Tequila, mariachi and soccer: the heart of Jalisco
Guadalajara and its surrounding region are the birthplace of Mexico's great icons: tequila, mariachi and charrería, the Mexican art of horsemanship. A vibrant capital of colonial plazas and Orozco murals, with neighborhoods full of restaurants, design and nightlife; the soccer passion of the Chivas, whose stadium was a host venue of the FIFA World Cup 2026; and, an hour from the city, the Agave Landscape, a World Heritage Site that, together with Los Altos de Jalisco, makes up the great tequila region, with historic distilleries, haciendas and fields of blue agave as far as the eye can see. Lake Chapala, Ajijic and the mountain towns of Tapalpa and Mazamitla round out the journey.
The Pearl of the West: a historic center of cathedral, plazas and theaters, the Hospicio Cabañas with José Clemente Orozco's murals, markets and traditional cantinas, and neighborhoods such as Chapultepec and Providencia, with restaurants, bars and design.
World HeritageThe town that gave its name to Mexico's most famous drink, at the foot of the volcano and surrounded by fields of blue agave: historic distilleries, tequila houses, haciendas and the heart of the Agave Landscape.
Part of the Agave Landscape: tequila haciendas and distilleries among ravines and agave fields, on the road from Guadalajara to Tequila.
The other great tequila land: Arandas, Atotonilco el Alto and Jesús María, with red earth and an altitude of more than 2,000 meters, home to family-owned tequila houses and the Los Altos Tequila Route.
Artisan towns next to Guadalajara: galleries, ceramics, hand-blown glass and the Parián of Tlaquepaque, with live mariachi.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan, destination of one of the largest pilgrimages in the country, and Estadio Akron, home of the Chivas and a World Cup venue in 2026.
An archaeological site of circular pyramids of the Teuchitlán tradition, part of the Agave Landscape.
Mexico's largest lake, with the Chapala malecón and Ajijic, a Pueblo Mágico of cobblestone streets, galleries and a pleasant climate all year round.
A mountain Pueblo Mágico among pine forests, with adobe houses and tiled roofs and the landscape of Las Piedrotas.
A Pueblo Mágico in the sierra, with cabins among the forests, ideal for a restful getaway.
Tequila, Amatitán, El Arenal and Magdalena, at the foot of the Tequila Volcano: the Agave Landscape, a World Heritage Site since 2006, with historic distilleries, haciendas and fields of blue agave.
The other great tequila land: Arandas, Atotonilco el Alto and Jesús María. Red earth and altitude give tequilas a character all their own, made in family-owned tequila houses, some of which still crush the agave with a tahona, the traditional stone wheel.
Private experiences with master tequila makers: the agave harvest with a jimador, ovens and tahonas, tastings from blanco to extra añejo, pairings at haciendas and the train journey to Tequila.
Guadalajara enjoys a mild climate all year round. From November to May the days are dry and sunny (April and May are the hottest); from June to September it rains in the afternoons and the agave fields are at their greenest. In Los Altos, Tapalpa and Mazamitla the nights are cool, especially in winter.
In Guadalajara, soccer is part of the city's identity. This is home to the Chivas, one of Mexico's most beloved clubs and the only one that plays exclusively with Mexican players, at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, which in 2026 hosted four FIFA World Cup matches, including Mexico vs. South Korea. The city had already been a World Cup host in 1970 and 1986, at the historic Estadio Jalisco. Experiencing a match alongside Guadalajara's fans is part of the journey.
November 1 – 2, 2026
Nationwide
Celebrated throughout Mexico on November 1 and 2, with offerings in homes and visits to cemeteries; it is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
November 28 – December 6, 2026
Guadalajara
The book fair at Expo Guadalajara; in 2026 it celebrates its 40th edition with Italy as guest of honor.
December 12, 2026
Mexico City · Nationwide
Every December 12, millions of pilgrims arrive at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to commemorate the apparition of the Virgin. The celebration includes the midnight Mañanitas on the 11th, masses and Concheros dances in the atrium.
March 6 – 13, 2027
Guadalajara
The 42nd edition of the Guadalajara film festival, with venues across the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, Jalisco.
March 21 – 28, 2027
Nationwide
The Catholic celebration from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, with processions and reenactments throughout Mexico.
August 2027 · date to be confirmed
Guadalajara
An annual festival of mariachi and charrería with galas, concerts and activities in Guadalajara and other municipalities of Jalisco.