a tour from Guadalajara: A day tour is a great option where they will provide transportation and include several distillery visits. CLICK HERE FOR A GREAT TOUR OF TEQUILA
- Take the Tequila Train: On the weekends the Jose Cuervo Express Train runs between Guadalajara and Tequila, taking visitors to see Tequila and the distilleries. You drink tequila and listen to mariachi music on the train, and tour distilleries.
TLAQUEPAQUE & TONALA: ARTISAN PARADISE
Tlaquepaque & Tonala are designated Pueblos Magicos which are considered culturally significant to Mexico. They are centers of crafts such as pottery, furniture and art. The difference between the two is that Tlaquepaque is more touristic and Tonala is where the locals go to buy items for their home. They are easy to reach from Guadalajara Centro, roughly a 30 minute drive.
Things to do in Tlaquepaque
- Stroll along Calle Independencia: The first thing that visitors like to do in Tlaquepaque is walk the streets of Calle Independencia and Calle Juarez in Downtown Tlaquepaque. Public art decorates pedestrian-friendly streets. There are dozens of boutiques, galleries, museums, street vendors, and restaurants to take in.
- Relax at El Parian: El Parian is the world’s largest cantina comprising over 18 restaurants/bars. Enjoy a mariachi performance.
- Visit the Santuario de Nuestra Senora de la Soledad: The beautiful and emblematic minor basilica in the main plaza of Tlaquepaque is a mixture of baroque, neoclassical, and neo gothic architecture.
- Eat at one of the prettiest restaurants in Jalisco: Casa Luna is right on Independencia. Besides marveling at the lovely interiors, they serve some great tequila drinks and very good Mexican cuisine.
How to get to Tlaquepaque
- With Uber (or Didi)/Taxi: From Guadalajara Centro, it is roughly a 30 minute drive. The fares vary but should be approximately 200 pesos. aThe central area is mostly pedestrian but there are streets that cut through the area. A good landmark to utilize is El Parian.
- Public Transportation: Line 3 runs to Tlaquepaque from Centro. The stop is about 20 mins walk to Centro. There isn’t much to see on the walk.
Things to do in Tonala
- Tonala Market: market days on Thursdays & Sunday Nowadays, about 4,000 merchants come to offer their products on Thursdays and Sundays in the main streets of Tonala.On market days, be ready for large crowds and bring your pesos.
- Regional Ceramics museum: One of the best places in Mexico to learn about Mexican ceramics. From traditional to modern, there is a long history of making very fine pieces.
- Check out amazing artisan shops:
- Las artesanías de la familia Bernabé: one of the most well known Jalisco ceramicists, well known for developing several original ceramics styles.
- Mercado Municipal: Besides the central mercado for Tonala, there is a large number of artisans with their crafts on display and for sale. There are dozens of artisan shops around centro and radiating outwards, spend some time exploring.
- Eat like a Local: There are numerous food stalls around the Mercado Municipal where you can get a wide variety of Jaliscan dishes.
How to get to Tonala
- Uber/Taxi: Best way to get to Tonala from Guadalajara Centro is by Uber (or Didi) / Taxi. Make sure you start in the Centro area, the main square around Mercado Municipal is pedestrian but there are areas to drop off closeby. I would use the mercado as the landmark for drop off.
CHAPALA & AJIJIC: LAKESIDE RETREATS
Lake Chapala is Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. There are numerous towns scattered around the shore. One of the favorites is Ajijic is approximately 1 ¼ hours drive from Centro Guadalajara. Explore the cobblestone streets, have lunch and check out the cute shops in town.
What to do in Chapala & Ajijic
- Relax at Plaza de Chapala: Walk around the plaza and enjoy the relaxing area.
- Visit the Parroquia de San Francisco (chapala) church: The beautiful church is located just to the south of the main square.
- Take a photo of the giant ‘Chapala’ sign: Located across from the Parroquia de San Francisco is the unmissable ‘Chapala’ sign you just have to take a photo of.
- Watch the Dance of the Flyer (Chapala): If you didn’t know the Dance of the Flyers or Danza de los Voladores is an ancient Mesoamerican tradition to connect with the gods. During the ritual five dancers dance around then climb a 30m tall pole.
