Top Guadalajara Sightseeing Tours: A Detailed Review
Planning a trip can be something of a challenge, especially to a spot with such a rich heritage and so many interesting things to see as Guadalajara. Picking the right sightseeing tour really can make all the difference. After looking at quite a few options, I wanted to share my thoughts on five great ways to explore Guadalajara, giving you, like, the lowdown to find the one that you, basically, like the most. Think of this as, as a matter of fact, a friendly guide that helps you get out there and, obviously, have fun!
1. Guadalajara City Tour: History and Landmarks
This tour often hits the, kind of, the most iconic landmarks. It tends to include spots, so, like the Guadalajara Cathedral, the Government Palace with its, as I was saying, epic Jose Clemente Orozco murals, and the Teatro Degollado. Tours could be walking tours, bus tours, or maybe even a mix of both, that is that, really catering to different preferences. You’ll, more or less, pick up a bit about the city’s background, its architectural influences, and its artistic heritage. Expect interesting tidbits that tend to bring the city’s past to life.
Walking through Guadalajara’s historical spots, you’ll likely, usually, see that Guadalajara Cathedral is a gem. I’m talking tall spires, complex details— you can’t miss them. The Government Palace is awesome inside; the murals there tell stories of Mexican history with a lot of feeling and passion, it could be said. The Teatro Degollado is beautiful; I mean, you should see its classic design and imagine it filled with opera sounds or music performances.
What you might like: The historical importance of this kind of tour. It helps you get to know Guadalajara in a short space of time. Plus, the tour guides usually tell pretty great stories about city history. This is, very, very, pretty good if you haven’t seen the city.
Things to think about: It probably will depend on what mode of transport the tour is on. Walking around is an option, and it might mean a bit of exercise. Just a little. If you don’t like a fast pace or too many big groups, this might not be for you.
Read our full review: Guadalajara City Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Guadalajara City Tour)
2. Tlaquepaque and Tonala Artisan Villages Tour
Ready to browse artsy things? If so, here is an option! Tlaquepaque and Tonala, actually, offer super great options. These villages that are on the edges of Guadalajara have fantastic crafts. Tlaquepaque’s got sophisticated shops and beautiful patios, it’s almost charming! You know, it gives you a relaxed feel. Tonala’s market scene on specific days can be bustling; yet, it’s really exciting! You can pick up pottery and glass blowing, so, too it’s almost fun to explore. Getting from place to place, though, is not a problem on organized tours.
Strolling down Tlaquepaque, you’ll see courtyards full of beautiful sculptures and fancy stuff; the kind of stuff artists create with effort. On the flip side, at Tonala, as a matter of fact, the markets could be overflowing with all sorts of handmade items. You should know you can talk to the artists, you know, about the things that influence their work.
What you might like: The artisanal skill that is there on display; you can appreciate that here, really. Tonala markets are pretty neat if you can deal with the hustle, that is that, giving the traveler a look at local trades and life. You can also meet with, and get to know, the locals.
Things to think about: If you go to these towns during peak market times, like, the crowds can be serious. Just a little. Shop owners could possibly want you to bargain a little. Very. That’s how they do business in these parts. As I was saying, if you don’t like walking, look out for transportation options for this, like, walking option, to be considered for a great day.
Read our full review: Tlaquepaque and Tonala Artisan Villages Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tlaquepaque and Tonala Artisan Villages Tour)
3. Tequila Tour from Guadalajara
Do you like seeing tequila? Well, so too it’s almost certain that a visit to Guadalajara means, too, that you must see its distillery. Usually, this type of tour can transport you to, in short, the area around Tequila, where most places grow their blue agave; tequila is really just made with a local variety, really! Some distillery trips talk about tequila manufacturing, as a matter of fact; so, very different kinds. You will likely visit agave areas where tequila is still, well, often made.
I suppose I ought to say that these distilleries are, at the end of the day, just places to check out what makes that tequila special; what does it make it so that the drink has got such international regard? Picture expansive, expansive agave farms spread wide! And after that, as a matter of fact, you may walk past historic buildings and tour rooms full of barrels. Usually, they want to let you taste some too!
What you might like: The fact that you, arguably, find that tequila came from these specific fields. If you are really someone that is, to be honest, involved in beverages. Plus, it could be a really big plus point the tours include a good sampling of different flavors.
Things to think about: These could be something to worry about when drinking too much tequila, actually. Transportation that comes with most of these tours might make your choices fairly easy; also, so it’s almost something to consider. Also, look at these kinds of day trips because they, apparently, run for several hours at times.
Read our full review: Tequila Tour from Guadalajara Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tequila Tour from Guadalajara)
4. Lake Chapala and Ajijic Tour
If seeing places other than cities looks better for you. These lake trips are to some place, sort of, a bit out of the way. It, allegedly, showcases an area that a large number of retired expatriates call home, Ajijic; but, of course, the area itself boasts striking shoreline vistas. Lake Chapala could be really something if you were considering a, at the end of the day, leisurely spot to explore. You should, probably, wander around, you know, near the lakeside or watch birds by, say, doing one of these trips. It could, definitely, bring on peaceful feelings.
Around Ajijic, cobblestone streets will often tempt people to, I mean, check out murals. As you glance around Chapala, though, you may, conceivably, gaze off into scenic water and be soothed as boat paddles ply quietly. It will definitely, honestly, get you away into quieter places.
What you might like: The area that is close to Lake Chapala is so calming. Walking around in Ajijic brings people, like, great cultural opportunities; for instance, checking its art spaces out. At the end of the day you can discover new scenery.
Things to think about: Lake Chapala might be, conceivably, calmer and more relaxed and maybe less thrilling; something, like, that thrill seekers should remember when deciding what they like and do. Getting from Guadalajara would often require some time; it does depend a bit though. If long driving trips do not sit well for some people, that needs considering as well, that, it probably will, would do, right?
Read our full review: Lake Chapala and Ajijic Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Lake Chapala and Ajijic Tour)
5. Culinary Tour of Guadalajara
Are you someone who really just likes eating local fare, really? Food excursions would just showcase real Guadalajara meals. That is. Tours really must include, for instance, trying out birria and tortas ahogadas– basically some classics around here! From local markets to fine dining rooms in Guadalajara, tours usually offer stops with, sort of, several foods. Don’t you agree? If trying new meals out when abroad brings joy for one; a culinary themed type will just become perfect.
A stop over, naturally, to taste what those vendors will, possibly, serve from a local store sounds amazing and a little intimidating. Some, more or less, find some new favorite spot for eating in markets. What it should give tourists could be something real in Mexican lifestyles; maybe even something completely authentic too!
What you might like: Such outings let foodies have a new outlook into foods within Guadalajara while exploring many locales. Tasting chances give many exciting things while offering, too, many things relevant culturally through meals as you make something new to enjoy! It also usually leads you, seemingly, to uncover cool, quirky parts around this urban city. And who, as a matter of fact, can disagree about that?
Things to think about: Consider that with regards, to, possibly, diet needs: it means checking possible tour menus from prior times since dishes for certain food limits can get rare in real Mexican things! Also, try being prepared because things do probably get spice filled whenever doing all the tasting adventures from over here anyway; right?
Read our full review: Culinary Tour of Guadalajara Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Culinary Tour of Guadalajara)