Mexico
Jalisco
Region
Jalisco is located in western Mexico and stretches from the highlands around Guadalajara to 342 km of Pacific coast near Puerto Vallarta.
by Felix Gillen
Jalisco is located in western Mexico and stretches from the highlands around Guadalajara to 342 km of Pacific coast near Puerto Vallarta. The state is home to Tequila and Mariachi: The agave landscape around the city of Tequila has been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 2006. Additionally, there are Lago de Chapala, the country's largest freshwater lake, and the pottery and glass-blowing towns of Tlaquepaque and Tonalá.
Jalisco has approximately 8.3 million inhabitants, most of whom are in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. The capital is the starting point for Tlaquepaque in the southeast, Tequila about 60 km away, and Lago de Chapala. On the coast lies Puerto Vallarta on Bahía de Banderas. In the north live the Wixárika (Huichol), whose yarn and bead pictures you'll find in many handicraft shops in the region.
Eating and Drinking in Jalisco
Jalisco's cuisine is hearty, featuring agave spirits and refreshing street drinks.
Tequila
Agave spirit from blue agave, distilled around the city of Tequila and in the Highlands of Los Altos.
Birria
Braised goat or beef in a spicy broth, often served for breakfast and with tortillas.
Torta ahogada
Bread roll with pork, smothered in tomato and chili sauce, Guadalajara's specialty.
Pozole
Stew made from corn kernels and pork, which is eaten with radishes, onions, oregano, and lime.
Tejuino
Cold drink made from fermented corn dough with lime and salt.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
17–23°C·4–16 mm(little rain)
From November to April, rain in Guadalajara is scarce, with daily averages ranging from 17 to 23 °C. April and May are the warmest months; from June to September, afternoon thunderstorms bring the most annual precipitation.
The values are for Guadalajara, at around 1,500 m elevation. On the Pacific coast around Puerto Vallarta, it is significantly warmer and more humid year-round, with the rainy season occurring there in the same months.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dry season
Monsoon
Crossing
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17.4 | 16 | 6.6 |
| February | 19.0 | 11 | 8.1 |
| March | 21.0 | 8 | 8.5 |
| April | 23.1 | 4 | 8.7 |
| May | 24.6 | 26 | 9.0 |
| June | 23.7 | 184 | 7.1 |
| July | 21.8 | 271 | 6.3 |
| August | 21.8 | 221 | 6.8 |
| September | 21.5 | 194 | 6.2 |
| October | 21.0 | 59 | 7.1 |
| November | 19.3 | 12 | 7.5 |
| December | 17.7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Culture and Traditions in Jalisco
Tequila, Mariachi and CharreríaMany symbols that today represent all of Mexico originate from Jalisco. Mariachi music developed from the music of places like Cocula and became popular in Guadalajara; in 2011, UNESCO added it to the list of intangible cultural heritage. Tequila may only be distilled from blue agave in a designated region, whose heartland lies in Jalisco. In the Charreada, Mexico's equestrian sport, riders in traditional attire demonstrate lassoing and riding maneuvers.Artisan CraftsTlaquepaque and Tonalá are known for ceramics and glass; the Wixárika in the state's north for colorful yarn and glass bead art.Day TripsLago de Chapala: Lakeside towns Chapala and Ajijic, south of Guadalajara.Tequila: Agave fields and distilleries, about an hour from Guadalajara.Puerto Vallarta: Beach city on Bahía de Banderas with a Malecón and Old Town.
Traveling in Jalisco
The two airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta are the main entry points. Long-distance buses run between the cities, with well-equipped first-class lines departing from Guadalajara at the Nueva Central Camionera bus terminal. Tequila is about an hour from Guadalajara via the toll highway.A rental car offers flexibility, but for intercity drives, use toll roads whenever possible and avoid driving at night. For up-to-date safety information, check the UK FCDO Travel Advice for Mexico.