- Visit Parroquia de San Andrés Apostol (Ajijic): It’s a beautiful church located at the junction of Parroquia and Marcos Castellanos streets.
- Admire the murals and colorful walls of Ajijic): No matter where you’re walking, you’ll find some amazing murals and colorful buildings in Ajijic. However, there are two walls called ‘The Wall of the Dead’ (El Muro De Las Calaveras) and the mural ‘Magia de Ajijic’ that you shouldn’t miss..
- Stroll along the Malecon in Ajijic: Beautiful views of Lake Chapala as well as extensive park and gardens.
Where to eat in Lake Chapala
- La Pacena: A good Mexican seafood restaurant with great service and a nice outdoor setting.
- El Rinconchito Michocano: Tasty Mexican food in Chapala. Super friendly service.
- Labo Del Mar: very good Mexican seafood restaurant in Ajijic with really nice outdoor seating.
How to get to Chapala / Ajijic
- Take a tour: BOOK THIS GREAT TOUR TO EXPLORE LAKE CHAPALA
- Rent a car & drive: the drive is about 1 ½ hours drive from Centro Guadalajara. Renting a car is ideal to checkout a few towns along the lake plus it can be difficult at times finding an uber or taxi back to Guadalajara.
- Hire a car: The drive to Lake Chapala is pretty straight forward. The traffic is usually heavy in Ajijic so be patient. There are car rental companies that are in Guadalajara: National/Alamo & Enterprise among the international brands.
GUACHIMONTONES: ANCIENT CIRCULAR PYRAMIDS
First things first, how do you pronounce Guachimontones. It is pronounced WHAH-chee-mohn-TOHN-ace.
Guachimontones is an intriguing archaeological site located about an hour’s drive west of Guadalajara, Mexico, known for its unique circular pyramids, which are unlike any other structures found in Mesoamerica. This ancient site, dating back to around 300 BCE to 900 CE, is part of the Teuchitlán culture and features several impressive stepped pyramids arranged in concentric circles.
Once you arrive, there is a museum to explain the history of the site. There is a bit of walking (1.7 kilometers) to see the site so make sure you bring some water, a hat, comfortable shoes and sunblock.
How to get to Guachimontones
- One of the easiest ways to get to the site is via an organized tour. BOOK THIS AWESOME TOUR TO SEE GUACHIMONTONES
- You could also drive or take a hired car, just make sure you have a ride secured to return.
TAPALPA: A MAGICAL MOUNTAIN TOWN
Tapalpa, located about two hours south of Guadalajara, is a charming mountain town that is part of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” program. Tapalpa offers visitors a delightful mix of colonial architecture, with its whitewashed houses and red-tiled roofs, set against a backdrop of pine forests and rolling hills.
What to see & do in Tapalpa
- Stroll the scenic city center: Enjoy the mountain air strolling around the city’s cobblestone streets. Make sure to check out Temple of our lady of Guadalalupe and the old church of San Antonio de Padua. Also the municipal market is a nice stop.
- The Big Stones: This park is beautiful, known as the Valley of Enigmas. The park is 5 KM outside of town (or about a 10 minute drive).
- Los Frailes Natural Park: Another beautiful park with amazing rock formations. The park is 9 km out of town (or about a 30 minute drive).
- Explore the Hacienda La Media Luna: This hacienda is a place that offers the particular charm of its desolation and its history as the scene of inspiration of Juan Rulfo, the most important and original novelist of Mexican literature. The old hacienda of La Media Luna is located about 10 minutes from Tapalpa in the community of Lagunillas.
- Admire Tapalpa’s waterfall, “El Salto del Nogal”: It is the largest waterfall in Jalisco, at 107 meters. This beautiful waterfall, located about 10 km from Tapalpa, is reached after a pleasant 40-minute walk among beautiful local flora.
Where to eat in Tapalpa
- Madre Tierra Restaurant: Mexican and international dishes, great cocktails.
- El Vergel: Located about 15 minutes outside of town. I lovely setting in the country with good Mexican cuisine.
- La Mezcalera: About 15 minutes out of town as well. Great bbq with lots of local specialties.
