Unveiling the Wonders of Jalisco, Mexico
Given the western Mexican state of Jalisco offers more outdoor adventures and cultural activities than you could possibly experience in a weeklong vacation, we’ve streamlined the options so you can enjoy the best the region has to offer.
Packed with excitement and surprises at every turn, this itinerary will have you wildlife-watching in Puerto Vallarta, indulging in Guadalajara’s rich food scene, enjoying mariachis in Tlaquepaque, and sampling fragrant agave spirits in Tequila. This is Mexico at its finest.
Days 1-3: Wildlife Watching and Diving into the Deep Blue
On day one in Puerto Vallarta, start your adventure on a whale- or dolphin-watching expedition led by Ecotours de Mexico. Giant 40-ton humpback whales migrate here for mating season from December to March, and dolphins grace the coast year-round. Tours guided by English-speaking biologists and naturalists also venture into the Sierra Madre mountains and the jungles of El Tuito, both excellent birding destinations near Puerto Vallarta.
The following day, return to sea with a reputable dive outfit like Banderas Scuba Republic and explore the colorful underwater worlds of some of the Pacific Coast’s top diving spots. The most popular site is Puerto Vallarta’s protected national marine park Los Arcos, where striking granite formations rise from tropical waters teeming with wildlife. For advanced diving, inquire about outings to El Morro or La Corbeteña, remote sites where you can find yourself alone with manta rays and moray eels.
If diving isn’t your preference, venture to the iconic Majahuitas Cove, a highlight for swimmers and snorkelers. Tour company Vallarta Adventures operates luxury yachts and snorkel tours to observe the region’s diverse marine life.
Spend day three relaxing on the beautiful jungle-backed sands of Quimixto, Majahuitas, or Yelapa, Puerto Vallarta’s southernmost beaches. To reach these tranquil coastal villages, motorboats frequently depart from the Playa de los Muertos pier. Alternatively, you can explore the surrounding mountains on bike or horseback, followed by a visit to Jardín Botánico de Vallarta, a beautiful botanical garden where you can swim in a river and see one of Mexico’s most impressive orchid collections. Many local tour operators provide tours to the gardens, located about 18 miles south of town, accessible by taxi or buses departing from the corner of Carranza and Aguacate in Zona Romántica.
If you happen to visit Puerto Vallarta in May, experience one of the most lively celebrations of the year during the eight-day pride fest. Puerto Vallarta is recognized as Mexico’s top gay beach destination, and this annual event celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with fervor, bringing to mind a tropicalized version of San Francisco’s Castro District. Most of the live music events, colorful parades, and nightlife fiestas take place in the vibrant Zona Romántica.
Puerto Vallarta’s international airport operates direct flights from the U.S., while a top-rated bus terminal serves Guadalajara and coastal towns.
Days 4-5: Discover Culture and Cuisine in Guadalajara
Once you’ve enjoyed beach life, on day four head inland to the colonial capital Guadalajara, famed for its splendid culinary and cultural scene. Start your adventure in Tlaquepaque, an atmospheric village-like community that sets the tone for a Guadalajara experience. As one of Mexico’s top arts and crafts hubs, Tlaquepaque features numerous boutiques and galleries selling quality hand-blown glass items, exceptional tequilas, traditional ceramics, and vivid yarn and bead art crafted by indigenous Huichol artisans.
After a shopping spree, relax in a rustic leather chair at the sprawling restaurant complex El Parián, order a round of tequilas, and enjoy a warm Guadalajara welcome from the mariachi bands. Tlaquepaque is only a 25-minute taxi ride from downtown, about five miles south of the historic center.
On day five, immerse yourself in the sights of Guadalajara’s newly renovated historic center, which underwent significant renovations that have left locals thoroughly impressed.
“The renovation closed off some of the historic center’s busy streets to cars, making it more pedestrian-friendly. This enhancement allows visitors to appreciate the area’s incredible architecture and public sculptures more fully,” says local guide Jesus Mora of Andares de México.
As you explore downtown’s lively streets, you’ll encounter a range of attractions, from striking centuries-old colonial churches to top-notch museums and extraordinary art, including the renowned Cabañas Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where muralist Jose Clemente Orozco painted 57 vibrant frescoes in the late 1930s. Along with Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, Orozco is revered as one of Mexico’s big three muralists.
If you need a break, return toward the main square and step into La Fuente, possibly the best Mexican cantina you may ever visit. From artists to office workers, all walks of life gather in this welcoming neighborhood spot, especially when students from a nearby music school drop by to serenade patrons with classic Mexican ballads, accompanied by piano, bass, and violin.
Afterward, venture out for an evening meal. Guadalajara boasts a remarkable range of culinary specialties, including classics such as carne en su jugo (meat in its own juices) at Karne Garibaldi, birria (spiced goat stew) at Birriería las Nueve Esquinas, aguachile tatemado (shrimp marinated in lime and chili) at La Docena, and jericalla at Kamillos 333, where co-owner Larissa Camarena shares that the family recipe for the uniquely tapatío custard dessert has been passed down for three generations.
Guadalajara features an international airport, multiple bus terminals, and a train station with routes to the tequila region.
Days 6-7: Side Trip to Tequila
For days six and seven, consider a distillery tour and an overnight in Tequila. Schedule a four-hour excursion at Tequila Fortaleza, a craft distillery known for producing some of the best tequilas worldwide. For accommodations and memorable dining experiences, nearby Casa Salles offers an excellent restaurant and boutique hotel, while for something more central, Hotel Solar de las Ánimas is conveniently located near the main square.
If you don’t have a car, frequent buses depart from Guadalajara’s Central Vieja terminal. Alternatively, the Jose Cuervo Express train provides a unique tour experience with an onboard bar.
