Jalisco: tequila and mariachi country
On a night out in Guadalajara, you can expect 2 things to happen. One, you can party the night away whichever club you choose to go and still get to your Jalisco vacation rental in one piece come morning. Two, your drinks will inevitably include tequila shots. Since you're in Jalisco country, though your choice for evening entertainment is endless, it's always a good idea to drop by a place with an authentic mariachi band. You can't expect Antonio Banderas to strut across the stage Desperado-style, but you may come across something just as good.
Punta Vallarta is spring break and expat heaven
Jalisco's vacation crowd often end up spending most of their time at Punta Vallarta, a coastal city facing the Pacific Ocean. Punta Vallarta is particularly popular among American students on spring break, though it's also become a haven for North American expats. If you're into diving, or extreme sports like parasailing or bungee jumping, Punta Vallarte has you covered. If you want to unleash your inner beach bum, hanging out at the beach and partying hard at night, you can find beachfront Jalisco vacation rentals that will let you do just that.
Looking for the center of the Mexican universe? Try Jalisco
Jalisco's motto says it all: "Jalisco is Mexico." Everything you know about Mexico comes from Jalisco. If you want to experience Mexico at its most traditional and authentic, Jalisco is where you should go. You can tour the distilleries of Tequila Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or dance with the locals to folk tunes played by Guadalajara's mariachi bands. You can watch a Mexican rodeo, explore the Spanish colonial architecture, or gorge on fabulous food. And then, there's Punta Vallarta, where you can chill out at the beach or embark on an eco-adventure.
Exploring the beaches and other natural features in Jalisco
Whether you're looking for adventure or just want to spend some time taking in the scenery, Jalisco is a great place to get out in nature. Here are a few of the area's most enchanting sights, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Barranca de Oblatos (5.5 mi / 8.8 km)
- Metropolitan Park (6 mi / 9.6 km)
- Forest of the Spring (14 mi / 22.5 km)
- Chapala Malecon (27.7 mi / 44.6 km)
- Parque Agua Azul (0.1 mi / 0.2 km)
- Parque Revolucion (1.1 mi / 1.8 km)
Traveling to and around Jalisco
Fly into Don Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Intl. Airport (GDL), the closest airport, located 9.7 mi (15.6 km) from the city center.
You can see more of Jalisco by jumping on the metro at Washington Station, Mexicaltzingo Station or Santa Filomena Station.