How to get to Tapalpa
- Take a tour: BOOK THIS TOUR FROM GUADALAJARA TO EXPLORE TAPALPA
- Tapalpa is roughly 2 – 2 ½ hours drive from Centro Guadalajara. Recommend renting a car so you can explore the various sites around Tapalpa. The drive is safe but make sure you only drive during the day.
FAQS
How far is Tequila from Guadalajara, and how can I get there?
Tequila is about 1 ¼ hours from Guadalajara by car. You can get there via taxi or Uber (approximately 1000 pesos one-way), take a guided day tour, or enjoy the Jose Cuervo Express Tequila Train on weekends for a unique experience with drinks and mariachi music.
What is the best way to explore Tlaquepaque and Tonalá?
Both towns are best explored on foot, as their main attractions are within walking distance.
What can I do at Lake Chapala and Ajijic?
At Lake Chapala, you can relax at the Plaza de Chapala, visit the Parroquia de San Francisco church, and watch the traditional Dance of the Flyers. In Ajijic, stroll its colorful cobblestone streets, admire vibrant murals, and relax at Plaza Principal. Don’t miss out on sampling local restaurants and visiting artisan shops.
How far is Guachimontones, and what can I expect there?
Guachimontones is about an hour west of Guadalajara. You’ll find unique circular pyramids dating back to 300 BCE and learn about the Teuchitlán culture at the on-site museum. The site involves some walking (about 1.7 kilometers), so bring water, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a hat.
What makes Tapalpa a good overnight trip?
Tapalpa, a charming mountain town two hours south of Guadalajara, offers a peaceful escape with its colonial architecture, pine forests, and scenic parks like the Valley of Enigmas and Los Frailes Natural Park. Its distance makes it ideal for an overnight stay to fully enjoy the area’s beauty.
Should I rent a car for these trips?
Yes, renting a car is highly recommended for trips to Lake Chapala, Tapalpa, or Guachimontones, as it gives you the flexibility to explore multiple stops and nearby attractions. Be sure to drive only during daylight for safety.
When is the best time to visit these day trip destinations?
The best time to visit is during the dry season (October to May) when the weather is pleasant. For specific experiences, visit Tequila on weekends for the train or Tlaquepaque and Tonalá on Thursdays or Sundays for their markets.
Do I need to know Spanish for these trips?
While basic Spanish is helpful, many guides and tourist services in these destinations speak English. Apps like Google Translate can also make communication easier.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Guadalajara serves as the perfect gateway to a variety of nearby destinations, from the cultural and historic town of Tequila to the serene lakeside retreat of Chapala and the artistic havens of Tlaquepaque and Tonalá. Whether you’re in the mood for exploring ancient pyramids, relaxing in mountain towns like Tapalpa, or indulging in Mexico’s best crafts, food, and spirits, these day trips provide an enriching escape from city life while immersing you in Mexico’s unique charm.
About the Author
Tim is a seasoned gay travel writer and the creator of Out in Mexico, a dedicated resource for gay travelers exploring Mexico’s vibrant destinations. After relocating to Guadalajara, he has spent years immersing himself in Mexico’s gay culture, from the iconic beaches of Puerto Vallarta to the nightlife of Mexico City.
With firsthand experience in Mexico’s gay scene, Tim has personally visited the bars, hotels, and events featured in this guide. His insights have helped gay travelers plan unforgettable trips while ensuring they feel safe, welcomed, and informed.
When he’s not writing, you’ll find him sipping a mezcal cocktail at a bar in Colonia Americana or travel to a new exciting destination in Mexico.
📍 Follow his adventures: @i.am.out.in.mexico
3 replies on “Guadalajara Day Trip Guide: Tequila, Chapala & More”
[…] can also be accessed via public transportation. See more on Tonala & Tlaquepaque in my recent “Day Trip” […]
[…] GUADALAJARA DAY TRIPS […]
[…] Tlaquepaque and Tonalá, designated “Pueblos Mágicos,” are centers of traditional crafts like pottery, furniture, and art. Tlaquepaque is more touristic, while Tonalá offers a more authentic, local shopping experience. Both are roughly 30 minutes drive from Guadalajara Centro, can also be accessed via public transportation. Besides the arts & crafts oferings in both towns, there is some outstanding places to eat and drink. Tonala & Tlaquepaque are great day trips, close by to Guadalajara. […]