Guadalajara offers many activities often overlooked by those familiar only with Mexico's beautiful beaches. Besides having perfect weather, the area is steeped in history and art. Among the highlights is the Presidencia
Municipal (Historic Guadalajara Map A-4), with fascinating murals depicting the settling of Guadalajara. Another is the Catedral (Historic Guadalajara Map B-4), with its eclectic architectural style and towering golden spires. In the interior of the Palacio de Gobierno (Historic Guadalajara Map B-5) you can view two of the spectacular ceiling murals painted by one of Mexico's most famous artists, José Clemente Orozco. For more of Orozco's work go to El Museo José Clemente Orozco (Guadalajara Map B-5), the late artist's workshop.
Guadalajara's museums run the gamut from pre-Columbian to
contemporary. Visit the Museo de Arqueología del Occidente de
México (Guadalajara Map D-11), located in front of Agua Azul park, to see native art from Jalisco, Nayarit and Colima states. Don't miss the Instituto Cultural Cabañas (Historic Guadalajara Map B-8), a neoclassical style cultural center. Inside the main chapel is the mural "El Hombre de Fuego," considered to be the best work of Clemente Orozco.
Another neoclassical building is the Teatro Degollado (Historic
Guadalajara Map B-5).
Kids of all ages will love a visit to the Zoológico de Guadalajara (Historic Guadalajara Map A-6/7), considered to be one of the five most beautiful zoos in the world. It houses over 1,500 animals and over 230 species. Besides the zoo, there is Selva Mágica, an amusement park with children's rides. For more carnival rides and tropical gardens
go to Parque Agua Azul (Guadalajara Map D-10/11), which also has
tropical birds in cages. The Teatro Guadalajara del IMSS (in front of the Agua Azul) presents Spanish-language children's plays. On the southeast side of the park there is a hands-on display on geography and natural history.
For a traditional Mexican experience try the rodeos, or charreadas, which are performed weekly. The riders wear elaborate costumes and show off their unparalleled riding style while roping, throwing and tying calves and bulls. There is a regular performance every Sunday at Lienzo Charro Jalisco (Guadalajara Map D-11). Bullfights are the focus at the Plaza de Toros Nuevo Progreso (Historic Guadalajara Map A-6/7). Ask at your hotel or the tourism office for dates and prices.
For golfing in Guadalajara try Club de Golf Santa Anita, four miles (6.4 km) southwest of the city. Three miles (5 km) northwest of the old city is the 18-hole Guadalajara Country Club. Club de Golf Atlas is in the industrial area on the Chapala Highway between El Tapatío Hotel and the airport. North of the city is Las Cañadas, and on the hills overlooking the city is El Palomar.
Leatherwork, hand-carved furniture, pottery, hand-blown glass and shoes are all exceptional in Guadalajara. The Mercado Libertad (Historic Guadalajara Map C-7) is the largest roofed market in Latin America. The Casa de las Artesanías (Guadalajara Map D-11) has contemporary artifacts for sale. Visit Plaza del Sol (Guadalajara Map G/H-2) or La Gran Plaza (Guadalajara Map B-2), both large malls, for clothing and shoe bargains. Centro Magno (Guadalajara Map B-6) is filled with boutiques, bistros, the Hard Rock Cafe and a cinépolis. See information and a map of Tlaquepaque, a world-class shopping destination!
Take the free walking tour by Tourism Guadalajara Saturday mornings at 10 am. Meet at the Presidencia Municipal (Historic Guadalajara Map A-4) and visit Guadalajara's rich historic center. The tour is approximately two and a half hours. Call Tourism Guadalajara at 011 52 (33)-3615-1182, 011 52 (33)-3616-9150, or 011 52 (33)-3616-9546.
For additional information stop at the other tourism offices shown on the maps or call the Jalisco Secretary of Tourism at 011 52 (33)-3668-1600/01, or Tourism Tlaquepaque at 011 52 (33)-3635-1532.