Image of the Guadalajara Cathedral by tetrabrain
The largest second city in Mexico, Guadalajara has retained much of its European influence. With numerous museums, galleries and other cultural attractions, it’s no surprise that Guadalajara also boasts a vibrant LGBT community–complete with radio programming, resource center and various publications catering to gay and lesbian locals and travelers.
Stroll through Zona Rosa and you’ll find both quaint and commercial shops and businesses catering to the gay community and visitors yearning to explore a more quirky side of the major metropolis.
The city is home to several gay-owned and operated accommodations, but even the more mainstream inns and hotels, especially in the Centro Historico, share an open-minded approach when it comes to gay and lesbian guests.
The nightlife is definitely something to brag about. Gay bars, cafes, antros (clubs) and full blown nightclubs keep the music pumping into the break of dawn. But late nights don’t have to mean craving for munchies, Guadalajara is plastered with taco stands, late-night Mexican restaurants and other less glamorous dining options that operate well into the night, serving spicy platters and mucha cerveza.
Not to be outdone by other Latin America urban villages, Guadalajara’s pride parade–which happens annually in June –is a colorful celebration of equality and love, with 200,000 people in attendance every year. Yet the city’s gay leaders and organizers are very aware of the conservative Catholic influences that have prevented the city from allowing same-sex marriage, as happened in Mexico City. Ironic, since Guadalajara has more gay clubs and bars then the capital.
Guadalajara Culture is Very Rich
Image of the Guadalajara Cathedral by Ceslo Flores
Any vacation in Guadalajara will soon become richly immersed in the city’s unique culture, dating back to the first Spanish arrivals – and to the Aztecs before that.
Culture lovers will be awestruck by the elaborate architecture of famous sites such as the majestic Hospicio Cabañas orphanage, the 18th century town hall and a wide range of beautiful churches and chapels.
Museums in Guadalajara include the 16th century Museo Regional de Guadalajara with its archaeological exhibits and military histories, and the exciting children’s museum, the ‘Magic Top’. Visitors can explore the lively Plaza Tapatia with its varied stalls and street performers, marvel at the Guadalajara expo centre or take in a show at the Degollado Theatre.
Guadalajara Hotels are Top Notch
A vacation to Guadalajara offers visitors a chance to experience the famous Mexican hospitality. The city features a varied selection of comfortable hotels, many of which feature an impressive array of modern luxuries. From shops and banks to Internet cafés, visitors to Guadalajara will be able to find everything they need to get the most out of their stay.
Speaking of comfort, Guadalajara also boasts a number of rejuvenating spas! Indulge yourself with a visit to My Ego Spa or the Piedra Viva suite, where you’ll be able to enjoy treatments such as facials, full body massage, steam baths and wraps.
Guadalajara Food is Delicious
Image by Ernesto Andrade
One of the top Mexico attractions has to be the delicious local cuisine, and Guadalajara is no exception. Visitors can enjoy spicy meat, fresh corn tortillas, burritos and enchiladas. Guadalajara boasts an excellent selection of restaurants, cafés and bars that serve these popular local dishes, and many more.
The Parque Chapalita is a great place to head for a mouth-watering snack. Grab at taco from Avenida Tepeyac, and then unwind in the park as you watch the local artists at work. Alternatively, visitors can head over to El Parian. Here, in the heart of the Tlaquepaque district, restaurants line the sides of a small ornate square, and talented mariachis wander from table to table as they perform for diners.
There are Many Things to do in Guadalajara
Mexico is famous for its sprawling jungles and dense wooded mountains. At Guadalajara, guests can experience the wonders of the great outdoors with a visit to Bosque La Primavera, or ‘Forest of the Spring’. Here you can revel in the glory of nature, with guided bird walks, excellent fishing opportunities and warm springs that form natural jacuzzis along the riverbed.
Alternatively, kids and grown-ups alike will delight in a trip to Guadalajara zoo, where over 2,000 animals are housed comfortably in a scenic ravine setting.
You can take a Trip to Tequila, Jalisco, the Birthplace of Tequila!
Then of course, there’s the tequila.
Visitors can hop aboard the Tequila Express, a train tour that runs 45 minutes out of Guadalajara to the small town of Tequila. This small, traditional settlement is home to a large number of distilleries, and was the first place in Mexico to be granted a license to distill the spirit of the same name.
Take a tour around the José Cuervo distillery at La Rojeña, the world’s oldest, and top selling producer of Tequila.
